The boot dilema

It is a nice town, but I already want to get myself to some place cooler! It is way too hot here, my body is in shock, and I have lost my appetite.

This morning I went to meet with the owner of the company I am doing this expedition with. Later this afternoon, I will leave with them the gear that I will not need for my few days of solo pre-aclimatization (crampons, piolet, mountaineering boots, some of the heavier, warmer clothes etc), will try to send off to my friend Julio from Puerto Madryn the tent and kayaking gear that I will only need once I get there, and then meet back up with Ryan and the rest of his expedition, which leaves tomorrow. They all arrived this morning, and are now doing the stuff that I will need to do myself next week: getting their gear checked over and approved, and getting the park fee paid.

And now I am worried. I did not bring double plastic mountaineering boots. Mine are the Sportiva ice climbing and expedition boots. They are excellent except for one detail; they are not as warm. I had checked with my guide with this, and he felt that, with supergaiters and vapour socks, it would be fine. But this guide is being quite adament that Ryan, who has boots very similar to mine, and another member of their group with the same gear, rent double plastic boots here, not trusting that ours would prevent us from freezing a toe or two off. I personally have no intentions of leaving any digits here, so I am concerned, and will chat with my guide about this. The other concern, however, is that these boots will be worn for 5 days during the expedition, including summit day. That is more than plenty of time to get blisters from unfamiliar gear. I know Ryan does not want to let himself be convinced to leave behind a pair of boots that he has never been cold in, even in -25 degrees weather, and that his feet are used to. I do not fancy the idea of putting on boots that have been worn by plenty of other feet and could therefore injure me. I welcome any suggestions!