I LOVE these boots. I am the sort of guy who is really hard on boots (easy trails are not my thing). Hence I have a long history of boots which, despite my pampering just didn't cut it. The Makalus however seem indestructable. I just took them on a 3 week cross-country backpacking trip. The kind of thing that absolutly destroys boots, days alternating between hours of wading in a river, scrambling up talus fields, and fighting assorted spiny plants on desert ridge tops. The boots look the same as when they started. At the end of the trip we were forced to evacuate on of my party; I ended up carrying his pack strapped to mine (around 110 lbs) for 3 days. No foot pain. The boots kick ass.
Now the "however" part of the deal, it took me about 5 months of pretty heavy use to break them in. Be prepared to have your feet initally look like hamburger. Finally I just did a ton of climbing in them (they edge well) that broke them in. I belive it was worth the suffering, since it will be a VERY long time before I have to break in another pair.
If you can't hack the pain go ahead buy something else, and then another something else, and then another,
I'll still be wearing my Maks.
Peace,
Paddy Mc

Similar Products Used:

Scarpa, Soloman, Other La Sportiva, Nike ect..

I purchased these boots as an all-around boot for hiking and general mountaineering use in the summer months. I couldn't be more pleased with the performance of these boots. First off, if you are not used to wearing a stiff, supportive boot than you might find the Makula's very uncomfortable. I was told that by a sales person at REI that it would take 60 - 100 miles to break these babies in. This wasn't the case for me, I wore them everyday around the house for about a week prior to using them on the trail. I didn't feel a need to use a shoe tree or to get them wet to help conform them to my feet, they were comfortable on my first trek out (no blisters). On my last hike out, I stepped in about 3-4 inches of water for about 5 mins while using my water filter to test the waterproofness of the boot. No water leaked and when the boot was pulled out of the water, the remaining water rolled off. I am not convinced by the waterproofness of leather boots, but was impressed by the wp of these(I keep a can of Nikwax just in case).

I also found these boots well suited for carring heavy packs. I usually carry 45-65 pounds for extended trips and found these boot very supportive, especially on large rocks and ruts. I wouldn't recommend the Makula's for day-hiking on well established trails. You will also find the leather very rugged and will easily handle abuse such as rock scrapes.

I haven't used cramp-ons on these boots yet, but plan to in the next month or so. I heard the Black Diamond Sabertooths fit on these well. I am also interested to see how well they handle snow and cold weather. (If there crap in extreme winter conditions, I'll put the plastics on)All in all, I am very pleased with this boot and by the heavy-duty construction, expect years of use. Like any boot, or techinical clothing for that matter, try them on or rent them first. For some people such as myself, the Makula's are comfortable boots, for others they may be miles of complete hell on your feet. Give them a try.

Similar Products Used:

About 7 years of assorted combat boots in the U.S. Army, Montrails, Scarpa Inverno's(best plastic boot), La Sportiva

I have been breaking in a lot of boots but this is the first time without blisters. The boots fits my high instep and wide foot.(As reccomended by the shop SHU in Oslo). I've climbed,glissaded and walked with them both with and without a heavy rucksack and my feet like them. I do have a few comments on the downside though; The top of the lacing has a tendency to loosen when put under pressure, especially downhill. I wish the special lacing lock was placed on the top too. I could replace the original lacing perhaps, but that is not the point....
Inside, over the calf there is an adjustable part. I've tried different adjustments, but I never seem to get it just right. That leaves a pressure between my toes and calf I could be without. I hope this will subside with more use. All in all - good solid boots!

Customer Service

None.

Similar Products Used:

Norwegian Army boots, Kikut, Koflach Ultra Extreme and different ski-boots

Great boot, everyone complains about a long break in period. But I put about 15 miles on them and then went on a 3 week backpacking and peak bagging trip with them. No irritation, no blisters, even when having to french technique for hours. Also they hold up great when tromping through football sized talus with a 50 lbs pack, or hopping across car sized boulders. The lacing system is great, and they take crampons without a fight. Great for snow cappeds summits.

Customer Service

I own two pairs of sportiva shoes and have never needed to call.

Similar Products Used:

Montrail, Lowa.

These are the worst boots I've ever owned. And don't just take my work for it: Two back packing buddies owned them too, and we dubbed them the La Sportiva Torcher Chambers. They were impossible to break in. If you like having your feet cut up to save a little money, buy these boots. Otherwise, spend the extra dough and buy a pair of three season gortex leather boots and a pair of plastic boots for snow and ice climbing. Your feet will thank you for it.

Similar Products Used:

None

Outstanding boots that can take loads of abuse. Take a long time to break in though. Excellent crampon capability and come in to their own on Scottish Winter trips. Not really suitable for summer day hikes etc. as too hot and heavy.

These boots are a decent value, but they did take a long time to break in. I have 300+ miles on mine and a number of glacial climbs in crampons. This is the type of thing they excel at. I've even used them for vertical ice climbing, although this is not their intended design, they worked admirably well.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Zambarlam Mountain boots