I have both of these but haven't trail/ field tested them yet. So far just wearing around the house. Both seem to be of equal comfort from this limited test. Will field test them both soon. However, if both end up being equally effective and comfortable which is generally preferred? Would love to hear feedback from those who have experienced these boots. I will primarily use them for hiking/ trekking. Might do some light mountaineering and use with crampons and/ or snow shoes. Thank you
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Scarpa Ladakh or la sportiva glacier?
- Thread starter nikosia7
- Start date
I've owned and used boots similar like the La Sportiva Makalu and Scarpa Eiger. They are super for off trail trekking but sucked for on trail backpacking because of the full or 3/4 steel shanks in the sole. There is not a lot of flex, they are more "rockered" soled or stiff for crampon use.
I love mine for trekking off trail. They are perfect for being on inclines for long periods, like days. The ankle support is excellent with these type boots, there is no way you are going to twist your ankle. The worst part is blisters, I get them in the heel area because the non-flexing sole. As I stated, these types boots are perfect if you are going to live on high and steep inclined slopes with rocky or loose terrain. Your feet with thank you.
I have noticed Scarpa and La Sportiva both use Italian lasts so they may be snug in the width area. That's a good thing, at the end of the day my feet tend to slip around some inside the boot so I am always tightening/loosening or arranging the lacing in better various ways depending on what my feet tell me. They are definitely rough country boots and not for trails so much, you can get lighter backpacking boots for that.
I love mine for trekking off trail. They are perfect for being on inclines for long periods, like days. The ankle support is excellent with these type boots, there is no way you are going to twist your ankle. The worst part is blisters, I get them in the heel area because the non-flexing sole. As I stated, these types boots are perfect if you are going to live on high and steep inclined slopes with rocky or loose terrain. Your feet with thank you.
I have noticed Scarpa and La Sportiva both use Italian lasts so they may be snug in the width area. That's a good thing, at the end of the day my feet tend to slip around some inside the boot so I am always tightening/loosening or arranging the lacing in better various ways depending on what my feet tell me. They are definitely rough country boots and not for trails so much, you can get lighter backpacking boots for that.
Well, there are so many backpacking boots out there. Popular boots are more in line with the Vasque Sundowners or off the shelf Limmers. My favorite would be Fabiano which are traditional welted. But there are so many more out there and probably much better than these I've mentioned. These will be stiff but not as stiff as the full blown crampon compatible mountain boots mentioned which are generally thought of being too heavy for trail use. I tend to like leather boots but there are so many others out there that need to be looked at as well.
I would use the lighter backpacking boots mentioned for snowshoeing with gaiters and extra wool socks, newer design waterproof/breathable backpacking boots may be better. Even pac boots would be good for snow shoeing. I'd use the mountaineering boots if I had nothing else.
I'd say general purpose backpacking boots like medium duty type would do all the tasks you ask. The heavies are a bit more specialized though can be used like that but they would be considered overkill because of the weight and stiffness.
Fit is everything. I need about an extra inch in length and good insoles for high arches. My boots need tight heel cups so I can lock my foot toward the back of the boot. Good backpacking shops would normally have a boot fitter working there with a device for measuring exact fit. There is a lot of good info here http://www.backpacker.com/search/?q=boot+fitting&x=0&y=0
I would use the lighter backpacking boots mentioned for snowshoeing with gaiters and extra wool socks, newer design waterproof/breathable backpacking boots may be better. Even pac boots would be good for snow shoeing. I'd use the mountaineering boots if I had nothing else.
I'd say general purpose backpacking boots like medium duty type would do all the tasks you ask. The heavies are a bit more specialized though can be used like that but they would be considered overkill because of the weight and stiffness.
Fit is everything. I need about an extra inch in length and good insoles for high arches. My boots need tight heel cups so I can lock my foot toward the back of the boot. Good backpacking shops would normally have a boot fitter working there with a device for measuring exact fit. There is a lot of good info here http://www.backpacker.com/search/?q=boot+fitting&x=0&y=0
If you're looking for advice on which is generally the better quality boot, they are both top-notch manufacturers. Others of similar quality are Lowa, Zamerberlain, Civetta. I think Limmers were mentioned above as well. Great boots, but custom. You have them made to fit your feet.
The Glacier is on the verge of a heavy-duty backpacking boot and is meant for heavy packs an rougher terrain. The idea is that if you are carrying heavy wieght, say 50-70lbs range, a lighter boot is not going to support your foot, arch, ankle, etc. The combined weight of you and your pack will simply overwelm the structure of boot. If you were to walk across a scree slope heavily laden with light boots, the pointy rocks would jam up into your foot. The heavy weight pushes you down and the lightweight soles just aren't enough to protect your tootsies. The more weight you carry, the more flexible the boot feels. The Scarpa is not quite as heavy duty, but it's by no means a lightweith boot.
If you are going lighter weight, these boots may not be as comfortable, or may take longer to "break in" to the point that they feel comfortable. When I backpack with less than 40 lbs in my pack, I use a fairly lightweight boot called the Lowa Jannu Mid. Lowa doesn't make them anymore, but they have something similar. It is comparable to the Vasque Sundowner. Between the two boots you have, it's closer to the Scarpa.
Neither boot is really a true "mountaineer's" boot. I don't believe the Scarpa has a shank, or if it does, its probably nylon. The Glacier has a half-shank. Neither is designed to accept crampons. The Makalu from La Sportiva, for example, has a sole designed for crampons and a full steel shank; it's one mondo-stiff mountain boot.
Once you break the Scarpa in, it will probably serve you well as a decent hiking boot and a good all-around backpacking boot. The Glacier will be for heavier-duty applications.
If you hike more than you backpack, look at something a little lighter. Most people just use trail runners to hike in these days. I have to admit, I do most of my hiking in a pair of Scapra Zen "approach" shoes, which is a hybrid between a rock climbing shoe and a trial runner.
Good luck and have fun in your research; as I said, they're both great boots!
Eric G.
The Glacier is on the verge of a heavy-duty backpacking boot and is meant for heavy packs an rougher terrain. The idea is that if you are carrying heavy wieght, say 50-70lbs range, a lighter boot is not going to support your foot, arch, ankle, etc. The combined weight of you and your pack will simply overwelm the structure of boot. If you were to walk across a scree slope heavily laden with light boots, the pointy rocks would jam up into your foot. The heavy weight pushes you down and the lightweight soles just aren't enough to protect your tootsies. The more weight you carry, the more flexible the boot feels. The Scarpa is not quite as heavy duty, but it's by no means a lightweith boot.
If you are going lighter weight, these boots may not be as comfortable, or may take longer to "break in" to the point that they feel comfortable. When I backpack with less than 40 lbs in my pack, I use a fairly lightweight boot called the Lowa Jannu Mid. Lowa doesn't make them anymore, but they have something similar. It is comparable to the Vasque Sundowner. Between the two boots you have, it's closer to the Scarpa.
Neither boot is really a true "mountaineer's" boot. I don't believe the Scarpa has a shank, or if it does, its probably nylon. The Glacier has a half-shank. Neither is designed to accept crampons. The Makalu from La Sportiva, for example, has a sole designed for crampons and a full steel shank; it's one mondo-stiff mountain boot.
Once you break the Scarpa in, it will probably serve you well as a decent hiking boot and a good all-around backpacking boot. The Glacier will be for heavier-duty applications.
If you hike more than you backpack, look at something a little lighter. Most people just use trail runners to hike in these days. I have to admit, I do most of my hiking in a pair of Scapra Zen "approach" shoes, which is a hybrid between a rock climbing shoe and a trial runner.
Good luck and have fun in your research; as I said, they're both great boots!
Eric G.
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2007
- Messages
- 6,346
The La Sportiva Makalu is a very well made boot. It is also VERY stiff. I like mine for general mountaineering and even some ice climbing, but it's uncomfortable for hiking and backpacking. Lowa makes a great quality medium stiff boot for trail. My wife wears the tall versions and I like the short.
Jeff
Jeff
I just bought some Lowa boots today. I don't know too much about them except they have a 3/4 shank and they lace right up there around your toes. They're GoreTex and have a cushy mid-sole. The would be considered a med duty hiking/light pack boots.
I really didn't study up on them, they were on sale at a local outdoors shop. I think they'll work pretty good for hiking this winter in my area.http://www.google.de/imgres?start=9...48&tbnw=171&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:100,i:31
I really didn't study up on them, they were on sale at a local outdoors shop. I think they'll work pretty good for hiking this winter in my area.http://www.google.de/imgres?start=9...48&tbnw=171&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:100,i:31
I paid 149 Euro. I am not sure if they would ship or not, I would suggest looking closer to home because of the time it takes to send stuff. These guys here have really outstanding deals on camping equipment, got to jump fast on them because it's a popular place with a lot of people. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/