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Salomon SM Expert Mountaineering Boot - Men's
The Salomon SM Expert is a world-class mountaineering boot that perfectly integrates a high tech chassis with a classic leather upper. Fully crampon compatible, the SM Expert is supported by Salomon's Climbing chassis—featuring an external heel counter, polyurethane midsole, a climbing tuned plate, and the Contagrip2 outsole. A forefront composite plate allows for maximum energy transfer when front-pointing. A protective full rubber rand encases your foot, and Salomon's one pull lacing system makes getting these beasts on with frozen hands a downright treat compared to traditional laces. The SM Expert is a champ in mixed terrain, balancing a mix of sticky rubber compound in the middle of the sole with a harder material around the perimeter for maximum bite—all without compromising long term durability.
On Sale
$249.95 $199.95 
SM Experts are...Excellent
A very competent and comfortable boot. Having size 13 feet, any 'normal' boot flexes far too much for me. The SMs are rigid, so you can be confident that every time you place your foot, it will stay where you intended. Very grippy soles on rock. Perfect for scrambling on more exposed/extreme routes. The crampon fixing 'lip' at the front is ideal for toe-work. Once you're confident of the rigidity of the soles, you can confidently stand on just these front grips safe in the knowledge that nothing will slip, bend or otherwise move. Good ankle support also. The rubber rand protects the uppers from mud and rock scrapes and also makes for easy maintenance, as there's less leather to keep proofed. The Thinsulate liners are really warm when you need them to be (e.g when climbing on snow or ice) yet maintain a steady temp in milder conditions.
Great Boot Great Value
After buying the wrong boots for the job last time( Sportiva Maks) I was alot more carful when shopping for a climbing boot. I settled on this boot because of the cost and reputation. Big payoff. This boot has plenty of room in the toe and a no movement heel cup. I think the best feature is the sole material. The no slip sole works really well. Like the difference between all wheel drive and 4x4. You don't know why you have improved traction, it's just there. My Trango auto crampons are a perfect fit. No blisters after many miles and vertical feet. I did have some tender spots under my ankles. Very happy with the boot.
Very good winter mountaineering boot
Bought the SM Experts after truly torturous experience in the Adirondacks with rental plastic boots in Jan 05. Heavenly change. I have very wide feet -- EE to EEE -- but was still comfortable with the Salomons (went up 1/2 size or so). Wore them on my 2nd trip last winter in the 'dacks -- warm, comfortable, pleasant to walk in. Wish they had Gore-Tex liner. Highly recommended.
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Training Tips
One of the most mentally toughening things you can do as a runner who trains daily is to add a morning run into your routine. This means you are doing two runs a day. The morning run is simply more of a mental challenge then anything else.
Have two pairs of running shoes, especially if you live in a wet climate. Consider replacing your shoes no later than 500 miles into the life of the shoes.
Proper hydration for a run includes drinking 30 - 45 minutes before you start and about a cup every 10 - 15 minutes while running.
One of the best ways to win a running race is to win it in your mind first. Visualize yourself running and winning that important race. The more often you do this, you will start to "feel" the race. Your heart will get pumping and your body will feel the effort required to get the job done.
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