Warmth
This boot is lightly insulated. I have never been cold in this boot, and I have often been very warm in it. I also have not spent much time outside in the winter in this boot. This boot is considerably warmer than my Trango’s but, it is not quite as insulated as, say, the SCARPA Mont Blanc or La Sportiva Nepal EVO.
I would say if your feet tend to run warm, this would be a great four-season boot in all but the coldest day trips and moderate overnight trips. Add in a quality overboot, and this is easily a four-season boot. My feet do not run warm, but I am perfectly comfortable calling this a standalone three-plus-season boot for myself. I plan on climbing Shasta in it this March/April, and I have no concerns about warmth. I would go out on day trips down into the single digits and overnights in the teens with these boots without worry.
Durability
I have two main concerns with durability on the Raven: the lace locks and the sole.
While lacing up the boot this fall, I unknowingly had the lace in the ankle lace lock (6th eyelet) seated incorrectly: part of the lace was wrapped around the edge of the lace lock. When I pulled the laces to tighten them, the lace-lock bent out under the force. I would not classify the force it took to bend the lace as unusual—I tie my boots very tight, but I was not putting a huge force on the lace lock when it bent. As a result, this lace-lock no longer locks because it is bent out too far.
If the lace is seated correctly in the lace lock, however, the lace lock would be almost impossible to bend. But if the lace is not properly seated, it is not very difficult to bend the lace lock while lacing the boot up. I have been very hesitant to bend it back because if it breaks off, the boot is practically useless. In their current condition, the boots still function; they are just much harder to lace up than they were with properly functioning lace locks.
My second area of durability concern is the sole. As I talked about earlier, the sole is made of a softer rubber than many other hiking boots in order to improve climbing performance (which it does). However, this soft sole combined with the stiff last results in fast wear. I have put about 100 miles on my boots, and the wear on the front edge of the “Climb Zone” is about a third of the way through the total thickness of the sole. So presumably, in 300 miles or so, I will likely need to get them re-soled.
Other than the those two issues, I don’t have any other durability concerns with the Raven Combi. Everything is holding up very well.
Miscellany
I have been using these boots with the stock insoles for purposes of this review. These insoles are quite good for being stock insoles. They have plasticized coating on the bottom from the heel through the forefoot that provides a decent amount of support. I do plan on putting in an aftermarket insole and will update this review if it changes much about the boot.
Bottom Line
The Salewa Raven Combi GTX mountaineering boot is a great all around boot. It has a great out-of-the-box fit, a fantastic heel pocket, and accommodates a large range of motion in the ankle. Besides a few small durability concerns, this boot gets an “A” in my book for a three-plus-season technical mountaineering boot.
If you are looking for a dedicated ice climbing boot, then something a bit more insulated with step-in crampon compatibility might be a better choice. Likewise, if you are looking for a boot mostly for hiking/trekking, I would recommend something with a bit more flex in the sole. But if you are looking for a boot that climbs well on rock and snow, and can comfortably trek on the longest of approaches, the Raven should definitely not be counted out.
How would you rate this boot for climbing mont blanc obviously using winter socks plus neoprene socks ?? would it be cold on my feet ????
Hey Jordan,
I have never climbed Mont Blanc, so I cannot say for certain how the Ravens would perform warmth wise. Technically I think they will be great though. I think it mostly depends on how warm/cold your feet run. Like I mentioned, this boot does not have as much insulation as some of its competitors, so if your feet tend to run warm, you may be fine. But if your feet tend to run colder, this boot might be a touch cold.
Sorry I couldn’t be more specific!
-Sam
How suitable would you rate these boots for summer scrambling / mountain walking in Snowdonia, Cairngorms etc ?
Marc
Hi Marc,
Although I have never climbed in the UK, judging from a little internet research I would say the Raven’s might be a bit overkill. Unless you are planning to use crampons at somepoint, I would definitely suggest a boot without a full shank. I think the Ravens would be much better suited for 3 season mountaineering in the Alps.
Scrambling/mountain walking sounds like a climbing approach shoe might be a good option, especially if you plan on doing more scrambling than hiking,
Thanks,
Sam
Hello, I am looking for a solid boot for scottish ice climbing, and for larger routes in the Alps, I currently use the Rapace, and took them up mont blanc, of which my feet froze of course, I was wondering if this boot was a good choice?
Hey Joss,
I think it probably depends what the primary use for the boot will be. If it’s mostly for ice climbing, maybe something that will take automatic crampons would be better. If it’s primarily for the Alps, this would probably be a good choice. For really long routes in he alps, an overbook might be helpful.
I hope that answers your questions.
Sam
Hello everybody,
can i use these boots for climbing Mont Blan ?
Hi,
I am planning to climb Orizba in Mexico in early 2017. I am new to this and looking for boots that I can take there. I was told I’ll need crampons. Do you think these boots are a good option?
I think these boots are a great options for Orziba. This should be good level of warmth for tropical high peaks and if you are on one of the standard routes, the Raven should be plenty stiff for using crampons in steep snow. Just make sure you try them on in a shop and that they fit well, then break them in!
Hello everybody,
Can I use these boots for climbing Damavand in Iran ?
Hi Hasna,
Though I have no experience with this specific peak or region, I think the Raven could be a good choice if you tend to have warm feet. If you have poor circulation in your feet or otherwise tend to get cold feet easier than others in general, it might be a good idea to get a slightly warmer boot.
Good luck with your ascent!
Sam
Hello,
I already have a pair and climbed Mt. Adams WA Aug 2017. They worked perfectly for that condition. I plan on climbing Mt. Rainier Aug/Sept 2018. I want to use my own boots but not sure if they are adequate. Appreciate any advice. My feet may get cold just like any body but not in particular.
Hey Tim, I climbed Rainier last spring and can definitely say that Mont Blanc was colder (at least for the times I’ve been on the peak).
The Raven is perfect for peaks like Rainier and Mont Blanc. You shouldn’t have a problem.
Congrats on Adams!!
Hi,
I used the latest design raven 3 this week to climb Mt Rolleston, Arthurs pass NZ, absolutely loved them but unfortunately the 3F cable system thingy on both boots failed, the cables pulled out from the side of the boot.