December 8, 2000


What would I gain with a switch to plastic boots?

I am more familiar with leather mountaineering boots, especially Scarpas, but have been considering switching to plastic. What would I gain/lose? What plastic boots do you recommend?

— Luke McEachron Seminole, Florida

I'd have to start by asking a question of you: Why are you considering a change to plastic? Plastic boots have a lot going for them, but they also have considerable limitations. They work best when you'll be on snow and ice for extensive periods of time, or when it's extremely cold as well as snowy. They're also great for ice climbing. On the down side, they're moderately heavy and quite uncomfortable when hiking on bare trails. Also, donning a pair is like strapping on concrete overboots—you don't get any delicate feel through the boots, for rock climbing or other such work. I have plastic boots—several pairs—but prefer wearing leather boots if conditions at all allow.

Once you've decided on plastics, the next step is to figure out your specific needs. For general mountaineering, showshoeing and moderate glacier travel, a light plastic boot such as the Koflach Degre ($249) is great. The next step up the ladder is the Scarpa Inverno ($300), which is perhaps the best buy among plastic boots—it's stiff, very warm, and well-made. For extended expedition use, boots such as the Asolo AFX Expedition ($450) are recommended. But only if you're planning something like a Denali climb.

Fitting plastics is a bit different from fitting leather, as there is NO break-in—the way they fit in the store is the way they always will fit. So be sure to wear the sock combination you intend to use with the boot, and take the time to try several models and sizes. For high-altitude use, size the boot up a half-size or more, as feet swell at high elevations.

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