Just bought this pair of Columbia Titanium boots at World of Sports Takashimaya. Very friendly and helpful sales assistant from China.
I tried on a pair of Hi Tech boots as well. The Columbia is much more comfortable. I’m not paid to say this. Check out the bottom. This is the kind of sole I’m looking for.
The sales assistant advised me to get a couple of sizes larger. I normally wear 39 to 40. He’s right. The size 41 fits well.
The boots look warm enough for snow-walking and the Vibram sole is nice and stiff. However the sole is not flat enough. This means it’s not crampon-friendly.
Nevertheless, I think it should work in most situations I’m going to encounter on this trip. I also like the design. So much so that I must take a few pictures before wearing them.