Boots for Alpine Climbing
Here is a short article for those requiring a bit more info on boot selection
Boots and crampons come at 3 levels of rigidity: 1, 2 and 3.
B1 is a very flexible boot and needs a C1 crampon which is flexible and fastens with straps.
B2 is a semi stiffened boot and needs a C2 crampon which has some flex and can fasten with a toe bail and strap combination.
B3 is a fully rigid boot which can take a C3 crampon which is also rigid and fastens at front and back with clips.
Which boot you end up with is a matter for a specialist shop, as a rigid boot in particular needs to be well fitted in order to avoid blisters. I’ve used La Sportiva Nepal Tops, Scarpa Mountains and Asolo Cholatse in the past. My current Mont Blanc boot is a Scarpa Phantom Guide. But really the most important thing is to select a boot that fits you well rather than following any specific recommendations I might imply with that list.
The other choice you may be offered is plastic double boots vs. leather single boots. To be frank, leather boots have come on enormously in the last 5-10 years so plastic boots are really only for the Himalaya or Alaska.