With more than 75 years of experience Ellis Brigham have been at the cutting edge of UK mountain footwear retail. The founder of the company was one of the pioneers of mountain footwear manufacture and people travelled for miles to visit F. Ellis Brigham's Manchester shop and discuss nailing patterns and other specific requirements. Over the years, we worked very closely with key European boot manufacturers being the first to bring iconic mountain footwear names such as Galibier, Meindl and Dolomite to the UK market, placing these new brands alongside our best selling FEB Mountain Boot. More recent times have seen the advent of fabric and suede uppers, waterproof breathable inserts and low cut approach footwear. This year we continue to see new products emerge to answer the demands of fast moving, multi disciplined mountain athletes as well as the ongoing evolution of the classic alpine mountain boot as a light, precise footwear tool. You cannot doubt our commitment to outdoor footwear: we have 154 different models across all outdoor disciplines with lots of female specific models from which to choose. Above all, comfort is the key and there is no doubt that whether your outdoor experience leads you to gentle hills and moorland or windswept ridges and craggy alpine peaks, Ellis Brigham's selection and unmatched experience should make us your first choice for outdoor sports footwear.

BOOT & CRAMPON COMPATIBILITY (by Nigel Shepherd)
It is vitally important that you select the correct crampon for the boots you are going to use on snow and ice. Inappropriate compatibility is extremely dangerous. Some years ago a grading system for compatibility was introduced which works very well. The grading system was devised by Mountaineer and Mountain Guide, Brian Hall on behalf of Scarpa. It should be stressed that these are only guidelines and should be used as a supplement (not a substitute) for good advice from experienced shop staff, experienced mountaineers or mountain guides.

CRAMPONS - click here for all our crampons
Crampons are made for different purposes - walking, mountaineering and ice climbing and need to be compatible with the boots they are fitted to so they work in harmony. Even relatively stiff boots can flex and the crampon has to be able to flex and twist to stay safely on the boot. Crampons have two components which define their use and hence their grade. The metal spiked base, which can be hinged (articulated) or rigid depending on model and the strapping or binding system which secures them to the boot.

	These crampons are used for walking. They are generally made as a hinged flexible 8 to 10 point crampon with or without front points attached with straps. Boots in the B3 category are ideal for C3 crampons and will also take C2 and C1. Boots in the B2 category will also take a C1 crampon. At the other end of the spectrum a B1 boot could only be recommended with a C1 crampon.
	Articulated multi-purpose mountaineering crampon with 10 or 12 points including front points. Attached with straps all round or straps at the front (ideally with a French ring system) and clip-on heel.
	Technical climbing crampons which can be articulated or fully rigid technical crampon attached by full clip-on system of toe bar and heel clip.

BOOTS - It is absolutely vital to choose the right boot-crampon combination and take expert advice before kicking your first step in snow.

	Most two and three season walking boots are not recommended for crampon use. They are designed to flex for comfort and do not have sufficient lateral and longitudinal rigidity in their midsole and as a result crampons cannot be fitted securely and may fall off in potentially dangerous situations. Additionally the upper is often made of soft calf leather or a combination of suede/fabric that compresses easily under crampon straps causing discomfort and cold feet.
	Four season hill walking boots usually have a reasonably stiff flexing sole and the uppers provide enough ankle and foot support for traversing relatively steep slopes. When fitted with certain types of flexible C1 crampons they are suitable for the easiest snow and ice conditions found when hill walking. They are for emergency and occasional use when crossing a short patch of snow or ice, rather than setting out initially fitted for a full days walk.
	Leather mountaineering and four season mountain walking boots have a stiff flex with the equivalent of a three quarter or full shank midsole and a supportive upper made from high quality leather (probably over 3mm thick). These boots can be typically used all day with C1 or C2 crampons, for example on the easiest Scottish snow and ice climbs and straightforward alpine glacial terrain.
	Leather mountaineering and four season mountain walking boots have a stiff flex with the equivalent of a three quarter or full shank midsole and a supportive upper made from high quality leather (probably over 3mm thick). These boots can be typically used all day with C1 or C2 crampons, for example on the easiest Scottish snow and ice climbs and straightforward alpine glacial terrain.