10 Best Cold Weather Climbing Shoes for 2024
Climbing shoes for cold weather are essential gear choices to overcome challenging cold areas. These shoes are great for climbing in cold weather on mountains and have many benefits over regular climbing shoes. Cold-weather climbing requires shoes to keep you warm, protect your feet, and have a good grip.
Always Choose shoes that won’t slip on iced surfaces. The shoes have thick soles and toe caps for climbing sharp rocks. Make sure the shoes fit well and are both practical and comfortable. Here are the best cold-weather climbing shoes for 2023.
La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX
| Name | La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX |
| Dimensions | 14 x 14 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 4.7 Pounds |
| Model No. | 21K-100100-41 |
| Color | Yellow/Black |
| Price | $648.95 |
The La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX is a mountaineering boot that provides excellent warmth compared to the Nepal Evo GTX. The GORE-TEX is a waterproof and breathable membrane that keeps feet dry to provide a flexible and comfortable fit. It has a firm rubber sole for excellent traction and grip on various terrains.
Premium quality materials, like leather, ensure performance in challenging outdoor conditions. The shoe has a lacing system that allows a secure and customizable fit. These boots are good at resisting water, about 5-6 inches. The Nepal Cube is heavy because of the outsole.
They are tough and long-lasting. They perform well in ice climbing. Because of front-pointing, they are strong and prevent pressure on your calf muscles. Crampon compatibility is automatic. While. The lacing is simple and easy to use, though there is nothing extraordinary or fancy about it.
PROS
Excellent Warmth
Water Proof and Breathable
Strong Traction
Automatic Crampon
CONS
Heavy Weight
Basic Lacing System
LA SPORTIVA G2 Evo
| Name | La Sportiva Men’s G2 EVO |
| Dimensions | 17 x 15 x 7 inches |
| Weight | 5.75 Pounds |
| Model No. | 21U |
| Color | Black/Yellow |
| Price | $998.95 |
The La Sportiva Men’s G2 EVO Mountaineering Boot has a firm design to withstand the hurdles of a mountaineering environment. The boot is made of durable material to ensure its long-term performance during intense activities.
The rubber sole provides excellent traction on various surfaces. It provides ankle support and stability during climbing with a shaft measure of 5.75 inches from the arch.
PROS
Use of High-quality materials
Best ankle support to prevent injuries
Excellent traction and grip
CONS
The price is very high
Limited Color Options
SCARPA Mont Black Pro
| Name | SCARPA Men’s Mont Blanc Pro GTX |
| Dimensions | 14 x 14 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 1 Pound |
| Model No. | 87520/201-Ton-40 |
| Color | Tonic |
| Price | $628.95 |
These boots are firm and reliable. They have strong Perwanger leather with a Schoeller gaiter. The entire rubber ridge protects your feet well with maximum performance.
Its insulation system has GORE-TEX waterproofing, which keeps your feet warm and dry all day. The Vibram outsole has a new heel pattern that gives excellent grip and stability and stops snow from building up.
PROS
Vibram Outsole
Excellent for Ice Climbing
Waterproofing
CONS
They are expensive
Compromise Breathability
LA SPORTIVA Aequilibrium ST GTX
| Name | La Sportiva Aequilibrium ST GTX |
| Dimensions | 13 x 12 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 0.375 Pounds |
| Color | Yellow/Black |
| Price | $348.95 |
The Aequilibrium ST GTX design suits mountain climbers who need to move fast in the mountains. La Sportiva has designed these boots to provide maximum comfort during long tracks and climbs.
It has Gore-Tex technology for waterproofing and breathable protection in different weather conditions. It has excellent traction and stability in rocky or slippery areas.
PROS
Lightweight, you can quickly move around
Comfortable fit for long hours of use.
Great waterproofing and breathability.
CONS
Expensive as compared to basic footwear
ARC’TERYX Acrux TR GTX
| Name | ARC’TERYX Acrux TR GTX |
| Dimension | 1 x 1 x 1 Inch |
| Weight | 1.21 Pounds |
| Model No. | X000006281 |
| Color | Black/Black |
| Price | $250.00 |
The Acrux TR GTX Boot has a SuperFabric upper with micro-plated technology for flexibility and abrasion resistance. It has an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate sole and a molded rubber toe cap for additional protection.
Extremely Light materials result in their lightweight and packability. It has full protective waterproof, windproof, and breathable shelter.
PROS
Lightweight and packable
Vibram Outsole
It Provides greater Abrasion Resistance.
CONS
Uncomfortable Inner lacing hooks
Lack of foot protection from sides
LA SPORTIVA Trango Tower TRK GTX
| Name | La Sportiva Mens Trango TRK GTX |
| Dimensions | 14.37 x 10.04 x 5.16 Inches |
| Weight | 1 Pound |
| Model No. | 21G-999100-38 |
| Color | Yellow/Black |
| Price | $279.95 – $299.00 |
The Trango TRK GTX has a seamless framework to reduce potential points of failure and enhance performance. Their design is technical to climb mountain terrain and other routes. They are suitable for both mountaineering and backpacking.
The boots are compatible with semi-automatic crampons for extra traction and support. They have a Gore-Tex membrane waterproofing system. Their weight is approximately 1 pound, and they have better agility and less fatigue during long climbs. The Trango TRK GTX boots design helps to tackle all outdoor activities confidently.
PROS
They have Good crampon compatibility
Comfortable and secure fit with good arch and ankle support.
Suitable for rugged surfaces.
CONS
The insulation they have needs to be more for cold and iced conditions.
LA SPORTIVA Trango Tech Leather GTX
| Name | La Sportiva Trango Tech Leather GTX |
| Dimensions | 10 x 3 x 8 inches |
| Weight | 0.5Pounds |
| Color | Black/Yellow |
| Price | $194.80 – $242.56 |
This shoe has a waterproof and breathable design suitable for various climbing tracks. It has high-quality Nubuck leather and protective microfiber on the top to resist wear and tear. Its semi-automatic crampon is compatible with mountaineering and technical hiking.
The 3D flex ankle hinge helps in mobility and the lacing gives a precise fit and maximum volume adjustment. The gusset-free tongue enhances comfort, and the shock-absorbing polyurethane midsole reduces the impact on the ground. The shoe’s rubber toe and heel help to absorb shocks and protect feet.
PROS
Excellent waterproofing and breathability
Semi-automatic crampon compatibility
Precise fit and maximum volume adjustment
3D flex ankle hinge
Lightweight design reduces fatigue.
CONS
The toe box height is tight.
Crampon Compatibility is not guaranteed.
LA SPORTIVA Men’s Malaku
| Name | La Sportiva Men’s Makalu |
| Dimensions | 14 x 14 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 3.58 Pounds |
| Model No. | 238-TAN-44 |
| Color | Natural |
| Price | $348.95 |
It is a general mountaineering and heavy activities shoe. The La Sportiva Makalu has a 3.0mm Idro-Perwanger leather upper suitable for classic mountain boot activities.
The boot has a steel cutter to make it compatible with automatic crampons for providing support in snow. Its Vibram rubber protects toes, and the EZ rollerball provides easy lacing.
PROS
Durable Structure and Design.
It provides greater toe protection
Easy to Lace
CONS
Need to be more waterproof.
Rigid due to the steel cutter
SCARPA Ribelle
| Name | SCARPA Men’s Ribelle |
| Dimensions | 13.54 x 10.31 x 4.8 inches |
| Weight | 3.4 pounds |
| Model No. | 71089-250 |
| Color | Cocoa/Moss |
| Price | $388.45 – $388.95 |
It is a mountaineering boot for technical trekking and alpine missions. It is the lighter-weight of all Ribelle HD models. It has HDry waterproofing technology to maintain breathability. The boot upper is lightweight, with all-synthetic materials to minimize weight and increase protection.
The outsole rubber and semi-automatic crampon-compatible provide excellent grip on technical terrains. The wider sole with a round-shaped heel improves walking efficiency. The boot has a shock-absorbing PU midsole for comfort and support during climbs. This shoe offers a sock-like fit for the overall comfort and fit of the boot.
PROS
Lightweight design
HDry waterproofing technology
Shock-absorbing midsole
Sock-like fit to enhance overall comfort and fit.
CONS
Higher price
SCARPA Phantom 8000
| Name | Scarpa Phantom 8000 |
| Dimensions | 19 x 15 x 6 inches |
| Weight | 5.67 Pounds |
| Model No. | PHANTOM 8000-U |
| Color | Black/ Orange |
| Price | $1,099.00 |
These are high-altitude mountain climbing shoes to resist extreme cold weather and challenging terrains. Its shaft is approximately 16.5 inches from the arch, providing excellent ankle support and protection. The Vibram Zero Gravity of its sole reduces the boot’s overall weight.
The footbed has aluminum with Cocona for moisture and odor control during long climbing days. It is a multi-layer removable inner boot with EVA, Primaloft 600, and an aluminum film for warmth. It contains a waterproof zipper for protection from wet weather. The gaiter has Schoeller, Cordura, and Kevlar for good balance.
PROS
It has Exceptional warmth and insulation in the cold.
Lightweight design
Suitable for both automatic and semi-automatic crampons
CONS
Too warm for use in milder climates or lower altitudes.
High price.
Comparison Table
| Product / Specifications | Price | Weight | Waterproof | Crampon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA SPORTIVA Nepal Cube GTX | $648.95 | 4.7 Pounds | GORE-TEX | Automatic |
| LA SPORTIVA G2 Evo | $998.95 | 5.75 Pounds | GORE-TEX | Automatic |
| SCARPA Mont Black Pro | $628.95 | 1 Pound | GORE-TEX | Automatic |
| LA SPORTIVA Aequilibrium ST GTX | $348.95 | 0.375 Pounds | GORE-TEX | Automatic |
| ARC’TERYX Acurux TR | $250.00 | 1.21 Pounds | GORE-TEX | Semi-automatic |
| LA SPORTIVA Trango Tower TRK GTX | $279.95 – $299.00 | 1 Pound | GORE-TEX | Semi-automatic |
| LA SPORTIVA Trango Tech Leather GTX | $194.80 – $242.56 | 0.5Pounds | GORE-TEX | Semi-automatic |
| LA SPORTIVA Men’s Malaku | $348.95 | 3.58 Pounds | GORE-TEX | Automatic |
| LA SPORTIVA Men’s Malaku | $388.45 – $388.95 | 3.4 pounds | HDry | Semi-automatic |
| SCARPA Phantom8000 | $1,099.00 | 5.67 Pounds | Flexseal Zipper | Automatic |
Climbing Shoes Buying Guide
Consider the following factors when buying climbing shoes to ensure that you are comfortable, safe, and perform well while climbing in cold weather.
Altitude-based
There are two types of climbing shoes based on the mountain altitude. One is double-layered climbing shoes for high altitude that are firm and waterproof. Second is the single-layered shoes for low altitude, and they are flexible. Cold-weather climbing shoes are warm and have a good grip. They are waterproof and compatible with crampons.
Insulation
Cold-weather climbing requires shoes with adequate insulation to keep your feet warm. Choose shoes made of synthetic or natural materials to entrap heat. Insulation will prevent feet from getting too cold affecting climbing performance.
Fit
A proper fit is necessary for climbing shoes. Wear thicker socks or other insulating materials for appropriate blood circulation in a slightly looser fit is best for cold conditions.
Waterproofing
Climbing in cold weather means wet conditions like snow or ice. In this situation, climbing shoes with proper waterproof or water-resistant technology keep feet dry and prevent moisture from freezing toes.
Sole and footbed
Choose climbing shoes that are exclusively suitable for cold and iced surfaces. A sticky rubber sole with a deep, bold foot pattern will better grip challenging and slippery terrain.
Lacing System
Laced climbing shoes allow customized fit and accommodate thicker socks, while Velcro closures provide quick on-and-off convenience. Select the shoe as per the closure system you like.
Durability
Cold weather climbing should be harsh to withstand the rigors of cold and rocky environments.
Ankle Support
Some cold-weather mountaineering requires proper ankle support. High-top climbing shoes should provide extra support and protection in such situations.
Compatibility with Crampons
The crampons of shoes are made from solid steel to handle harsh conditions and their spikes are for good grip. If you plan to use crampons on iced surfaces, ensure your climbing shoes are compatible. Some climbing shoes have heel and toe welts designed to work with crampons.
Breathability
No doubt, insulation keeps your feet warm. It is essential to balance it with breathability. Shoes that are too insulated and not breathable may lead to excessive sweating, making your feet damp and colder.
Customer Reviews
If limited customer reviews are available, check for more recent feedback to determine real-world experiences with the product.
Conclusion
Cold-weather climbing shoes are warm and have a good grip. They are waterproof and compatible with crampons. Focus on your feet and their grip on the ice. Wear firm and fit shoes for easy traction. The best ice-climbing shoes are made from synthetic materials like Thinsulate or Primaloft to keep feet warm in cold conditions.
La Sportiva and SCARPA are the best choices for climbing shoes. You should choose the shoes according to your needs. Researching the terrain to avoid potential hazards and ensure a safe climb.
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