Customer Reviews La Sportiva Makalu

The Zappos staff was very, very helpful in locating my size in the boots. They are wonderful to deal with! La Sportiva boots are fantastic and the Makalu boots are just what I needed for heavy backpacking and alpine climbing. La Sportiva boots use a last which is wider than a normal shoe with more room in the toe box which is perfect for wearing thick socks. The automatic clamps on the laces for the lower part of the boots is genius! This insures that you can lace the foot part tighter or looser and totally independantly from the upper part of the boots which is great for adjusting uphill versus downhill climbing. The boots are waterproof, pefectly stiff, nice and warm and are crampon compatible. Add to that excellent style and the boots are ones you don't want to take off of your feet.

La Sportiva Makalu...a good massive boot - I spend several weeks of my summer fighting forest fires where we are required to have 8 inch high boots. I have always hated the typical high-heeled 'Whites' type boot with no ankle support. I bought the Makalu as it just meets the 8 inch high requirement. I also have high, rigid arches and heels that are rotated inward. So new boots are a frightening thing, with a long break-in period usually required. Well the Makalu felt great right out of the box and on short flat hikes. I have gotten in a 10 mile walk without a significant load and still no foot problems. These feel like great boots. They are heavy but repay you with great ankle support and a rigid sole that will support crampons. And they are nearly half the price of Whites! The insole insert is the typical useless piece of thin foam. Put in a good support like 'Superfeet.'

Awesome! My second pair. Left first pair in Hawaii home when I visit. Shoe is a little heavy and bulky so I didn't want to lug it around in luggage. I had first pair for almost 10 years so the sole were worn a little, but just a little so decided to get new shoes. Loved it so much I got another pair. Fits like a glove, waterproof and tough. Exactly what I was looking for in a shoe for mountaineering, daily use. For me it is so comfortable that I wear it daily if I am not trail running, at a business meeting or going out to some place fancy. This years models has little improvements from several years ago. Like the front protection on top of the boot, removeable cushioned tongue and "ball bearing" lace eyelets. I am used to its stiffness and weight that I don't notice it much. Probably getting another pair in case they stop making it so I'll have these shoes for the rest of my life... I have not tried them with crampon so I can't comment on that but I believe it would be fine. I do get buzzed a lot going through metal detectors though.

I bought this boot in ten years ago. I couldn't tell you how many miles I have on them, but it's a lot. Even after a 14 mile day on the Minong trail on Isle Royale, I was glad I was wearing these boots. They are the perfect backpacking boot. After 10 years, they don't show any wear. I am amazed at how well they held up. I have never had any hot spots, nor even close to having blisters on my feet. The break-in wasn't any big deal. I would definitely recommend the La Sportiva Makalu to any avid backpacker.

I bought my first pair of La Sportiva Makalus in Fairbanks, Alaska in 1994. I wore them every day for 12 years - and then occasionally - until last year, when the sole came apart from the boot. I recently bought a new pair and have been breaking them in daily. These are by far the best all around boots ever. They're built to last for years. They do take some time to break in, but are worth the time and the money.

This is one of the best pairs of boots I have ever had. I have been wearing them for four years now and I still have tread on them. I have moderately wide feet and these fit me fine after breaking them in. I do wear a 47 in these wear I usually wear a 12 in American sizes. Keep that in mind when ordering them.

Great boots. This is my third pair and I have always enjoyed their fit. Takes a while break I\'m but once broken in, they are really comfortable. I am not a huge fan of all the rubber they are using these days but I am still impressed.

These are the best boots I have ever owned. I had several pairs of leather boots before these and always got blisters and suffered general discomfort and soreness in my feet. I've hiked my Makalus in extreme weather and elevation and never, ever had a blister. Not even once. Amazing. I can hardly believe it myself. I love these boots and have had them for 8 years now. Outstanding comfort, protection, support, grip. They work great for snowshoeing and with a pair of gaiters are great for hiking through deep snow.

Great - These boots are all around awesome. Warm, comfy, sturdy and pretty good looking too. I recommend these boots.

Take some time to break these in, and I definitely recommend getting a pair of custom "Superfeet" insoles with them - makes all the difference in the world. After a couple of weeks, they're almost as comfortable as work boots. It does take some time to get used to the overall stiffness, but that has saved me from what would have been ankle-busting falls on several occasions. My advice: go grab a pair as quick as you can, break them in, and get your lazy ass away from that television!

Good lasting boot! I've worn these boots for nine or ten years and really like them! They are heavy, but they protect your feet and offer great support. I bought them for hiking, but I ended up wearing them to work everyday because I walk at least ten miles a day. I had them resoled about four years ago and I am finally replacing them due to abuse more than anything. I will probably just buy another pair of these!

awesome! I am a profesional tree climber and I am hard on boots, about every 6 months I replace your average logging boot....I'm on my 2nd year with these boots....and I'm just now looking for a new pair ( and having trouble finding them!)....the only boot I'll buy as long as they are avalible!!

Makalu's are great! Well designed boot that is way sturdy. Wore them for 4 days at Disney which provided for an excellent break-in period. Fit in well on the Kilimanjaro Safari ride! Tight in the toes at first with some tingling which resolved by day three of the break-in. This is a serious trekking boot which runs about a 1/2 size small in my experience.

I have had my La Sportive Makalus for two months. I want them for occasional hiking and some mountain climbing (crampons needed). So far, they are great. To this point, I've only been breaking them in on progressively longer walks around my neighborhood, the longest being about two miles. Because they are quite stiff, if they are not tightly laced, I can get a smidgen of heel lift in one foot (not in the other). I don't expect this to be a problem, and can get new in-soles if needed, but am conscious of it because, to get a comfortable fit, I got them in Euro size 42.5, which according to comparison charts, should be about a US 9.5. My regular US size is 8.5. So, La Sportivas probably run a little small. I wear thick socks (ragg wool and liners) and it took three tries to get a good size. (Thanks to Zappos quick and free shipping.) La Sportiva's web site says a proper fit is when, with hiking socks on and toes up against the front of the boot, you can slip one finger between your heel and the boot. After trying on a 41.5 (which should be a US size 8.75) and a 42.0, it was the 42.5 that didn't feel cramped and met the La Sportiva suggested test. They also fit snugly around the top of my instep, which La Sportiva says is the important fit. The removable tongue, attached by velcro inside, requires a little fiddling, but is a helpful feature. A lace-lock on the fifth eyelet is also a snazzy feature, with a fabric loop you tug on to open them up. Even when locked, though, I can still pull the laces through, so I'm not sure they truly maintain separate lace tension between the lower and upper eyelets. These are stiff, formidable boots. Made of split leather, they have a good, classic look. So, I've waxed 'em up and, having clomped around in them a bit, my feet feel absolutely protected. But they are still basically new. I can't wait to get them onto a trail or some rock and snow.

Good, solid boot - This is my third La Sportiva boot. I'm a fire crew leader so wear out a lot of boots (and feet). First was the Glacier, what a surprise! Comfortable, grippy but worn out after one season. Second was the Makalu. It should be tougher, and was: lasted two seasons. I'm replacing it with another pair. Plusses: comfortable, solid, good grip Minuses: fabric lace loops wear out (get a shoe repair place to rivet on metal loops), foot beds pound out quickly (so replace them) Overall: best boot for the job I've tried yet.

Excellent all round boot - I've used these boots for everything from ice field walking, through alpine snow and tussock country, to river walking and general tramping. Once they moulded to my wide feet they were excellent.

After wearing from time to time for the past year, mainly around town, some light hiking, my conclusion is that this boot is good in the summer/spring, and terrible in the cold. My toes freeze like no other boot I've owned. It is hard to tell whether they leak moisture or simply act as a heat sink; either way, I can't be in freezing temps for more than an hour before I can't feel my feet any longer. Also, eyelets have rusted in one of the boots. All of this is a bummer as the boots look and feel great aside from this major shortcoming.

Keep looking if you like long backpacking trips. I purchased my boots about 4 years ago. At that time the fit was perfect and I thought the boot was great, but it has changed over the years. I do long day hikes or 2-3 overnight trips in CO and MT with these boots. Until recently the sole began to fall off or break off. It is hard to describe. Almost a flaw in design. I don't feel that it is wear and tear, but La Sportiva warranty dept does. I paid about $260 dollars for these boots and would have expected a longer life from them. Although I use them for what they are intended for I am only a weekend warrior and can only get out maybe 5-7 times a season. Which could be a max of 28 hikes or a total of 280 miles, an average of 10 miles per hike.

Super comfortable, great looking, limited break in time. Specs do not say waterproof, but tag on boots does. Not sure who is correct. Laces wont stay tight unless double knotted. I would suggest a half size larger than normal.

Ordered half size up (foot length 27.5 cm , ordered size 43), to use with heavy socks at winter. The shoes feel perfect, comfortable out of the box. The great advantage is that this model has no GoreTex liner, so no more headache that shoe traps the water and releases it inside through hole in GoreTex which will appear sooner or later.

this is my second pair of Makalu. it's funny when you read the reviews of others, anyone who is purchasing their second pair is doing so because their first pair were either left behind, lost or stolen. which unfortunally was my case. i live in Colorado and I abuse my footwear. i also have the La Spotiva"s Korakoram and their Asolo which I wear for different reasons as well as their Glacier for expeditions. with that being said. if I had to choose only one as my " around town" to moutaineering every day boot. the Makalu would be it . i absolutely love these boots. you cannot wear them out. they feel more comfortable the more you wear them. i have friends that jump out of planes into forrest fires that swear by their flame retardant ability. i hope this is wrong,but I heard somewhear through somebody that they were discontinuing them. if that's the case, i strongly recomend you get a pair while they last . In fact; buy a pair for your whole family. they wont be dissapointed

Can't say enough about these boots. I've had mine for 15 years and they are still going strong. I am about to get them resoled for the first time as the lugs are finally getting low and the rubber around the front crampon slot is getting thin. They've helped me climb dozens of peaks in both summer and winter including Mt. Rainier and Pico de Orizaba. I've never had a blister in all those years. As others have said and as with most all boots, I would recommend upgrading the insoles. Keep 'em conditioned with Nikwax and yours may very well last as long as mine! Highly recommended.

This is my second pair of La Sportiva's and they are still the best right out of the box. They are very comfortable from day one with no issues. So far longest day was 12 hours carrying a 40 lb pack in Alaska and they still were great. My other pair is the Napal EVO and they are much stiffer, but excellent.

I have owned 3 pairs of Maks in the last 11 years (actually on my fourth). That should tell you what I think about them. I have used them for multi week backpacking trips, everyday casual use,...oh yeah...and work. I work in construction. These are my preferred boots for work. Stiff, rugged, well built. I work usually 6 days a week, 10-12 hours. These boots TAKE a beating. I'm a big guy at 280#. The steel shank gives great support all day long, no matter how long the day. Combined with good socks (I prefer Smartwool Mountaineering) these boots are comfortable into single digit temps (Though I switch to Lhotse's when it gets that cold) One recommendation, these aren't like regular shoes. You should try them on in a store and walk around in them for 5-10 minutes or more. Find THE BEST size for your foot.