For my first overnight trek of the year, I headed to Mount Tonodake in Tanzawa. The theme was “Complete Chill.” But beyond just relaxing, I had upgraded my gear significantly: the Mystery Ranch Radix 57 on my back, and the Montbell Alpine Cruiser 800—my second pair—on my feet.
Even with full overnight gear, the Radix 57 felt incredibly stable. As I walked, I felt the stiff, crisp sensation of brand-new mountaineering boots. That “fresh out of the box” feeling is something special.
Farewell to My First Pair: They Didn’t Even Last 3 Years
My first Alpine Cruiser 800s were my companions through countless peaks until the Gore-Tex finally gave out and the soles were worn flat. I thought I had owned them for three years, but checking my purchase history, I was shocked: I bought them on July 8, 2023. They lasted barely two and a half years.
The fact that I wore them out so quickly is proof of how my training has intensified.
Why I Didn’t Choose the La Sportiva Aequilibrium
When looking for a replacement, the La Sportiva Aequilibrium was my first choice. It’s a dream brand with a stunning design and a sole built for technical rock. I wanted it badly.
However, looking ahead to my goal of summiting Mount Everest, my training involves being on the mountain almost every weekend. I’m planning long-distance traverses and expeditions like Taiwan’s Yushan (Mount Jade) this November.
At my current pace, even the most expensive boots would be worn out in no time. For me, a high-end boot would become an “asset” I’d feel forced to protect. But what I need isn’t a treasure to be handled with care; I need a “Tool” to get me to Everest.
The “Ultimate Tool”: Reproducibility and Cost-Performance
Ultimately, I returned to the Montbell Alpine Cruiser 800.
I’ve worn them across all types of Japanese terrain without a single issue. I already know my exact size, so I don’t even need to visit a store for a fitting.
More importantly, the ability to replace them easily is a must. While the original price is reasonable, I found my second pair at a Montbell outlet for just around 20,000 JPY. In an era of rising prices, I can get a reliable, high-performance boot for a bargain. As long as I stick with this model, I have a “guaranteed, reproducible replacement” waiting for me whenever the current pair reaches its limit.
The First Mission: A Rainy Retreat
My first trip with these boots ended in a retreat due to heavy rain. I spent the night “chilling” at the Okura Plateau campsite instead of the summit.
Descending through the mud, I looked down at my brand-new boots and felt a deep sense of satisfaction. If these were luxury boots, I might have felt a bit depressed about getting them filthy on day one. But because they are my “Ultimate Tools,” I felt nothing but confidence in my choice.
The Alpine Cruiser 800 isn’t just a boot; it’s my most trusted partner on the long road to Everest. I look forward to seeing how these stiff new soles mold to my feet as I continue my journey toward the highest peak in the world.
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