Salewa Mountain Trainer GTX
full rubber rand; deep sole lugs; sole stiffness
heavy; price; too stiff for more gentle terrain
This is about as practical and robust as you can get a shoe to be for rough terrain. It has a full rubber rand to protect the suede leather upper and synthetic fabric tongue, with Gore-Tex inside to help keep out water. There’s lots of stiffness in the upper to support and protect the foot, plus very deep, widely spaced lugs, to make this a proper mountain shoe. 5/5
Men’s sizes are 6-13 and women’s 3-9. Lacing extends to the toe for a more precise fit that’s great for scrambling over rock, while the stiff heel cup supports the foot on uneven ground. Precise footfall on uneven ground is given, courtesy of the stiff sole. The drawback could be that the slightly narrow and precise fit is too neat for those who prefer looser designs. 5/5
As with any stiff, more supportive shoe, the weight is high which makes it feel ‘clumpier‘ than some when trying them on. But step onto rockier ground on the hill, or tramp up a mountain trail for a few hours, and comfort returns in the form of superior foot support. If you want an easy-wear shoe for level ground, though, this one is probably too stiff and heavy for your needs. 4/5
It excels on rough mountain tracks by offering the nearest performance to a good-quality boot that you can get in a shoe. You get necessary support and durability here for the rockier tracks, and also grip from the 7mmdeep lugs that add real security to gravelly paths and muddy trails. Ideal for via ferrata, trekking and more technical ground. 5/5
It‘s increased £10 in price this season to £145, which is a small hike compared to others, but it’s still a very considered purchase. 3/5
If you want a practical and robust shoe with the performance of a good mountain boot then the 4.4/5 Mountain Trainer is it!