These are great boots - good overall fit, instill confidence, but their pretty rough on my heels. Maybe they need more mileage to break in. Being locked in the flat midwest, I don't get a lot of mountain mileage on them. I feel like I've walked 100 miles in them in an unsuccessful attempt to break them in.

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This is actually my comments about the M-Hike, which is a less stiff version of the classis Makalu. LOVE THESE BOOTS !!! I've tried a lot of others, mostly Vasque's, but these are hands down the most comfortable and durable hiking/trekking boots I've ever owned. Got them direct from LaSportiva, and paid full boat, but having had them for a few months now, I'd gladly have paid twice that. Large toe box, great arch support, nice notch at back of calf for those down-hill walks, just the perfect amount of stiffness, and very easy break-in. Great lacing system with ""snap loks"" at the ankle joing to help easier lacing. Laces are on top-layer of boot, so no matter how tight you want to lace them, you get no uneven pressure from the laces. Also, they come in the European sizes, which give a much greater range of sizes than the American system. BUY 'EM !

Customer Service

Was going to order Makalu's, but their customer service rep discussed the differences between the M-Hike and the Makalu, showed a great knowledge of his products. I couldn't have been more satisfied, just really great, knowledgeable people.

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Various Vasques. Loved my old Colorado's, but the La Sportivas beat the phooey out of them in every way.

Supposed to be great - if the fit is right. The toe box tapers in. Had a hard time fitting. After about 30 miles and mega-blisters on boths heels, I gave up and donated them to program that works with handicapped teens in the outdoors with the hope that they find the right feet!

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Starting to break in a pair of Vasque Alpine - so far, so good! I expect them to work out. Have used and worn out Asolo in the past.

Makalu's... Great Boots, but the break in period was tough, quite a number of blisters on the heal. Quality is good. This is a heavy boot and built rock solid. Expect many years of good use.

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Super waterproof (I used snowseal), very comfortable. Went through a break in phase with many blisters AFTER about 15 miles of initial comfort. Total break in time about 30 miles, VERY comfortable now. Love this boot!

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Heard they were tough to break in and that's very true but after 4 months of rugged climbing these boots are an absolute dream. Ankle support is terrific (no soreness with lots of support) arch support which is very stiff during break is now perfect. Traction on wet rock sticks out in my mind heel cup is secure comfortable. If I can ever wear these out I'll most definitly purchase another pair.

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Having a bad break-in experience with Makalu's. Very stiff boot. I ran up and down stairs 15 minutes to try to loosen them up and got huge heal blisters, one of which got infected resulting in foot cellulitis, antibiotics, wearing sandals for a week and possibly endangering next months climb in Africa. Everyone else says how great they are after break-in but I consider this a real disadvantage for the occasional mountaineer who doesn't want to injure his feet to break in new boots.

Customer Service

I purchased direct from La Sportiva, friendly and helpful.

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Salomon x mountain. Great backpack boot. Fits like an old friend the first time they're put on. Not for real mountaineering though.

I have broken both shanks in mine. long break in and thats if they don't break you first. A bit expensive

Customer Service

Yes they replased my boots and were nice folks

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I got a pair of salomon guide 9's and love them. Easy break in. and sound craftsmenship.

I have owned these boots for 5 years now. I have worn them mainly for fighting forest fires in the mountainous terrain of BC. I have had problems with blisters since my orthotics lift my feet higher than the heel hold downs. Also, the break in was tremendous. Overall, the durability has been spectacular. Just wish they didn't have the blister problem.

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I use my Macalu's as spare boots now and instead use my Asolo Meridians as my main boot. The Meridians are superior in comfort but not as durable.

They work well, but not for all the feet: a little more larger... The quality is high. The sole is strong.

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I think that Meindl (Germany) are the best mountain boots. I've tried: Scarpa, Trezeta, Dachstein, Meindl, Lowa.