Mountaineering Boots:
A New Twist on an Old Standard

Figure 6: La Sportiva Glacier boot with cemented sole construction.

"Until a few years ago, it was uncommon to see wildland firefighters wearing anything besides traditional logger-style boots. That changed when some enterprising firefighters discovered that two models of mountaineering boots made by a company called La Sportiva met the basic standards required by Federal land management agencies; all-leather outer construction, lug traction soles, and eight-inch minimum height (when measured from the bottom of the heel). Firefighters who have switched to the La Sportiva boots usually cite comfort and/or lighter weight as the primary reasons for their conversion.

“As firefighters began wearing the La Sportiva boots on wildland fires, questions arose about their suitability for firefighting. Numerous accounts indicate the sole can separate from the boot upper when boots are exposed to fire-generated heat. Fire managers also have registered concerns over whether these boots are tall enough to adequately protect the lower legs and ankles of firefighters from common wildland firefighting hazards.

“In June 2005, the National Fire and Aviation Executive Board (an interagency board that provides guidance on Federal wildland fire policy) issued a memorandum confirming that these boots met the basic requirements for firefighting, but with an important caveat; ‘smaller sized men’s and women’s La Sportiva boots are not as tall as larger sized boots and may therefore not meet the minimum eight inch height standard.’

“Because of this idiosyncrasy, the NFAEB memorandum ended with the statement “it is incumbent upon each supervisor to insure the footwear being worn by their subordinates meet (sic) their specific agency standard.

“In spite of the height requirement issue, the La Sportiva mountaineering boots quickly became popular through word of mouth, and more firefighters began wearing them. Today, many hot shot crewmembers, smokejumpers, rappellers, engine crewmembers and others wear these boots on wildland fire assignments. Many converts to the La Sportiva boots prefer them over traditional logger-style boots, despite their known susceptibility to delamination of the sole from the boot.”

¹Boots on the Fireground: An Analysis of Interagency Wildland Firefighter Boot Standards, Tim Lynch, Project Leader, Missoula Technology & Development Center, August 2008, Introduction.

A few more tips to ensure the size you pick
gives you the fit you expect.

• LaSportiva footwear is made in European half sizes to provide the widest range of sizes possible.
  Use the chart above to convert your American size to a European size. Then go up to the next European size (or half size) to get the best possible fit.
• Measure both feet. If one foot is slightly larger than the other, select a size that fits the larger of the two. Whenever possible have your feet measured with a Brannock device by a shoe care professional. This is the most accurate method for determining your correct shoe size.
• Try them out indoors. When you receive your boots, we recommend first wearing them indoors on carpeting or clean floors for a few hours to ensure they're the right size. That will make it easier for us to accept a return if they don’t fit as you expect.

LaSportiva offers additional suggestions for sizing your hiking or mountain boots. They will help you make sure your new boots fit correctly before you wear them on the job—or before you even wear them outside, and it’s easiest for us to accept a return.

Most good boot fitters will measure your foot on a Brannock device. But overall length is only one element of boot fitting. Other factors such as heel-to- ball length, volume, and width are critical in gaining a perfect fit. The fit across the top of your arch is the single most important factor. What you’re looking for is the size that holds your toes ever so slightly away from the front of the boot while the lacing system is snug across the top of your arch. If the lacing system here does not hold your foot in place, the boot will not be stable on your foot while you walk. If the boot is too short, your toes will get smashed walking down hill. Too long and your heel will slide up and down and give you blisters. Be patient and make sure you’ve got the right size and the right fit before you hit the trail…or before you even leave the house.
© 2003-2009 La Sportiva N.A. All rights reserved.

• Try your new boots on over the sock combination you would normally wear and any orthotics or custom footbeds you use.
• Without tying the laces, stand and push your toes forward so they touch the front of the boot. You should be able to slip one finger into the space behind your heel. If there isn't enough room, the boot is probably too small and you should consider the next European half-size (or even full-size) larger.
• Tap your heel back in the heel cup and lace the boot snugly across the top of the arch. The boot should feel snug across the ball, around the instep, and in the heel. The arch should be comfortably supported and the toes should be free to wiggle and curl.
• The toes should not jam into the front of the boot. Check this by lightly tapping the toe of the boot into the floor. If the boot fits correctly, the toes should gently touch the end of the boot.