SALEWA Mountain Trainer Lite

RRP £145 Target price £120

Salewa’s hiking products are deeply informed by their mountaineering expertise, and the Mountain Trainer is no exception. A system of lacing and connective bands that Salewa calls its ‘3F’ technology connects the instep, sole and heel to give a sense of stability even on dubious ground. It also has ‘climbing lacing’, which is essentially a lacing system that reaches right down to the toe and out to the edges of the shoe in order to achieve a precise fit around the foot. Although I was eventually able to achieve a fit I was happy with, I found the lacing very stiff and fiddly, requiring a deft and firm pinch at each point down the foot. Once I had it tight though, these shoes really took me places: they’re extremely supportive and reassuringly stable in the midsole. For my money, they weren’t quite as adept at tackling the jagged stuff as the Lowa shoe – being marginally less precise and sharp

– but they did offer more cushioning underfoot, which made for happier feet over long distances. They’re notably more rugged as well, with a thick rubber toe cap to protect from knocks. RB

INFO: Sizes: 3.5-9 (incl. half sizes) Weight per shoe: 400g (6) Membrane: Gore-Tex Contact: 01322 918493, salewa.co.uk

Brilliant support and stability, rugged, comfy Expensive, fiddly lacing, a little heavy

COMFORT: ★★★★ SUPPORT: ★★★★★ VERSATILITY: ★★★★ ★ VALUE FOR MONEY: ★★★★ ★

BEST FOR: Long, hot days over varied mountain terrain.