Are these boots appropriate for winter hiking

[Shroud]

I'm interested in getting out and trying some winter hiking this year and have a footwear question.

I bought a pair of Asolo Granite GV boots back in September that I've been using for hiking when not wearing a hiking shoe.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/91120,72556_Asolo-Granite-GV-Gore-Tex-Mountaineering-Boots-Waterproof-For-Men.html
Are these going to be sufficient for hiking during the winter? This would be assuming that I would have stabilicers, crampons and snowshoes on hand for when they're needed. I'm just curious if this type of mountaineering boot will be warm enough to hike in the White Mtns during the winter season or would I need to get a pair of insulted boots such as the Columbia Ice Dragon 2 or Cabelas Avalanches to ensure my feet stay warm enough.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[Mike P.]

They may be okay. They look to be about the same style as my EMS Arete’s. I typically wear them (& have worn similar boots) in late fall & early spring. I’d also wear them in winter in CT, MA on hikes up Monadnock, Greylock & the Catskills. I’d likely have them in the car in case the weather was going to be in the upper 20’s low 30’s. which occasionally happens. (Wore mine last Friday (11/30) in Adirondacks in the AMR.


That said, IMO, they aren’t the same as plastic boots. I prefer plastic boots over the lighter insulated boots that are out there currently. The Asolo’s appear to take step-in crampons. The newer style insulated boots like the Columbia’s will not. Many people are using the lighter insulated boots but if you are looking to do some trips with the AMC, some of their trip leaders do require plastic boots. (Even though the latest issue of Outdoors shows a hiker not in plastic boots)

You’ll get opinions all over the place on this one, in the end are they warm enough for you? I’d find out on smaller trips before trying a Presidential Traverse. For winter camping people prefer double boots. With plastics you are set, if you decide you want to try that, now you’ll need another pair of boots & your choice will be Plastic or Sorel type pac-boots.

 

[MichaelJ]

I pretty much second what Mike said. I've done plenty of winter hiking in boots similar to these in stature (La Sportiva Makalu II), and been fine, but for probably each hike they've been fine for, I've had really cold feet on another hike. It all depends on the conditions. What I find with non-plastic boots is that snow can accumulate along the top of the boot and over the tongue, especially if crampon or snowshoe straps are wrapped around the boot, and that can chill the toes. Plus, they're not perfectly waterproof.

That said, I wore my leathers to climb Washington three weeks ago, as well as Franconia Ridge two weeks ago, and found that up high on rime and crust my toes were warm and my feet fine. It was only at the middle elevations in the soft snow that my toes were cold and numb due to the snow sticking to the boots.

As for more technical aspects, they do appear that they'd be fine with strap-in crampons, which are adequate for most of the winter hiking trails in the Whites.

The typical plastic arguments are:
Overnighting: pop the liners out and keep them in your sleeping bag with you overnight, and you're ready to go in the morning.
Waterproof: plastics are 100%.
Insulation: plastic liners tend to be very, very insulating.

The other side of the argument is that plastics are heavier, can be more work to hike in, and are downright uncomfortable if the lower elevations are devoid of snow.

So it all boils down to what you really want to do with these boots. I'd suggest you head up north and try a shorter hike with them and see how your feet and toes do. Do something like Tecumseh, or head up to Lonesome Lake and then wander up Fishin' Jimmy to see how you fare in the wet. Give them a trial; if they're cold now, you'll definitely want something insulated later.