La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot reviews and deals for sale

The La Sportiva Men's Makalu Mountaineering Boots have become among the most popular alpine footwear for everyone from casual climbers to Outward Bound students and instructors. These durable leather boots hold up to years of abuse in the mountains and provide plenty of support for hiking with a heavy load. Thanks to full crampon compatibility, the La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boots make a great choice for glacier travel, and their Vibram soles provide excellent traction on snow, mud, dirt, and rock.
5
out of 10
17 Positive, 1 Mixed & 22 Negative
from 40 Reviews
Retail Price:
$305.00
Used Price:
$213.50
Sale Price:
$213.50

Product Specifications

Brand La Sportiva
Category Men's Mountaineering Boots
Upper Material Idro-Perwanger roughout leather (3mm), Vibram rubber rand
Lining Dry-Best
Footbed MtnFlex (8mm)
Midsole SBR aircushion, Dacromet-coated full steel shank (1.5mm)
Sole Skywalker MPE
Claimed Weight [pair, size 9] 4 lb 4 oz
Recommended Use mountaineering, glacier travel
Manufacturer Warranty 1 year

La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot Reviews

Unknwon
bra6092304
May 16, 2020
10

Good and comfortable

Good lineman boots.

Unknwon
Christopher H.
January 2, 2020
10

Dreamy

I ordered a half size larger than my work boot size. I'm a 10.5 and I ordered a 44.5 and right out of the box they fit great with a pair of mid-weight darn tough socks. Great for ascents around New England, BD Sabretooth fit great (just had to move the rear bale to the rear position and they matted right up)

Unknwon
adam G.
December 16, 2019
2

Wow they suck

I've had 4 pairs of the korakums size 44 which are just a touch big but fit great.....now I order another LaSportiva mountaineering boot in the same size and I actually hurt my toes putting trying these ridiculous boots on.....plus the detachable Velcro tongue also extends all the way to the front of the toes of the boot.......NEVER TRUST YOUR OWN SIZE.... BECAUSE I GUESS AT 46 read more YRS OLD AND EVEN THOUGH IVE WORN THE SAME SIZE SINCE THE 8TH GRADE (33 YEARS) YOUR FEET START TO GROW BIGGER

Unknwon
Thomas D.
December 13, 2019
10

Great

fits like a glove, heel remains planted, and lower profile than some other boots yet meaty as hell. this is the pick of the litter

Unknwon
Adam G.
September 13, 2019
10

Bulletproof and versatile for guiding

I originally bought these in high school dirt cheap and used when I was dabbling in ice climbing in the northeast. They were stiff enough and warm enough to squeek by for a season of easy to moderate water ice but I quickly upgraded to Nepals for the next season of steeper water ice ice. They really won my heart this summer when I was working on the Matanuska Glacier in Alaska as read more an ice climbing guide. This job involved 3+ hours per day of walking on trails and glacial moraine as well as another 4+ hours per day in crampons. I dabbled with wearing hiking boots on the trail/moraine and switching to Nepals for more precise crampon use or hiking hours in my full shank nepals but these boots quickly became my number one choice. These things were flexible and comfortable enough for the trail and all day use, technical enough that I felt solid soloing 50 degree ice and toproping vertical glacier ice (when we got the chance to climb) and they were TOUGH AS NAILS. Guides who wore Nepals daily had utterly destroyed their boots by the end of the summer while my boots are in perfect condition. The toe of nepals routinely wore out to the point that an automatic crampon could not safely attach to the toe while the thick rubber of the makalus ate up the rocky terrain like nothin. Bottom line: If youre looking for a lightweight boot for steep technical terrain, look somewhere else. If you want a boot that can do almost anything in the mountains and outlive you, get these boots!!

Unknwon
Ben Wise
July 3, 2019
10

Amazing work boot

I’m an apprentice lineman and I’ve ran one pair of these boots for 2 years now. Still water proof, still has some sole left, and the toe hasn’t split. Hands down the best climbing boot for wood pole and climbing towers it stays stiff enough throughout it’s life span to be on your toes on lattice and still keeps the form of the boot. I just wish they would make it eh rated read more with a composite toe.

Unknwon
Ryan Babcock
April 14, 2019
6

La sportiva

These boots are stiff and hard to break in, the cloth tabs get pulled out of the stitching and they won’t warranty them. The boots need to come with a water proof technology in them for the price and what they are meant to be used for

Unknwon
Kelin Phillips
February 1, 2019
10

Epic boots

Warm Happy feet! Super durable design with great traction!

Unknwon
Alexis Sullivan
December 29, 2018
8

Comfy boot

Super solid boots, a really easy break in period compared to other boots I've had. Super comfortable right out of the box, and they seem really high quality so far.

Unknwon
Elise Morgan
December 13, 2018
10

Mountain Man

My brother and dad have worn these boots for years. Got these for my brother who is always working on snow guns and is a cat driver. He loves them and they have kept his feet dry and he has traction to keep himself safe! Perfect mountain man working boots!

Unknwon
Kelin Phillips
November 23, 2018
8

The ol' functional Makalu

Pretty comfortable out of the box. Need to definitely adjust the tongue to get proper fit. Fits true to size. Although I thought they would be warmer. Overall. Worth the money.

Unknwon
jgustin100105979
August 14, 2018
8

4 Stars, but 4.5 Stars wasn't an option

I have had several pair of La Sportiva Makalu and Glacier boots (discontinued) and they all have a few things in common, they are water proof, sturdy, and last for several years. They ALL also begin to have issues where the toe rand and sole begin to separate. Every pair I have had has done that, but keep in mind it generally takes a while, like a year or two. I generally wear read more these boots year round for work, then waterproof them up a little and take them hunting in November. My only complaint is after a couple years of use they breakdown, however I have not ever found a boot to last longer than these. I would say that if you have a quality issue with these boots its a manufacture defect, these should last a long time with no issue. IF La Sportiva stops making this boot it will be a very sad day!!! (just in case I have a few new pair hidden away in the basement... hey the wife has a million pair running shoes and this is my guilty pleasure!)

Unknwon
Connor C.
April 14, 2018
8

Great boot

Great boot I’m an apprentice lineman and it an all around good boot from climbing to your every day tasks. The worst part honestly is they will eventually start splitting at the toe but I’ve worn mine every day at work for alittle over two years and I wouldn’t buy a different boot for the work

Unknwon
shane teano
March 26, 2018
10

amazing

these boots i bought for school and am still in the breaking in process and so far they are the best boots I've owned.

Unknwon
USMC Blue
December 23, 2017
10

Out of the BOX....

I'm an Apprentice Lineman, if it one thing we have to have it is a good pair of boots to work in and also climb in to keep the power going. Right off the bat the quality of this boot is outstanding! When you look at the material you can tell. The laces are a huge selling point for because they are ballbearing style so they will not get cut up. I will do a follow up on this review read more once I get some miles on them and some pole work. I can't wait to break them in and see how they are. 5 stars all the way.

Unknwon
jeff G.
May 26, 2017
10

Essential All-Around Boots

I have had mine for over 15 years and they have held up extremely well. Great for moderate weather climbs/ hikes. Also casual enough to wear out to the pub for post climb dinner / drinks.

Unknwon
peter A.
April 25, 2016
10

Solid high quality

I bought these 5 years ago because I needed protection for arthritic toes which can't bend up more than 50 degrees (hallux limitus, limited range of motion up). They pretty much saved my off road career. I've put on about 800 miles and they seem like they will last another few thousand (although the heel is getting a little rounded). The toes now bent a bit, that took a few years. read more The toes bend is comfortable way without putting pressure on the top of your toes. Very comfortable considering how unforgiving a full shank boot can be. I've also recently purchased La Sportiva Trango Cubes which are lighter but less burly. I bought size 46.5 for size 12 feet and can stick a bit more than a finger behind my heel in expedition socks. They do take a while to break in. The leather is repellant and breathable sort of like a softshell and I've used nikwax about once on them I think to refresh.

Unknwon
Louie
January 27, 2016
10

Awesome boots for the right foot and job

These boots fit great out of the box, but were a little tight for my foot in the toebox when sizing up a half size. I ultimately returned them because I wanted a gore-tex liner for guaranteed dryness and snythetics quick drying properties.

Unknwon
troy T.
December 9, 2015
2

Never buy boots from backcountry

Ordered these in my size. They definitely run small and I had to send them back. I needed boots and their return policy is the worst out of any online boot dealer. Weeks without fresh boots in the woods of Washington makes me an unhappy customer. From now on zappos only!

Unknwon
Trinidad D.
October 4, 2015
10

Brought down zugspitze

They were true to size really hard to break in though. When standing in the snow a little cold but once moving they are fine, maybe buy gaiters for more snow.These boots really performed, 9 hours guiding the climb and my feet felt great. The auto crampons fit fine and didn't really need to be messed with. The boots seem stiff but the during the climb I really didn't notice. Awesome read more via Ferrara boots. Hardly a scratch on them after the scree field. I'm excited to wear them on more climbs

Unknwon
Brad Hardee
March 3, 2020
1

What size is 8 1/2 us

Unknwon
joe couture
October 31, 2019
1

Do you guys make a boot with a steel or composite toe? I do linework and am required to have some sort of hardened toe.. thanks

Unknwon
Amy Kay
September 27, 2016
1

They stopped making the women's version of these boots. Have any females tried the men's version? If so, how do they fit? Similar or is it completely different?

Unknwon
Ian Robinson
April 12, 2016
1

I'm looking to get a pair of these boots. Men's size 47 wide is that possible?

Unknwon
yourDisplayName
April 13, 2015
1

20% off if you wear a 41 but full price for the rest of the sizes. Not cool backcountry. Moose Jaw will match the 20% on all sizes if anyone else got bummed on this so called sale

Unknwon
Susan H.
February 25, 2015
1

Going mountaineering in Lassen this weekend. I was recommended a boot with a liner but I can borrow a friend's pair of makalu. Curious if these would be warm enough at night when standing around.

Unknwon
Jon
February 5, 2015
1

I got a pair of these used recently and love them. However they are missing the tongue piece. Any suggestions where I could find a replacement??

Unknwon
Jeff Chrisler
August 18, 2014
1

Are these too warm for summer backpacking?...

Are these too warm for summer backpacking? I love La Sportiva and I am looking for a good cross-over boot to use both backpacking at high altitudes in CO (usually nothing hotter than 75-80) and also crampon compatible. Thanks!

Unknwon
yourDisplayName
April 16, 2014
1

Are these boots re-soleable in the US? --...

Are these boots re-soleable in the US? -- Thanks!

Unknwon
Eric W.
March 7, 2014
1

Have you ever heard of anyone using this...

Have you ever heard of anyone using this boot attached to skis

Unknwon
Markus
August 17, 2013
1

I were a true size 10US. I will be wearing...

I were a true size 10US. I will be wearing these as my primary work boot. I work construction and there was a gentleman on a job jobsite who wore a pair of these in the past and could not stop raving about them. He has since moved on and I have no way of contacting him. I just wanted to be sure on the sizing. I wear 1 pair of crew socks regardless of the weather. Can you help read more me with the size I will need? Thank You

Unknwon
heart
July 4, 2013
1

What crampon systems are compatible with...

What crampon systems are compatible with this boot for "general mountaineering"?

Unknwon
f.jp205908
December 2, 2012
1

I have been looking for a lightweight pair...

I have been looking for a lightweight pair of mountaineering boots. These seem to be my best bet, however my size (11 US) is not available. I need a cool weather lightweight mountaineering boot. I will encounter plenty of loose talus and some bouldering. I have worn just your standard "work boots" in the past, but it's time to treat my feet better. Anyone have suggestions read more on a boot?

Unknwon
Bill
June 5, 2012
1

I am planning a trip to Mt Kilimanjaro and...

I am planning a trip to Mt Kilimanjaro and am looking for the best boot to wear for the trip. Is this the answer?

Unknwon
Schaps
April 11, 2012
1

Are these the current version of the old...

Are these the current version of the old red boots made by La Sportiva? I don't recall the name , but they are red leather low at the ankle and compatible with step in crampons.

Unknwon
Kevin C.
April 2, 2012
1

Will the Black Diamond Sabre Tooth Pro or...

Will the Black Diamond Sabre Tooth Pro or Neve Pro crampons work with these boots?

Unknwon
J.C.Boulay
October 17, 2011
1

How does the sizing run I need a size...

How does the sizing run I need a size 11d

Unknwon
Andrew
October 4, 2011
1

Are the Makalus easily resoled?

Are the Makalus easily resoled?

Unknwon
Evan Tougas
September 18, 2011
1

Will these work for vertical ice?

Will these work for vertical ice?

Unknwon
Sarah Heyworth
August 11, 2011
1

I need a non insulated and crampon compatible...

I need a non insulated and crampon compatible boot, like these. But I have a wide foot, what are the alternatives to this boot?

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