Aimed at 'demanding leisure hikers', the Trovat (we'll dispense with the rest of the clunky name here) is a year-round all-leather boot which can take you from the valley to the scree slopes and onto the ice fields and back again. It makes few compromises to get there as well, so could represent a smart buy for many mountain walkers.
The weight of 780g per boot is fairly standard for full-leather boots, although it didn't feel overwhelmingly nimble on the feet (mainly due to its stiffness, see below). However, when you consider what you're getting for that weight rating, it's easy to forgive: the weather-proofing of a quality leather build combined with a Gore-Tex membrane, the extremely protective all-round rand, a level of stiffness that can carry a crampon, good levels of padding and foam inserts... the list goes on.
The fact that it's B1 rated, which means it can hold the lightest and most flexible kind of crampons, will be enough to sway certain users immediately. And if it's not high on your list of priorities it's nevertheless reassuring if you intend the boot for year-round use and may incidentally come across fields of ice in your travels.
In use the toothy Vibram sole and doubled heel straps, which run below and above your heel bone, as well as nicely judged support to prevent your heel and ankle from rolling or bending outwards, become apparent. The Trovat excels on rough terrain, and the lacing system is also excellent: more than half of the fitting eyes quickly hook on each time you put the boot on. This makes for an effective and comfortable fit every time - never too tight and never too loose.
There is no women's version available, unfortunately, and female buyers will have to console themselves with the slightly less meaty Trovat Advanced High GTX.
In conclusion: a well-built boot which balances year-round performance with high levels of comfort, durability and weather proofing. If you don't need basic crampon compatibility you can opt for something less stiff, but if you do they're a top choice.
