Boots and footwear

Boots are the single most important piece of equipment for the mountaineer. An uncomfortable pair of boots can ruin your mountaineering experience.

You will only use one kind of boot on your mountain trip. It is not necessary to bring trekking boots in addition to mountaineering boots.

Supplying your own boots

If supplying boots we ask that these are your own boots (not borrowed), and are well worn in before your trip. If you buy new boots for your trip try to get out for a few (serious) walks in them.

Buying a new pair of mountaineering boots can be a considerable investment. Purchase your boots from a reputable gear shop, where staff can give realistic, and first-hand advice.

If in doubt, rent a pair of our boots - this will give you a good idea of what to look for after your trip.

Leather vs. Plastic boots

Most of our rental mountaineering boots are the plastic "shell" variety. We stock mainly Scarpa and Asolo brands in various models and sizes.

Plastic boots cope well with the variable New Zealand snowpack, and rough treatment on glacial moraine. They also offer better support for front-pointing, and for technical snow/ice ascents.

Technical leather mountaineering boots are increasingly popular with climbers. They perform well in the Southern Alps during summer, when snowpack depth is reduced. Boots should be rigid, well waterproofed, and crampon compatible.

Buy boots for the style of climbing you do

Choose leather boots for:

  • Alpine rock
  • Mixed climbing
  • Alpine pass crossings
  • Snow and ice climbing during summer months

Choose plastic boots for:

  • Snow and ice climbing throughout the year
  • Technical ice and alpine climbing (NZ Alpine Grade 4+)
  • Occasional alpine rock routes
  • High altitude mountaineering

Boots for MEC, Winter Mountain Skills, Local Heroes, or any short (1-3 day) alpine trips

Flexible soled leather hiking/trekking boots are not suitable. The alpine environment demands more robust footwear. Your boot's soles need to be rigid to help keep your crampons securely fixed.

Boot requirements

  • Single layer leather mountaineering (alpine) boots
  • Must have a rigid sole (fully-shanked)
  • Well insulated
  • Well waterproofed

Boots with a crampon attachment welt at the heel are ideal, but not required. Chose a boot with a generous rubber rand to reduce wear by rock abrasion.

Boot models to consider

Any alpine boot similar to those listed below will work well.

Contact us if you are considering a specific model of boot and have questions.

Hut footwear

Bring a pair of lightweight footwear for using whilst in the hut. They will keep your feet warm, and allow your (plastic) boot inners dry out. Choose either:

  • Crocs (Holey Soles)
  • Running shoes
  • Sandals
  • Jandals (or "thongs")
  • Polar fleece bivvy boots

Whatever your choice, hut footwear needs to be as lightweight as possible.

Pre-trip Information

The details to help you prepare for your Alpine Guides mountain adventure.

Topics Include:

How "hard" will the course be?

Are you ready? How does Mt Cook compare to Mount Aspiring? Read about Trip Difficulty ›