Image from CascadeClimbers.com.

When it comes to spending time outdoors the most important piece of equipment is your footwear. Especially during winter, a good pair of mountaineering boots is imperative. Many wonder, “with myriad options available and so many slight differences between options how do I choose the boot that is best for me?” If this is you, don’t sweat it. Here, I detail the differences and identify what to look for when you are in the market for a new pair of winter mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, or winter hiking boots.