If you hike up fells, Welsh 3000ers, Munros or Corbetts in winter then the Scarpa Manta Pro GTX is aimed at you. If you strap C2 crampons on and tackle summer routes in the Alps, or even lower grade winter climbs back home, then they're aimed at you too. They weigh 820g per boot, and come with Gore-Tex waterproofing as well as a big focus on walking and climbing comfort.
From the first time you slip the Manta Pro's on, it's clear that a lot of attention has gone into making them an all-day comfort winter boot. The brand's relatively recent "FT" last gives a closer fit than previous editions could offer, which reduces any undue friction as well as giving greater control and more precise placement when in use.
Combine this with a number of design tweaks, which mostly revolve around fitting and come with PR-friendly names such as Autofit Collar and Flex Point Zone, and you've got a sturdy boot which is at home on ice and snow but effectively mimics the ease of use of much lighter summer footwear.
The lacing system is innovative, with a lockable clip keeping the lower portion of the boot firmly in place, leaving the user to thread the remainder of the laces around the ankle eyelets without worrying about the adjustment slipping. It's very straightforward to use and - combined with the superb comfort padding around the ankle - leads to an quick and effective fitting every time.
Wrapped in a sizeable last, and built of a durable suede and synthetic textile fabric mix - these boots have proven themselves capable of handling multiple winters while apparently having many more seasons left in them.
As mentioned, these will take all but the stiffest of crampons, so short of high-grade ice climbs, they're able to tackle the majority of winter adventures in the mountains.
In conclusion: for all but the most technical of high mountain adventures this is a superb 4-season boot. It's hard to see what more a winter hill walker and mountaineer could ask for.
