Salewa Dropline Leather Trail Shoe - Men's Bungee Cord/Black 9.5 Review
The Salewa Dropline Leather Trail Shoe is meticulously designed for adventurers who demand high performance across various terrains. From muddy grasslands to rocky paths, this shoe adapts seamlessly to your journey, ensuring comfort and stability every step of the way.
Features
- High-quality 1.4-millimetre suede leather upper for durability
- Poly-urethane rand reinforcement for impact protection
- 3F system with nylon-coated Kevlar cables for enhanced support
- High-performance EVA midsole for optimum cushioning
- S-Path design for smooth heel-to-toe transition
Pros
- Excellent cushioning suitable for long treks
- Warmth retention for cooler conditions
- Good ventilation to keep feet dry
- Secure fit that enhances stability on technical paths
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Heavier than some competitors, which might deter speed-focused hikers
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Salewa Dropline Leather | Merrell Moab 2 | Scarpa Rush TRK |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Suede Leather | Mesh & Suede | Nubuck Leather |
| Midsole | EVA | FloatPro Foam | Cushioning EVA |
| Weight | Medium | Lightweight | Medium |
| Terrain Suitability | Mixed Alpine | All-Purpose | Technical Trails |
Detailed Review
The Salewa Dropline Leather Trail Shoe is an impressive piece of footwear that truly shines in mixed alpine environments. The robust 1.4-millimetre suede leather upper not only provides a luxurious feel but also stands up to harsh conditions, making it perfect for trails filled with mud, snow, and rocky obstacles.
A standout feature of this shoe is its innovative 3F system, which integrates nylon-coated Kevlar cables to deliver exceptional support. This technology ensures that you get a precise fit, enhancing your stability during challenging hikes. You’ll appreciate how confident you feel as you navigate uneven terrain.
The high-performance EVA midsole contributes to excellent impact cushioning, critical for those extensive outings where your feet may encounter substantial stress. Coupled with the S-Path sole design, the shoe allows for a natural roll-off motion, providing a smoother transition from heel to toe—essential for maintaining pace over longer distances.
However, it’s worth noting that while the shoe excels in various conditions, it does have a slight weight disadvantage compared to some lightweight models like the Merrell Moab 2. New users may also need to spend some time breaking them in for maximum comfort.
In summary, if you are looking for a trail shoe that offers a blend of warmth, cushioning, and stability tailored for mixed alpine terrains, the Salewa Dropline Leather is certainly worth considering.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent cushioning and snug fit make it ideal for prolonged wear. |
| Durability | 5/5 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance under tough conditions. |
| Traction | 4/5 | The sole design supports effective grip on various surfaces. |
| Versatility | 4.5/5 | Effective in diverse environments from muddy to rocky terrains. |
User Reviews
I took these out of the box and went on a 3.5 mile hike with 450' elevation drop and then back up again. That included a cobblestone beach. These shoes were very comfortable and provided ample support. I am impressed.They do run a bit small. I normally wear an 8.5 US, so I ordered a 9 US and they fit perfectly.
1/2 size up was perfect.really nice shoes. Super comfortable!
Well made shoe. It shows a US7 adn EU39 for sizing. I'd say the EU39 is correct as I am a true EU39.5. The show has a very snug fit and is narrow. Good cushing from the sole and like most Salewa is grippy.
I’m not sure if Salewa has a mold for my foot because every pair, probably 8-10 so far, fit and function great on and off road, awesome! These have a running sole with stability and comfort. Im a 10.5w and always buy11. Quality once again 👍😎
These are so narrow. Got on sale for $60 and still couldn’t use. You would need to size up 2 but I’m already a 13.
Fantastic support and cushioning. The laving system allows the shoe to litterally form to your foot creating unbeatable stability. Fashion forward styling. These shoes are ultra on trend.
Salewa shoes aren’t well known in the US, I only discovered them recently. I’m very picky about shoes and socks, proper fit is critical. I’ve always worn 10.5 shoes in standard width. I wear trail/approach shoes for work, hiking and leisure, this style of shoe supports my ankles properly. I’ve worn various Vasque shoes for 20+ years, mostly the Juxt model. After I discovered Salewa I decided to check them out. They have many similar shoes across the product line and I wanted to compare them. There’s only one retailer on my area with limited stock and there’s not much info online comparing the different models. So I ordered a few different models from Amazon.When I tried on the Droplline Leather in 10.5 I they way too narrow, couldn’t even get them on. I returned and got the 11.5. I could squeeze my feet into these, but still way too narrow and were returned. I was impressed with the construction, these appear to be very high quality and have a novel lacing system. The midsole is has a lot of cush, more than an average trail shoe. The POMOCA outsole is sticky, and should work well on a trail and rocks.I only wore these a few minutes because of the width, I can’t speak to durability.
Retired my first pair after a little over 1,500 miles on them. Fantastic shoe…thanks Salewa.