| BOOTS |
|
| B0 |
Unsuitable for crampons. Most walking boots are designed to flex
for comfort and do not have sufficient lateral and longitudinal rigidity in
their midsole. Additionally the upper is often made of soft calf leather or a
combination of suede/fabric, which compresses easily under crampon straps
causing discomfort and cold feet. |
| B1 |
Suitable for the easiest snow and ice conditions found when hill
walking, using crampons more for emergency or for crossing a short patch of
snow or ice, rather than setting initially fitted for a full days walk. They
have a reasonably stiff flexing sole and the uppers provide enough ankle and
foot support for traversing relatively steep slopes. |
| B2 |
A stiff flex boot with the equivalent of a three quarter or full
shank midsole and a supportive upper made from high quality leather (probably
over 3mm thick). These boots, designed for four season mountaineering, can be
used all day with crampons, whilst easy alpine terrain and easy Scottish snow
and ice climbs can also be covered. |
| B3 |
A technical mountaineering/climbing boot (usually plastic)
regarded as "rigid" both in midsole and upper. Used for
mountaineering and ice climbing |