La SportivaMen's Makalu Leather Boots for Hiking, Backpacking, Mountaineering, & Outdoor Work

Now I feel like a real lineman.

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.

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.

I'm use to wearing walmart boots. When I put these boots on they actually feel like they are helping me walk. Very comfortable feel like my feet are protected.

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.

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

Very heavy duty boots. Great for serious back packing in various terrains. These run wide and not good for narrow feet.

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.