Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX: My Trusty Mountain Companion (Review)
ReviewAlright, fellow adventurers, let’s talk boots – because nobody wants unhappy feet on the trail, am I right? I’m fresh off a killer three-day trek through the jagged, fictional Veridian Range, and let me tell you, my feet are practically writing sonnets to the Salewa Women’s Mountain Trainer Mid GTX. These boots? Seriously, a total game-changer.
For ages, it feels like, I’ve been on this quest for the boot. You know, the one that can handle both those nail-biting technical climbs and those long, soul-searching treks where comfort is king. I’ve fought the good fight against blisters, cursed boots with the ankle support of a wet noodle, and nearly sacrificed a toenail or two to the toe-box gods. So, yeah, when I first laced up these Mountain Trainers, I was hopeful, but I wasn’t holding my breath.
First Impressions & Fit:
Straight out of the box, you can just see the quality. No corners cut here. The suede leather and synthetic upper feel tough as nails, and that wraparound rubber rand? It’s like a “bring it on” invitation to rocky terrain. No more babying my boots! I’m usually a US size 7, and these fit like a glove in the same size with my usual hiking socks. The lacing system? Forget about it – pure genius. You can really fine-tune the fit, locking your heel in place like Fort Knox. Trust me, that’s a lifesaver when you’re bombing down steep hills.
On the Trail (and Off!):
Now, the Veridian Range? That place is a fickle beast. One minute you’re strolling along a perfectly groomed trail, the next you’re practically rock climbing over loose scree and boulders the size of small cars. But guess what? That’s where the Mountain Trainer Mid GTX lives for. The Vibram WTC sole is like Spider-Man clinging to walls. Seriously, I felt so planted and secure, even on those slick, wet slabs where I’m usually a nervous wreck.
And speaking of adventures… So, there we were on day two, and we – being the geniuses we are – decided to take a “shortcut.” (Cue ominous music.) This “shortcut” involved some serious off-trail action. Think bushwhacking through stuff that scratched back, and hopping over boulders that threatened to swallow you whole. But the ankle support in these boots? Unbelievable. That 3F System thing? It’s not just marketing fluff. It really does lock your heel, sole, and instep together. Not even one wobble, not even one close call. And believe me, with the pack I was lugging around, that’s saying something.
Comfort Factor:
Okay, let’s be real. “Alpine trekking boot” doesn’t exactly conjure up images of fluffy slippers and happy feet. But Salewa has pulled a rabbit out of a hat here. That dual-density Bilight midsole is like walking on marshmallows – well, supportive marshmallows. And the Flex Collar? Brilliant! It lets your ankle move naturally, so you don’t get that horrible shin-bang feeling on those crazy descents. After 10+ hours on my feet each day, were my feet tired? Sure. But did I have blisters? Nope! That’s a win in my book.
Weather Protection:
You can’t talk about a GTX boot without talking about water, right? We got caught in a couple of those classic mountain rain showers that seem to come out of nowhere, and my feet stayed bone dry. The GORE-TEX lining does its job. And even better, my feet weren’t swimming in sweat during those uphill slogs. They breathed! Hallelujah!
Minor Gripes:
Alright, let’s keep it real. No boot is perfect, and these do have a couple of quirks. They’re not the lightest boots on the market, so you might notice the extra weight on those super-long days. Also, that sole is pretty stiff when you first get them, but don’t worry, they do break in. Lastly, I did spot a little wear on the seams near the toe after the Veridian Range trip, so I’ll be keeping an eye on that.
The Verdict:
Even with those minor things, the Salewa Women’s Mountain Trainer Mid GTX has earned its place as a top pick in my gear stash. They’re dependable, supportive, and comfy enough to tackle a ton of different alpine adventures. If you’re hunting for a boot that can keep up with your big, adventurous plans, seriously, give these a shot. You won’t regret it.
Who is it for:
- Alpine trekkers who laugh in the face of mixed, technical terrain.
- Hikers who pack like they’re moving to another country.
- Anyone who needs serious ankle support.
Who is it not for:
- Folks who stick to easy, well-groomed trails (these might be overkill).
- Backpackers who count every ounce (there are lighter options out there).
Happy trails, everyone!