Dolomite
More about the brand ↓Founded in Italy in 1897: casual shoes such as the 54 and the Carezza, hiking and approach shoes, plus jackets for mountain and city.
Good to know about Dolomite
Dolomite in numbers
- founded by Giuseppe Garbuio
- 1897
- the founder's age at the time
- 17
- first ascent of K2, in boots by Dolomite
- 1954
UK sizing
Dolomite shoes come in UK sizes in half steps. The product page shows the EU size alongside, sometimes in thirds: UK 7 equals EU 40 2/3. According to the product description, Dolomite builds its women's models (W's) for the female foot shape.
Care by material
According to Dolomite, protect suede and synthetics with a water-based proofing spray, and full-grain leather with care cream. Dry wet shoes away from heaters and sun: Dolomite says heat can loosen the adhesive between sole and upper.
Resoling by a cobbler
According to Dolomite, many models in the 54 line, plus the Carezza and the Crodarossa Hi GTX 2.0, can be resoled by an authorised Vibram cobbler. Dolomite's list of resolable shoes is what counts. Ask the cobbler about price and turnaround.
The Cinquantaquattro collection
A short film by Dolomite about the 54 line, the Cinquantaquattro. According to Dolomite, it combines traditional craftsmanship with references to the brand's own history.
Frequently asked questions
What do GTX and WP in the name mean?
GTX models have a GORE-TEX lining. WP models such as the Carezza Leather WP list a waterproof membrane without a brand name in their product description.
Can I go hiking in the 54?
According to its description, the 54 Low is made for everyday wear, travel and walks. For hiking there is the 54 Hike Evo GTX: suede with stretch inserts, a GORE-TEX lining and a Vibram sole.
What does the flex index tell me?
It describes how stiff the sole is and is given in the product description. The Carezza is rated Super-Flex, the 54 Low Regular, the Crodarossa Hi GTX 2.0 and the 54 Hike Evo GTX Medium.
What does the 54 stand for?
For 1954. That year K2 was climbed for the first time, and the expedition wore mountain boots by Dolomite. Cinquantaquattro is Italian for 54.
How often should I replace the insole?
According to Dolomite, every six months, or at least once a year. For the 54 models, the 54 Footbed is available as a replacement.
Dolomite in the SportFits magazine
54 line
The 54 Low in suede with a Vibram sole is made for everyday wear, travel and walks. The line ranges from high-cut and lined models to GTX versions with a GORE-TEX lining.
Carezza
The Carezza is made for the city, travel and easy paths, without a chunky lugged sole. It comes as a knit shoe for warm days and in leather, plus waterproof WP versions.
Crodarossa
Crodarossa is the line for approaches and via ferratas. The Hi GTX 2.0 has a high cut, lacing to the toe and a climbing zone at the tip; the Lite GTX 2.0 weighs 384 g per shoe (men's).
Nibelia
Nibelia is built for brisk hiking with a light pack: textile and stretch upper, GORE-TEX lining, Vibram sole. The Warm High WP is insulated with Primaloft and designed for winter.
Steinbock
Steinbock is the hiking boot for day hikes on warmer days, with a GORE-TEX lining and a Michelin sole instead of Vibram. The WT GTX 2.0 with a Perspair fabric upper is the lighter version.
