This boot seemed to be just the all rounder needed in the British Isles:-
* one piece leather boot for waterproofness and easy clean 'n' care;
* 3/4 season stiffness for winter walking with C1 crampons and standing on small ledges whilst scrambling;
* climbing toe design (pointed toe, low laces, climbing zone sole); good ankle support with good roll for walking.
In short, a hard wearing boot for all mountain walking and scrambling. This boot was the only one on the market to meet all these requirements until the update of the Scarpa Manta this season.
However, the reduced weight is achieved by a reduction in foam padding in the cuff and tongue. The boot feels great in the shop and for the first 3 hours of a walk but after that the lack of padding causes the boot to rub holes and bruises around the shin.
I'm no wilting violet, managing 2x20km walks most weekends, thought I had feet of wood but my shins couldn't take my repeated attempts to wear these, even with extra socks. Have sold them and now prefer the new Mantas.
Sooo close, a little extra foam in the tongue would have have just made these boots a UK classic.
(Written by: KevinManc)