We spent earlier this week catching up with brands at the big winter gearfest: ISPO. Despite the fact the show was quieter than usual, this in no way detracted from the quality of the clobber on show and hitting the shops in the near future. Below is a roundup of the most eye-catching and shiny new footwear.
La Sportiva G2 + G5 Evo RRP £625-£765
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The G2 and G5 EVO take a lot of the technology from the recently redesigned Olympus Mon. A new gaiter, without any sewing or seams, it is lighter, more comfortable and more durable. The Boa lock provides a good, even fastening. The internal gusset will be of interest to all British users, as that aids the boot's water repellency, as will the beefy sole unit (lots of grip for those muddy banks!). Spec-wise the G5 is more Scottish and Alpine, whereas the G2 is more Himalayan.
La Sportiva - TX Guide
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An approach shoe that blurs the line between an approach shoe, a running shoe and a climbing shoe. Maybe the perfect shoe for the Cuillin Ridge?
La Sportiva - Zenit RRP £95
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A new shoe from La Sportiva for beginner and intermediate climbers. The elastic tongue gives an easy, breathable and comfortable fit.
Mammut - Taiss Pro High GTX RRP £400
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Part of the Eiger Collection, a pair of B2 boots weighing just 630g. An evolution of the Taiss which retains the Vibram outsole and has become more of a winter mountaineering boot with a GTX Duratherm liner and a lumina insulated insole which protects you down to -30 degrees. The upper uses a Scholer softshell fabric and a quick-adjust lacing system. Memory foam in and around the sock for extra comfort. Winner of an ISPO gold award.
MSR - Lightning Ascent Snowshoe with Paragon Bindings RRP £295
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For 2020 the Lightning Ascent Snowshoe will feature MSR's highly acclaimed Paragon Binding. Easy to use, and designed so that they are comfortable to use on both long and short outings, there is a men's and women's order to provide the perfect fit.
Scarpa - Drago LV
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An alternative to the original Drago, described by Scarpa as a low volume shoe for a longer foot.
Scarpa - Manta Tech GTX RRP £300
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The Manta has been a popular boot for a great many years but has taken several forms. The latest is a little warmer due to the Duratherm insulation on the inside. Perfect for Tower Ridge on the Ben and at its limit, it'll even get you up Mont Blanc.
Scarpa - Women's Instinct RRP £125
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Both men and women can enjoy this shoe that has some slightly different characteristics from the original Instinct. A narrower, sculptured heel pushes the foot further forward in the shoe, making it feel like it has a lower volume than the Instinct.
Dolomite - Miage Peak GTX RRP £440
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Both men and women can enjoy this shoe that has some slightly different characteristics from the original Instinct. A narrower, sculptured heel pushes the foot further forward in the shoe, making it feel like it has a lower volume than the Instinct.
Hanwag - Banks Winter GTX
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Building on the new Banks GTX which launches SS20, this winter version features a higher cut upper, warm, Partelana Gore-Tex lining and specialist Hanwag winter sole with an insulating footbed and Vibram Icetrek sole. Offers comfort down to -15 degrees.
Comments
£295 for rock boots?
(Yes, I have finally turned into my dad)
Hmm, that doesn't sound right to me - let me double check that.