Kickin' Holes in the Continental Divide
Mak's = AwesomeI've worn some boots in my days trudging around this pale blue dot we call Earth, but nothing to date compares to my Makalu's. These boots can take a lickin' better than Muhammad Ali. Be sure to throw in some Superfeet REDhot Trim-to-Fit (7100) Mens Cold Weather Insoles Shoe and your feet will stay nice and toasty. Of course, these boots need more than just insoles, leather, and rubber...you definitely need a thick wool Wigwam pair of socks to round it all out.Now down to the nitty gritty: these boots have full shanks, so the sole is stiff...as it should be. If you plan on doing light hiking in these, I suppose you can, but plan on probably being unhappy with the lack of flex and light weight. I have hiked trails with <20lb pack, but then again, I was in the USMC and when people complain about "heavy" boots, I laugh. These boots aren't that heavy, in my opinion. There is a significant break-in period...+/- 50 miles. On sizing...I wear an average US size 10, but with these boots I sized up to EU 44 for two reasons, extra room for 2 pairs of socks, and I also have bunions from the crappy boots I wore for years in the Marine Corps. I started with size 43, pinched too much and my toes could feel the end of the boot...so I went a whole size up which is roughly 2/6" larger from 43 to 44. The key point is that I wear thick socks and more than one pair...normally a liner plus thick hiking sock. No complaints. However, if I were to attempt just a liner sock...i would be close to swimming in empty space.If you plan on humping a heavy pack, kicking steps in snow, and/or wearing crampons for technical ascents...then these are your boots. La Sportiva is legendary in their craftsmanship, and these boots carry on that standard of quality. Only unknown is whether you can get up icefalls with these bad boys. My guess is it is doable since these are a great all-around mountaineering boot.
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Great lineman's pole climbing boot
I climb power and telephone poles for a living and after weeks of consideration I purchased these boots strictly for work. I was due for a new pair of pole-climbing boots and struggled with purchasing "traditional" lineman's boots as Wesco and Whites frequently put my feet and legs to sleep during extended periods of work on a pole. Plus these brands are much more expensive than the La Sportiva Makalu boots. With the exception that these boots are hot to wear during the summer months, they perform superbly in my line of work due to the steel shank. My feet and legs don't "fall asleep" from circulation numbness with these boots...a refreshing change from descending a pole with asleep feet and legs. My review may be unorthodox to the normal purchaser as I only wear these boots for work. The fit is somewhat small so you should order a 1/2 size larger in european sizing.Update: 5.21.2016While I still love the performance of this boot for my intended purposes, I did encounter a failure with this boot, specifically the nylon lacing tab attached to the upper, that the laces go through to tighten the boots. While tightening a boot, THE TAB COMPLETELY TORE AWAY FROM THE BOOT without any indication i.e. frayed or cut stitching. Just tore away away without hesitation or warning signs. I will pursue a warranty claim with La Sportiva even though I bought these some time ago as I wear them infrequently and only when necessary. Tighten laces carefully through the metal eyelets only! I will post a photo of the failure soon.
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Perfect for tree work
These boots have seen 15 straight months of serious tree climbing and ground work through all types of terrain. They are not waterproof but absolutely crush as far as durability and comfort. Great for wearing spikes. Replaced insoles 2 months ago. Outsoles are starting to get flat so I plan on buying the same pair again in the next couple months.
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Amazon Customer
June 19, 2017
Give them a break in period before you wear them to work!
I'm a lineman apprentice so I had to see what all the hype was about. I haven't climbed with them yet but when I first got then they felt like they fit good but they seemed very narrow and were very uncomfortable and made my toes go numb, but don't get discouraged they are just extremely stiff and after a day or so of working in them they loosened up and started to feel great. The Asolo hiking boots are definitely more comfortable but these seem like they will be great for climbing and will hold up very well, maybe I'll give it that 5th star once they break in better and I see how they are climbing. They are a very strong durable and stiff boot. Very much worth the money, a must have if your a lineman or a tree climber, etc!
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Steve R.
January 01, 2024
Quality product
Lasts a long time. Light weight considering how much support and protection this boot gives. Love the steel shank. Cling ladders and poles all day and then use all weekend backpacking. Not cheap but worth every penny.
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The perfect Lineman boot
Was recommended this boot by a fellow co worker and they are the best boots I’ve ever owned. Perfect for cold and hot weather and extremely comfortable. Worn them for 8 months now and the insole is still in perfect condition and they are still waterproof. The shank is perfect for long amounts of time on hooks and they make a great groundman boot as well. Will definitely be buying again.
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josh wright
November 01, 2024
Long break-in period but worth it
Ordered one size up and fit great. Takes a few weeks to break-in but worth it. Water proof so far. Probably a 7/10 for comfort
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