La Sportiva Batura

Boots like these are an investment (and indulgence).

Here's all the beta I could find on them when I contemplated buying them.

For a 360˚ of these, go to the Sportiva website.

I only found one customer review before I bought them. It's probably still posted at Zappos, along w/ lots of pictures from multiple views:

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2007-12-31 15:27:27 La Sportiva Batura
Reviewer: from NW
Overall: Comfort: Look:
Shoe Size: Felt a half size larger than marked
Shoe Width: Felt true to width
Shoe Arch: Moderate arch support

More winter choices? While intended for winter and cold weather mountaineering, The Batura really looks like something a '80's rock star or Star War's Jedi Master might latch onto. Last/fit is supposed to be the same as the Trango series. Felt bigger than my Trangos. A bit bigger internally than the Spantik.

went down a 1/2 size from a 46 to a 45.5 in the Batura. Still had plenty of room to add a better insole. The outer volume is way down from its big brother the Spantik as is the sole outline. The Batura is more easily compared to the Nepal top. Think of the Batura as a Fabric version of the Nepal top with a fixed Supergaitor. The actual inner boot is made of cordura like material and is flexible in every direction. More so than the Nepal more like the recent Trango Extremes.

The Batura *might* well be a bit warmer than the Nepals, but it is also going to allow better circulation just by being so flexible in the ankle. They will stay drier than the Nepals which will help. Sole is rigid with a slight rocker as expected.

Zipper and attached gaitor are a bit funky. Gaiter is a bit tight getting to the lock lace on the ankle hinge which you'll need to do. Bottom lace loops are all nylon fabric. Past the lock lace at the ankle there are two metal speed laces. To get in and out of the boot you have to unlock the ankle and then thread in some slack. Laces aren't intended to be removed from the last two speed laces. It is annoying. Zipper? Well it is a zipper on a mountain boot, bring the duct tape, enough said.

In my size they were a full pound lighter than the Spantik about the same as a Trango a bit lighter than the Nepals. Certainly not as warm as the Spantik on a cold day in the Rockies, but then I didn't get cold feet in either boot. But the lower temps were felt in the Batura, just not uncomfortable on short term adventures. A few days out and I'd want the insurance of a warmer boot.

I've owned a pair of almost every model of Sportive alpine boots. Some styles have been better than others. Sportiva is always innovative. Just wish they would be a little more practical in the execution. Light, bright cosmetics and they climb well if you don't need any ankle support. Still undecided is if this is Sportiva's best high Mtn alpine boot or just another disposable specialist tool. You'd think that would be clearer at the asking price.

Other shoes recommended by reviewer: Trango Extreme or the Nepal Tops

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Alaska Mountaineering & Hiking also mentions downsizing: