Mountaineering Boot Buying Guide

These are your traditional walking boots. B0 boots are more flexible in the soles and uppers. They are comfy out of the box and ideal for general hillwalking below the snow line. B0 are not compatible with any crampons due to the amount of flex. You can use micro spikes with B0 boots, but these should only be used when there are little bits of ice and a lot of exposed rock.

B1-rated boots are all-around walking boots which are compatible with crampons. They are the ideal choice for when you might need crampons but won't be using them all the time. They feature a still sole and torsional stiffness. They will also have a full rubber rand around the boot plus a solid sole unit suited for a variety of terrain. B1 boots prioritise walking comfort over technical mountaineering capabilities. B1 boots are only compatible with C1 crampons.

B2 boots are the mountaineering boots you will see the largest range of in-store and online. They are designed for more technical ground, whether that be rock, ice or snow, but still have enough flex for regular walking. They feature: a welt on the heel, a full rubber rand, decent stiffness and a more technical sole for rock scrambling and steeper terrain. B2 boots are compatible with both C1 and C2 crampons. There is a wide variety of B2 boots available, with more flexible options ideal for cross-over seasons and lower gradient, longer walks. To much stiffer and heavier options built for more challenging, steeper terrain. B2 boots are ideal if you want to progress in your winter mountaineering. They are still comfortable for the long walk-ins but allow for more demanding topography.

B3 boots are the most technical boots out there, designed for full-on mountaineering with steep and challenging terrain. They feature toe and heel welts, stiff soles and uppers, and are generally taller and feature a full rubber rand. C3 boots are compatible with C1, C2 and C3 crampons. Due to their stiffness and sole being flatter, they are not as comfortable for long walks.

For the highest and coldest climbing, you'll want to choose a double boot. Double mountaineering boots have a structured outer boot and a removable insulated liner. They are designed to maximise warmth inside the boot. The weight and bulk of double boots reduce agility. This makes them too cumbersome for approaches below the snowline. BOAs allow them to be adjusted on the fly, even whilst wearing gloves, tight for technical climbing or looser when standing at the belay.

Some C3 boots combine a traditional single-boot shell with a built-in gaiter that extends over the ankle and lower calf. This integrated design offers added insulation and weather protection without the need for a separate gaiter. They’re generally lighter and more streamlined than double boots, making them ideal for technical climbs in cold, wet conditions where every gram matters. While not as warm as a full double boot, hybrids offer a good balance between performance and protection.

Crampons are an essential piece of winter walking kit if you're out on the hills and looking to go above the snow line. 

This guide highlights the features and benefits of walking, alpine and technical axes. Plus, some of the different leash systems and accessories that are available.

This guide takes you through the different elements to consider when choosing crampons. Crampons need to be compatible with your boots to work correctly.

This guide to ice climbing highlights key aspects that you should consider before tackling the intense conditions found in winter climbing.