The lightweight Salewa Ortles Edge Mid Gore-Tex boot benefits from an ankle protector system and 3D lacing system.
This is a lightweight and versatile boot. The sole is not as stiff as some winter boots, but there is a good edge for kicking into firm snow and a heel welt makes it compatible with semi-automatic crampons. A climbing zone at the toe helps for performance on scrambling terrain.
James Roddie recommends
This boot performs really well as a ‘fast and light’ option, but for the coldest days in Scotland with full snow cover, I would opt for a warmer boot with a stiffer sole.- lightweight
- versatile
- MFF+ footbed allows fit flexibility
- Anti-debris stretch gaiter too short
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £310 |
| Weight: 1240g (UK size 9.5 pair) |
| B rating: B1 |
| Waterproofing: Goretex performance comfort membrane |
| Upper: Nylon |
| Crampon welts: Heel welt |
| Sole: Pomoca Alpine Dynamic |
| Sizes: UK 6-12/EU 39-47 (with half sizes) |
| Men’s version? Yes |
| salewa.com |
The nylon upper is very flexible and this helps the boot to be comfortable straight out of the box. The ‘ankle protector system’ does its job well, the area substantially padded with thermoformed material. This is effective at supporting your ankles on steep and rocky descents, and helps prevent any bruises to your ankles in boulder fields.
I really like the 3D lacing system. This involves two ratchet locks on the third eyelet from the toe, allowing you to adjust the tension of the laces at the toe and mid foot areas independently of each other. It works very well, although the locks are hard to use whilst wearing gloves.
The footbed allows fit customisation by reducing the internal shoe volume. It is simple and effective and allows the boots to fit a wider variety of foot shapes. My only complaint with the design involves the anti-debris gaiter which stretches around the ankle and over the tongue. As the top of the gaiter reaches just beneath where the laces knot, I found it seemed to encourage snow and grit to accumulate rather than prevent it.
Overall, I was impressed with the Ortles Edge Mid Gore-Tex. It performs really well as a ‘fast and light’ winter boot, but for the coldest days in Scotland with full snow cover, I would opt for a warmer boot with a stiffer sole.
Testing Conditions
James is a UK size 9.5/EU 44. He tested the boots during the winter of 2023/24 in a variety of weather and conditions in the hills of the Scottish Highlands. Terrain varied from easy trails under light snow cover, to Grade 1 winter mountaineering ground in typical mid-season condition.
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.
