I'm preparing for a winter traverse attempt at the Presidential Range in New Hampshire next year. After years of winter backpacking down to about 0*, this has the potential to go significantly colder (and, obviously, a lot windier).
One of the pieces of gear I'm currently focusing on are boots. I've got a pair of La Sportiva Makalu's that should be perfect for the technical aspects of the trip, but aren't insulated for deep winter use. Has anybody used them or similar in that environment? I'm looking at a set of VB socks plus a thick outer sock (the boots are about a half size large so there's plenty of room for that). Also considering a set of insulated insoles. It looks like 3M used to make some that were well regarded, but they're no longer available. Any suggestions in that regard?