La Sportiva K3 Mountaineering Boots
La Sportiva K3 Mountaineering Boots
USER REVIEWS
[Nov 20, 2002]
bret carmody
Mountaineer
The K3 are a fantastic boot I have put three summits of Mt. Shasta from two different routes. These boots are plenty warm to 10 degrees F. These boots offer the right amount of flex, but lateral stiffness for crampon compatibility. I would recomend these boots for anyone that wants a versitile mountaineering boot that has enough insulation to for light winter camping, or snowy moderate winter summits. Customer Service None needed La Sportiva Rocks Loved The K3's SOOOOOO much I forked out for a pair of Nepal Extremes Similar Products Used: None |
[Mar 15, 2002]
johnbeanbone
Backpacker
I bought these boots for winter backpacking in the Smokies because my feet were getting cold in my all leather Scarpa Rio''s. Because they are somewhat taller than typical hiking boots they did take a little getting used to. However, my first trip out was 10 miles out in the snow and they were great. Much easier on the feet right out of the box than the Scarpas. These are excellent backpacking boots with a heavy pack and are very warm. I did NikWax them a few times with the liquid type and they were flawless on a very muddy 8 miler. Mine were brand new 99 models that I got a few months ago but if you can find a pair somewhere, I highly recommend this boot. Have yet to use them in warm weather but I''m sure they''ll be fine as the thinsulate does a good job of wicking moisture from the foot. Customer Service N/A Similar Products Used: Scarpa Rio Vasque Alpine GTX |
[Jul 02, 2001]
Pavlo
Mountaineer
Compared to many other mountaineering boots, these are fairly lightweight at about 4 lbs. They are made of really good leather that is one piece which makes them great when in really wet and sticky situations. They high ankle support was great and the stiff sole wasn't too stiff for hiking! I hiked 20 miles in the Adirondacks for their first use and I had no blisters and they were great for trail use! They kept me from falling and when we encountered steeper terain, i took advantage of the stiff sole and they climbed like a champ! Because of the high ankle support, they did cause some pain in my shin area because when my foot flexed the boots resisted a little bit and after the 3rd day i really felt it! I cant complain thow, because it was the first run for the boots and they must be broken into! I had seam sealed all stiched and cemented points all around the perimiter and nikwaxed them and for the full 3 days of thundershowerd muddy hike, my boots were bone dry inside and even with the insulation, they were never overheated! Similar Products Used: None |
[Dec 19, 2000]
mica jones
Mountaineer
2 year old pair in great shape after multi approaches/climbs in north cascades.a bit narrow for my 747 of a foot.No single leather is warm in my humble opinion, but some folks are hardier than others.I got a new pair of Vasque H2's and they aren't as flashy but are the superior boot(again IMHO)Although maybe a wee bit less rigid which is good for the long approaches in the northwest.overall, the K3's are an exellent investment for anything in the lower 48. Customer Service nope,no need.Italian boot tech triumphs again. Similar Products Used: vasque h2,koflach verts,asolo 8000's,others |
[Dec 07, 2000]
Travis Weiss
Backpacker
I LOVE these boots. I didn't have trouble breaking them in and they've held up very well. I do a lot of winter hiking in the Whites and found them to be suitable for everything but summer hiking. The amount of support they provide is absolutely incredible! I do get strange looks when I wear them around town (when it snows)or in the fall before the snow starts piling up in Tucks. I would recommend them to anyone who appreciates the great fit of leather boots over plastic. My only problem isn't with my boots, it's with EMS Climbing School or the A.M.C. as they won't let me wear them for ice climbing classes; they favor ill fitting, beat up, plastic rentals. I am quite confident that the boots can handle it (they have!). They were definately worth the price. Do be aware that they are a little tricky for multi-day hikes or winter camping. You have to sleep with them inside your bag to dry them out and keep them warm. I made the mistake of leaving them outside my bag on a warm night that turned incrediblely cold by morning. I think it was close to a 1/2 hour bfore I could feel my toes after I put them on. This isn't a problem with fit, insulation, or wear-it's how you use 'em. The orange color is fun too! Customer Service Never had to call them. Similar Products Used: Koflach Paras, Degre, and I own a pair of K. Actis Expe for multi day winter stuff. |
[Oct 11, 2000]
Lani
Climber
Pretty simple, really... i *love* my boots. One of my favorite articles i own. They climb rock, hike (comfortably) through all types of terrain (and believe me, i've tried all types), don crampons and climb ice (very well, may i add).. they even sing and dance.. hey, you try new things when bored in camp. In short - i dig 'em. However, i'd recommend Nikwaxing them before use... it really helps with the waterproofing. Customer Service I called La Sportiva to order a pair of rock shoes that were discontinued and the guy i talked with was incredibly helpful and bent over backwards to help me find what i was looking for. Similar Products Used: None |
[Sep 28, 2000]
Dan Kappes
Climber
Great boots. They have excellent support, the tread is soft for rock, but still solid for snow travel. Had them on a couple peaks and they have performed great. I wish they had made the rubber rand a little bigger as the sides do pick up water quite easily. Work great with crampons and are still somewhat light. I love the color too, crazy mountain man orange. Similar Products Used: Tried on all koflachs. |
[Dec 21, 1999]
Fergus Peacock
Mountaineer
What a sweet pair of boots! K3s are light, warm, and have a much better climbing feel than plastics. Break in time is long and can be painful, but overall, these boots are highly recommended. |
[Jul 28, 2000]
Joseph
Climber
I am not a mountaineer. I was born with bi-lateral club feet. I have found that the K-3's are the best for my feet in providing support and comfort. I wear them on a daily basis at work. In addition, I am an EMT with an ambulance service. Being black in color, they make the uniform. Similar Products Used: In addition, I have a pair of Nepal Tops which I also wear, not as much as the K-3, but working around the house. |
[Apr 25, 2000]
Jason
Mountaineer
Love the K3's! These boots have kept my feet warm in -10F without supergaitors or overboots, climb steep ice like a dream and are comfy to walk in. Right out of the box they fit great and required no break in period. I took them on a day ascent of Mt Washington, NH last winter and can't remember a day in the mountains that my feet were so happy. On steep ice my heel stays put, and they feel as percise as rock slippers. The sole does flex a little, which makes hiking in them great. When I add a semi-ridgid crampon (CM grade 8s) they are plently solid for pitches of front pointing. Similar Products Used: plastics |