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Hello im from Scotland and im 17 and learning to drive and i cant wait to have the freedom to explore Scotland's mun-roes. I have done Ben Nevis when i was 15 and done the West highland way when i was 11 or 12 cant exactly remember but you inspire me to do this exploring so thanks man.

Thanks for this Murray. For me, the most important thing for any boot is the fit. It doesn't matter how good they are rated by reviewers or who the manufacturer is, if they don't fit your feet, forget it. I've made some very expensive mistakes buying into a reputable brand. Your advice to go to a shop is absolutely right. There, providing as you say, you have someone who knows what they are talking about, you can avoid problems. I have very awkward feet with high arches, narrow heels and wide toes, and a whole size difference between each feet. On one occasion I had to buy 2 pairs of boots, each of different sizes to take account of this because I couldn't get one standard pair to fit my feet properly. Customised foot-beds, made specifically for my feet, have also been a life saver, preventing my feet from rolling around inside the boots and giving me good support on the hill, and helping to reduce heel slip as the standard foot beds were a waste of time for me. Salewa boots are my go to brand now, precisely because they fit my feet and are really comfortable. For someone else though, they may be a disaster.

Something about La Sportiva boots, I had the same ones you showed and had the same issues when traveling on rocky terrain. However, love their trail running shoes, very grippy soles. This was quite an informative and straight forward video. Footwear can be a journey for some people but seeing folks out in the wrong footwear is always eye catching whether it’s flip flops in summer or light boots in winter. It’s alway interesting to see just how far they go before luckily turning back. I enjoy your videos, thanks for posting. Greetings from an expat in Oregon.

@scotlandsMountains - Don't suppose you might consider an updated version of this video? I know your not keen on these things, but I find the content insightful, especially with your direct delivery. Cheers! (and keep up the great work!)

I’ve started wearing Han Wag boots, Incredible straight out the box.

Thank you so much for this video. Really shows how you listen to your viewers and give them what they want while being informative and friendly. As one of the people who asked about boots it is especially meaningful to me. I ended up going for a cup of tea at my neighbours' and being given a hardly used pair of B1 Meindls. What a score! Best cup of tea I've had for a while😉

Thanks for the shout out! I can now rest peacefully tonight. I actually went for the Scarpa Manta Pro GTX and G12's so happy to see that was a decent choice. They fit my feet well but I haven't had chance to sample the crampons yet! Maybe in a couple of weeks fingers crossed. I like the gear style videos.

Hey Murray, I was searching for the right boots for a long time. They have to be waterproof. Now I have the Hanwag Alaska GTX, and absolutely love them. They fit as good that i could wear them for years. Absolutely waterproof (I was standing for 2-3 Hours in 15cm of Water to Photograph a burn). These boots also have a system to absorbe every step, so my knees dont die ;-) Thanks and take care! Cheers, Stefan

Good to see someone discussing boots that you can see they have actually worn. I am pushing 70 now, so I don't do much serious walking anymore. I still do a fair amount of low level hiking however and for this I use Oboz, Bridger walking shoes which I purchased from Nevisport. They are well made and waterproof, but the thing I like about them is that they have a normal heel, but a really wide front. I always have difficulty finding a good fitting shoe or boot, as I have a wide foot and usually have to compromise by getting a shoe size too big. These shoes fit perfectly and I have never had a blister when using them, even when they were new. I can't say that about any of the other boots I have worn over the years. Keep the videos coming.

This is such valuable info and really well presented too. I'm shopping for boots, obvs and will be in the Cotswold shop at Silverburn tomorrow for a fitting. Turns out the Goretex in my Asolos is done in as I discovered on Friday on Arran walking through some pretty boggy terrain. I had another long hike on Sunday so Saturday was spent drying them out! I'm really glad to have found your channel. I watched your video going up the steepest mountain in Scotland above Knoydart while bingeing content and drying out my Asolos. Keep hitting record!

I was wondering when you would bust out a gear review and luckily it's just the one I need! Awesome video :)

I have Scarpa Manta's and when I purchased them they were too small in my normal size and anyway, ineeded to go up half a size due to the need to wear thicker winter socks. These were great at first but the heal lift was a bit too much for me so I bought some (expensive) green Superfeet insoles and all is now good. Thanks for doing another gear chat, always nice to know what others are using and their thoughts on it. Keep up the good work. I'm hoping you'll have snow up there this winter as i'm up with my lady doing a winter mountaineering course in the Cairngorms this February. ATB

On your La Sportiva Trango with heel lift one thing to consider is superfeet trail blazer insole. What they did with that insole is put a deeper pocket for the heel to ride in to help prevent heel lift. I bought some for another reason and that was to help a volume issue. They do have a very deep heel pocket and they are thicker. This means there is more arch. Once you get used to them they are comfortable. With a heel lock in the boot I don't have a heel lift problem and the insoles don't interfere with it. With slightly wider feet then medium I can't fit into a lot of these kind of boots. Boreal Trygliv is one that I can get my feet into. I think this is rated at B2 with automatic crampon compatible. I also use some Scarpa.

Would love to see a vid like this for all gear

Very interesting what you say about the la Sportiva Trango Tower boots, i had the tower gtx and sold them after a couple months as they just kept trashing my feet as well no matter what insole or lace pattern i used and they where the only boots i ever used that give me heal blisters, but then the Nepal evo gtx and Nepal cubes are super comfy so proves that foot bead design in different models is very foot dependant and not just brand specific. For summer and lower level winter and long distance hikes i use Hanwag Alaska Gtx and they are the most comfy boot i have ever worn. Great video. Cheers.

Great review, as mentioned, good to see them actually worn. I find boots are really down to fit but the info on why you had particular boots was more valid. I too live in solomans every day, have meindl Burma for winter walking and looking at the scarpa manta at the moment for crampons. Great videos bye the way.

Very informational Murray! Great job. Glad you post for people to give them the best help and advice..🙂😊

Love that you put the answer to the questions in the title of your vids!

No sweeter words to my ears than Murray saying: "Let's got through to my gear room"

Till this day I still do not understand why high-end manufacturers do not offer the same model of boots for different feet types. Thank you for that video ;)

Still use an old pair of Scarpa's just for dodging about locally, no tread but still waterproof. Recently bought a pair of Mammut Mercury II and I'm quite impressed, been through some boggy marshes and streams and done the job so far. Only thing is they're not crampon compatible. Nice bit of info Murray 👍 Ps.... Other boots are available 😊

I also have the Manta Pros that I use in winter and they are brilliant. Been looking at a pair of Salomon boots to use in summer.

What a coincidence, I'm literally looking into buying new boots at the moment. Very useful tips. It's interesting what you said about the Sportivas and blisters etc, I've heard many folk say that.

Good to hear your personal views Murray and as requested, here are mine. La Sportiva Nepal Extremes are my 'go to' winter mountaineering boot. The adjustable tongue allows for perfect fit and I've had them re-soled twice. My three season boots are Scarpa Marmolada Trek and Marmolada Pro. Both are very comfortable straight out of the box and both take a C1 crampon if I come across a patch of spring snow or ice. One thing I would add is that I always remove the insoles that come with the boots. They are usually thin and offer little support so I replace them with a pair of footbeds. There are loads of those on the market and everyone will have their own preference but mine is the Sidas 3D Comfort Footbed. All the best and let's pray for more snow!!!❄❄

Thanks for the video! The newer Scarpa Manta Tech is available in half sizes too now.

I love my Scarpa SL boots and Altberg Tethra, the Altberg if you go to Craigdon Mountain Sports Sports Edinburgh they have the largest stock of Altberg boots to try on. You won't regret trying them and I reckon you'll buy 2 pairs

Great advice Murray, especially about going into a shop and asking their advice, always good to buy from that shop too rather than buying online. My local Tiso has been the best for help from anything from boots to jackets and packs.

I think you would have a laughing fit if you met me on the mountains. I generally wear the Salomon XA 3D Pro in most seasons. I have used them in snow with spikes, obviously not crampons but only locally for a wee day hike if it is snow, I don't do the level of winter hiking that you do. To me though they are proven on trails, I went through only 2 pairs hiking 2000 miles across New Zealand, I've had them on gnarly Scottish mountains as well as trails across Europe and they are just so good, perhaps because they fit me so well. I am looking at changing up possibly for the upcoming Wainwright's Coast to coast followed by the Scottish National Trail but who knows. One thing I do though and this is purely because I do long distance hiking often is to buy the non goretex versions, at the end of the day your feet will get wet on those trails, if they don't then you'll have walked enough to have built up such a sweat in the feet you'd think you had, non goretex helps my feet breath a lot easier and when they do get wet they dry out quicker as you walk I find, although my last trip up to Crianlarich had me wondering why I didn't just wear my wellies such was the bog level.

Recently purchased some Scarpa Ribelle Tech OD. Unbelievable boots, Lightweight and so comfortable over technical rocky ground. Also gaiter/Sock built into the boots. They are a superb B2 boot. Less ankle support than other boots however the movement I get is a good sacrifice in comparison to the positives the boots provide. Especially when over technical ground. They are a good price at £330 plus but worth it.

Thanks for that ! All the best. Forgot to mention ; I had seen a certain lady wearing a high heels trying to climb a Ben Giewont in the Tatry Mountains. Precious :)

Kinesiology tape if anyone suffers from blister apply before you go out or when your breaking in new boots.

Mantra Pro's are awesome in winter except for the crappy insoles,I would defo change them out to supafeet or similar. Summer I use and love Scarpa rebel lites again with non scarpa insoles. As you mention though,very important to try on,especially with Scarpas as their shape don't fit everyone's foot. Great insight Murray

I have the same sportivas for winter, brilliant boot! Spring through to autumn I use lundhags which are brilliant but not designed for step in crampons. I’ve got an old style set of strap fittings that do quite nicely!

The Salomon boots are the X-Ultra and they get very slippery in wet conditions. Lately Salomon have releaed a magnificent range of trailrunning shoes, that are very agile and grippy. An example are the Salomon Sense Ride. This type of shoe will make you walk faster and have good damping. I would recommend traditional boots only in muddy or snowy conditions.

Interesting stuff Murray . Thanks for sharing . Personally through all the boot types I’ve had over the year Han-wag boots are the go to ones for me 👌👌

I recently got a pair of Scarpa Charmoz, similar to your Trangos. Dead pleased with them 👍. Got a pair of Salomon boots that are very comfortable but always found the grip on them, poor.

Good info on boots Murray, here’s my tupence worth.Had meindl vacuums great boot until descending where I kept getting bruised toenails,tried different lace techniques didn’t work. Bought saloman 4 quest 3 season boots. Great boot. Then bought a winter boot Salewa raven gtx winter boot which damaged my Achilles. Would have torched them if they weren’t so expensive. Just back tonight from a winters skills course up in Ben Nevis and glen coe. Hired scarps mantas b2 boot; brilliant by the way. Then did a scramble in the wet up gearr Anoch grade3 and used my salomans which were great as well.so in any terrain that didn’t need crampons it’s salomans all the time, even wear them with flexible crampons if not too steep.

Could you make a video on how gear has evolved over the past 20yr? I’ve been out of the game for that long and would love some content to bring me up to date.

Why 6 dislikes? Might be someone's jealousy ,fantastic video, all explained with videos in places to show the difference. Wait for another one with the jackets and trousers you are using, great way to find out about the gear without having to spend my own money on useless items.

I've walked loads of munro's with a pair of adidas sambas, quality man

Thanks for that informative video . Would be nice to see a video of how you layer up and what clothing you use. 👍👍

Thanks for another top video. Just ordered my third pair of Mantas today. My favourite boots are the Chamoz (definitely need a resole) sadly not robust enough for Scottish winters for me. Reading the Manta is using the Chamoz last I have high hopes for narrower toe jams : )

Great video mate .I walk a lot of miles on the roads .fields manly the flats what would you recommend 👍💯

I got heel rub from scarpa manta pro's from my heel slipping. Ended up changing them for mammut magic gtx high and they fit perfect. Tip for heel rubbing was using KT tape from boots or amazon on the heels. worked perfect and allowed me to continue walking in my new boots with blisters from the mantas! Scarpa and La Sportiva are known to have a thin foot profile so if you have wider feet then try mammut or meindl

Nice film Murray, Please do more if possible. I like the Scarpa boots too, And i need a 10-5 size for my size 10 feet. I also used to have bad blister problems too. But i put big plasters on the parts of my feet where i get them before i go out and it has cured the problem. I have even seen myself putting masking tape on too LOL! But it does work :)))) Happy new year Murray, All the best for 2020. peter :)

Great reviews, I love my Meindl boots though!

I have been looking for a warm B2 for here on the Sierra Navada ( spain ) the Scarpa Manta looks a good possibility but unavailable locally so would have to risk a mail order and try and find a European supplier due to import duties from UK . I think the problem with the Trango Tower is that from its specs it is probably a lightweight B3 so making it literally a pain for hiking

La Sportiva Boulder X GTX for summer and Nepal trekking. Scrapa Freney XT for winter/Ice

Have a look at the Engo Blister patches for boot that rub. My boots have them and they actually work.

I use a pair of Mammut trail gtx. No longer part of the range. On to my fourth year, and still going well. Use them all year round.

My Meindl Matrei GTX Comfort Fit fit like a pair of comfy slippers from day 1 over 5 years ago. GTX liner blew after 3 year, stitching after 4. Had them repaired and still they are oh so comfy. But in wet grass my socks get wet..... I'll keep them for the Dutch dunes but get something with less stitching before we wonder off again for more serious hikes.

I am looking to buy some boots and I was drawn to scarpa as a brand after watching some videos. The B2 boot seems a great shout for a fellow “tight” Scotsman that I could wear all year round if needed 😃😃. Would you recommend getting a half size bigger in them, it seems to be a common theme when watching reviews on a lot of boots. Love this video 😃

Hi murray very interesting vlog Its good to see what other people use My boots are hanwag tatra and salomon quest 4 gtx tatras for winter salomons for summer Thanks for that murray atvb chris

I got a pair berghaus hillmaster boots, really nice properly waterproof boots that can really take a beating for a pair of boots at roughly £110. Really agree with the point of trying the boots on before you buy, makes the world of difference when your getting a set that your going to be wearing over some pretty rough terrain!

Ahhh the Manta problem. I wish Scarpa would do half sizes. I float about in my Manta's as well - love them though.

Thank you for the information…Trying to figure out which is best Manta tech scarpa or Ribelli

Definitely need to try them on in the shop. Recently got Mammut Ducan Mid GTX online as a summer boot. Brilliant construction and design in many ways but the toe box volume is too small. They just don't work for me. Mammut Kentos are fine jut the Ducans may as well be from a different manufacturer. It's a problem I rarely had so I thought they were fine until a short walk convinced me otherwise. I've had more consistency with Scarpa fit.

Only time I wear boots is if I need crampons. For everything else ( including winter ) trainers lighter dont spend my days tripping over everything and also stopped rolling my ankle ( past injury with steel pins) same as worrying about keeping feet dry its pontless.. I have worn them everywere in the nz nepal and all through the alps.

Very well described. One request though. Ditch the Bond villain laugh. Bit creepy. 😆

I was recommended the Mantas but in the shop they would slightly crush my feet behind my toes. Other brands of boots done the same but were much worse than the Scarpas. I ended up going with the Ribelles, much more comfortable.

I love the Mirages as a summer mountain boot. I bought them as a lighter backup to my Mantas and Vegas in winter, but have ended up using them exclusively as summer boots. They were perfect for 4 days on the Coulin Ridge and a 'warm up' over Aonach Eagach on the drive north last May. What makes them so good (for me anyway) is that the stiffened sole allows you to get an edge on small ledges and stand easily. For general winter the Mantas are great. The Vegas are for ice climbs with a short walk in.

Oddly enough, the cost of the boot is directly proportionate to the level of pain they inflict. Case in point, plastic double boots. A true sadist designed my Scarpa Invernos. Makes me appreciate going where I can wear my mukluks.

Do you still use the la sportiva boots? If so how is the waterproofness and the durability? I'm out for a new pair of boots but can't decide whether it will be leather or synthetic. Thanks.

I still have my Scarpa Attacks. Almost 25 years old. Mainly use them on the motorbike. There's about as much grip on them as a bar of soap. ;-)

Great video thanks for posting. Can you recommend any shops for buying boots/equipment in Glasgow?

With high insteps/arches I can't wear Scarpa/La Sportiva. Salomon and Garmont are the only ones that fit me. Salomon XA alpine 2s are my favourite. Also the arc'teryx acrux boots look interesting.

I've never had a better fitting pair than the Trangos, BUT after 3 months the Vibram soles are becoming shredded, especially at the toe.... how long did your Trango Vibram soles hold up? I only have like 400km on mine. Everything else about the boot is superb, hardly shows any wear elsewhere.

Scarpa only does FULL European Sizes no half sizes, (if you go on their website you will see the sizes they do) so you wouldn't get UK half sizes. Also due to the European size system being different to the UK size system. You don't find a size UK6 or a UK10 however, size 39 is a UK 5 1/2, size 40 is a UK 6 1/2 also size 44 is a UK 9 1/2 and size 45 is a UK 10 1/2. Berghaus do some good boots as well like their Hillmaster Boots which i walked from Lands End to John O'Groat in 2018.

Interesting article Murray. I used to use old Mantas in the winter, and Zamberlan Mountain lite (both rocked the old bullet proof Vibram IceTrak sole unit. I used an old second hand pair of Koflach clima-comprex for Ice stuff. I really believe that manufacturers are ripping us off nowadays, I get that thinner sole units are lighter, but my new la sportiva trango have worn through after 2 years (15 trips !!!!!!) A lot of cash for the privellage. Lightweight is good, but durability is pretty important too. Espec as boots these days are £££££££££££

Some fine boots there! I’ve recently bought the Scarpa manta pro’s with the grivel air tech crampons and I’m loving the boots, just a shame I couldn’t test the combo out on my recent trip to the Cairngorms due to lack of snow!

I have tehnica boots for hiking and i think they are very good, but i didnt take one number more and have problem when go dawn.

Hi Murray, I struggle with heal rub on my scarps boots and I’ve found a strip of KT tape on my heal stops any blisters..... thank god as it’s a hell of a lot cheaper the comped plasters👍

I have la sportiva tx5 low shoes awesome shoe but the ortholite insole ruined the experience for me as i have pretty flat feet, i bought some dewalt workboot insoles and they have made such a transformation, i recommend to experiment with a good insole (not always the most expensive ones) which can improve your walks/climbing no end

For my feet I can't recommend 'Adidas Terrex Swift R2 Mid GTX Shoes' enough. Never had a boot so comfy while being decent performing at a reasonable price, so much so I have the boots and the shoe version lol. 13.5 size feet its always been a nightmare to find something that fits perfectly full stop let alone trying to get specialised gear to fit without the dreaded blisters you mention, its a problem for most gear to be fair be it coats or trying to find a 38 inch leg waterproof that isn't just designed for skinny bean poles. They wouldn't be suitable on high wintry hills of course but I've covered some snow,rocks and steep hills in them and never even thought about them

Great video Murray about an often overlooked topic..One quick question, any thoughts on micro spikes?..only for lower snow slopes/easy ascents not scary ridges of course but have found my Kahtoola ones brilliant.. I just went through my own "bootgate" saga....like you I've got big feet (UK size 12) and so many places even in London just don't stock the sizes so I had a total of 7 come in after buying online to replace my brilliant 8 year old Meindls. (alas the model I had long discontinued),,tried AKU, Salomon, Salewa, Asolo etc...all went back due to fit issues..ended up buying one of Meindls "comfort fit" range..which are wider etc than normal (maybe my feet have changed !!) but for anyone having size issues for their bigger-than-normal feet I really recommend to try them...I always say as well its worth wearing them around the house for at least 3-4 hours before deciding as they'll not take em back once used !

Nice video, thanks for shearing 👍🏻👍🏻🇳🇴

Nice one Murray, really enjoyed this one. However, not sure what to make of a man with 10 pairs of boots! atb

The LS Trango line is notoriously oddly fitted.I have other boots in the Trango line, and they all fit oddly. I like them, but a lot of my friends just cant wear them. Ive been looking in to the Trango Tower Extreme for winter, that's how I found your video. I'm fairly confident the Tower Extremes are B3.

Fantastic impartial review. You obviously know your boots. Thanks for sharing. BTW have you ever used Meindl boots and have you any opinion on them?

I bought a pair of Scarpa boots about 25 years ago from Tisos, can't remember the exact model but they were a solid heavy boot that took a crampon. Used them regularly and they were the comfiest, driest boot I ever owned. I took them with me when I emigrated to Australia but they were far too hot and heavy for walking here so sent them back to my mate who got about another 10 years of service out of them! I've got a pair of Scarpa Peak now which are also pretty comfortable but light enough to wear for autumn and winter in Australia. I'd imagine they'd be a bit too light for anything other than summer hiking on decent paths in Scotland. I had two pairs of Merrell GTX boots here but both leaked and had slippy soles that wore down quickly. Not sure if they sell Merrell in the UK?

Great vid! What is the name of the Rab piece you're wearing?

Tried so many makes of boot but always seem to return to Scarpa as they suit my narrow foot more. Not tried La Sportiva yet though

You can get your Scarpa Boots resoled at www.scarpa.co.uk/resole-service/ or the following which does Scarpa and other boot makers at www.resoles.co.uk/

Oh, the comments are on the bottom again... I prefer boots from Meindl. They are great and reliable.

Started with hired boots then had timberland chuka for 6 years now cant see passed scarpa 3 pair summer to winter

Very informative Thank you

I’m in need of a new set, the regattas I’ve been wearing have been brilliant but they need replacing! Been hiking through Glenfeshie today and my feet are no staying dry anymore lol

Thanks for the review. I can definitely vouch for trying on boots. I recently bought some Scarpa Triolet boots online in a size that was slightly larger than my usual boot size. Sadly I found their sizes to run small and as such have a pair of once used boots sitting around gathering dust. Unfortunately we can’t readily get these boots where I live, so trying on isn’t really an option. The question is, do I buy a size larger than the last and hope for the best or give up?

I just picked up a pair of Trango towers, what is your opinion on them for winter, late summer. Are they any good for ice and snow?

Please, please, s'il vou plait, backpack choices next!!!! I've seen a Montane in a few videos but haven't been able to identify some others.

Are there any boots that stand out for providing the grip on rocky footpaths etc. Just from your personal experience and what youve heard from others? . Thanks

Fell runners go over all sorts of terrain in all weathers,the wear super lightweight trail shoes.Why not use these outside of winter?

Brilliant video but by your choices it looks like you have narrow feet. I am looking at getting a pair of la sportiva tx5 for summer boots but worry they are a little too warm. With your trangos have you tried loosening the laces and just doing them tight onto your ankle, this way looks really well for me on other boots.

Hi there. I do a lot of alpine hiking in Germany and Austria and have been using those Trango Towers Extreme as well. But: The sole is a complete mess already, although it should be really durable and resist almost everything you do. I'd be interested if you also witnessed a lot of wear-off already. Would not recommend those at all to be honest, thinking about purchasing Scarpas instead. All the best, Max

Loved my Scarpa Mirage boots years ago but the GSB Crampon attachment on the sole unit was a very bad idea and dangerous..

Hi Murray, thanks for all your work on these videos - I'm an addict. I'm a frequent wild camper around Scotland and keen to keep pushing my own limits but have spent most of my days on moderately groomed tracks i.e routes up Etchachan, Devils staircase, Lost valley, and the odd glen here and there - mainly in fall/winter/spring. I am equipped with some pretty bunk knees, which improve with physio, and was hoping you might have some insight in which boots might be best for me? I'm currently walking with Solomun Quest 4d (which I love but are slowly dying) and would like to find something a bit more supportive and which I could grow into for the likes of the Cuillins etc. With that (limited) information, would the Manta Pro GTX be too much for me?

Hi Murray, I know this is an old video but would like your opinion on either approach mids or a b1/2 boot for all round use, focusing on a lot of walking and scrambling. I have been considering Scarpa- manta or ribelle lite Salewa- crow or Raven. I currently only own Salomon quest 4d and the contragrip sole was horrible on wet ground and lacing system is little iffy. Thank you you

love the accent too

Thank you for sharing. What’s the name of the Scarpa at 10:10?