When it comes to the right boot for alpine use, you’re going to want something that provides good ankle support but that can also give a little bit of flex to help you over the mileage. That’s all here with the Ferrata II. There’s also the well-designed two-zone lacing system with locking eyelets, a system that lets you pull the boot in smoothly and evenly across the length of the tongue right from the ankle to the toes.

“Another thing we like about the Ferrata II is that you can tell it’s built to last”

Another thing we like about the Ferrata II is that you can tell it’s built to last, and what we’re mainly referring to here is the ultra tough material they’ve used for the upper. We’re not 100% sure what it is but it looks like and feels like ballistic nylon. If you’re wearing these with crampons, you can rest easy that it’ll be able to shrug off the points should they come into contact.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“I wore these in the Norwegian Fjords where I took on a number of quite technical routes climbing the sharp granite common there. I’d only managed to get a sample that was a bit smaller than my normal size, but I was still really, really impressed. For the short and sharp parts, I found the precision of the toe to be excellent when edging, and that stiff shank really helped to reduce strain. Over distance, having worn them for two big days I found them to be really comfortable – which was quite surprising given I wasn’t wearing my exact size. This I’d put down to a combination of the cushioned midsole, the slight rock they provide and also their light weight.

“In the video review we put together, there’s a scene where I’m walking through a stream. I can’t tell you how many times the cameraman made me walk through it to get the shot – it must’ve been at least a dozen I think. But still, my feet remained absolutely dry thanks to that Gore-Tex lining and the overall build of the shoe.”