Donna
I think the most important factor is the overall boot construction rather
than insole material. For the last 20 years I've used Koflach Extreme
double boots with a 7mm Poron 'sandwich' between the two - not for any
heat retaining capabilities, but to reduce the impaction from the rigidity
when walking (although it does nothing for front-pointing). These consist
of a plastic outer shell and a leather + thinsulate inner boot In recent
years keeping feet warm hasn't been an issue in Scotland - there's been so
little snowfall - but for alpine or Himalayan routes, I still feel that
the most important factor is keeping the foot as dry as possible so clean,
fresh socks are a must for routes of 2+ days. I've used a variety of
insole material to try and increase the 'Tog Factor' including 10mm high
density evazote (from Karrimats) but haven't noticed any real difference.
This may be due to a number of factors as it's difficult to replicate
indentical circumstances on the hill, but I'm always willing to be
convinced otherwise.
For short duration single day routes - ice falls & etc - your patient
could try making sure his boots are warm before pulling them on in the
morning. Jimmy Marshall, the legendary Scotish climber in the 1960's, used
to keep his boots in a tin can next to the stove in the hut on Ben Nevis.
I believe he still sports a full set of toes. Mind you, with modern
plastic boots, this operation could be fraught with difficulty!
Mark Russell
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