I’ve got 3 sets of boots:
Scarpa Mantra for proper winter stuff
Scarpa SL for winter hiking (but not much kick step and no ice climbing)
Salomon lightweight synthetic goretex boots for summer.
All have put in considerable miles, but all I wear these days is the SL’s.
Yeah, they’re a bit hot and clumpy for summer use or long scrambles, and my calves feel like they are going to explode if I’m kicking steps in snow all the way up a hill……but to be honest, they’re just so comfy and predictable that I can’t help but put them in the sack for every trip.
Scarpa have just brought out an updated version of the SL, which means the classic M3 (which about 90% of hikers will have used at some point in their life) can be had for £99 pretty much everywhere.
They look good, easy to maintain, are as waterproof as any modern membrane if you look after them every now and then…..and they just work. Mile after mile of not even realising you are wearing them, from 20 mile summer ridge walks, to crampon summits of BEM.
BUT….go try a pair. Boots are like the hill walking version of disc brakes, you’ll get on with some and hate others. But in terms of all round capability, you’ll never be left underdressed with SLs.
🙂