Close but no cigar! I own a number of different mtn boots from Sportiva and had in the past used the original Sportiva ICE. The web reviews that claimed the new EVO ICE holds the heel down and Logohoo discounted price convinced me the ICE EVO was worth another try. The up side? The awkward lacing system does indeed hold the heel down, even on my extremely narrow heels. The boot is easy to climb in and extremely good to hike in for a rigid soled mtn boot. The beveled soles front and back really help with trail hiking as does the flexible upper cuff. The sticky rubber soles are noticeable over the other current Sportiva models that lack them. I took the boot out of the box on a 12 mile r/t hike and on a 2400' mixed climb (AI3 M5) with no complaints. Great walking in and even better climbing. Petzl Darts fit the boot well. The boot climbed ice, rock and mixed easily...easier than expected actually with its low volume/profile and good ankle flexibility. Down sides? Boot really needed a GORE-TEX liner. It is no where close to being water proof or even water resistant...really disappointing. Hard to keep your feet warm much below freezing even with the added insulation on this boot. Lack of anything to hook your pants to and the small built in gaiter means you'll get water in from above the boot as well. Makes a good road side cragging boot or a summer mtn boot if it isn't going to be too sloppy out. They do dry out quickly though which is a plus. Over all I'd buy them to play in at the ice park or road side attractions but not as a boot to take into the mtns past one over night. Be careful going much under freezing with these guys if you are really warmed blooded. The lgt weight, low profile, good fit, and sticky soles make it a boot I'll use a lot. Better insulation, an easier lacing system and a GORE-TEX liner would make this boot a stand out. Isn't that named the Trango Prime??!!
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