Mountaineering Boot Comparison - Trango Tech vs. Aequilibrium LT vs. Charmoz HD

An in-depth comparison of three popular mountaineering boots. All three are great boots, but each has specific pro's & con's. Which one best suits your needs? Watch the video and find out!
TL;DR version -
La Sportiva Trango Tech - Lightweight and comfortable. Built for easy to moderate objectives. Durability is a concern
La Sportive Aequilibrium LT - "Do it all" boot which offers versatility and performance, all with a wide toe box. On the heavier side and can cause shin irritation and heel blisters.
Scarpa Charmoz HD - Heavy duty mountaineering boot build for big objectives. Quality and durability are the name of the game, but come at the cost of increased weight.

[@thecolorclear]

THANK YOU, I’ve been looking for a good preview of the Aequilibrium, specifically the stiffness. This helps me out a ton, thank you again.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Happy to help. It's a great boot!

[@TheAminem84]

That was a good thorough review and answered almost all my questions. Thanks.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

You’re welcome! Happy I could help.

[@aledzack82]

This is great as like you I also wear wide boots and Altras trial runners. Tried on a pair of the Aequilibrium today and was surprised how well they fit. This video just nailed them as the boot for me. Cheers.

[@davidstark9558]

Fantastic! Thanks for letting me know. Happy to help a fellow wide-footer :)

[@snakeriverscotto]

I blew the toe box stitching out of the Lowa renegade in 2 months. They I tore up a comfy pair of Solomon 4D’s. I went to the Crispi Summit and scouted, hiked and hunted from April through December this year; they performed perfectly. I’m looking at the new Aequilibrium for a stiffer boot for my first climb above tree line in the rocks. Thanks for showing the flex.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Happy to help! Sounds like the Aequilibrium could be a good option for you

[@ThatRoadtripYoutube]

Fantastic review! Thanks for being thorough and not talking out of your ass like most youtubers these days. Happy climbing!!!

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Thanks! Glad I could help! I've been known to talk out my ass every now and then, but tried to keep it on the straight and narrow for this review.

[@GSUnit21]

Amazing review my brother can’t believe therebIsn’t that many on these awesome boots. I literally just picked up 2 pair of trango on a 75% off sale for $50 each lol so I was super excited. The sizing for me was way off. I’m usually a size 11 and all my other boots, and had to go a full size up to a 12! Which is a 46! So glad I tried them on. They only had one size of each! For me being comfortable is the most important factor. Like you said when you put them on the tongue is so plush! I’m really glad I got two sizes so I can experiment with insoles and different socks! Really appreciate the video!!

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Happy I could help out!

[@jasyamaha]

Very good, thank you. There's very little content online about the Equilibrium. From what I see here the Aequilibrium sole might be to stiff for weeks of trail walking in the Himalayas with a double boot in the backpack.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Glad to help! The Aequilibrium definitely has a stiff sole, though it is comfortable enough to walk long distances in. I've gone 10 miles in dirt and rocks in them and stayed comfortable. The real sacrifice is the extra weight you're carrying on your feet with these as opposed to lighter hikers/trail runners

[@TheoParis-vu7tt]

Thank you for this vidéo very intresting and complete !

[@markgardner1988]

Follow up to my full review. My stiffer Nepal Evos are challenging for climbs with long approaches before you hit snow and ice. That's what makes the Aequilibriums perfect. They are good as an approach shoe and very good on snow and ice. Of course you should still take at least micro spikes if not crampons. Fully automatic (step-in) crampons don't work with these boots as you have noted. Only the semi-automatic with plastic toe bales. Also, the Aequilibrium does have one set of locking lace hooks at the ankle. They don't seem quite as secure as the locking hooks that you get on Scarpas or the stiffer La Sportiva boots, However. On one of my hikes I had to cross a river and the Aequilibriums water proofing kept me dry (I think) from about 4 inches of water. Sweat is what I mostly felt in the boot upon returning home. Lastly, they now (2023) also have green and black trim as apposed to Yellow and black versions. I found that the Yellow toe got very scuffed up on my first outing which I thought made them look too scruffy. I exchanged mine for the black toe with green trim when I sized up to 45. Avoid synthetic sides if you are going to wear crampons. I promise you your crampons will tear the synthetic sides.

[@DumpTrump4TRE45ON]

What I really like about the Aequilibrium because its slight stiff quality helps my back, feet and legs be less tired if I am carrying a heavy boot. I also used extra waterproofing on them. I like that you can get down to quarter sizes and their toe box is a little narrower. The Aequilibrium is great for snow shoeing. Most of the year I am on snow and ice, these are Alaska worthy.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Yes, they are great boots! Great for Alaska (summers) :)

[@markgardner1988]

I typically wear 10.5 - 11 sized shoes and boots. My more serious heavy stiff boots are 44.5 La Sportiva Nepal Evo. I love them but some times they are TOO HARD. For summer, warm weather, glacier hiking I wanted something lighter. I tried and tried to make the Trangos work for me. I tried both 44.5 and 45. But they were TOO NARROW. By the way, the synthetic sides got chewed up by crampons for many reviewers so I was only trying the leather sides. I only recently discovered the Aequilibriums. I chose the leather sided LT ones for the reasons that I explained earlier. The Aequilibriums have been perfect for me for so many reasons but especially for the width fit. I tried the 44.5 which were a perfect fit widthwise but my toes got jammed into the front on the steep descent. I then tried the 45. I think they are going to work for me. I've had them on the same steep decent and the width feels acceptable but my toes do not jam into the front on the descent. I have been wearing them in winter only and I usually wear very heavy wool sock. I love the aggressive rocker heel and tread. Even without my spikes and crampons I get a fair amount of grip on snow. After three trips I think I'm going to love my La Sportiva Aequilibriams LT boots in a size 45 with very heavy socks. JUST RIGHT. I may never go back to my heavy and stiff Nepal Evos except maybe for ice climbing.

[@briandoolittle3422]

I think La Sportivas reputation for 'narrow feet' is actually for narrow heals. I have narrow heals, but have a moderate/middle toe box size. I prefer La Sportiva because of that. This review was super helpful in getting a proper idea of the Aequilibrium. Thank you. Ive never used the Charmoz, but I own a pair of Trango Techs and the comparison was super useful.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

I would definitely agree with that sentiment, just most of the forums you see online will label Sportiva's as narrow, but will not specify which part is narrow. The Aequilibrium's are great, but the heel is definitely just on the cusp of being too narrow for me, still love them though. Glad I could help!

[@ryder6070]

Excellent, thanks

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Happy to help!

[@Mojorisin1293]

Great video my dude.

[@tadejjurkovic8819]

Man, I couldn't wish for a better review especially on Aequilibirum. I also have kind of hobbit feet - wide, low to moderate arch and I wear 44.5 in La Sportiva. I haven't tried Aequilibirum yet cause my first impression on them was, narrow in toebox, narrow in midfoot, high heel and really stiff. But after this video, I'm going to try them tomorrow at my local store. Tight heel could be a problem but let's see. Thank you for this breakdown video.

[@xSHARK11x]

Glad I could help! I would say that the Aequilibriums definitely fit different than they look, at least for me. I'd love to hear what you think of them after trying them on tomorrow! Your thoughts might be beneficial to other's perusing the comment's section as well.

[@tadejjurkovic8819]

So i tried them and I got to say, these boots felt amazing on my feet. They were really roomy in toebox considering they look kind of narrow, heel was locked but still had enough space to feel comfy. And the midsole is really soft and cushy. But I was kind of surprised by the weight. They advertise them as light, functional boot but they felt a bit heavy. I'm currently on my Salewa Crow GTX which are more of an approach boot but feel lighter on my feet although they are only few grams lighter. Anyway, that won't put me off acquiring the Aequilibirum since they tick off all other boxes. Just gotta justify the financial sacrifice somehow :) Thanks again!

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

@@tadejjurkovic8819 awesome! Thanks for letting me know how the fitting went and I'm glad they fit the bill! I agree that they aren't the lightest boots in the world, but I Iove the fit of them, just like you did

[@sdemosi]

I was similarly put off La Sportiva because of the narrow fit but I was surprised by the Aeqilibrium and some raptor 2s I tried on. Much roomier than I thought but very locked so less chance of blisters. La Sportiva make some great shoes. I also liked the Mammut Taiss Mid light but they have a fussy "anatomic" fit where some Mammut boots fit great for me and others have pressure points I couldn't live with. The Taiss was very good, Ducans not so much. I'm not a fan of boots where I have to size up (I'm already EU 47-47.5) to get a comfortable toe box because the designer envisaged a wearer with a narrower forefoot or slanted toes (I'm more of a gentle plateau) . My experience with sizing up is I lose precision and get blisters from foot slippage. I've been wearing Scarpa's for years and they fit my feet well but the stiffness and lack of cushioning of many models can be disappointing. Sometimes I feel my feet will break before the Scarpa's do. I've tried various insoles but not really been happy with how they change heel placement and drop.

[@NBay_]

Thanks for comparing, I Been told La Sportiva is a narrow boot , along with the scarpa. I Have med size feet and the Scarpa Manta Tech was a bit to narrow for me. So I will give the la sportiva a try..

[@davidstark9558]

I've found that Sportiva has a wider forefoot area, but possibly a narrower heel. Hope you find a boot that fits!

[@NBay_]

@@davidstark9558 I ordered a pair…hopefully it will work out :)

[@human-b3b]

Thank you a lot for the comparison. I am looking for a boot that could get me on top of Kilimanjaro, Mount Blanc in the Summer or Ararat and some more technical stuff in the Winter under 3k. It seems that Aequilibrium would be a great addon to some lightweight hiking/approach shoes. Thanks again, great material.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Yes, the Aequilibrium would work perfect for those types of climbs. Glad I could help out! Happy climbing!

[@user-se2eo5yr4r]

Hi, did you buy them? I move to the Pyrinees so I’m also doing mostly Stuff under 3500 but sometimes with ice and snow in the summer, lots of scrambling, planning on doing Mont Blanc next year, biggest issue long approach walks, currently using my Altras untill the terrain becomes technical and I switch to boots, but would love to fins a boot I could walk 15-20k before start climbing

[@tyrionas]

I personnaly own the Aequilibrium ST (synthetic version) which is marked as 630g for a size 42 (lighter than all the other shoes you reviewed) and I must say that I am very happy with them. I saw in the comments that some people are worrying about the stiffness while hill walking but to be honest I haven't felt it at all. the shape of the heel and sole is made so you can walk properly without the ski boot feeling and sometimes I am even sad that they aren't a bit stiffer. Also on my aequilibrium, the first two hooks are actually locking the laces, not sure why you mentioned that yours didn't have a lace lock system

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Glad you like the ST's! I love my LT's and strongly considered going synthetic instead. I agree, they are very flexible for a mountaineering boot, I've used them mainly as "approach" boots thus far and been very pleased. Thanks for the correction on the lace locks. They are subtle wedges inside the loop holes, so hard to tell unless you're really looking. That being said, I'll say that the Charmoz definitely provides a more locked in lace lock. But that's not a deal breaker by any means. Hope you continue to enjoy your ST boots!

[@tyrionas]

@@mr.persnicketyreviews4655 yes indeed, those are not full blown mountaineering boots but more like all around mountain boots for hiking, scrambling and glacier crossing. When I will start doing some proper mountaineering above snow line and full crampons walking I will probably invest in something more substantial like the Scarpa Phantom Tech (I've got my eyes on those for a while now but couldn't justify buying them)

[@Saemidem]

@@tyrionas super happy with my synthetic ones. When it comes to the phantom techs, make sure it's not the older model as the zipper is garbage. I also found the lacing in them to be super annoying and it would always get loose which is a damn nightmare when climbing. Got myself the g5 evo instead, haven't given them a proper test yet but feel better on that only trip I did in them.

[@tyrionas]

@@Saemidem Yeah those are common flaws I have read about the phantom. That being said there seemed to be a way to attach the laces so it didn't move. i have read that the G5 Evo gaitors are not waterproof though, the zipper let's water come in.

[@MrCbrehaut]

I have the Aequilibriums and at 10 to 20 degrees in Las Vegas over at Mt Charleston snowshoeing my toes get cold when buried in fluffy snow for a long time. I wear a 13.5 size and can only fit one pair or wool socks on with a synthetic under it because the toe box is too tight. I have wide feet. Other than this the boots are great. I had a pair of the Lowa Renegades but the stitching on both boots disintegrated at the toe flex crease position after about 30 miles. They lost the waterproof because of this so I returned them to REI.

[@xSHARK11x]

Glad you like your Aequilibriums! I agree, I think 10-20 degrees may be the lower limit that one could comfortably take these boots too, they are "3-season" boots after all. Snowshoes can also compound the problem as they will almost definitely cut off some circulation when you strap them tight. Sorry to hear about your issues with the Lowa's. I've loved mine, but have also heard grumblings that they've had a some manufacturing issues in the years after I purchased. If they hold together, they are really great boots. Plus they come in wide versions, which was a big plus for me.

[@emilianogiorgis6048]

Awesome review! Im looking for a pair of boots to do both via ferrata in the summer and long distance trekking like the Everest Base Camp trek. Do you think the Aequilibrium leather are ok for that? Or maybe the synthetic model? Thanks!

[@xSHARK11x]

These boots are good for trekking because they are very sturdy, but also relatively lightweight. I’ve never done via ferrata, so can’t really speak to how they’d perform there. The outsole does have really good grip, but they certainly won’t be as nimble as other climbing or approach shoes. I went with the leather over the synthetic model because leather is easier to re-waterproof, and tends to be a little more durable. Hope this helps!

[@TereWild]

Thanks for the video! The Trango Tech you use it for summer hikking as well? how do you fell with them? Thanks!

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Yes, you could use the Trango's in the summer as well if you need a rugged pair of boots. Though, they are both heavier and warmer than a pair of light trail runnning shoes would be. So, if conditions are not too technical, usually I lean towards trail runners.

[@Alcatraz345]

Would the top version with the gaiter be any hindrance to the lace versions' three-season capabilities? And would you happen to know how much better the BOA Fit System locks you into the boot versus laces and whether it's worth it? Thank you for your insights; your video appearing in search results was a godsend!

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

I don't think the top version with gaiter would significantly change the 3-season capabilities of the boot. It may make it slightly warmer, since you are adding an additional layer, but not significantly so. I don't think the BOA fit system would necessarily give you a more "locked in" feel. The main benefit of BOA is that its simple, easy and infinitely adjustable. But, you are locked in to the traditional BOA lacing system; whereas with regular laces I can use specific mountaineering lacing techniques that keep my heel locked in place (look up mountaineering boot lacing for examples). Overall, the BOA Equilibrium look nice, but they weren't worth the extra price for me and I wear gaitors up to my knees on all my climbs anyways. Hope this helps!

[@tyrionas]

as far as I have tried, the Synthetic version of the aequilibrium is already fully waterproof, I never had a leak with them. I think the top version with the Gaitor is mostly for the extra warmth and truly awful weather conditions.

[@yordanpetkov4679]

Hello. And in winter conditions, has the shoe la sportiva aequilibrium lt been used and how does it fare at minus 10 degrees

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Do you mean at -10 degrees Celsius? That temperature would be pushing the limits of what the Aequilibrium is meant for. It is not insulated at all, so it’s really meant for spring/summer objectives. I, personally have never gotten below -5 C with the boots. Hope this helps!

[@tedcota]

Hello! Do You think they are warm enough for 4000-5000 altitude, one day trip? Snow and ice.... I will go in Ararat, 5000 m altitude. Thankyou!

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

I'm not sure of the average temperatures on Ararat, but I would not recommend using any of these boots for objectives where temperatures will be below ~25F (~-5 C). They are 3-season mountaineering boots, so they really aren't meant for much below freezing. Hope this helps!

[@mihaibalan1917]

Hi did you try trango leather? I wish to buy them for snow and some low technical parts for max 3500m altitude.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

No, unfortunately I haven’t tried the leather Trango. Would imagine the fit and feel are quite similar to the synthetic. Just may be slightly more durable and more water resistant

[@SkillCollectors]

My toes freeze in the trangos. I tried a whole size up from the ones I ordered and they're just not good for anything colder than 40s in the snow. I thought I could use them to snow shoe here in NV where it doesn't really get too cold. Pretty disappointed in them. Looking at getting the scarpas.

[@xSHARK11x]

Interesting, I'm sorry to hear that. Did you notice that the boots were cutting off circulation? The Scarpa's are a great boot, though I will say that they may be a bit overkill if you only plan to use them for snowshoeing. It's also worth noting that all the boots I reviewed (Scarpa included) are 3-season mountaineering boots. Meaning they are not designed for winter climbing. If you have trouble keeping your feet warm, you may want to look specifically for boots with insulation designed in to them. For example, the Lowa Alpine Expert, or the Columbia Bugaboot (non-mountaineering). Hope this helps!

[@SkillCollectors]

@@xSHARK11x at first I thought it may have been a circulation issue. The first time I used the boots for a big climb was on Mt Whitney's mountaineers route and thought ok, this is probably the wrong boot for this. So later I tried a whole size up and loosely laced doing some snow shoeing around the mtns in NV and the same thing happened, very cold toes. I do plan on hitting bigger objectives with mixed climbing so I think the scarpas will serve me well until I need something warmer for bigger objectives (hopefully). Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check those out! My favorite hiking boots are definitely Lowa Renegades.

[@tyrionas]

@@SkillCollectors you should probably get either a good 4 season boot like the Scarpa Mont blanc, La Sportiva Nepal GTX or Scarpa Phantom Tech. However if you really plan on going for colder and higher altitude stuff, you should get a proper double boot like the Scarpa Phantom 6000, La Sportiva Spantik, etc.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

@@SkillCollectors I gotcha. Well the Scarpas will definitely work better on more technical climbs, can't go wrong with them. I love my Lowa's as well, such a great boot, and they've lasted forever for me!

[@peterlopez8641]

Would any of this boots be good for the Narrows hike ? Considering the boot would be under water?

[@xSHARK11x]

All of these boots include a waterproof membrane which will keep water from reaching your foot. This is assuming of course that the water does not reach above the collar of the boot. Based on my knowledge of the materials used in each boot, I would rank the Scarpa as the most waterproof, followed by the Aequilibrium LT and then the Trango Tech. However, you may not notice a big difference between any of the boots because, like I said, the boots are designed to be waterproof. It's also worth noting that these are mountaineering boots, and would likely be a bit "overkill" if you are just planning to use them on the Narrows in Zion NP. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions!

[@brianrodman1033]

are you hiking it in a day or will you be spending the night at the designated camp spots? A pair of sturdy sandals like Chacos and a much lighter hiking boot, something with some ankle support but more of a day hiking boot may be easier for negotiating the slippery rocks in the river. Most importantly bring either sturdy trekking poles or a stout walking stick. We bought walking sticks from the visitors center I believe and they were absolutely worth their weight in gold. It would have been miserable without one, especially on our second day when the river was no longer clear as it had rained like crazy during the night.

[@chrissommers2598]

Great video! Do you have a set of crampons you recommend to pair with the Aequilibrums?

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Thanks! I've been using the Grivel G12 New-Matics and haven't had any issues. I know another person who climbed Mt Whitney with these and a pair of Petzl Vasak crampons. Both are great options!

[@chrissommers2598]

@@mr.persnicketyreviews4655 Thanks! Just picked up the G12 new-matics. I've heard great things about them. Thanks again!

[@dobry_czlowiek]

How does Aequillibrium with crampons on steep ice climbing? They feel super soft to me comparing to other winter technical boots

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Yes, they are somewhat soft. As such, I would NOT recommend the Aequilibriums for any ice climbing or winter mountaineering objectives. These are spring/summer boots built for 30-50 degree slopes.

[@ukaszs4671]

Do you think the sole is stiff enough? Have you got any issues on a moderate snow of 30-50° using the crampons with a stiff bar? Maybe it should be use only with flexbar? Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@karlymotxo]

So if I use 44'5 in the Trango, should I buy a 44 in the aequilibrium? Plz help

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Yes, that would be my recommendation, depending on how loose/tight your current Trango's feel. The Trango runs a half size smaller than the Aequilibrium. Hope this helps!

[@LadyAaa95]

I just bought aequilibrium LT, and i am so dissapointed in the fact that they are too narrow in the front and i feel like my fingers are being pressed by the material even tought i dont consider myself having wide feet. Does someone know if they are going to get loose or i have to take my mind off of them and return them? I whouldnt want that because they are the most confortable stiff boots i have ever tried. Great video by the way. Because of your video i decided to buy these boots 😊

[@xSHARK11x]

Sorry to hear that your boots aren't fitting well. I'm wondering if you may need to size up a little? In my experience, the boots have not loosened up very much. I would say that if you are not happy with the fit right now, it likely will not get better over time.

[@PFevre]

je pense juste que vous vous êtes trompé sur la taille commandée ?

[@LightweightUK2007]

Try a half size up, I’m size 8 and the 8.5 is a better fit for me in the LT

[@vibefrequencyable]

do la sportivas tend to fit small? size 44 trangos felt tight on me ..size 44 scarpa fit perfect. input?

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

The Trangos felt tight for me as well, I think they tend to run small. The Aequilibriums fit true to size. Hope that helps!

[@Jbl42280]

Hello Vibe! Are you still wearing 44 trango? If yes what's your experience? My scarpa size is 41.5 which is very comfortable and more room for my feet as well. I ordered LS trango of size 42 and now I am worried about being small or tight on me. Although the length on centimeter they(LS) showed should fit me which says 26.5cm=41.5 and mine feet is around 26.3cm. Apart from that a thick socks will be a problem.

[@michaelfrymus]

AEQUILIBRIUM LT GTX Is this okay as a regular hiking/backpacking boot for all season hiking? - Not all my hikes require scrambling or mountaineering, as Im looking for an overall good boot for regular and technical hiking - My current Zamberlan leather boots are a bit heavy, still like these it seems, but they are great and I like them. But, they are coming to an end of its life, and would like to get something better. Also, what about resoling the boot?

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

I think the Aequilibrium's could work for an all around hiker. The biggest downsides to them would be the weight and stiffness. They will be stiffer than any regular hiking boot, which could cause some discomfort when trekking over long distances. Regarding the weight, I would weigh your Zamberlan boots and see how these compare at 640g. Weight is critical to saving energy when hiking long distances.

[@michaelfrymus]

@@mr.persnicketyreviews4655 these boots appear to be as stiff as my zamberlan boots. I prefer stiffer boots too. My boots are WAY heavier. 3x's heavier than these.

[@michaelfrymus]

@@mr.persnicketyreviews4655 Adding on to this, how is the ankle support on these? It seems as though there isn't any as its very flexible

[@xSHARK11x]

@@michaelfrymus The boots are fairly flexible, making them good for scrambling. But, I would say that they still offer pretty good ankle support. I've never been worried about rolling my ankle wearing these.

[@Tucsontrailrunning]

How do the Aequilibrium fit? True to size? I was looking at doing a 44.5 instead of my usual 44.

[@xSHARK11x]

Yes, I would say they are true to size. I bought a size 44.5 and they fit perfectly. For reference I wear a size 11 Lowa Renegade (wide version), Size 10 Altra lone peak 5 (wide toe box), and a size 11.5 Vans Era.

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

@@xSHARK11x any idea size if I wear a 44 la Sportiva nucleo 2 boot? 10.5/11 USA size?

[@jenshoefer7944]

I can confirm they are true to size

[@anmolacharya7872]

Are these compatible for 6000m peaks?

[@davidstark9558]

Most likely not, but it depends on the peak. None of these boots have any insulation, so they would not be recommended for temps that are below freezing. Hope this helps!

[@anmolacharya7872]

@@davidstark9558 Surely, thank you.

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

I’ve got so many boots none of them seem to work for me. Always problems somewhere

[@kamaleshvenugopal9257]

Thanks for the good inputs 👏 can you also tell about the feet warmth in these boots

[@davidstark9558]

None of these boots are insulated. So they are meant for spring/summer mountaineering objectives. I've taken the Aequilibriums down to 20F (-6C) and been comfortable-ish.

[@davidecallegari2009]

ciao wich one is the best for ferrata? grazie

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Of the 3 shoes, the Trango Tech would likely be best for via ferrata. It’s the most versatile of the 3

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

Curious why you chose the aeqiilibrium LT instead of St ?

[@user-mw2vn7pv8n]

Imo Aequilibrium is not stiff enough for mountaineering. Front stance sucks, side stability is like a sneaker. They do feel good but really wouldn't take them on scrambling/climbing.

[@dobry_czlowiek]

Aequillibrium VS Ribelle family - any thoughts?

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

I’ve never used the Ribelles, based on a cursory glance, they appear to be similar to the Aequilibriums. But, they may be slightly stiffer/burlier. The Ribelles are about 50g heavier, so that’s a downside. But the H-Dry membrane on the Ribelles will do better under wet conditions.

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

Ribelle Techs have absolute NO water proof ness I’ve tried 2 new pair both got wet in just wet grass or wet snow immediately; terrible boots. Ribelle HD destroy the backs of my feet at Achilles heel area. They both look like they be great boots but they’re definitely not.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

@@user-nw2si7hu3u have you tried holding the boots in a bucket of water up to the eyestay to see if water leaks in? If so, you may have a faulty membrane and should contact Scarpa for a warranty replacement. If not, then you may just need to re-waterproof your boots. The water resistant coating on the outside of boots wears away over time and need to be replenished to maintain water resistance

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

@@mr.persnicketyreviews4655 hi thanks. Yeah I tried scarpa wouldn’t do anything for me. It’s not the outer it’s that B dry or H dry “sock” that they said is supposedly like a gore Tex but it doesn’t work at all but since I walked around in wet grass outside they refused to help me out. Very very disappointing tbh and not cheap. They were barely worn and I tried 2 pairs same results both times. Instant wet toes after just a walk in wet grass and melted snow. Csnt imagine using them in freezing mountain conditions ever.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

@@user-nw2si7hu3u sorry to hear that. Though I must say that I’m skeptical of what you claim. As I said, I would dunk the boots in water to be sure that the issue is actually a faulty membrane. You should be able to hold them underwater for ~10 seconds without water getting in.

[@donalddarko3676]

trango tech it is then

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Great choice! Super lightweight boots, and comfortable!

[@marky470]

I have the Trango Tech Leather GTX. I wear a mondo size 26.5 in alpine racing boots and a US size 9.5 street shoe. La Sportiva recommends going a 1/2 size larger so I went with a 43. Overall they fit well. The shoe is narrower overall (I have a 100mm last and these are snug) and tighter in the toe box as was mentioned in the review. A little concerned about possible shin irritation on long hikes as the upper flexes quite a bit but time will tell.

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

Curious about the aeqiilibrium. My scarpa Ribelle techs have ZERO water resistance the get wet instantly, Ribelle HD destroy the back of my feet and render me unable to even wear shoes for weeks after one hike. Whatever the rear part of the boot is called is just a torture device that digs into your Achilles heel and tears it’s ass out.

[@mr.persnicketyreviews4655]

Yes, if there is one downside to the Arquilibriums for me it has been that they can cause heel blisters sometimes. I’m able to avoid it by wearing very wicking, breathable socks and using moleskin blister tape every time I wear the boots. Other than that, they are fantastic boots. Also, to be honest, I haven’t found another boot that doesn’t tear up my heels.

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

@@mr.persnicketyreviews4655 hi. Interesting. Yeah they gouge such bloody holes in the back of my feet I can’t even wear shoes for a week after a hike in them which is such a shame as they are so close to being excellent.