Raichle All-Degree Pro SL Gore-Tex® Mountaineering Boots - Waterproof (For Men and Women)

I give these boots 5 stars because of construction and use for light mountaineering. I bought these boots for some winter climbing here in NH. I went with the suggested 1/2 size up, the toe box fits snug but not too harshly with a thin sock, the heel felt a bit roomy compared to the toe box. I put on a thicker wool sock and at first the toe box was a bit tight but the heel filled in. After just a few minutes walking around the house they started to break in. The ridged shank was awkward but only at first. The lacing system tightens nicely but was hard to find the right combination of tightness for comfort. I needed to tighten the laces really tight in order to get the desired support laterally. The boots materials will resist moisture absorbtion added to the gore-tex lining for warm and waterproof boots. I think this boot is perfect for winter hiking and light mountaineering where step-in crampons will be used. I would say that using these for backpacking is possible but the stiff shank makes it more difficult if some steep scrambles are to be climbed. I would feel more than comfortable climbing Mt Washington in winter with these. I am confident that they will be warm enough for me, although someone that gets cold feet often may disagree.

I wore these for three days in -5 degree F temps while walking through four feet of snow. My feet were never cold or wet. The boots performed well in vertical situations and were comfortable on flat terrain as well. I haven't used them for ice climbing yet, but the stiff sole leads me to believe that they'd perform well. They're significantly lighter than my buddies plastic boots, and teamed up with aluminum crampons, I left my team in the dust. All around, I have no complaints and a lot of praise for these boots.

These boots require no break in period. I've never had a blister with this generation of Raichles. I've only worn these particular Raichles snowshoeing so far, but I intend to replace my plastic climbing boots with these boots. I love them and they feed into my passion for red shoes!

I have been looking for a gore tex boot that offers great warmth while camping the backcountry . These do better than my merrel snowmotions and are also great for snowshoes . I can carry a larger load in my pack or polk with these and my feet don't get sore . A added aftermarket insole is a good idea althought most hiker do this anyways .

I got these because they were a super bargain. They climb pretty well but I prefer a boot that comes up just a bit higher and gives more ankle and shin support for long approaches and boulder hopping. I was excited to get these because they have a much simpler lacing system than the LaSportiva Ice Evo - AND because they are alot like the (more refined?) Mammut Mamook. The laces on these seem to loosen up even if you double knot - Could be because there isn't much rocker, these things walk like planks. I have a high arch, but this boot feels like it has a low arch and is a little painful when tight. The more I use em' the less I like em' - probably going to give em away. The more I use the Sportivas the more I like them. For long approaches I still use my Lowa Mountain Experts - but need a resole!