UKC

A first for me... heading up to the start of Hidden Chimney Direct when we see a boot fly down the crag, crampon still attached. We look up and see its owner still questing ahead on their lead climb on Haston Line, one boot, one sock.
We retrieved the boot and gave it to his belay partner at the bottom of the climb. So there he is, boot attached to his harness, ready to second and bring the it back up to his partner.
I think they abbed off after this. Absolute respect to this pair for handling a pretty stressful experience. But how did the boot fall off???? We all need to know.

Almost happened to me once! Bridging on Deep Cut Chimney in Glencoe. I thought my crampon was coming off and then realised that my boot lace had come undone. So hanging on an axe I managed to retie with one hand just enough to make a few wobbly moves until I could get to a more secure position where I could retie it properly.

It was my boot that fell! Came through a slightly more involved section and pulled over onto a slab. Realized my foot felt weird and looked down to see that my heel was popping out. Had no control with the foot that was slipping so committed to climbing on one foot and took the boot off and clipped it to my harness. Made a couple moves then felt something catch. Looked down to see my boot flying.

It was my boot that fell! Came through a slightly more involved section and pulled over onto a slab. Realized my foot felt weird and looked down to see that my heel was popping out. Had no control with the foot that was slipping so committed to climbing on one foot and took the boot off and clipped it to my harness. Made a couple moves then felt something catch. Looked down to see my boot flying.

Ahh I was hoping you’d see this! I hope your toes are feeling better, we were all in awe that you were still heading up in a sock! No angry yelling at all!
Hope this hasn’t put you off… I mean if you can winter lead climb in just a sock then anything else is easy!

Haha thanks yeah they're recovering now. might be time for some new boots!

Great story for the pub afterwards!