UKC

Hi All, looking to purchase a pair of more technical boots than my low-level rambling boots. Mostly intended for UK peaks/scrambles in winter, basic mountaineering and the occasional summer Alpine/glacier route. Sometimes with crampons but would also need to be suitable for just general hiking over rough terrain.
 

Has anyone had experience with the Scarpa Charmoz HD - as a B2 boot would these be overkill for say winter fells and can I expect the sole flexibility to increase slightly as the boot breaks in? Thanks!  

If you're not used to stiffer boots they may feel clumpy but they're a good option for UK winter mountaineering and classic alpine days when you're wearing crampons for long spells but not front pointing (much).

I have the older blue ones as a lighter alternative to B3 boots for single-axe days in winter eg. Scottish ridges, also for "shoulder season" hill bashing but that's largely because my other option is trainers! If there's no snow on the ground they're arguably overkill and I never wear them in summer unless for training.

In some ways they're a bit old fashioned as lighter options are available (Ribelles etc) but none of those seem to fit my high-volume feet and I like the long term robustness.

Great for the Alps, but the Charmoz HD isn't really warm or waterproof enough for Scotland in the winter unless it's a perfect spring bluebird day. 

Mine haven't really changed in flexibility the whole time I've owned them and they've done plenty of hill days. Also the sole doesn't feel that grippy in the wet compared to some other boots. 

I've used an older pair of the blue coloured Charmoz boots for years and loved them.  They are great in the UK for winter, or for soggy walking days, scrambling etc and used them extensively in the Alps during the summer and are really comfortable.  They work really well on via ferrata's (even the hard graded ones), easy climbs and glacier approaches etc.

They take a C2 crampon (with heel clip and toe cradle, not metal toe bar).

My only personal caveat would be for the newer orange coloured ones. Wore down the blue ones, had them re-soled and wore that right down again, all with no problems at all.  Unfortunately when got the new orange ones found that Scarpa have made several changes to the internal shape of the boot, especially the heel cup.  Felt great in the shop, but after 5-6 hours out on an Alpine route my heels weren't in a good state!  Had similar issues with the Scarpa's new "improved" R-EVO boots as well.

We all have different shaped feet of course, but maybe worth keeping them on in the house for a couple of days to make sure they are right for you before taking them onto the hill.

I'm a big fan of mine. Use them lots in the alps and as a winter walking boot in the winter in the UK. Don't really suffer with cold feet... some seem to really suffer...

I’ve got a pair of blue ones in size 47 which replaced a pair of Cumbre’s  (best b2 boot ever imo) which at size 46 demanded at least one big toenail per trip. I find them a wee bit cold for standing about although they’re well able technically for grade 3 or 4 at a pinch (but hey, that could be me I’m talking about) and if I was replacing them - not going to happen at my age - I’d get something a bit warmer. Still miss my old Asolo Supersofts!