View source for Mountaineering boot

{{Short description|Footwear for mountain climbing}}
{{refimprove|date=September 2009}}{{No footnotes|date=October 2021}}
[[File:Boots, mountaineering (AM 2014.7.95-4).jpg|thumb|Mountaineering boots from 1961. They are a copy of the model that [[Edmund Hillary]] used on [[Mount Everest]] in 1953]]
'''Mountaineering''', '''expedition''' or '''high altitude boots''' are a type of footwear used in [[mountain climbing]]. They are designed specifically for moving over harsh terrain.

==Design==
Not to be confused with [[hiking boots]], mountaineering boots are usually taller, stiffer, and insulated. The boots can be made of [[leather]], [[plastic]], or modern synthetic materials like [[Kevlar]].<ref>{{Cite book |title=Mountaineering: the freedom of the hills |date=2010 |publisher=Mountaineers Books |isbn=978-1-59485-137-7 |editor-last=Eng |editor-first=Ronald C. |edition=8th ed./50th anniversery |location=Seattle |editor-last2=Van Pelt |editor-first2=Julie}}</ref>
 
[[File:Mountainboots.jpg|thumb|From left to right: two rock climbing shoes, approach shoe, hiking boot, a leather mountaineering boot and a plastic mountaineering boot. The mountaineering boots are fitted with automatic crampons]]
The extra height and stiffness of mountaineering boots helps support the climber in steep terrain where flexible boots could cause unsure footing and possibly result in a fall. This extra stiffness is traditionally achieved through the use of a full steel [[Shank_(footwear)|shank]], though some manufacturers have begun to use [[carbon fiber]] to create the necessary stiffness.     

[[File:Mountaineering Boot Ad, 1911.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Mountaineering boots from 1911]]
Mountaineering boots are typically designed to be used with [[crampons]]. To achieve compatibility with crampons, welts are moulded into the toe and heel of the boot, providing a platform for the crampon to attach to. The stiffness of the boot enhances the precision of the crampon and allows a climber to pursue steeper and more difficult terrain.

Another important aspect of mountaineering boots is warmth. To prevent [[frostbite]] in extreme cold conditions, synthetic insulation is incorporated into the boot. Lighter weight boots are classified as single boots. These single boots are insulated as a single unit with the insulation being permanently attached to the rest of the boot. Double boots, another classification, typically consist of a non-insulated leather or plastic outer shell with a removable insulated liner. The purpose of a double boot is long-term protection from cold weather. If the liner becomes wet, it can be removed from the shell and dried inside a [[sleeping bag]]. Since the insulation cannot be removed from single boots, they are not ideally suited for multi-day cold weather excursions.
==Other uses==

Mountaineering boots are used for [[ice climbing]], mixed (rock & ice) [[climbing]], and [[crevasse]] traverse and [[crevasse rescue|rescue]].  They are not completely stiff like ski boots as they need some degree of flexibility for activities such as [[hiking]] and [[snowshoeing]].

The versatility of these boots also makes them popular for other activities. With their durability and extreme-weather adaptability, they are worn by snow-plough drivers, cable car operators, mountain rangers (especially in the winter), rescue paramedics, ski lift operators and [[snowcat]] drivers.

Mountaineering boots are generally considered to be too stiff for [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]] on established trails.

In recent years, companies have been making mountaineering boots to be NFPA compliant so they may be used in [[wildfire suppression|wildland firefighting]].

==See also==
* [[List of boots]]
* [[List of shoe styles]]
* [[Approach shoe]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{commonscat|Mountaineering boots}}

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120313095426/http://www.spadout.com/w/mountaineering-boots/ Mountaineering Boots] - Spadout
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[[Category:Boots]]
[[Category:Mountaineering equipment]]