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The cold world of skimo & alpine climbing

The cold world of skimo & alpine climbing

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Climbing footware for a size 15 US foot


This is a guest blog from Climbing Guide, Ryan Stefiuk
More writing from from Ray can be found @ http://bigfootmountainguides.com/

All my life I've had “large” feet. Mine are long but narrow size 15's. When I started rock climbing in 1996 I didn't feel like there were too many good rock shoe options. Yes, I could choose from a few different models of entry-level FiveTen shoes, but on the whole I didn't feel like there were many choices.
For years I crammed my feet into any too-small shoe, thinking that a tight fit would help my climbing. Some tight-fitting shoes actually fit my long feet and helped me climb better. Others made me focus solely on the pain associated with edging and smearing, and I wanted nothing more than to throw those shoes away and go back to flopping my way up routes.
When I began ice climbing in 1998 I immediately hit a brick wall with boots. There was one option I knew about – the Lowa Civetta. They make the Civetta up to size 16. Whew. I was good to go. The Civettas carried me up many a route, albeit sloppily. They weren't the best boots for using you feet, even with good crampons. I suppose some of the slop was due to my lack of experience. The Civetta, however just didn't compare favorably to today's high-tech single and double boots.
I've been climbing for sixteen years now and my footwear situation doesn't seem quite so grim any longer. Over the years I've discovered what shoes come in large sizes, and what models fit best. In order to make other big-footed individual's lives easier I've compiled a list of the best footwear available. The quest to accommodate your Sasquatch-sized feet doesn't have to be as difficult as mine was.
Below I'm going to outline good footwear options for people who's feet are larger than size 13. If you have size 13 feet or smaller nearly all climbing footwear is readily available. If you have size 16 or larger feet you may just want to try barefoot waterskiing or basketball. Climbing footwear may be hard to find.
As someone who has big feet, there are several keys to finding the right footwear and keeping it in good shape. A good climbing shop will have some larger sizes in stock. An even better shop will have stock and be willing to order products too. Try on everything that's even remotely close to your size. You'll be surprised by what fits and what doesn't. Once you've found the right footwear take care of it. I resole nearly all my climbing shoes twice and my approach shoes once before retirement. It's important to resole shoes before they're in need of real T.L.C. If you blow a hole in the rand it might be too late. When the rubber gets thin send them in to be resoled.
ROCK SHOES
Nearly all shoe manufacturers make some shoes to size 15. Most now make multiple models. After repeatedly trying FiveTen shoes I've given up. The Italians make damn fine footwear, and their rock climbing shoes are no exception. If you're trying to fit shoes, most American climbing shoe manufacturers run a bit truer to size. I wear a 14 in most Five Ten, Mad Rock and Evolv shoes. I wear anywhere from a 12-14 in Scarpa and La Sportiva shoes (meaning many models fit me).
Here are the top picks from the current 2012 offerings:
La Sportiva Nago – My very long size 15.5 feet fit tightly into size 46 Nago's. Sized more comfortably, I would wear size 47. They're made to size 48. I'm not interested in any of the shoes produced by Sportiva outside of Europe. These entry level Italian-made shoes still climb reasonably well when sized properly.
La Sportiva Cobra, Miura, Katana, TC Pro – Believe it or not, size 46 (the largest size offered) in all of these shoes fit my feet and climb unbelievably well. The TC Pro's don't quite fit the way they're meant to fit, but they're still the most amazing edging shoes I've worn and they last a while. The others listed fit tightly, as they should, but not uncomfortably tightly.
La Sportiva Mythos – These stretch a ton and are made to size 48. I wear a 46 in these too.
Scarpa Techno – Scarpa might discontinue these. I like them and wear a size 47. These have been good trad shoes
Scarpa Helix, Reflex – One is a laceup, the other a slipper. These entry level shoes are nice as all-around shoes for moderate climbing and will stretch over time. I wear size 46 and they're tight. I guess someone with 17's could wear the 50 in the Helix and be comfy.
Scarpa Force – Another velcro offering from Scarpa, made to size 47. I tried these on and felt like a 47 would be adequate.
Mad Rock Flash – I've had three pairs of these cheap shoes and they climb really well. Once they stretch out they are comfortable enough. For gym climbing I like them. I wear size 14 and they are tight at first.
Evolv Defy – Another decent, cheap gym shoe. I wear a size 14 in these too. They're a bit softer than the Mad Rock Flash.
APPROACH SHOES
Lots of options here to size 48. Again, La Sportiva and Scarpa seem to take the cake for quality design and durable construction. Five Ten has a few models in large sizes too if you're into their products. Here are my choices from the 2012 offerings from these companies:
La Sportiva Boulder X – Size 48 fits my feet tightly at first. Some slight initial discomfort leads to a good fit for climbing and approaching without any foot slop inside the shoe. These shoes are durable and climb reasonably well.
Scarpa Geko Guide – Size 47 fits like a climbing shoe and eventually becomes comfortable for extended approaches. The Geko's are aggressive “climbing” style approach shoes. When sized tightly they'll actually climb as well as most entry-level climbing shoes. During a guided ascent of the 900' Community Pillar (III 5.9) in Red Rocks last fall I wore them the whole time and my feet thanked me later in the day.
Scarpa Zen, Mystic, Dharma Pro – All of these shoes are built on a similar last and should fit similarly. They're all built to size 48. These stiff shoes require a bit of breaking in but outlast most others. They won't climb the same way that the Geko or Boulder X will.
Scarpa Crux – Also made to size 48, I've worn several older versions of this shoe, and despite a lining that accumulates an awful stench (a theme I've noticed across many Scarpa shoes), these shoes climb well, hike reasonably and are affordable. They'll probably hold a resole just fine too.
MOUNTAIN BOOTS
Well, options abound for rock shoes. Approach shoes to a lesser degree. Large-footed individuals have far fewer options when it comes to mountain boots. Most boots are made to size 13 or 14. My feet hate me. I spent too many years in size 48 Nepal Extreme and Nepal EVO. Just this past year I did a complete upgrade to size 49 Nepal Extreme and size 49 Baruntse mountain boots.
When searching for boots in large sizes it's best to search a company's full website. Many internet search engines will redirect you to a company's North America site, but to find the most accurate sizing information you'll have to look on the European websites. In addition, most boots larger than size 48 are going to come from Europe and may take a long time to order and ship.
Scarpa Phantom 6000 – These boots are made up to size 49 in Europe but only offered to size 48 in the U.S. I haven't used them but I'm curious about them - they're a lightweight double boot with a built in gaiter.
La Sportiva Nepal Extreme - Most of us haven't seen a Nepal Extreme on a store shelf in several years. They're still made in Europe but the more popular Nepal EVO GTX is the only Nepal offering in the states. These incredibly well made boots come in sizes up to 50 and need to be special ordered from Europe. The build quality actually seems better than that of EVO GTX.
La Sportiva Baruntse - These boots are made to size 50 and stocked in the United States, meaning you can order them and have them delivered in less than a week. These boots climb well and are very warm. They're going to work for just about any mountain region below 8000m and are suitable for cold weather winter use. They're like a double boot version of the Nepal, meaning they're durable and functional.
Lowa Civetta - These boots have traditionally been made to U.S. size 16. They're warm and have stood the test of time in the greater ranges of the world. The addition of an Intuition liner makes these boots warmer and easier to maintain. However, in my opinion they won't compare favorably to newer models double boot models like the Baruntse and Phantom 6000, which have flexible outer shells and come with a stock thermoform liner.
Do you have suggestions or other good large footwear options for climbers? Post a comment below and I'll be sure to add the information to this post, which will also become a page on my site, bigfootmountainguides.com so that it's easier to find.

16 comments:

Bruno Schull said...

Thanks big foot! I also have big feet--not as long as yours (more like a size 13/14, but very wide, with large bunions. I have to buy shoes that are too long, just so that they are wide enough to fit my feet.

Two things I would add:

-As you said, I think that trying on the shoes is really important. There are often surprises; for example, I usually wear a 48 Nepal Evo, but I found that the 47.5 Trango Extreme fits really well...

-The only rock shoes I can wear are approach shoes. I use Five Ten guide tennies. Of course, they are somewhat limiting, but for my skill level on rock, they work fine? I think that a skilled climber could essily make these work at 5.10 and above grades. If people with big feet adapt to approach shoes, I think that the possibilities broaden....

OK, thanks again,

Bruno

Jared said...

Dane, thanks for posting Ryan's entry...this is awesome!

I am a fellow large-footed individual at size 15 and I have a little bit of experience with climbing and skiing footwear. I have a fairly narrow foot, so the shoes that fit me may not work for others but they are definitely LARGE!

I've been using the Five Ten Anasazi for the last couple years in size 14...which is a little more on the aggressive side. The Anasazi is available in a 14 and a 15...as is the Five Ten Moccasym.

In addition to Bruno being able to wear some large Five Ten guide tennies, the camp four's are also available in BIG (14, 15) and have become my approach shoe of choice.

In a completely different (but somewhat relative) note, I also ski a bit and recently discovered that, for those long-footed folks looking to get into Alpine Touring, there is now hope. (I guess Alpine Touring boots have a place in this conversation since I spend a lot more time "climbing" with them than skiing.)

For the last year, I've used the Scarpa Maestrale, which is a lightweight, high performing, 4-buckle AT boot. This boot is available in mondo sizes 31 and 32.

Jared

Jake said...

So glad I found this, I have size 16/17 feet and was starting to have problems finding any pair of shoes haha!

Julian said...

Not sure how good Meindl boots are, but they make their Courtes GTX (an alpine climbing boot) up to US 15: http://www.meindl.de/english/

Unknown said...

I have size 15 feet as well (they measure like 15.5) and it has been so tough getting good mountain boots. For climbing shoes, I wear Five Ten Anasazi lace ups. Approach shoes I wear Guide Tennies. But for crampon compatible SUMMER mountaineering boots, we are kinda screwed. My choice was the Bates Tora Bora, which
was made for the US special forces during their search for Osama in the Afghan Himalayas.

The Tora Bora boot has been somewhat impressive. I say somewhat because it's impressive at some things, not at others. It is an impressive winter mountaineering boot, for low to moderate altitude (think US). Not the best for super technical ice, but I've climbed WI3 with it, and it wasn't holding me back. It is very warm, and that's my problem with it. These boots are way too burly and warm for summer mountaineering. Too much weight, stiffness, and warmth. I bought them for summer mountaineering and was not impressed, until I used them during the winter.

However, they are at least an option despite not being ideal. And to me, the only other option is the La Sportiva Baruntse. The author can say what he wants, but he is a nut case if he jams his size 15.5 (same as mine) into 48, 47, and 46 (I shudder at the idea). If it does not come in 49+ or 15, count me out. Someone has to jump on this and make us a light, summer mountain boot. I would literally pay twice retail for a Sportiva Trango S Evo or similar. LITERALLY TWICE RETAIL. La Sportiva, are you listening?

Andrew Weygandt said...

Thank you, this blog has been extremely helpful to me already. I've been looking around at mountaineering boots, and I'll need size 15 (50 in Europe). The CIvettas, Nepal Extremes, and Baruntse are all under consideration for me, but I think I have found a few other boots too:

Boreal: Arwa Bi-Flex These are sold on Boreal's shop in sizes 14, 14.5, & 15. I haven't tried to order them or anything, but I found them here: http://www.e-boreal.com/notinseason/USA/english/a47374.htm

Garmont: Lynx Full-Grain GTX These are sold in UK sizes 14 and 14,5! Here: http://www.garmont.com/en/outdoor-shoes/mountain/lynx-full-grain-gtx

Millet: Everest Summit These look really nice and appear to be made up to UK size 14. Here: http://www.millet.fr/en/products/fall-winter-2014-2015/hardware-shoes/everest-summit-gore-tex

Millet: Davai A slightly less intense boot from Millet that is also made to UK size 14. Here: http://www.millet.fr/en/products/fall-winter-2014-2015/hardware-shoes/davai

What do you think of these?

Unknown said...

Awesome! I have to same size foot as you, 15 and narrow and have been wondering what size shoes I should order. This is so helpful!

Unknown said...

Excellent blog article!
Commiserations to fellow huge foot sufferers.
I have a triple whammy - size 15 right foot, size 14 left foot, slender profile, narrow with skinny ankles.
For rock I use 5.10 Anaasazi's. Started off with 14's, but were crippling my right foot, so had to resort to buying a second pair of 15's and now I use an odd pair of 14/15's (expensive solution!).

For the past several yrs I used a size 50 pair of Sportiva Nepals (non-Evo version). Awesome boot, but the dreaded foot expansion with age means that I now lose my toe nail every time I kick steps or climb ice. Now just use these for summer mountaineering on rock.
Also have a pair of Lowa Civetta extremes (size 15). Had these for several yrs, but never used them. Now I am having to. Banged up feet after a recent trip, so went to a specialist boot fitter (at Intuition liners) and he tells me the outer shell is too big???
Currently musing what to do. Interested in the Sportiva Baruntse in size 50, but not sure if long enough (based on Nepals). OMC in Portland has a pair, waiting to get lengths off them...............
One comment - the article author has size 15.5 and fits Nepals / Baruntse in a size 49?? I am a confirmed size 15(US) and size 50 Nepals are too short?

Anonymous said...

Great article.
Have size 15 right foot, size 14 left foot, narrow, slender feet with skinny ankles equals nightmare!
Had size 14 5.10 anasazis for rock, but was crippling my right foot, so broke down and bought a pair of size 15 so now climb with different size shoes.
For mountaineering and ice have been using my beloved sportiva nepals size 50. Age related foot size increase means I now lose toe nails, so these have been relegated to summer mountaineering rock routes.
Have a pair of (discontinued) lowa civetta extremes in a 15. Hard on my feet so took them yo a specialist boot fitter. Turns out the shells are too big???
Currently pondering what to do. Will likely try a pair of sportiva Baruntses in a 50.
Confused by the article author having size 15.5 and yet sportiva nepals and Baruntse in a 49 fit??

Anonymous said...

This just in! - Scarpa are now listing Charmoz GTX and Triolet GTX in eu50.

Also note that they're doing the Maestrale ski boots in 33 which I'm thinking is pretty similar if you need AT boots.

Thank you Scarpa! Please everyone buy them so they keep on making them..

I've also got UK14/US15 feet. Pretty stoked that I can FINALLY get some light boots. In this size the weight makes 3X the difference to smaller sizes I think. Particularly if you're (or your partner's) just going to be carrying them on your back rock climbing for most of the day.

Steve

Daniel Mora said...

Thanks so much for this post. I'm wondering how you fit Sportiva Katana's in 46? I wear a 14 sneaker in the USA, and I tried the Katana 46 here in Germany. My poor toes went numb after about 3-5 min of excruciating pain. Even the quick test at the store on their little rock wall killed my toes after lacing up. Tried a simple toe hold and edging and had to jump off immediately. It felt as if my toe nails were going to pop off.
Is this the same experience you had when you first tried them on?

Adam said...

To add to the great info here the Scarpa Manta Pro GTX can be ordered up to a size 50

I found it for sale here (They will ship internationally): http://www.needlesports.com/29981/products/scarpa-mens-manta-pro-gtx.aspx

I haven't purchased it yet, but I am considering it. I found a pair of the LS Baruntse in 50, but I'm a bit concerned those are too much boot for 80% of the climbing I'll be doing.

Anonymous said...

Butora Climbing Shoes....www.butorausa.com, now offers size 13, 13.5, 14 and 15 in both wide and narrow in most models! So if you have long narrow feet or wide fat feet, Butora is worth checking out. Their trad/alpine shoe, the Altura, currently has a 13.5 and blows the TC pro away in terms of comfort and performance on most trad terrain. they may not climb sensitive 5.14c dawn wall pitches as well, but most of us don't do that...check them out. They also make a size 14 in narrow and wide of their board lasted show, which comes with foot padding and kickass performance on crack terrain. Check them out if you got large feet like me! They just became my new go to brand, even their bouldering shoe "the acro" comes in wide and narrow all the way to size 14! And rock and ice called that shoe one of the best of 2016. Check them out.

Gneiss Guy said...

I am a size 16 and have been climbing WI in the north east and occasional alpine snow/glacier trips west and abroad in my Lowa Civetta's for more than a decade. They are comfy and warm, but have a lot of heel lift. I think 15 years ago they were a decent boot. It looks like they have ben discontinued with no replacement for very large feet. Baruntse in 50 is a bit small. So now I am stuck. Danner has their Mountain Assault 8 boot which is so close to being an Ice boot. But they do not seem interested in making a more rigid sole with crampon grooves.... and perhaps a thermo lining... and perhaps an adjustable tongue. I almost wonder If I could find a custom boot maker to modify that boot or build one up from scratch.

Unknown said...

I feel the toe pain of everyone here! I am have a pair of La Sportiva Nepal Extreme and a pair of La Sportiva Baruntse both in size 49. Long story short, after a season of recreation WI climbing in each and still encountering front toe cramp/contact, I am moving up to size 50. If anyone out here is in need, my 49s are up for sale. Please email me for more info and pics: edeoded@yahoo.com ... Otherwise, these boots will unfortunately go unused in my basement. - Cheers, Eddie

AKRaven said...

Fellow size 15. Some current options:
Mammut boots go upto size 14.
La sportiva g2 sm go upto 50.
The upcoming ls olympus mons cube goes to 50.
LS extremes are still available to order sz. 50 from the factory.
Scarpa has a few that go upto 49.
The ls barnuste is still available sz. 50.
And for ski touring boots ive only found the maestrale in a size above 31.
As for rock, the only boots ive found are acapra charmoz which are not auto-compatable. But sz. 50
I climb in evolv shoes sz. 15 and they are quite capable. My next pair is going to be a trad shoe probably BD's basic lace pair sz 15. Unless anyone knows of something else.
As for approach shoes altra shoes has started making tthem and in sz. 15! I run kn their shoes and they are a good fit.
Best of luck to my fellow hobbit footed individuals.