Customer Reviews La Sportiva Karakorum

I did some research before buying these boots. I had my foot measured twice, just to make sure, and I visited the La Sportiva website which recommended buying a half size bigger. I followed their advice and they came in perfect. I took the factory inserts out and put my own in. I now have a little over 360 miles in them climbing, on and off trails, post holding through snow and snowshoeing. I think they are as close as you can get to a wonderful all around boot. Great fit, very supportive and a terrific value for the money. They seem very warm so summer use may be limited - we'll have to see. I would highly recommend these to a friend but with the understanding they make sure of the fit. That is critical no matter what boots you decide on.

This is my fifth pair of La Sportiva boots. I use them for fire fighting in BC. Had Glaciers and Makalus. The latter wasn't available in my size so went with the Karakorum. Ordered my usual size and 1/2 size bigger. Heard they were a little short. Liked the larger size better. Seem very comfortable and supportive. Had very good experience with the previous Sportivas so hope to have the same with these. Only concern with the Karakorum is the synthetic extending down the back from the cuff and may not be the best for fire fighting. Tell you in a couple of years.

These were purchased for my son, who is a real outdoorsman. His last pair (identical to these) lasted him about 10 years. He waterproofed them per directions from the manufacturer and loves them. He says they are true to size.

Fantastic boots, I’ve had these for about 6 months now and I love them. I’m a lineman and use these to climb poles, they have an extremely stiff sole and work perfect for gaffs. I also took these on my recent trip to Montana...fantastic for trail hiking and going to town. Would recommend ordering a half size up though, they can be snug in the toe area.

I have always had to purchase men's hiking footwear, because I have never found a good women's version for myself. When I saw this in the men's shoe section, I was very pleased upon arrival, to discover the inside label indicated men's and women's sizes. A feature I really liked was a a set of lace locking grommets positioned in such a way to keep the lower part of the laces snug. I have always had laces loosen on top of my foot and won't have that with these. It would have been nice if there was a second set of the locking grommets at the top of the boot so that, when the laces untie, the foot doesn't loosen at a very bad time during an outing and cause injury. I have had that happen with other boots. Like another review, I am having trouble keeping the laces tied and even knotted the laces and still they came apart. I don't want to change the laces, because they are quite robust and I will likely add some type of clamp. The boot is weighty, but not in a bad way. I did wish the arches were a little bit higher as I do not believe there is enough room to add inserts. The construction is fantastic and I am looking forward to having these for many years; and, although the price hefty, will be worth it as I do not believe these will wear out and need replacing for many years. I do foresee that it will take me about 6 months to break in these boots, especially around the ankles which were sore at first wearing and I expected that and was no big deal. One attribute that really won me over was the color - green - that really set this boot as fashionable to me and not just for extreme outings, but gentler ones in which, poking out from past the bottom of my pants, they would be acceptable. I am very happy with this investment.

These are amazing boots. There's a break in period, but they're super sturdy and comfortable once they're broken in. My only complaint is that the laces come undone.

I wear a 9.5 but this shoe at 10.5 jammed my toes