La Sportiva Nepal
The Nepal Top is the boot that sparked the movement back to leather in the mid-1990s. The original Nepal Top was uninsulated; La Sportiva then introduced a second version that had a layer of lightweight thermal insulation. The current incarnation of the Nepal, called the Nepal EVO GTX, has a Gore-Tex insulated inner bootie melded to a 3.2mm leather upper. The sole has a substantial lip at the toe and heel to accommodate step-in crampons. Both men's and women's versions are available. The men's version is yellow and weighs 35.7 oz., and the women's version is lime green and a little lighter at 30.41 oz. Both versions retail for $475 (2010 prices). La Sportiva boots fit medium to narrow feet.
Kayland Apex XT
The Kayland Apex XT is a lightweight hybrid boot, using a microfiber upper to reduce weight, instead of a traditional leather upper. For those who need a boot for summer mountaineering in the Cascades and Tetons but don't need warmth for winter waterfall ice climbing, the XT is offered in an uninsulated version. The toe and heel lip accommodate step-in crampons. An insulated version with Primaloft insulation offers greater warmth for winter mountaineering and ice climbing. The XT weighs 28.92 oz. and is only available in unisex sizes. The XT is $340 (2010 prices). Kaylands fit medium-width feet.
Lowa Silberhorn GTX
Lowa Silberhorn GTX has an all leather upper with a Gore-Tex liner boot and Primaloft insulation to keep your feet warm. The Silberhorn is fully compatible with step-in crampons. The split-grain leather upper flexes nicely, and the boot is cut a little high, offering more support and warmth. The boots weigh 39.5 oz. and come in a beige and orange color scheme. Lowa boots fit medium to wide feet best. The Silberhorn retails for $440 (2010 prices).
