Asolo

Manaslu 8000 Mountaineering Boot - Men's

Integrated gaiter failed after 2 miles.

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

11

Weight:

165

I wanted to love these boots. They fit well, the features are great, they're fairly light for a triple boot, etc. I bought them for an Aconcagua climb, and the zipper on the integrated gaiter blew within 2 miles of wearing them on both boots. I was able to reset the zipper on the left boot (it blew again) and was unable to reset the zipper on the right boot. I am not sure if I have a faulty pair, or if it is a design flaw that puts too much stress behind the zippers, but ultimately both failed within 2 miles of wearing them and I was unable to get them back to a normal functioning state. Which is super disappointing for a pair of $1,500 boots. Another thing I'd like to note is the foam soles. The sole of this boot is made of foam, not rubber. The only part of the sole that is rubber is at the toe. Despite only having 3 miles on them the sole is noticeably worn from moving through scree. This might be fine if you plan to have crampons on the entire time you wear them, but if you plan to use them without crampons be aware they will not last very long. I'd look at something else. The La Sportiva Mons Cubes have a wrap around zipper design which might help to relieve the stress on the zipper.