Answer

By GrahamThompson

Firstly, if the heels slip then they are not right for you. The fit can be improved with thicker socks in some cases or adding a thin liner sock inside your normal walking socks. What ever boot you choose, do make sure the heel fits well.

The Scarpa Nepal is an excellent 3-season - or B0 - rated boot. This means it is not as stiff as 3-4 season boots (rated as B1) or 4 season boots (rated as B2) and is not ideally suited to walking on snow and ice because it's sole isn't stiff enough for kicking steps into snow or wearing crampons. It's good for summer walking in Scotland, but not if you plan to hike in the winter snow. 

The Scarpa SL is a 3-4 season (B1) boot so a little stiffer than the Nepal and ideal for year round use when crampons may be required for short sections (use crampons with a C1 rating). Other similar models you could consider are the Brasher Aso GTX £140 which won Trail Best Value 3-4 season boot in the  December 08 issue, or Zamberlan Mountain Lite HBS, £155, which was Best in Test in the same issue. Other models include the Asolo Powermatic 500 GV and Meindl Nepal for example. Any of these would be ideal for you.

You could also consider 4 season (B2) boots such as the Scarpa Manta, which has an even stiffer sole. The Scarpa Manta GSB was Best in Test in the December issue of Trail review of 4 season boots. It is better suited for steeper conditions on snow and ice. It can be used with C1 and C2 rated crampons, and you can kick steps into the snow with the toe and edges of the boot.

If you want a boot suitable for the toughest snow conditions of Scottish mountains in winter, then ideally you should be wearing at least 3-4 season boots and a 4 season boot if you are planning on tackling steeper terrain. There are plenty of other models you could try in these categories if the Scarpa Manta GSB doesn't fit; Garmont Pinnacle, Raichle 60 Degree, Berghaus Kibo, Asolo Peak GTX, Meindl Matterhorn, Boreal Asan Verde, Scarpa Mirage.