Yeah, fit is most important. What kind of travel? Do you expect frontpointing?
Torsional rigidity is required for extended cramponing (and IMO most off trail travel). A boot with wee bit of roundish longitudinal flex is nice for glacier walking and moderate travel, but requires a hinged (UK C1-rated) crampon.
Do some research re UK boot ratings. Too bad U.S. doesn't use UK ratings. IME, B1 boots with C1 crampons work great for PNW Cascade and Olympic general mountaineering routes. B2 + C2 for routes significant frontpointing. B3 + C3 for technical ice.
I hate GoreTex boots, much prefer a B1 or B1+ boot with all leather uppers. My current favorite (indeed, my favorite general mountaineering boot of all time) is Scarpa SL Active, medium volume and relatively vely wide (D+) forefoot. (Marketed as "backpacking boot," but a very worthy general mountaineering boot.) I usually pair them with Salewa Ultralight crampons, although pretty much any C1 crampon will fit fine (e.g., Grivel Air Tech Light). If you have narrow forefoot/low volume foot, check out LaSportiva. Scarpa Charmoz is in between.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our link(s).