these boots are hard on ur feet but will last many years the first day got them i tryed to drive home from the store with them on and had two very sore feet but once u break them in they fit like a glove crampons work good on these boots

The Makula is a tough boot kind of scary at first (I had only a short break period before my trip). I didn't blister and it offered superior support over rocky tough terrain. Now that they are broke in the fit like a glove. I wear them even when I'm not packing or climbing.

Similar Products Used:

Montrail Moraines

For the M-Hikes. A very sturdy, supportive boot. I haven't had any problems breaking them in like some of the other reviewers. No blisters, no problems of any kind. The rough uppers resist scrapes and scratches and are quite waterproof. the vibram biffida sole is stiff enough for any trail you can find but has just enough flex to make it comfortable. I really like the lace locks at the ankles, they make it easy to get the perfect fit. I have really flat feet and like the fit of these boots- no huge arch support to get in way like many others. Also, they have a pretty wide toe. I plan on wearing these boots for a long time. They are a little pricey, but they are worth it.

Customer Service

I talked to them about getting the makalu vs. the M-Hike. They were prompt in returning my e-mail and really know their product.

Similar Products Used:

just at the store- the M-Hikes were far better fit for me.

I bought these boots two years ago and I love them. The best boots I have ever owned. I was looking for a stiff, heavyduty, all leather boot and this is the only one that fit the criteria to a ""t"". This boot has the tickests leather out of any boot on the market which means it will last longer. After breaking them in, I climbed the Middle Teton and these boots worked great and I will have them for a long time.

Similar Products Used:

Asolo 540 that I had for six years.

I've had my Maks for about six months and really love them. As I recall, Sportiva's slogan used to be, "Like walking on the Moon." And it really is like walking on the moon. These boots are super durable and exceptionally waterproof.

Like the other people who reveiwed them I also found that it took a while to get them broken in. In fact I'm still working on it. My only real complaint is that these boots (as with any leather boots) don't do too well on multiday winter assaults. By day two or three the boots are pretty wet (no matter what you do). If your intent is strictly mountaineering and you're hardcore, you should get plastics.

But as far as multi use backpacking boots go... It's like walking on the moon.

The Makula is definitely not a trail backpacking boot. It's too stiff and heavy. I limit the use of my pair to snow and ice with crampons. They're a good alternative to a plastic boot. They keep my feet bone dry and the inside lining does a great job wicking the sweat off my feet during strenuous activities.

Similar Products Used:

Danner Mountain Light, Merrell, Raichle Rotando

First, the name of this boot is MAKALU, after the 4th or 5th highest peak in the Himalayas. Second, great boot, stiff in the right directions, breaks in well (after while) great heel cup, super comfortable, and snazzy!

Similar Products Used:

Hi Tech 50 peaks... Garbage (though I wore them for years

I bought these boots with an eye toward possible, future moutaineering trips as well as for backpacking. AAI gives them a big thumbs up. It took me a long time to break them in (I should say break my feet in). But once I did, WOW! What great boots! Super support, great waterproofness (I used nikwax) and warm (I use them for snowshoeing because the uppers are so sturdy that I don't even feel the bindings). If only they accepted backcountry ski bindings.

Similar Products Used:

Merrel, Raicle, Technica

Simply put the best boots I have owned. I prefer uncompromising foot support, trail comfort and waterproofness over fancy materials and a good old well-made leather boot works every time. The Makalu simply fits all my wants perfectly. I have been all over the Rockies, Tetons, Bitterroots, Beartooths, Cascades, and the Wasatch and have had warm, dry, and happy feet the whole time. What more can you ask for?

Similar Products Used:

various Raichle, Merril, Vasque models

Great Boots!!! They take a while to break in but it is woth it. Bought some in '97 and they took about a year of regular use to break in, but then felt great. In '99 the shank broke through the sole. I sent them back (after 3 years!) and they sent a new pair. The new pair took even less time to break in.