Award-winning
Built for technical precision, lightweight protection, insulation performance and best fit in cold, wet conditions. The Ortles Couloir is our award-winning, innovative, fully-crampon-compatible boot designed for alpine mountaineering, ice and mixed climbing.
Lightweight protection Kevlar® and PU
The Ortles Couloir has a low-profile design and weighs just 725 grams, making it the lightest boot of its kind in this category. This is made possible by the lightweight, strong carbon frame at the heart of its construction. By using moulded carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites with unidirectional fibres, our footwear designers reduce thickness, but still ensure maximum torsional and longitudinal rigidity, strength and stiffness. The upper section of the frame is further reinforced with Kevlar® and PU to provide further protection and enhanced flexibility at the shin area. At the ankle, the dedicated carbon fibre Ankle Protector System (APS) is connected to the boot by a hinged joint. This ensures effective freedom of movement in the longitudinal axis when walking. For protection from rocks, scree and crampons, the upper is surrounded by a durable PU rand. Naturally, the Ortles Couloir is fully crampon compatible. This is further supported by the rigid carbon fibre frame and additionally reinforced toe and heel welts.
Insulation performance
The Ortles Couloir was designed in collaboration with mountain guides and professional climbers to keep feet dry, warm and comfortable, yet prevent moisture build-up in extreme mountain environments. The double boot construction features a waterproof, breathable membrane, an elastic, protective and comfortable external nylon gaiter with a heat-welded, water-resistant YKK® zip and an abrasion-resistant PU rand. Its stretch properties and gaiter cuff with grippy silicone inserts work to keep out snow and ice. Underneath, the inner boot has a tough nylon upper and a warm, synthetic felt fabric lining for thermal protection. To prevent frostbite at the toe area, the toe box has an additional padded lining featuring cold shield technology and a Responsive footbed to seal out the cold.
Agility, precision and walkability
Everything about this boot is engineered to provide agility and support on mixed routes, ice climbs and glacial traverses in rugged terrain. The Vibram® Litebase technology outsole is designed for surefootedness. As it weighs 30% less than a conventional sole, it brings weight-saving and energy-saving gains, while ensuring optimal grip, traction and durability. The tread features a climbing zone at the toe, anti-slip grooves and graded lugs for traction, and a heel zone for braking on steep descents. The Vibram® rubber compound also maintains its performance in sub-zero conditions. Underfoot, the variable thickness lightweight carbon fibre shank plate supports good stability, load transfer and precision for front pointing and has been developed with dedicated thickness areas, to provide the right flexibility and stability for different activities. Optimal walkability, comfort and a precise fit is further enhanced by the compact shape of the dual-density polyurethane midsole.
The Ortles Couloir is SALEWA®’s next-generation boot for alpine mountaineering and ice and mixed climbing.
