Lowa  Alpine Expert II GTX Mountaineering Boots - Women's

I purchased these boots because they’re relatively lightweight, fit the requirements of an upcoming guided Mt Baker summit attempt, and are attractive to boot(!). I genuinely planned on wearing them several times prior to the trip, to make sure they were comfortable enough and wouldn’t give me blisters. However, life events, physical health issues, and procrastination thwarted that plan. So alas, other than trying them on a couple times and wearing them on a short flat trail in my neighborhood, the first time I officially hiked in them was on the Easton Glacier the morning of the climb. Thankfully, they felt incredibly comfortable – and not just “comfortable for mountaineering boots”. Not once, climbing 4500+ vertical feet on snow- and ice-covered, crevasse-filled terrain (and then back down) did my feet or toes hurt. And upon removing them there were zero blisters or hot spots. I cannot recommend these enough. True to size.

This is the best pair of boots I have ever worn. Unlike La Sportiva, these boots are a bit wider and, therefore, don't require any breaking in. They are very comfortable strait out of the box. I used them a few times last winter and was impressed with their performance. Ended up breaking trail in deep snow during one of the storms this past winter, the boots kept all of the snow out even without gaiters. My feet stayed warm and dry the entire time.

I had rented a pair of these in a size 40. I usually wear a 8.5 street shoe. So, I ordered a 8.5, which, according to the size chart is a 40. All good. However, the boots were too big. In looking at the label, it says they are 8.5 us, but 41 eu, and they fit like size 41. Had the size chart been correct, I would have ordered a 8, so I would recommend ordering a half size smaller. I didn't get to try this particular pair, but the ones I rented were comfortable, warm, and great for ice climbing.

These boots keep my feet warm for all day ice climbing - comfortable while climbing and on the approach, crampon compatible, and my feet stay dry. would definitely recommend.

These shoes are wider compared to other mountaineering boots like La Sportiva and felt more comfortable to me as someone with wide feet! Didn't feel like they needed breaking in and felt pretty comfortable overall. Used with gaiters and thick Smartwool mountaineering socks and kept my feet warm most of the time (unless I was in deep snow for hours). The insole is easy to take out and dry in my sleeping bag overnight. Easy to lace up and use with microspikes and crampons. Used for outings in the PNW like Mount Saint Helens and Rainier and worked well!

First of all, I cannot say more about REI- these boots got lost in the mail, and they are QUITE expensive!! I called the call center and they had a new pair shipped to me overnight. All that aside, the boots are phenomenal. They are warm, comfortable, and have not had any hot spots at all right out of the box. I have used them so far with hybrid trail spikes and crampons while ice climbing, and they are amazing!

Horrible boot, can’t wear it without excruciating pain. Neither REI or Lowa will return because it’s been worn and outside their return policy. I waited for this season to see if I could break in and could not wear longer than 10mins. So I am out $400