Montrail Couloir

Review Date
September 13, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: jewelltrail(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Sierra Trading Psot

Summary:
These Montrail boots are a beautifully crafted piece of footwear. I am very picky, but can not find a complaint with these boots.

They lace up evenly, distributing pressure comfortably. They perform equaly well with crampon and regular hiking conditions. I used them last season when I winter hiked in the White Mts of NH. My feet always stayed dry, though I waterproofed them with Nikwax before they even went on the trail. It is important to note they are not insulated, but a nice pair of wool socks and these boots kept my feet warm even in the severe, above-timberline conditions of the Whites. They do take a long time to break in, but I have not gotten a blister wearing them. On top of all this, the shoe is defintely built to last a long time--the quality is obvious. The Vibram soles are replaceable as well.

Customer Service:
I have not had a reason to deal with Customer Service.

Similar Products Used:
This is the only true Winter boot I have used.

Review Date
July 1, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Nanuq(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Anchorage, Alaska

Price Paid:  $200.00 at REI

Summary:
These are the best heavy backpacking / mountaineering boots I've ever worn. They're breaking in quickly and even when new I never got a blister. The rocker is perfect for my stride, and the footbed just stiff enough for slight flex at my height/weight of 6'5" and 240#.

Like a good pair of hockey skates, buy them to FIT so you don't have to compensate by over-tightening the laces. You'll get nasty pressure points at the shins if you do. I wear mine on the loose side and still my heels don't move.

My only concern is them getting too flexible after a couple of years.

Nice feature: the bottom C-hooks have grabbers inside the bend to save you some overhand knotting of the laces. The upper four C-hooks are smooth inside so pressure points are evened out.

As new they have adequate arch/heel support. Insoles are not needed off the shelf.

Similar Products Used:
Vasque and Raichle leather mountaineering.

Review Date
February 18, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: rattled(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Dallas Texas

Summary:
Great Boots.

I used them for Ice Climbing for a week in Ouray Colorado, mostly on moderate routes (WI 3-4+) ...

These boots are plenty stiff enough for ice climbing, and are also flexible enough for general mountaineering and hiking. They do tend to run sort of narrow. Great first boot for the climber who wants something "pretty good" for a variety of applications, before committing to specialized plastics or leather boots.

A few things to be aware of:

-These boots, like any heavy duty mountaineering boots, take a long time to break in, count on at least a month of regular wear

-Seam-Grip the seams (stitching) and waterproof the boots with a durable treatment before taking them out on a long trip or in snow.

-They are great for ice climbing, but they are not insulated; plan accordingly.

I have also used this boot with the BD Sabretooth Crampons and they worked beautifully- no problems.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
August 2, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Scott Barber(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from San Diego, CA, USA

Summary:
I've had these boots six months and have yet to get a blister! I've taken them up Whitney (winter) twice and Hood once with zero problems and zero blisters. Although they came waterproofed, I Nikwaxed them too. I've slogged through waist deep snow for upto four days and my feet stayed dry, warm and comfortable the entire time. I use then with a pair of Black Diamond Sabretooth step-in crampons. I have not had a single compatability issue or any unintentional releases. Although they are fairly stiff (I've used them for brief front pointing and a little mixed) they are still comfortable to hike in too. My first hike was a 10 mile break-in hike near Laguna (the week before the first Whitney trip) and my feet felt great when I was done. Integrafit is the real deal for people with medium-to-wide forefeet and narrow heels. Gotta love these boots!!

Similar Products Used:
La Spotiva Makalu