I.C.E. 9
Climbers and ski-mountaineers tackling a variety of peaks, from technical mixed routes and grade VI ice to low-angle volcanoes.
Why?
Heavily insulated for temperatures down to –30˚C, the I.C.E. 9 boot provides comfortable flex on approach or free-heel skiing, then converts to a rigid platform for high-performance vertical climbing.
Benefits
I.C.E. technology provides unmatched versatility. The flexibility in the forefoot of the sole and upper provides excellent comfort, dexterity, and mobility. The patented outsole supports a stainless steel cleat in the arch, securing the crampon to enhance safety, efficiency and climbing precision. Use with alpine ski bindings, such as Silvretta or Voile, for exceptional control and comfort both ascending and descending. Water-resistant and supportive, its conforming fit gives superior comfort over the varied terrain of lengthy expeditions. Unique Y-bars enhance ankle stability and heel-hold, while providing secure attachments for the I.C.E. 9 gaiter without obtrusive straps or clasps.
Features
- IntegraFit Last
- Coupler
- I.C.E. System
- Y-Bars
- Stretch Shoeller Keprotech Tongue
- PrimaLoft
- I.C.E. Sole Platform
- Deeply grooved and nylon reinforced toe bail ledge creates an ultra secure attachment point for bindings and crampons that won’t erode from heavy use.
- Dual-compound Vibram® outsole combines a high-durometer compound for solid edging and durability around the perimeter with a softer rubber in the forefoot for smearing traction
- Patent-pending heel-lock device allows the wearer to adjust heel-hold via laces
- Primaloft® insulated (400 g) for superior warmth in a single boot
- Waterproof polyurethane-laminated upper conforms to foot for a custom fit with enhanced durability over uncoated leather
Stretch Schoeller® Keprotech tongue and gusset create a trim, flexible, and conforming fit - Molded plastic plate shields the back of ankles against excessive pressure from the crampon heel-throw
- Stainless steel cleat in arch attaches to crampon to isolate the boot’s flex zone
Reviews
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kjkrow - Feb 15, 2005 6:15 pm - Voted 4/5
Untitled Review
I bought these boots for general alping winter mountaineering and a planned trip to Pico in Mexico. Unfortunately, that trip got canceled.
For a guy with large feet (size 14), these fit great straight out of the box with no real problems. One minor gripe however, is that the insole that comes with the boots seems somewhat misshapen, with the arch further back than is necessary and comfortable. In the next few months, I plan to upgrade to Superfeet or other insoles to correct this issue.
In terms of flex, the boots have a carbon fiber shank, that doesn't bend a whole lot, but gives a little spring as you step. This makes the boots great for longer approaches and angled climbs.
I haven't used them with crampons yet, but from what I understand, you don't have to spring 180 bucks for the montrail specific ones, as the boots have standard toe and heel welts, any type of crampon should work. As for insulation, I've worn mine in the snow at around 15 degrees with my own gaiters, not the included ones, and my feet were extremely warm the entire time. I don't doubt the -30 rating.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase, and I found mine for 280 at REI on sale .... if they still have your size.
For a guy with large feet (size 14), these fit great straight out of the box with no real problems. One minor gripe however, is that the insole that comes with the boots seems somewhat misshapen, with the arch further back than is necessary and comfortable. In the next few months, I plan to upgrade to Superfeet or other insoles to correct this issue.
In terms of flex, the boots have a carbon fiber shank, that doesn't bend a whole lot, but gives a little spring as you step. This makes the boots great for longer approaches and angled climbs.
I haven't used them with crampons yet, but from what I understand, you don't have to spring 180 bucks for the montrail specific ones, as the boots have standard toe and heel welts, any type of crampon should work. As for insulation, I've worn mine in the snow at around 15 degrees with my own gaiters, not the included ones, and my feet were extremely warm the entire time. I don't doubt the -30 rating.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase, and I found mine for 280 at REI on sale .... if they still have your size.
CarolynGH - Jul 4, 2005 1:40 pm - Voted 4/5
Untitled Review
I love these boots. I bought them for glacier mountaineering and wanted a boot that would ice climb, mountaineer, and do the occasional expedition.
They are warm, but I did not get uncomfortably hot on all day approaches. They have a decently narrow heel and big toebox - fit is very comfortable. Better laces will keep them tighter for iceclimbing, I hope but the boot is great - broke them in on 2 weeks in Canada - no blisters. There are lighter leather mountaineering boots but these will replace need for plastic on any mountain I'm likely to attempt.
Crampon system is cool but lack of anti-bot plates and adjustment was a problem. Just checked today and the crampons are being recalled - so I'll likely get a replacement from Montrail but they won't fit with the boot as nicely. On the other hand they'll be easily adjusted in the field and have less snow clumping.
But the boots - I still highly recommend.
They are warm, but I did not get uncomfortably hot on all day approaches. They have a decently narrow heel and big toebox - fit is very comfortable. Better laces will keep them tighter for iceclimbing, I hope but the boot is great - broke them in on 2 weeks in Canada - no blisters. There are lighter leather mountaineering boots but these will replace need for plastic on any mountain I'm likely to attempt.
Crampon system is cool but lack of anti-bot plates and adjustment was a problem. Just checked today and the crampons are being recalled - so I'll likely get a replacement from Montrail but they won't fit with the boot as nicely. On the other hand they'll be easily adjusted in the field and have less snow clumping.
But the boots - I still highly recommend.
Viewing: 1-3 of 3 |
Erik Beeler - Nov 18, 2003 1:58 pm - Voted 5/5
Untitled ReviewSo far they seem to be a great boot. I have a narrow heel and these boots had a good fit for me keepin my heel from moving around but still had a good amount of space around the toe box for those extra thick socks and wiggle room. W/o the crampons on they have more fore foot flex than my Scarpa Cubres maybe a bit stiffer than a pair of Monotrail Moraine ATs. Very comfortable to walk in. The crampons fit nomally front and back but the center slips into a mount built into the boot that converts everything into a rigid configuration for ice climbing. There are two crampons avail ice and alpine. The ice can be converted to a mono configuration or left dual.
They also come with a gaiter. It covers from the ankle up and is made out of a scholler by OR. It is softer so I dont know how it will handle crampons digging into it. Also the lack of boot coverage means the gaiter wont help keep your foot warm but it has twice as much insulation than my Cumbres.
The list price is more like $420 with the gaiters but no crampons. Expect the crampons to cost about $185.
I will write more when I get back from Ouray in early January.