Hiking footwear advice for Everest, Basecamp trek in Winter

Ahoy,

So i'm not sure which boot to pick at the moment as there are a lot of options, and I am not an experienced trekker.

My Bro and myself will be heading out to the basecamp trek in Nepal in December which is Winter and not peak season over there.. So i'll be needing a decent pair of boots to get me through..

I have had a look at these two pairs, which are at local shops? are they good for it or any reccomendations. cheers

Kathmandu brand: http://imgur.com/CaNTpxB

Zamberlan, 730 Gear GTX: http://imgur.com/6LJvXCT

I use a pair of Asolo walking boots very similar to the Zamberlans that you link to above for all my trekking. I also use them for the easy first bits of climbs on scree/talus slopes and easy angle, non-glacial, snow. I have used them on the Three Passes trek as well. When it is cold I just wear an extra thick pair of wool socks.

The Kathmandu boots look a bit heavier than the Zamberlans, although I have no idea what they actually weigh. Remember the rule of thumb that 100g on your feet is equivalent in effort required to 500g on your back. In my experience, Kathmandu boots do not always last as long as brands like Zamberlan and Asolo.

No doubt both will do the job but I would suggest the Zamberlans or a similar boot. If you feel the cold the Kathmandus might be preferable.

Cheers mate you've been helpful

Normally I advocate lightweight footwear, but for December EBC you need mid weight hiking boots which are large enough to hold a liner sock and thick wool mix winter trekking sock. Your feel will also swell a bit at altitude, so buy accordingly. A slightly loose boot, worn with a liner, is less likely to cause blisters also than a tight one. Toes should never hit the front of the boot.

There are several good brands to choose from: La Sportiva, Scarpa, Meindl, Zamberlan, Asolo, Hanwag, Vasque, Lowa to name a few. Fit is most important. Do not get too heavy and stiff ones, though, modern boots should be comfortable enough to be taken to trails straight from the box. Certainly it is recommended to make a few practice hikes just to make sure no problems will develop.