Salewa

Vertical Pro GTX Mountaineering Boot

The lightest offering in Salewa's Pro Mountaineering Series, the Vertical Pro GTX Men's Mountaineering Boot is a tough, warm, and highly technical boot that's all about tackling winter alpine routes and crushing hard ice and mixed climbing. Its standout feature? Salewa's Flex System, which uses a key (or a coin) to adjust the flex of the nylon and fiberglass insole, taking it from completely rigid to semi-flexible with a few quick twists, so you can cruise vertical ice and transition comfortably to glacier or ridge travel in a just a few seconds. Combined with the 3F system, which provides maximum lateral support, heel hold, and unparalleled ankle movement, the Vertical Pro truly provides one-of-a-kind functionality for serious alpinists.

Don't get fooled into thinking the Vertical Pro is some sort of novelty item, either—it's tougher than a box of nails, with a Perwanger suede and Superfabric upper that'll stand up to crampons, ice tools, and rocks, and a full rubber rand for added durability. It's lined with a Gore-Tex Duratherm XL waterproof and breathable membrane that features lightweight insulation, but just in case you're prone to cold feet, Salewa added the extra warmth and waterproofing of a super-thin reflective aluminum layer.

But wait, there's more! We haven't even mentioned the easy-tightening 3D lace system that allows you to independently adjust the Vertical Pro in three different zones, ensuring the snuggest, most comfortable fit whether you're front-pointing, flat-footing, or passed out on the ground from exhaustion (this would also be a good place to point out that the Vertical Pro is fully compatible with step-in crampons.) And, if you're not wearing crampons, the Vibram Salewa Pro outsole has ultra-aggressive lugs for grip on mud and snow, and a climbing toe profile that's specifically designed to boost edging power and grip.