Kirsty Pallas recommends the Dolomite Torq Tech GTX as a ‘winter-lite’ boot with low bulk.
Dolomite are, funnily enough, Italian, and the Dolomite Torq Tech GTX model does feel suited to the Alps or with Via Ferrata in mind. However, they are warmer than they look, and suit British winter better than expected.
Kirsty Pallas recommends
I think they’re a great ‘winter-lite’ boot, and work well for early or late winter in more stable conditions.- weight
- low bulk
- waterproofing
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £335 |
| Weight: 1205g (UK5 pair) |
| B rating: B2 |
| Waterproofing: Goretex Performance Comfort |
| Upper: Coated Microfibre |
| Crampon welts: Heel welt |
| Sole: Vibram Mulaz |
| Sizes: EU 37-42 or UK 4-8 with half sizes |
| Men’s version? Yes |
| www.dolomite.it |
The upper is made up of several layers of fabric, with the main component being a coated microfibre. Non vegan glues may still be used here, but the boot does avoid animal skin in its construction, and the use of synthetics makes for a light, low bulk boot. It is still warm enough and dries quickly. There’s room for flex in the ankle built in and a full surround rubber rand.
The sole is Vibram, and has medium depth lugs with a large climbing zone at the toe. Once again, these feel optimised for alpine conditions, but fair well enough closer to home. The tongue is connected to the boot most of the way up, and there’s a popper that contains the laces, to keep it in place. This sometimes popped open when I was tightening the laces, so perhaps a loop would have been preferrable.
The laces run through fabric loops, which seem to be strong, but will likely wear more quickly than metal eyelets. There’s three hooks for adjusting comfort and keeping your heel in place.
There’s a small fabric gaiter on the back of the ankle to keep debris out and pull loops to help get them on. I found this boot warm and comfortable on more spring-like days. In poor conditions, the lower cut meant damp feet – just the once on test.
I think they’re a great ‘winter-lite’ boot, and work well for early or late winter in more stable conditions.
Testing Conditions
Kirsty is a UK size 5/EU 38, with a wide forefoot. These boots were tested in winter 2024 in the Scottish Highlands on both personal mountaineering days, and delivering winter skills courses in all weather and conditions. All weights are from Kirsty’s own scales.
This review was first published in the February 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors. To compare this model to others suited to winter mountain days, as chosen by the experts, see our guide to the best winter mountaineering boots.
