If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you’re into outdoor sports. If you’re into outdoor sports, then you’re into gear, that’s just a fact. I don’t know about you, but when I find something I like, I tend to stick with it for quite a while. In order for me to try something new, it usually takes some serious convincing to stray away from something I like. So let me take a minute and tell you about the Salewa Alp Trainer Mid GTX Hiking Boot.
I’m a long distance hiker. The condition of my feet, as well as their comfort, are very important to me. So when it comes to my hiking shoes, I can be very picky. If you’ve read some of my previous articles, you know that I like to hike in trail running shoes. As many of you already know, our current conditions in the Rockies have been a bit… damp. Trail running shoes just aren’t quite cutting it. So, I’ve finally decided to venture out again and try the Salewa Alp Trainer Mid GTX Hiking Boot. And like any good gear test, I gave them the business!
My Experience with the Salewa Alp Trainer Mid GTX Boot
I took these bad boys to the trail the second they came out of the box. Without even breaking them in, I summited a 14er. My boy Blue, and I camped at the snow line a little below 12,000 ft. and decided to take the dicey route to the summit of Mount Sherman (14,035 ft.). I trudged through slush fields, completely submerged them in a creek through a surprising posthole, climbed with micro spikes and even squeezed in a little class 3 and 4 scrambling up a choss field. I sucked it up and went about an hour or so before I stopped to change out of the wet socks and by that time the inside was completely dry and good to go.
Other than the full submersion, the Gore-Tex membrane kept my feet completely dry the entire day. The best part is, I didn’t get a single blister! And I’m talking about unbroken in boots here. Usually, we have to accept the fact that when we get new boots, especially for technical purposes, we suffer through the “blister stage”. Not with these… So I think it is safe to say that Salewa’s claim that these boots are blister-proof holds up.
FEATURES:
- 3F System
- MFF Footbed
- Climbing Lacing
- Vibram
- Gore-Tex
- Cleansport NXT ®
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Drop: 16 mm (Heel Stack Height 32,5 mm / Toe Stack Height 16,5 mm)
- Fit: Standard
- Sole segment: Trekking & Hiking
- Weight: 540 g
MATERIAL:
- Lining: GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort
- Outsole: Vibram® Hike Approach
- Upper: 1.6–1.8mm Suede / PU coated leather rand / Stretch fabric
- Awards: ALPIN Komfort-Tipp 05/19
Salewa Alp Trainer Mid GTX Hiking Boot Specs
The Salewa Alp Trainer is a mid-cut hiking boot, which is great for ankle support without so much overkill. It has a Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining, not only for waterproofing, but breathability as well. This feature makes the Alp Trainer a great boot for both cold and warmer conditions. Water is kept on the outside, while perspiration can easily escape from the inside. Thanks to their non-insulated construction, this boot is ideal for people who value outstanding climate comfort and heat release.
“The boot has a suede leather and stretch fabric upper with a protective PU-coated rand, while the durable and versatile Vibram® Hike Approach sole covers a wide spectrum of mountain terrain. The Alp Trainer Mid GTX integrates patented SALEWA® technologies to offer the Alpine Fit 100% blister free guarantee: customizable Multi Fit Footbed with interchangeable layers so you can adapt it to the unique shape of your foot; Climbing Lacing right to the toe for a more precise fit; 3F System for firm ankle and heel support.”
So if you’re like me, and needed a little nudge to try something different, I hope this was helpful for some. Like most gear heads out there, I like to know what I’m talking about before I vouch for something. And in my eyes, these boots are tried and true and will continue to be in my quiver for those necessary adventures. Happy Summer, folks! Now get out there and make something happen!
If you enjoyed this review, you may also like:
- Altra Lone Peak Review: Best Trail Running Shoe for Hiking
- HOKA Stinson ATR 5: A Running Shoe Review
- Winter Boots Review: Which Kind is Right for You?
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