Salewa Men's Mountain Trainer 2 GTX Shoes Black/Carrot 10 Review
The Salewa Men's Mountain Trainer 2 GTX Shoes in Black/Carrot are a definitive choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking performance, comfort, and durability. With an upgraded design that is lighter than its predecessor, this low-approach shoe is engineered for various activities, including via ferratas, trekking, and technical mountain crossings.
These shoes are equipped with a Vibram MTN Trainer Evo sole, which not only provides excellent traction but also ensures stability on rugged terrains. The use of GORE-TEX® membrane guarantees waterproofing, offering peace of mind during wet conditions while maintaining breathability, allowing moisture from sweat to escape effectively.
Related Products
Features
- Suede Leather: Robust material enhances structure and foot protection.
- GORE-TEX Upper: Provides durable waterproof protection.
- 3F System: Improves flexibility and ensures a blister-free fit.
- Climbing Laces: Secure fit tailored for climbing and descending.
- Stretch Gaiter: Increases comfort and prevents water ingress.
Pros
- Lightweight design enhances mobility.
- Excellent grip on various surfaces due to aggressive tread pattern.
- Comfortable OrthoLite insole for moisture management.
- Innovative 3F system allows freedom of movement without sacrificing support.
Cons
- Price point may be higher than some competitors.
- Limited color options might not appeal to all users.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Salewa Men's Mountain Trainer 2 GTX | La Sportiva TX4 | Scarpa Drago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | No | Yes |
| Traction | Vibram MTN Trainer Evo | FriXion outsole | Vibram outsole |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Lightweight |
| Upper Material | Suede Leather | Nubuck Leather | Synthetic |
Detailed Review
The Salewa Men's Mountain Trainer 2 GTX Shoes boast impressive features that cater to the needs of adventurers tackling challenging terrains. When it comes to design, the suede leather upper provides both style and robustness, ensuring that your feet remain protected against rough conditions. The GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort lining adds another layer of protection, making these shoes fully waterproof yet breathable – a critical feature for unpredictable weather in the outdoors.
In terms of comfort, the OrthoLite insole plays a crucial role, providing cushioning while effectively wicking away moisture. This means you can hike longer without worrying about sweaty feet or discomfort. The patented 3F system enhances flexibility, allowing for natural foot movement while providing adequate support to prevent blisters.
The traction provided by the Vibram MTN Trainer Evo sole is noteworthy. Its aggressive tread pattern and self-cleaning grooves ensure that you maintain grip even on rocky surfaces or ladders—a necessity for any serious climber or trekker. The specific via ferrata zone features protrusions that maximize grip on ladder rungs, setting this shoe apart from standard flat-soled footwear.
However, it's essential to note the price point; these shoes are positioned at the higher end of the market. While you get premium features, budget-conscious buyers might want to consider alternatives. Additionally, the selection of colors is somewhat limited, which could influence personal style preferences.
Overall, the Salewa Men's Mountain Trainer 2 GTX Shoes represent a combination of advanced technology, comfort, and reliability, making them a top choice for both amateur hikers and professional climbers alike.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and moisture-wicking properties provide lasting comfort during hikes. |
| Traction | 10/10 | Outstanding grip on varied surfaces, particularly in challenging climbing situations. |
| Waterproofing | 10/10 | Fully waterproof construction ensures feet stay dry in wet conditions. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Robust materials withstand harsh environments and heavy use. |
| Value for Money | 8/10 | While pricey, the quality and performance justify the investment. |
User Reviews
Love the shoe, looks way better in person. Extremely tough leather upper and rubber surround used. Very grippy Vibram sole. The shoes do fit a tad bit small, maybe get a half size up and is not suited for wide feet. The shoe fits like a climbing shoe, very snug. On hot days my feet felt hot with the thick leather upper, rubber surround and Gore-tex lining, the shoe is not the most breathable shoe I've ever worn, but my feet sweat in every shoe, and it has not been an issue. On cooler days my feet temp felt very comfortable. I'm looking forward to the shoe breaking in, as its pretty stiff, it might take a longer than most hiking shoes, but I expect it to last a long time even in the volcanic rock I'm frequently hiking through. Bottom line I 100% recommend the shoe for those with narrow feet and who are looking for a tough-as-nails shoe. The Salewa Trainer 2 GTX is meant for lots of rock abrasion and finding grip on loose ground.
Love the fit an feel. I did go up a 1/2 size to an 11. THey do run a bit narrow but when you work them a bit and adjust the laces they feel awesome. I use old school wigwam wool socks and along with the shoes I get all day comfort. They are pricy but you pay for what you get.
I love these shoes. Actually after only having the black pair for 10 minutes I ordered this blue pair. I’ve had lots of Asolo shoes and hiking boots and Salomons. This is my first Selewas. Built super tough. Great fit. I would wear 11.5 sometimes in asolo and size 12 in new balance. I got 12 for these and they are perfect. Look way better in person. Great buy!
I really like these shoes. I walk 50+ miles a week in varying terrain and conditions and they are holding up nicely after a month of use. My only complaint is that seem a little narrow and hard internally at first. Once I figured out the issue I replaced the insoles and lace them a little looser they are great! I will buy another pair in wide when the time comes. On par with Asolo.
This has been my go to shoes for longer and tougher approaches. It's very sturdy, provides great support on uneven terrain carrying a heavy pack and the build quality is top. I used and abused my last pair weekly for 3 years on countless miles of rocky and loose terrain on my way to all sorts of climbing areas. Still, there's no compromising damage except for having gone through the sole as expected with any shoe - hence my new purchase.Also, they climb/scramble very well. I've done full pitches of up to 5.7 climbing. Smearing is not easy because of the stiff sole, but edging is great and the stiff protects your feet from all the sharp rocks on the trail.Only downside is it's a bit heavy when hanging on the harness - but this can be mitigated by picking a lighter version of the product family.
I bought some of the shoes years ago when they were a different design. They were amazing and practically indestructible. I loved them and bought another pair when Salewa updated the design. In less than a year the soles are my new MTN Trainers started to pull away from the rest of the shoe - I guess the glue didn't hold. I contacted Salewa support and they sent me new ones (However, it did take a while). I started having the exact same problem with the new replacement pair. I am in the process of talking to the Salewa warranty customer service, but they re very slow to communicate. Overall, I love the concept of the show, but it doesn't have the same quality the the older models had. Probably not worth the price you pay for them.
Great shoes... now that I have the right size. Ordered my normal size. Didn't fit... Ordered next size up... still didn't fit. Ended up a size and a half larger than I normally wear. Have had them on the appalachian trail several times. No issues... good grip and positive ground feel. Own a couple pairs of Salewa now. Will continue to buy them.
My second pair. First pair are two years old and were very comfortable but a tad narrow. The newest version is wider at the sole and is even more comfortable. I love that the sole isolates the foot jarring trails and provides great insulation. They look great too. My favorite hiking shoe ever!