Salewa Men's Trekking & Hiking Boots, Bungee Cord Black, 9.5 Review
The Salewa Men's Trekking & Hiking Boots in Bungee Cord Black are designed to enhance your outdoor adventures, allowing you to move faster and more comfortably across various terrains. These boots feature a lightweight yet durable outer material with TPU coating, complemented by suede inserts that provide enhanced stability. The GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort lining ensures breathability while keeping your feet dry, making these boots a reliable choice for unpredictable weather.
One of the standout features is the unique half-height boot welt construction, which incorporates Salewa's patented 3F system. This innovative design connects the shaft, sole, and heel for an unparalleled fit that is both supportive and flexible. Coupled with the shock-absorbing EVA midsole, you can expect a comfortable ride even on challenging trails.
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Features
- Outer Material: Durable synthetic with TPU coating
- Inner Material: Breathable mesh with GORE-TEX lining
- Sole Material: Robust synthetic compound
- Shaft Height: Half-height for improved agility
- Ankle Support: Flexible ankle shaft and heel stabilizer
- Lacing System: Climbing shoe lacing for precision adjustments
- Outsole: Pomoco rubber with deep studs for grip
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing without sacrificing breathability
- Lightweight design enhances speed on trails
- Reliable grip on various surfaces including rock, mud, and snow
- Comfortable and supportive fit due to the 3F system
- Flexible ankle support allows for natural foot movement
Cons
- Half-height design may not provide enough ankle support for some users
- Higher price point compared to basic hiking boots
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid | Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof | Columbia Men’s Timberline Hiker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Heavy |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX | Yes | Yes |
| Support Type | 3F System | Mid-cut | High-cut |
| Terrain Versatility | Multi-terrain | Trail focused | Mixed use |
Detailed Review
When it comes to trekking and hiking boots, the Salewa Men's MTN Trainer Lite Mid stands out due to its excellent balance of weight, support, and durability. The use of GORE-TEX technology ensures that you remain dry no matter the weather conditions. Furthermore, the combination of TPU-coated synthetic materials and suede inserts increases longevity and stability, making them ideal for rocky terrains.
The innovative 3F system enhances the overall experience, providing a snug fit that adapts to your foot's movement. Whether you're navigating technical trails or embarking on long backpacking trips, this boot offers great flexibility without sacrificing support. The shock-absorbing EVA midsole contributes to comfort, allowing you to tackle rugged landscapes for extended periods.
However, it's important to note that the half-height design might not satisfy everyone, especially those who prefer full ankle coverage for additional support on uneven ground. Additionally, while the boots offer premium features, they come at a higher price point, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious hikers.
Overall, if you're looking for a reliable, lightweight option for various terrains, the Salewa Men's Trekking & Hiking Boots are a worthwhile investment.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Excellent cushioning and support for long hikes |
| Durability | 8/10 | Strong materials withstand harsh conditions |
| Waterproofing | 9/10 | Effective GORE-TEX lining keeps feet dry |
| Traction | 9/10 | Superior grip on multiple surfaces |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | Higher price but justified by quality features |
User Reviews
Boot fits great. Narrow for me, but ok. If wide size is available (can't remember), go for it. Have worn two days, all day, with no problems. Very comfortable, and I hope very durable. Time will tell. Being narrow for a medium size, there's a wider spread of the laces over the tongue. Seems to be a good sturdy light weight boot. I like this boot maker. This is my second boot model from this company.
Salewa Mountain Trainer are very comfortable but you must buy them a half bigger than your normal size. The Amazon recommendation is not accurate when it comes to size. I am a runner and I wear 11 size sneaker shoes because they fit better when you are jogging and running. I wrongly order 10.5 size based on the Amazon suggestion, which it was wrong and my toe touches the inside and it hurts after a few minutes of hiking. However, the shoe is comfortable while walking on pavement. I am planning to buy the 11 size soon.
Shocked at how light these are. I was expecting my feet would be swathed in pillows after reading the reviews. I wouldn't say instant comfort but they aren't stiff. Instant comfort isn't what I would call it but they aren't bad and I don't expect weeks of tromping around the house and the office for break in. I could probably hit a trail tomorrow with some liners and merino hikers. I am 5'-9", slender and wear 8 1/2 to 9 in most shoes and boots. Always being wary of ordering clothing online I took a chance and ordered these in a 9. To my surprise I could probably wear these year round because of the amount of adjustment they have. That's how you get that great fit because these boots are uber adjustable but I will likely need to add a set of arch supports, we'll see. The laces are pretty thin but appear durable. I'm still going to pack and extra set just in case. These will be used for hiking hunting and I have cut thicker laces in the areas I go. You can really secure the heel in these and the toe box has plenty of room. My feet are a little wider than average and they are a little snug in the widest area(my balls) but this too can be adjusted. I'll add more after I've had time to fit them on the trail.
These are my fifth pair of Salewas. My last pair of Alp Trainer Mid Gore-tex boots lasted 2,500 miles. The outside was still in great shape along with the treads but my son convinced me to get new ones because the mid layer was probably compressed from the mileage.So, I went to OutdoorGearLab and a number of other sites and ordered six pairs of the highest rated boots including these new Salewas. My conclusion was that these Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX boots are the most comfortable, supportive, light and best performing hiking boots I've ever owned. I should have just gone back to Salewa the first time.Super comfortable at first and then they got even better. I live in Rangeley Maine so I've been taking these out to showshoe with my Vizsla puppy every day. After 90 - 120 minutes no moisture gets through the barrier and, surprisingly, my wool Darn Tough socks are drenched. Great breathability.And, while beauty is in the eye of the beholder I think these are way cool and have gotten a lot of comments from people about them. And they run very true to size.So, all in all, a fantastic hiking boot.
This is the fifth pair of salewa boots I've owned (great durability in abusive conditions and competent). These are slightly stiffer than the Alp trainer mid which might tire your feet out on long, high angle heavy load climb/hikes, but are more competent in loose dirt and high angle (more than 45 deg incline). Highly stable on loose surfaces due to the tread pattern and lug geometry. They wear well and evenly and it appears Salewa pays attention to where the typical failure/wear points are and reinforces them. With ALL salewa boots there is almost no break in period and they're extremely comfortable, breathable, waterproof. These boots are my go to on all of my mountain training before, during and after mountaineering season.
I bought these on Mar 10 and wore them for a week to break in. Then took them on a 16 mile backpacking weekend in the Smoky Mountains. It's way early to comment on long term comfort. I bought these because I required better ankle support.What I Like so far...1. They do look cool.2. Kept my feet dry through shallow crossings.3. Extremely sure footed and grippy soles.4. Higher ankle support was great.5. The lacing around the toebox allows you to really get a contoured fit.6. We descended 3500 ft the first day and initially my toes were getting shoved into the front of the toebox on every downhill step. But after I took the time to lace well, they really did keep my heel pulled into the back of the boot and solved the problem. This was really appreciated.Concerns but too soon for final judgement....1. Feet got cold at night in 27 deg with wool socks. Not too bad but my Merrell Moabs are warmer. but I didnt really buy these boots for warmth.2. After the first long day my feet were not comfy. The stock insole padding is poor. I replaced them with SuperFeet insoles, but haven't hiked with those yet.3. One of the shoelace tips has already cracked and halfway off. After 20 days of ownership? Pretty disappointing.Overall I do like the boots and they might deserve 4 stars, but if you ask for a review after 20 days, you get a 20 day review.
I’ve owned several pairs of different Salewa boots and pretty knowledgeable I think. These and similar Mid Alp Trainers are best for mid to narrow feet. I love these boots- Light very, comfortable, solid and well made. If you have a big chunky foot, I don’t know. I have a narrow foot and love Salewa’s. Irregardless, go up 1/2 size when ordering.
The boots are great quality, durable, and comfortable. The boots arrived quickly but I knew something was not right when I opened the amazon box and found the boots not in a box but a plastic bag. I opened the bag and found the boots were dirty and had dried mud on tread and sides. The boots were also missing both insoles. I bought new insoles and cleaned up the dirt and they are great boots. I give them a one Star rating because I purchased new boots and that is not what I received.