Crampons/trekking boots

[Randy Winkman]

A friend of mine is going trekking at Christmas and needs to get some trekking boots in size 3 or 3.5 that can be used with crampons. Preferably something that doesn't need too much wearing in. Can any reasonably robust/stiff boot be used with crampons? The ones hat are clearly designed for that purpose seem to start in size 4. Any tips?

[rhinochopig]

Need more info on what your friend is doing exactly. Crampons have a C rating and Boots have a B rating. You need to match these to the conditions. Going too stiff will be a killer on the feet.

There is a good summary here: http://www.ukclimbing.com/gear/review.php?id=1330

The one bit of advice I would get is Grivel are by far the best crampons IMO. Their anti-balling plate is a godsend in wet snow.

[Randy Winkman]

That's helpful. It looks like she needs B1/C1. The problem is finding some small enough!

[Bill]

Where's she going? Could she get away with something like this?

[Randy Winkman]

Many thanks.

She found and ordered these:

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/s...

[rhinochopig]

Randy Winkman said:

Many thanks.

She found and ordered these:

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/s...

Please tell me she didn't buy them off the net? With walking boots - especially if you're doing some trekking in them - it's absolutely essential to try them on first using the socks you plan to wear on the trip.

[Randy Winkman]

rhinochopig said:

Randy Winkman said:

Many thanks.

She found and ordered these:

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/s...

Please tell me she didn't buy them off the net? With walking boots - especially if you're doing some trekking in them - it's absolutely essential to try them on first using the socks you plan to wear on the trip.

With apologies for the delay ..... of course you are correct.

However, basically, nowhere stocks boots in size 36. She tried these boots in a shop in size 37 and they were too big by exactly the amount she expected. She could have ordered size 36 from the shop but (because of work) there was no way she would be able to pick them up for nearly 2 weeks - and even then they could have been no good. So she ordered size 36 on the net. They arrived in 2 days and seem fine. Just part of the hassle of having titchy feet.