Three season alpine boot recs (semi auto compatible, comfortable hikers)

Since it seems like everyone else is looking for recommendations for shoes/boots currently, so here is my need. I am in the market for a "when an approach shoe is not enough and a full on mountain boot is too much" boot. Requirements:

Semi auto crampon compatible (3/4 shank and heel welt, to use with Petzl Irvis Hybrids), GTX with minimal leather, wide toe box, lightweight, and hikes well. I think the last three are the limiting factors.

I have been using the Salewa Rapace for this application and I feel it is a nice boot but my wimpy feet would prefer more cushion below and around the heel and a wider toe box (i.e., a more comfortable hiker). I have a quiver of approach shoes that I do use to cross glaciers in the summer with aluminum 'pons but I do have a need for the next boot up.The Scarpa Ribelle Tech OD is a sick boot but the full shank doesn't make me want to pound out 15 miles of hard trail in it. A 3/4 shank Ribelle Tech OD (if it existed) is probably my ideal boot for this application. The Cube GTX is probably a contender but I tried them on when they first came it out and it was too low volume and narrow for me (seems like Sportiva boots run too narrow for me). Other boots to consider?

i do more in these boots than i care to tell you... https://www.salomon.com/us/product/x-alp-mtn-gtx.html?article=398402

However, i have a narrow foot and these boots fit me well, so they may not meet your wide toe box criteria.

Have you tried the Scarpa Charmoz?  That is my go-to boot for this type of objective.  I tried the red Trangos (which are popular for a reason) but they were too narrow in the forefoot for me, the Charmoz fits me better and is otherwise fairly similar.

I use these for pretty much everything that a) isn't very cold and b) doesn't require significant standing on front points.  In the Cascades in summer, that is a lot.

The Ribelle Tech is reasonably soft, far softer than say the nepal cubes. I'd try them on if you get a chance, they are neat.

I'm a fan of the Zodiac Tech so far.   I think it's pretty similar to the Charmoz for fit and usage.    

Yeah, the Zodiac Tech seems like a really great option.  I would definitely have considered those instead of the Charmoz when I bought mine if they were available.  Just depends on the type of objective they will be used for.  Even the Charmoz is definitely "overkill" for a lot of Cascades summer objectives.

ze dirtbag wrote: I'm a fan of the Zodiac Tech so far.   I think it's pretty similar to the Charmoz for fit and usage.    

My criteria were the same as the OP's and I settled on the Zodiac Techs. I also looked at the Charmoz but the Zodiacs have a different last with a wider toe box. They're also 6oz lighter than the Charmoz.

Martin le Roux wrote: The Salomon X-Alp Mtn mentioned by curt86iroc aren't compatible with semi-automatic crampons.

ah, you're right.  i missed that part of the OPs post (though they do work fine with traditional strap ons)

Scarps Mt Blanc Pro! The most comfortable boot I have ever worn. I have a wider forefoot and that is a consistent difference you will find with Scarpa. 

The Ribelle Tech OD is not fully rigid. It appears to be a new lighter charmoz. From what I have seen it appears to have a softer flex than trangos, charmoz, etc... This would make approaches better but less capable on steeper harder snow conditions. Addition there is a Ribelle lite OD which I expect is the same boot minus a few features (integrated gaiter, velcro over the laces). It seems that the lite is not being distributed in the US perhaps? All of this is armchair knowledge while drooling over a new sexy boot I cant afford.... 

Thanks for all the replies.

I bought the Ribelle Tech OD used on a treadmill, and returned because I needed 1/2 size larger. I would describe the sole as stiff, like could climb WI4 stiff. It looked like a great boot and would be ideal for warm weather ascents of Rainier but I wouldn't want to hike 15 miles in it. It was so light and compact, I would consider packing it in and using a more comfy approach shoe for a long trail approach (which I realize defeats its purpose).

Doug Hutchinson wrote: Thanks for all the replies.

I bought the Ribelle Tech OD used on a treadmill, and returned because I needed 1/2 size larger. I would describe the sole as stiff, like could climb WI4 stiff. It looked like a great boot and would be ideal for warm weather ascents of Rainier but I wouldn't want to hike 15 miles in it. It was so light and compact, I would consider packing it in and using a more comfy approach shoe for a long trail approach (which I realize defeats its purpose).

I also sent mine back for a half size up. I am heavy and have large feet (lots of torque) so the boots felt pretty soft to me. I have not had a chance to use them yet so it's interesting to hear your perspective. 

Doug Hutchinson wrote: I have been using the Salewa Rapace for this application and I feel it is a nice boot but my wimpy feet would prefer more cushion below and around the heel and a wider toe box (i.e., a more comfortable hiker). I have a quiver of approach shoes that I do use to cross glaciers in the summer with aluminum 'pons but I do have a need for the next boot up.The Scarpa Ribelle Tech OD is a sick boot but the full shank doesn't make me want to pound out 15 miles of hard trail in it. A 3/4 shank Ribelle Tech OD (if it existed) is probably my ideal boot for this application. The Cube GTX is probably a contender but I tried them on when they first came it out and it was too low volume and narrow for me (seems like Sportiva boots run too narrow for me). Other boots to consider?

I generally have a "Scarpa" foot and find the Rapace a pretty comfortable fitting boot. You might need to look at some of the other Salewa options or find a Rebel Carbon somewhere for sale.

Doug Hutchinson wrote: Since it seems like everyone else is looking for recommendations for shoes/boots currently, so here is my need. I am in the market for a "when an approach shoe is not enough and a full on mountain boot is too much" boot. Requirements:

Semi auto crampon compatible (3/4 shank and heel welt, to use with Petzl Irvis Hybrids), GTX with minimal leather, wide toe box, lightweight, and hikes well. I think the last three are the limiting factors.

I have been using the Salewa Rapace for this application and I feel it is a nice boot but my wimpy feet would prefer more cushion below and around the heel and a wider toe box (i.e., a more comfortable hiker). I have a quiver of approach shoes that I do use to cross glaciers in the summer with aluminum 'pons but I do have a need for the next boot up.The Scarpa Ribelle Tech OD is a sick boot but the full shank doesn't make me want to pound out 15 miles of hard trail in it. A 3/4 shank Ribelle Tech OD (if it existed) is probably my ideal boot for this application. The Cube GTX is probably a contender but I tried them on when they first came it out and it was too low volume and narrow for me (seems like Sportiva boots run too narrow for me). Other boots to consider?

I'm in the same... boot right now... heh.
I'm glad I stumbled across this thread, but did you ever come to a conclusion? It looks like you ended up returning the the Ribelles.

FYI I have a pair of trango cube's for sale size 42.5:

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/116155439/fs-la-sportiva-trango-cube-gtx-425#ForumMessage-116165248

FWIW I am a Climbing Ranger and I wear Asolo Fugitives for the majority of activities at work.  I can climb 5.8 or so in them, they are comfortable, lightweight,  Gore,  I've taken them to 16,000', and they take a strap on crampon super well.  I've worn them for 44 hours a week for three years and only now do they need a replacement.  I also wear Salewa Condor GTX when its winter and they are rad too. 

I wanted a widish boot OK for easy winter routes and was pointed at the North Face Verto S4K by a shop assistant who'd heard good things about them (surprisingly) although they didn't stock them, Semi-rigid, light, good on rock and accept crampons. Very pleased with themthough its not very warm. Bought in 2016.
 I also have Salomon X Alp MTN which have a flexible sole but with sideways toe rigidity which is good on rock. However they are narrower and I haven't used them with crampons.