After spending nearly two trouble-free years thrashing my Salewa Rapace boots, I was looking forward to trying out some of Salewa’s bigger and badder boots. Enter the new Salewa Condor boots. When I saw these boots at the Outdoor Retailer, I knew I had to get a pair on my feet ASAP! After many hard miles on and off the trail, ski mountaineering trips, and mountain rescue operations, I can honestly say that I love these boots – in some ways as much as my Rapaces and in other ways even more than them.
Pros
- Unlike my Rapaces, the Condors boots required absolutely no break-in time. Straight out of the box I took them on a 15 mile backpacking trip and suffered zero blisters, hotspots, or discomfort. These boots live up to Salewa’s Zero Blister policy.
- With lace locks on the third eyelet and four lace eyelet hooks up the ankle, this boot locks onto your foot. No matter how rugged or heavy a load you may be carrying, they offer phenomenal ankle support.
- The heel pull loops on these boots are HUGE. Why more companies do not do this is beyond me. Even with heavily insulated gloves, getting these boots on is not an issue.
- With the high ankle support and gusseted tongue, these boots are definitely waterproof. Even after walking and standing in a creek for over ten minutes, no water soaked through.
- The bright green color-wave is pretty awesome and if you ever get lost you can use them to signal the rescue helicopter! (not really)
Cons
- Although the Condors are $16 cheaper than the Garmont Tower Plus GTX boots I tested, $349 still lands these boots on the hefty side of pricey.
Final Thoughts
Out of the box, these boots were very comfortable. The lace locks ensure that you can get a great fit that is easy to fine-tune as needed. The boot is very easy to get on, due in part to the spandex type material on the back of the boot which allows one to easily slip in and out of the boot (and also provides comfort and a little flex while walking). Overall, this is a well designed boot. If you are looking for your next alpine boots that can handle all but the coldest of situations, the Condor could be your next boot.
Tech Specs
Manufacturer: Salewa
Date available: Currently available
Manufacturer’s Website: www.salewa.us
MSRP: $349.00
Listed Weight: 840 Grams
Actual Weight: 848 Grams per boot or 1696 Grams for the pair Size 9.0 tested
Materials: 2.6mm Perwanger Suede, 360° full rubber rand, Insole – stiff: Nylon + 27% Fiberglass, GoreTex Lining, & Vibram® Teton
Warranty info: N/A
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