La Sportiva Nepal Top

Review Date
July 30, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.33 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: Klimbingking(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Puyallup

Price Paid:  $180.00 at Evil European web si

Summary:
I wanted a rock solid leather boot fo the mountains and I am very happy with these. Great looks add style points. Make the schmucks with the rented palstics look like gomers. I have plastics also and these are so much more forgiving. Any sort of approach and I start the ribbing of the plastics. This is actually a 'boot' and not a protective shell. Actually water proof higher on the ankle than my plastics. Hey if you get a deal on them and they fit, go for it. Go for the extreme if you will be in serious cold. Go for the trango for mixed. But for general glacier and a little of everything else they work. Great versatile, comfortable, solid BOOT. Would I have spent $375 fo them? I wouldn't pay $375 for any boot that wasn't stuck up a hot swedish models hootchie that came with them. For what I paid the value rating is a 10. Can't post that with the retail in mind.

Similar Products Used:
Koflach, Asolo

Review Date
April 13, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: dennis (Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from langley bc, canada

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I am onto my second pair of NepalTops..my first pair lasted about 6 years with many many days in the field...I find the boot is a complete balance between comfort, precision, and weight...I have used lighter boots on many trips but when I need to depend on my footwear I reach for my NepalTops...sounds like a commercial but what more can I say...

Review Date
March 1, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Lars (Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Stockholm

Price Paid:  $300.00 at Retail store

Summary:
Great boot!!

I have used my pair for three years, and I will continue to climb with them until they fall apart. They are comfrotable, have a great feel and are really good to walk in compared to other boots, which is especially valuable for those long walk-ins. The leather is fairly good at staying dry if it is properly cared for.

The boots really excel when the climbing becomes more "gymnastic" where a good feel for the rock/ice is important.

They can become really stiff if it is cold outside (which it is most of the time during winter ;-), and therefore it is a good idea to relace them after an hour or so, otherwise I feel that the fit becomes too loose.

The only drawbacks is the weight and that there is no inner boot, so they can be really cold in teh morning if the night is spent in a tent. I usually place mine beneath my sleeping bag to keep them warm.

Similar Products Used:
Asolo AFS 101, Dolomite

Review Date
August 25, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Brad(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Denver, CO

Price Paid:  $360.00 at Mountain Miser

Summary:
Best ice and mixed climbing boot for Colorado, period. I hear that it doesn't fit everyone, but no boot does. Try it on first. If it fit's you'll love climbing in it. The rockered soul walks pretty good, better than the older K2's. Stiff, but not too stiff. Great feel on rock and ice. I recommend a semi flexible crampon, like the Grade 8, to really appreciate the feel on ice. Slim profile is awesome for that dancing style of climbing when you can't use the "Frankenstein" bash and go method. Warm enough for Colorado, but you could step up to the Nepal Extremes for those further north climbs. Both styles are a little expensive, but you get what you pay for.

Similar Products Used:
Asolo 101, KS's, Ski Boots

Review Date
August 3, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Reviewed by: TEW(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Calgary, Canada

Summary:
This is an amazing boot if it fits your foot. I have endured through blisters, hotspots, loss of toe nails, etc. while otherfriends wearing Nepal Top's have had no major foot discomforts. Think twice if you have a wide foot. Once my feet heal from the trip we were just on, I will be looking at some Karakorams (wider fit) or Scarpa's - it's really too bad because these are one incredible boot.....

Similar Products Used:
Scarpa, Garmont, other La Sortiva's