Mountain Insoles A vs B: Which La Sportiva Insert Fits?
By La Sportiva North America | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: Buying Guides
Match your boot model before you buy: Mountain Insoles A fit Nepal, Makalu and Glacier boots, while B fits Aequilibrium and Trango Tech. Here's how to choose.
Quick answer
Choose Mountain Insoles A if you own Nepal Cube, Nepal EVO, Nepal S3 Work, Karakorum, Makalu or Glacier WLF boots. Choose Mountain Insoles B if you own Aequilibrium Series, Trango Tech Leather GTX or Trango Tech GTX boots. The boot model decides it, not the price.
Why the boot model decides your insert
La Sportiva builds these two replacement insoles for different boot families, so the shape and fit are matched to specific models rather than sold as a universal trim-to-fit footbed. That is good news for fit: you are replacing the insole that came with your boot, not guessing at a generic shape.
The catalog lists compatibility by model name, and that list is the deciding factor. If your boot is not named on either list, neither insole is confirmed to fit, and you should check with La Sportiva before buying.
What each insert is made for
Insoles A cover the Nepal family, Karakorum, Makalu and Glacier WLF. These are the boots most often used for mountaineering and cold-weather mountain work, so A is the replacement path for that side of the line.
Insoles B cover the Aequilibrium Series and the Trango Tech Leather GTX and Trango Tech GTX. If you hike, scramble or move fast in those boots, B is the matching insert.
The trade-off: price is not the difference
At the catalog prices shown here, A and B sit within a few cents of each other, so cost should not drive your choice. Picking the wrong one to save a few cents is a false economy if it does not fit your boot.
The real trade-off is availability. Color and size options vary by model, and the catalog does not list arch height, thickness or cushioning specs for either insert. If you need a specific arch profile or volume change, these replacement insoles are not the place to experiment; ask La Sportiva or a fitter first.
Decision rules for choosing A or B
- Check your boot's model name first: Look at the tongue or heel of your boot and match it to the compatibility lists: A for Nepal Cube GTX, Nepal Cube GTX Women's, Nepal EVO GTX, Nepal S3 Work GTX, Karakorum, Makalu and Glacier WLF; B for Aequilibrium Series, Trango Tech Leather GTX and Trango Tech GTX. If your model appears on neither list, stop and confirm fit with La Sportiva before ordering.
- Buy the pair, not a single insert: Both A and B are sold as a pair, so one order replaces both footbeds in your boots.
- Pick your size from the option menu: Both insoles come in multiple sizes and colors. Choose the size that matches your boot size rather than assuming one size fits all. If you are between sizes or unsure, ask before you order; the catalog does not list trim-to-fit guidance.
- Do not buy for arch support alone: The catalog does not specify arch height, thickness or cushioning for either insert, so neither is sold as an upgrade for foot shape. They are replacement insoles for the listed boots. If you need a custom arch or volume change, get fitted separately instead of guessing between A and B.
Product facts
- La Sportiva Mountain Insoles - A: Replacement insoles for La Sportiva mountaineering boots, compatible with Nepal Cube GTX, Nepal EVO GTX, Nepal S3 Work GTX, Karakorum, Makalu and Glacier WLF; sold as a pair. If your boot is on that list, A is the direct replacement and you get both insoles in one purchase.
La Sportiva Mountain Insoles - A - La Sportiva Mountain Insoles - B: Replacement insoles for La Sportiva mountaineering boots, compatible with the Aequilibrium Series, Trango Tech Leather GTX and Trango Tech GTX; sold as a pair. Owners of those faster-moving boots should choose B rather than trying to make A fit.
La Sportiva Mountain Insoles - B
Who each insert is for
Best for
- Owners of Nepal, Karakorum, Makalu or Glacier WLF boots who need a replacement pair (choose A)
- Owners of Aequilibrium or Trango Tech boots who need a replacement pair (choose B)
- Hikers replacing worn factory footbeds in a confirmed compatible boot
Not for
- Boots not named on either compatibility list
- Skippers or riders looking for a ski boot footbed replacement; these are mountaineering boot insoles
- Anyone seeking a specific arch support or cushioning upgrade, since those specs are not listed
