What a shoe! The lightweight Aequilibrium (1390 g) hugs the foot like a second skin, gently enclosing the ankle and giving it plenty of flex. The sole, on the other hand, flexes less, but allows you to stand on small rocky outcrops with less effort, it rolls as if on rails, and its coarse lugs bite into any ground. Price: 330 euros.

Do you also like travelling light and fast in the high mountains, with glacier passages just as much a part of your repertoire as climbs up to the third degree of difficulty? Then you'll love the La Sportiva Aequilibrium Speed GTX (€330, 1100 g per pair/size 42.5). The mountaineering boot with sewn-on, padded gaiter made of waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex has a chunky, precise sole with crampon attachment...