Boots for NH Mt Washington in the Winter.

Hello! I am trying to figure out a good footwear choice for winter mountaineering in New England. I’ve heard that double plastics are a good way to go. I have wide feet and I’ve narrowed it down to either the Scarpa Inverno or the La Sportiva Spantik. I’m open to suggestions though. Ideally I’d like something that is comfortable enough to hike 6-7 miles in and can also handle crampons. I’m new to mountaineering.
Thanks!

I have the scarpa Invernos and they are solid, I have been up Washington a few times with them now and they've always been bomber.

That said though they are heavy, and it sucks on approaches. Mine are size 44 and weigh about three pounds each. So if you can, get something lighter which will be more money, especially if you wanna ice climb in them alot. The inverno works for steep ice but they're quite clunky. You could probably get something like the Nepal Cube for Washington and be fine as well. The Inverno is just a tank of a boot, like a WWII tank though.

Maybe save some dollars and go with the Nepal Evos or Nepal Cubes. 

I’ve been up Mt Washington eight times this year. I wear G2SM’s when temps are 10 degrees and lower with stupid cold wind chills (which is normal). I wear G5’s otherwise. I tend to run warm too!  

I have a mid-wide foot and I wouldn't consider my Spantiks the roomiest boots I own.  Garmont, Scarpa or Vasque have been roomier for my foot type in the past.  YMMV

David Maver wrote: Maybe save some dollars and go with the Nepal Evos or Nepal Cubes. 

Do these boots have removable liners?

thanks!

Caelan Dunwoody wrote:

Do these boots have removable liners?

thanks!

No, they're single boots.

You can rent boots at IME (International Mtn Equipment) in North Conway (and I suppose other North Conway stores too).  Don't know if they have a "selection" (probably one-type-fits-all) but if its a style you're considering this would be a great way to check-em-out before you buy. I think they also sell them off in the spring, but aren't sure. Probably worth a phone call.

There is a reason fairly few people use plastic boots these days - they are a pain to walk in, and if you get into ice climbing they even worse.
If you are on the budget get one of the LaSportiva Nepals (if you are patient you can find them on sale) - just make sure they have space to wear a warm sock or two... If budget is flexible LaSportiva G5 or G2 tend to be the most popular boots among NH guides. Personally I use G5s and am very happy with them. My feet also do tend to be pretty warm overall. G2s are probably a safer purchase as they will definitely cover anything you could do short of Denali or truly high peaks...

There are multiple places to rent boots in North Conway - including REI. 

I did Mt. Washington back in late December, in my Lowa insulated single boots, which are pretty similar to a LS Nepal or Scarpa Mont Blanc. I never once thought about my feet. I saw more people in some version of the Nepal than all other footwear choices combined.

One of the guys I climbed with that day wore a pair of rented Invernos, and by the last mile of the descent, he was absolutely miserable. 

I’ve been there twice this winter and both times am glad I wore my double plastics over my Nepal Cubes, though pretty sure my feet run cold. 

Thanks everyone! I will definitely go to Conway and try a lot of different boots out before buying.

Good call, Caelan.

Caelan Dunwoody wrote: Thanks everyone! I will definitely go to Conway and try a lot of different boots out before buying.

Temper your hopes/expectations about trying on lots of boots.  I was disappointed in the selection at IME, REI, and EMS.

I was up there two weeks ago during a bit of a cold spell.  I wore Scarpa Phantom Tech's.  On the coldest days I added a footwarmer.  My team kept moving and my feet were good.  Within reason, I think boot choice depends a lot on the route, climbing style and willingness/feasibility of turning back if conditions are harsher than your equipment choice allows.

dont get double plastic boots. they blooooooowwwww.