Just got some new boots, these are my old ones very stuff sole crampons compatible I used them for all my climbing gaffing or with ascenders, shoes are still very stiff and have decent tread left I have weak ankles and was tweaking them when I'd use them working on the ground as the tops are getting softer was never an issue in the tree, well used but if someone is getting started on a budget they're still a good climbing boot. Asolos current version of this boot is the elbrus everything is pretty much the same except for the lacing and looks.