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Lowa Ice Comp GTX Ice Climbing Boot - Men's

Lowa Ice Comp GTX Ice Climbing Boot - Men's description

The Lowa Ice Comp GTX ice climbing boot is specifically designed for high-performance vertical ice climbing. Developed by world champion ice climber Ines Papert, this fast mover is equipped with Black Diamond's Raptor bolt-on crampon. The whole set-up weighs up to a pound less than if you wore a traditional boot and crampon combo, giving you more energy to get up the ice. These low-bulk unisex waterproof boots are constructed with a split leather and synthetic upper with a Gore-Tex lining. The rigid nylon insole provides the stability and stiffness required for steep ice. The high sticky rubber rand increases durability and improves your smearing power.

I tested these boots during the Ouray Ice Festival and was incredibly impressed. Despite their light weight (or maybe because of it) they climbed ice very well. I found myself placing my crampons much more than actually swinging them. There is no comparison with regular boots when it comes to mixed climbing. The Ice Comps clearly win the battle. The built-in gaiters did a good job of keeping the snow out, and the Gore-Tex lining kept my foot dry when I stepped through the ice and into the river. These boots were a little snug on my very wide, high-volume feet, but they still did the job OK. They also run about a half size tighter than the regular Lowa ice climbing boots. My suggestion is to remove the heel spur unless you climb M10 or harder. It can be done with an allen wrench in about a minute. You have to approach in a different pair of boots, which is a pain, meaning these would be a very poor choice for the mountains. Ice and mixed cragging only.

what an amazing fruit boot! went up to vail and did some drytooling in the belfry and christened the boots on a route called svengali m9. the first time up the route it definitely took some getting use to. I own the new rambo 4's and they have a spur on them, but the rambo's spur is nothing compared to the raptors spur. I own lowa's mountain gtx boot in a size 10, so I ordered this boot in a size ten. the boot was way to small. I had to order up a 10.5 and that was the money baby! I know the rage now is to go bareback, but it is so cool hanging from your heel and being comfortable. Can't wait to get these boots on again. I did have to down size the sock. went from smartwool mountaineers sock to smartwool hiker.

Rock shoes with crampons. Performed exceptionally well on steep and thin ice. the raptor crampon doesn't shatter the ice. Just like having a pair of BD laser picks on your toes. Very agile boots.