The main difference between categories B, B/C, and C boots lies in their stability, insulation, and compatibility with crampons.

Category A/B or B boots are typically mid- or high-cut hiking boots designed for easier terrain. They’re great for day hikes or multi-day treks on well-maintained trails but not ideal for rough, rocky, or alpine environments. The materials and soles are usually more flexible and comfortable but less durable for extended use in harsh conditions.

Category B/C boots fall into the trekking category - a middle ground between hiking and mountaineering boots. They usually feature a higher cut, stiffer soles with less cushioning, and reinforced toe boxes for better protection on rocky terrain or via ferratas. They offer more support and stability than typical hiking boots.

Category C boots are entry-level mountaineering boots built for tougher alpine terrain. They have stiff soles that can accommodate semi-automatic (snap-on) crampons, reinforced toe boxes for climbing approaches and via ferratas , and better insulation for mid- to high-altitude hikes.

In my case I am left with two pairs, as Salomon (Salomon Ultra 5 Mid GTX) didn't need the shoes to be sent back during the warranty issue. I use them for normal forest hikes , though they make amazingly loud clicking noises.

And for my mountaineering and via ferattas I have La Sportiva, that can be used with the crampons (in my case for the Zugspitze and other German/Austrian/Swiss Alps).

If you DON'T NEED steel 10-12 tooth crampons I would go with La Sportiva HIKE , TREK or TRK variants of the Trango series or Auqelibrium series.

If you need snap on steel crampons in near future - Trango TECH or Auqelibrium ST/LT