The La Sportiva Olympus Mons is probably the most gnarly boot in existence. It's designed for the highest peaks this earth has to offer; himalayan ascents and high altitude mountaineering is all in a days work.
Compared with B3 rated boots from back in't day, the Olympus Mons are incredibly lightweight, weighing as little as 1413g per boot without sacrificing durability, stiffness or warmth. This is 15% lighter than the previous model and takes the crown of the lightest boot in this category. Providing the weight reduction are a series of technical fabrics used on high altitude mountaineering boots such as Cordura. Cordura is an ultra tough, nylon based fabric which provides an incredible amount of abrasion resistance without weighing the boot down. This is used throughout the leg (or gaiter) of the Olympus to deal with crampon strikes and general wear and tear. The Cordura used in the Olympus is also elasticated to increase comfort and mobility. Not only is this collar designed to protect and insulate you, but it can also be unzipped and peeled back like a banana skin to reveal the laces if you need to re-tie while out and about.
Underneath the durable Cordura gaiter is a thermal layer of Neoprene to add warmth during polar-like temperatures. This is further insulated with a thermo-reflective aluminium to (as you'd guess) reflect your natural body heat back to you rather than letting it escape. Around the lower half of the boot you've got a full 360° rubber rand to further increase durability and abrasion resistance. A thick, super tough rubber is used for the toe and heel of the boot for protection.
One of the main highlights of the Olympus is the addition of a removable inner liner. This leather and mesh insulated liner is much like an insulated glove; the liner provides the majority of the comfort, warmth and cosiness, while the protective shell protects you against ice, snow and rocks. A highly insulated footbed is layered on top of a 5mm thick heat reflecting carbon fibre to further increase warmth by utilising your body's natural heat.
Amongst a small series of boots which are able to reach these peaks, the Olympus Mons Evo is possibly the one with the greatest attention to detail. Every piece of insulation, rubber and fabric is chosen to provide the best performance for the achievements they're yet to face.
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Insulated gaiter
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Vibram sole with climbing rubber insert
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5mm carbon fibre underfoot
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Insulated footbed
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Tough Cordura gaiter
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Water-repellant Lorica inner boot
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Removable insulated inner boot
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Thermo-reflective aluminium facing