Ice climbing boots

So I got into ice climbing last year and I used my partners gear so now I need to get my own.  Can anyone recommend me a warm pair of boots? That’s really my #1 priority.  If my feet are not warm then I won’t leave the house.  There is nobody around that carries them so I can’t go look at them first. 

The most important thing when buying ice boots is how they fit your feet and hold your heel. Since you're in Pocatello, I would drive to SLC and try boots on in person, or go to the Bozeman Ice Fest in December and demo pairs there. Maybe give gear stores in Driggs/Jackson a call and see what they have in stock. There are a lot of things I will buy online, boots are not one of them.

Not really looking to buy online, I’ll take a drive when I go to buy them. Just looking for suggestions on warmth. I’m a fair weather climber that is trying to enjoy the winter rather than just endure it. Kinda retarded I know but the summers in Idaho make the winters worth the wait. 

Narrow foot - LaSportiva
Wider foot - Scarpa

I guess I would start w/ the LS G5 or Scarpa Phantom and go from there.  Be prepared to drop some coin.  Warmer usually = $$$$.

Tucker, like any climbing gear, once you get into it, you’ll likely own several pairs.  As a base pair of “do it all“ general purpose first boots, you can’t go wrong really (if fit is right) if you look at the la Sportiva Nepal versions if La Sportiva Tends to fit your feet.  Either way, Scarpa, Lowa (I love Lowa) Salomon, Salewa, Mammut, etc etc have great stuff. Get boots in the mid-range....not too light (spring/Summer weight) not too heavy (high altitude style) and compatible with both front and back bails, if it’s primarily for pure ice climbing in the winter.  (do you have crampons?)

Bottom line: Get the lightest boots your cold tolerance will allow, that fit comfortably, and that are fully crampon compatible.  

Beyond that, not sure what anyone can really say.  What’s warm enough is pretty subjective and only you can tell the fit. 

Mark Pilate wrote:
Tucker, like any climbing gear, once you get into it, you’ll likely own several pairs.  As a base pair of “do it all“ general purpose first boots, you can’t go wrong really (if fit is right) if you look at the la Sportiva Nepal versions if La Sportiva Tends to fit your feet.  Either way, Scarpa, Lowa (I love Lowa) Salomon, Salewa, Mammut, etc etc have great stuff. Get boots in the mid-range....not too light (spring/Summer weight) not too heavy (high altitude style) and compatible with both front and back bails, if it’s primarily for pure ice climbing in the winter.  (do you have crampons?)

Bottom line: Get the lightest boots your cold tolerance will allow, that fit comfortably, and that are fully crampon compatible.  

Beyond that, not sure what anyone can really say.  What’s warm enough is pretty subjective and only you can tell the fit. 

I do have a set of Petzl lynx crampons.
Thanks for the info. I have been looking at manufacturers websites and they tell all about them except for the insulation it seems.

Generally double boots will be warmer than single. Sportiva Baruntse, Spantik, G2, and Scarpa Inverno and Phantom come to mind. The trade-offs will be weight, walking comfort, and cost. But if you know warmth is your #1 priority, that’s where you’ll find it.

Koy wrote: Narrow foot - LaSportiva
Wider foot - Scarpa

I guess I would start w/ the LS G5 or Scarpa Phantom and go from there.  Be prepared to drop some coin.  Warmer usually = $$$$.

Totally agree with all this. I ve been a Scarpa phantom person for years (ice climbing and winter mountaineering) but I know some people find them too wide and go for la sportiva instead.
the 2 models you mentioned are indeed the benchmark of ice climbing boots. 

Tucker Bloxham wrote: So I got into ice climbing last year and I used my partners gear so now I need to get my own.  Can anyone recommend me a warm pair of boots? That’s really my #1 priority.  If my feet are not warm then I won’t leave the house.  There is nobody around that carries them so I can’t go look at them first. 

As with many others, there may be some trial and error involved in this. Attending an Ice Festival and trying out different boots might be a good option before committing to a purchase. If you're on a shorter timeline than that and cannot get to a shop to try stuff on, I recommend the La Sportiva Nepals. I've had my pair for over 10 years now with use in New England ice climbing and a couple trips to the Cascades. Rarely are my feet cold.