Skip to content
Ready for Summer? We are too! Use code EARLYBIRDSUMMER24 for 15% discount on our Summer adventures

What boots do I need for Winter Hillwalking and Mountaineering in Scotland?

....

How to choose the right boots for winter walking and mountaineering in Scotland.

We can’t emphasise enough the importance of getting the right boots for winter hillwalking and mountaineering in Scotland. Get this wrong and it could make for a very uncomfortable day, or a very short day when you head back to the car park after half an hour!

It really is worth investing here. We would recommend you don’t buy online – different brands fit in different ways. Make a trip to a serious outdoor store and get professional advice. Be prepared to spend around £300. The investment will be worth it. Here are a few stores to consider buying or hiring from:

Tiso  

Nevisport 

Ellis Brigham  

Cotswold Outdoor   

Of course, hiring boots is an option. It does mean a trip to a mountaineering store, and then a trip back again to drop them off. At Ocean Vertical Winter Mountaineering  we include boots, [along with ice axe and crampons] to make the whole process a little more simple and enjoyable.

Mountaineering boots are divided into 4 categories: B0, B1, B2, B3.

B0 – You don’t want these for winter walking in Scotland. These are 3 season boots and shouldn’t be used in ice and snow. They also won’t take a crampon. Avoid!

B1 – These are 3-4 season boots and suitable for winter walking in Scotland. They are compatible with type C1 crampons only. [They don’t have the heel and toe lip required to take C2 mountaineering crampons]. These are robust boots, waterproof, semi rigid and totally suitable for winter hillwalking in Scotland. You will pay around £250 for a high-quality brand such as Scarpa and La Sportiva.

B2 – These are 4 season boots and suitable for winter walking in Scotland. They are compatible with C2 crampons. They have a toe and heel lip and can take C2 crampons with a heel clip binding. They can also be used for climbing and navigating ice-covered terrain.

They are thicker, more rigid and insulated than B1 boots. They are also heavier and take more getting used to over a long winter day. You will pay £300 plus for a quality brand such as Scarpa and La Sportiva. At Ocean Vertical we supply our clients with the iconic Scarpa Manta Pro GTX.

B3 – These are totally ridged technical boots designed for winter climbing. You can use them for winter hillwalking, but they are heavy and a bit full on for a long winter’s day. So, we would recommend you keep your focus on B1 and B2 winter hiking boot options.

If you would like more advice, you can also talk to our team at Ocean Vertical.

////
Accreditations
Adventure Activities Licensing Authority ASI Accredited School - Stand Up Paddle ASI Academy of Surfing Instructors NCC Promoting Safe Coasteering