#9 on this list
G2 Evo
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva G2 Evo is a double boot engineered specifically for high-altitude objectives ranging between 5,000 and 7,000 meters, as well as extreme-cold winter mountaineering in places like Alaska or the Andes. It combines the thermal safety and drying advantages of a removable liner with modern, fast-adjusting BOA dial closures. The exterior features an ultra-durable Cordura gaiter laminated to a waterproof membrane, sealed by an ultrasonic welded water-repellent zipper. The internal shell utilizes two separate BOA dials—one external for lower-foot tensioning and one internal for upper-foot lockdown. This allows climbers to adjust volume on the move without exposing their hands to bitter winds. Inside, the removable 6mm PE foam bootie can be pulled out nightly to dry inside a sleeping bag. While substantially lighter and more agile than 8,000-meter boots, the G2 Evo is still an expedition double boot. It is overly warm and bulky for mild summer Cascades routes or standard four-season lower-elevation peak bagging. However, for climbers targeting Aconcagua, Denali, or cold Himalayan peaks, it delivers a benchmark combination of warmth, packability, and fit management. **Highlights** - Double-boot architecture with a warm, removable 6mm PE insulating inner bootie - Dual BOA closure system allows independent upper and lower volume control - External lower BOA dial adjusts without opening the protective outer gaiter - Cordura integrated outer gaiter with waterproof membrane resists severe weather - Carbon-fiber lasting board supports automatic step-in crampons rigidly - Vibram Matterhorn outsole provides aggressive traction in hard snow and mud **Watch-outs** - Too bulky and heavily insulated for moderate summer alpine routes - Heavier than technical single boots at over 4.5 pounds per pair - BOA cable system requires field awareness to avoid rare snagging damage
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#10 on this list
Mont Blanc Pro GTX
Scarpa
The Scarpa Mont Blanc Pro GTX is a rugged, four-season single boot that bridges traditional leather durability with modern ergonomic flex. Targeted at alpine climbers who split their time between winter ice falls, mixed alpine ridges, and snow-filled couloirs, it offers rock-solid support and automatic crampon precision. The upper is constructed from 3mm Perwanger leather backed by a Gore-Tex Insulated Comfort membrane, delivering proven resilience against abrasive rocks and soaking wet snow. What differentiates the Mont Blanc Pro from boxier traditional designs is Scarpa’s Sock-Fit XT construction and an integrated mini-gaiter around the cuff. The elastic cuff seals out gravel and spindrift, while the tongue design wraps the foot smoothly without bunching or pinching. A full carbon lasting board gives the boot the rigid backbone necessary to power through vertical ice pitches with automatic crampons. The trade-off is familiar: at nearly four pounds per pair, it is substantially heavier than modern synthetic models, and the stiff sole makes extended trail hiking tiring. For climbers who prize the bulletproof lifespan of leather alongside a refined, modern ankle fit, it remains a standout. **Highlights** - 3mm water-resistant Perwanger suede upper ensures extreme durability - Gore-Tex Insulated Comfort membrane supplies reliable warmth and waterproofing - Integrated elastic mini-gaiter seals out spindrift, scree, and loose snow - Sock-Fit XT tongue design eliminates pressure points across the instep - Full carbon-fiber insole provides rigid automatic crampon support - Vibram Essential AC sole with deep lugs and a dedicated toe climbing zone **Watch-outs** - Substantial weight compared to modern fabric-synthetic single boots - Rigid sole board creates a clunky, stiff walking motion on dirt trails - Requires moderate break-in time before reaching optimal foot comfort
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | G2 Evo | Mont Blanc Pro GTX |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Category | High-altitude double boot | — |
| Weight per Pair | 4 lb. 10 oz. | — |
| Target Elevation | 5,000 to 7,000 meters | — |
| Closure System | Dual-zone BOA fit system | — |
| Crampon Fit | Automatic (step-in) compatible | Automatic (step-in) and semi-automatic |
| Outsole Rubber | Vibram Matterhorn | — |
| Inner Liner | 6mm removable PE foam bootie | — |
| Weight (Men's) | — | 3 lb. 15.5 oz. per pair |
| Weight (Women's) | — | 3 lb. 7 oz. per pair |
| Upper Material | — | 3mm water-resistant Perwanger suede |
| Waterproofing | — | Gore-Tex Insulated Comfort |
| Lasting Board | — | Carbon-fiber rigid insole |
| MSRP | — | Approx. $649 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
G2 Evo
- Removable 6mm PE inner bootie dries easily overnight in a sleeping bag
- External BOA dial allows forefoot volume adjustments without opening the gaiter
- Superb warmth-to-weight balance for 5,000m to 7,000m expeditions
- Rigid carbon-fiber lasting board provides secure step-in crampon interface
- Significantly overbuilt and too warm for standard lower-altitude summer climbing
- High price point represents an investment strictly for cold-weather specialists
- External BOA dial could suffer impact damage from rock or crampon strikes
Mont Blanc Pro GTX
- Thick 3mm Perwanger leather provides exceptional long-term abrasion resistance
- Full carbon-fiber lasting board supplies unyielding stability for steep ice
- Integrated mini-gaiter effectively seals out spindrift, ice chips, and scree
- Sock-Fit XT construction reduces bulk and instep pressure points
- Substantial weight compared to modern synthetic alpine single boots
- Rigid carbon sole platform creates a clunky stride on dirt approach trails
- Thick leather construction requires a noticeable break-in period
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.