Weight: 1208g (m), 968g (w)

Best for: Light and fast transalpine, three-season light mountaineering and approach

Overview

The Ortles LT Mid blends approach shoe attributes and ankle flexibility with the crampon compatibility of a light mountaineering boot. Weight is shaved by combining reinforced nylon/Powertex uppers with a semi-sticky Pomoca Alpine Light outsole. But while light, this boot is torsionally stiff and responsive thanks to Salewa’s Edging Plate 2 and 3F heel cradle system. An integrated gaiter and cam-lock lacing are included.

Performance

This moderately wide boot has a minimal tongue and supple uppers for a smooth, sock-like fit. Unlike most alpine boots, the Ortles is very much a mid, with just a single pair of eyelets on the cuff, which allows lots of ankle flexibility for cramponing and scrambling. However, a consequence of the low cuff–moderately stiff combination can be heel lift unless the boot is well matched to your foot shape, so try them carefully in store. The thin Pomoca sole makes for a stable, grounded feel with exceptional traction, and has a firm inside edge for rock climbing yet plenty of tread-bite for regular tramping duty too. It’s a very agile boot for scrambling, and comfortable for long approaches, but this forgiving flexibility makes it insufficiently stiff for extended front pointing. The low-profile sole is shock absorbing and tactile, but it has limited durability due to softish rubber and a scuff-exposed midsole.

What we like

Light and agile with excellent traction, very comfortable, compatible with semi-automatic crampons, fast drying.

Limitations

Minimal warmth for winter use, stiffness for front pointing, quirky fit, durability.

Why buy the Ortles LT Mid? 

Lightweight transalpine, long approaches, moderate snow and ice and scrambling are where these nimble boots excel, but they’re limited when it comes to the warmth, durability or stiffness of a traditional mountain boot. 

Overall Score: 84%