Salewa MS Mountain Trainer High Rise Hiking Shoes Review
The Salewa MS Mountain Trainer High Rise Hiking Shoes in Blue (Poseidon/Sulphur Spring) are designed for adventurers seeking comfort and performance on rugged trails. Built to support your summit ambitions, these shoes incorporate advanced technologies that enhance durability and provide excellent traction on various terrains.
Featuring an ergonomic midsole equipped with Bilight Technology, these shoes cradle your foot, delivering exceptional cushioning for long hikes. With the added flexibility of SALEWA’s Flex Collar, you can enjoy natural ankle movement, which is particularly beneficial when descending with a heavy pack.
Features
- Comfortable Approach Shoe: Ideal for technical hikes and trekking.
- Vibram MTN Trainer Evo Outsole: Offers stability and safety on difficult terrain.
- Deep & Self-Cleaning Tread: Aggressive lugs provide a secure grip on rocky grounds.
- Special Climbing Zone: Right-angled studs enhance grip on metal cramps and ladders.
- Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Technology: Ensures waterproofing while wicking away sweat and heat.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort with ergonomic midsole technology.
- Excellent traction on varied terrains due to Vibram outsole.
- Durable waterproofing and breathability from Gore-Tex technology.
- Flexible design allows natural ankle movement.
Cons
- May take some time to break in for perfect fit.
- Not the lightest option available in the market.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Salewa MS Mountain Trainer | Altra Lone Peak 5 | Merrell Moab 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | No | Yes |
| Traction | Very High | High | Medium |
| Weight | Medium | Light | Medium |
| Ankle Support | High | Low | Medium |
Detailed Review
When it comes to hiking shoes, the Salewa MS Mountain Trainer High Rise stands out for several reasons. Firstly, let's talk about comfort. The use of Bilight Technology in the midsole provides outstanding cushioning, making those long hikes more enjoyable as your feet remain well-supported throughout the journey.
Another significant aspect is the shoe's capability for traction. The Vibram MTN Trainer Evo outsole does not disappoint, featuring aggressive lugs that grasp rocky surfaces and scree effortlessly. You’ll find that even on challenging paths, the grip remains reliable, allowing you to navigate tricky spots confidently.
The flexibility of the Flex Collar is also noteworthy. It promotes natural movement of the ankle, which is essential when you're carrying a heavy backpack during descents. The Gore-Tex technology ensures your feet stay dry, even in wet conditions, while still allowing breathability — a necessary feature for extensive hiking trips.
However, the shoes may require a short break-in period for optimal comfort, and they aren't the lightest option out there, which could be a consideration for ultralight hikers.
In summary, if you're looking for a robust, reliable, and comfortable pair of hiking shoes that tackle various terrains with ease, the Salewa MS Mountain Trainer High Rise is certainly worth considering.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning with excellent support. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Outstanding grip on rocky and uneven surfaces. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting use. |
| Water Resistance | 9/10 | Highly effective waterproofing while maintaining breathability. |
| Flexibility | 8/10 | Adequate flexibility but may need some breaking in. |
User Reviews
This is my third pair of similar styles boots. The sizing has been spot on with every pair. They all have quickly broken in and I’m expecting this third pair to give great support and comfort as the first two.I’m in the woods a lot and everyone is looking for a comfort and support, which they have, it’s the grip I get that is probably my favorite.The confidence in the grip while climbing over downed trees, roots and rocks whether wet or dry is fantastic.
Fantastic boot. Let me save you the trouble. PERFECTION
Great fit and style
I'm a homeowner wannabe arborist and use these for my tree climbing escapades. They are a little stiff, but that actually helps with spur comfort. Without spurs, they're very good also, except for the occasional slip when limb walking in a smooth bark tree. I might actually even use them for hiking some time too.
These shoes accommodate my orthotics and have a uniquely stiff sole that protects my arthritic big toes from bending. They are very comfortable as well. Unfortunately, Salewa's second version of the Mountain Trainer is a tighter version of the original and does not work for me, so I was glad to find the original Mountain Trainer. Be careful to get the US and not British size, because the US size is a size larger than the British size.
These boots are fantastic, however, you will need new inserts to achieve maximum comfort. Stock inserts are okay.
Best price around on these boots. Absolutely love them, great fit right out of the box, quick shipping.
Love this boot so much. It should be a little cheaper though IMO