In the winter in the mountains there is one place that won’t lie to you how it feels: your feet. I have been above tree line a ton this winter and wanted to get insulated alpine boots. I wanted leather boots with certain features. The Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX boots checks all the boxes:
- Leather
- GoreTex
- Wrap around rubber rand
- Integrated gaiter
- Auto Crampon compatible.
With a boot this burly you would imagine a 6 month to a year long break in. I took them on an 8 hour trip on our first adventure together. Not a blister. As for sizing, I always size up in Scarpa, whether it is trail runners or boots. I am 43 in Lowa, 43 in Ecco and 45 in Scarpa. The 45 fits me like a glove. You would think these high stiff boots would be uncomfortable, nope they are not the slightest bit uncomfortable. Wide toe boxes and no heel slop. They have a very rigid sole, but you want that kicking steps.
One thing you notice right away on the Mont Blanc Pro GTX is the integrated gaiter. When worn with my bibs that have a gaiter built in I have never had snow in my boots. Even through the longest days of stubborn I’m-not-putting-my-snowshoes-on post holing these have kept the snow out.
Next I’d like to point out the “ribs” in the Schoeller waterproof breathable tongue which relieve pressure on your foot. If you are cranking down the lace they spread the load over. I never felt any pressure on my foot, so they must be working!
The laces have ball bearings in the D-rings and a few hooks which you can use to vary the tightness across areas of the boots.
People used to call hiking boots “Waffle Stompers”, these Vibram soles are definitely Waffle Stompers. Deep tread and aggressive traction are what make up the sole of the Mont Blanc.
As you can see from the ledges on the front and back of the boot they are auto and semi-auto crampon compatible.
The Mont Blanc Pro GTX is insulated with Goretex Comfort Lining. These will keep you feet warm in really cold conditions. I only have had cold feet in them once, and that was because I was way underdressed for conditions. Otherwise they have been great. My fault, not the boots.
The only place where improvement could be made is the pull tab on the back of the boot. It is way too short considering the gaiter and size of boot. Not a big deal, it would just be easier to put on if it were longer.
I really, truly, absolutely love these boots. They are great for hiking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, etc. The fit is spot on for me, the warmth and water resistance is also top notch. I have used these kicking steps in rock hard snow, all day long in the mountains with warm feet and done some low 5th class climbing in them. They have shined in all uses. If you need a mountain boot that is insulated and comfortable get the Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX boots.
Scarpa Says: http://www.scarpa.com/mont-blanc-pro-gtx
We love classic routes, like the Trois Sommets on Mont Blanc or the North Ridge of Mount Baker. Long, beautiful position, varied climbing. The Mont Blanc Pro GTX takes our latest innovations – like SCARPA Sock-Fit DV, RIBS PU ribbing, and our integrated gaiter – and crafts them into our classic alpine boot. Sock-Fit workmanship lowers the volume over the instep, giving these a more nimble, modern feel. The PU ribbing, injected directly into the stretch-mesh Schoeller® tongue, disperses lace pressure for a plush, sunrise-sunset fit. Ice to snow to mixed, women or men, enjoy a modernized classic in the Mont Blanc Pro GTX.