SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

I bought these from EMS due to numerous internet recommendations and backing by some very well respected climbers. I am VERY prone to blisters (regardless of sock combination) and was extremely happy to hear about Salewa's Blister-Free Guarantee. Based on those things and the overall styling of the boot, I was sold.

I received the boots and was very impressed with the overall fit and "finish." Walking on flat surfaces was a joy and the boot felt rigid, sturdy, and almost over-built (which I love). I took the boots outdoors and started an ascent trail (roughly 1,800ft from start to finish), and within the first ten minutes, my feet were on fire. I began to develop heel blisters, was experiencing hot spots on the top of my little toe, and was in a significant amount of general discomfort.

I brought the boots home and tried to figure out the issue. The width is little narrow and there is no discernable cushioning and/or cup in the heel wall. I tried placing heel cups in the boot to give me a little friction barrier and hike #2 and #3 were just as painful.

I don't need a plush boot with ridiculous amounts of padding/lining but I don't expect to be chewed upon during a hike either. Very disappointed in the boot and would not recommend it unless you are able to try it on in the store and you're not prone to blistering.

Otherwise, stay clear.

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

Excellent Construction. Very durable. But I can not figure out with any sock combination to keep my feet from being soaked in sweat. It's very frustrating because I've never had such an issue. The only other brand I remember doing this was a cheap pair of Columbia's. I'm torn. If I can't figure out a comfortable solution I may have to go non waterproof to breath better.

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

I ordered these without knowing what they fit like (always risky) and was very impressed. Overall lower volume with a narrower heel and wider forefoot, but volume is adjustable through lacing and footbeds. Fits true to size but I did bought a half-size up to accomodate my wide toes, foot swelling, and thicker socks. If you have normal/narrow feet probably the measured size is fine unless you have a high instep and/or wide heels, or wide squared toes (like me).

High quality materials all around. Lacing is phenomenol, and helps lock my skinny heel in tight. Only very mild arch support with stock footbeds, I needed to add some arhc support under the footbed. Tread looks toothy but unsure how it will work on a variety of terrain yet. Do not feel too hot on my feet despite goretex.

Very light weight for this style of boot, but offers good stiffnes and support in sole for heavier loads and rough terrain. Yet still reasonably flexible at forefoot. Overall very impressed, can hardly wait till spring to hit the trail for some overnight trips.

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

I purchased these for assignments over seas. They are amazing! Before I deployed, As soon as they arrived from EMS, I literally drove to Yosemite the next day. I normally wear a size 11, so that is what I purchased, they fit me perfectly, I only wear one pair of socks. I started at Tuolumne Meadows with a 55 pound pack and hiked to Half Dome, made it comfortably in 3 days. I did a total of 47 miles. I had no blisters, no hot spots. I was amazed. I have tried many boots, and this is my favorite. Not only are they the most comfortable boot I have ever warn, they are a good looking boot as well. I don't normally write reviews, however Salewa deserves this one! Going to Africa for 3 months, and you can guarantee these will be on my feet every day. Thanks Salewa for making an amazing boot, I hope you keep them around for years. I am ordering an extra pair now from EMS.

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

I have just used for a 5 mile day hike so far. I took advantage of Labor Day sale and will use boot when my other wears out. This boot was very hard on my heels. I'll have to use tape on them until the boot softens, if it does. Otherwise, it appears to be a good boot. It is well made, has sufficient toe room, is stable, provides good support and protection.

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

These boots are awesome! I hike very technical terrain and these boots made it feel like I was gliding over sharp rocks. I had absolutely no issues of slipping and the boots really had a hold on any surface I challenged them with. I normally wear a size 14 shoe and the largest size these come in is 13 which was upsetting to me, but I purchased them anyways hoping that they might fit perfectly. They actually fit good and I could have used a size larger but they still feel like I can wear them with no problems. Unfortunately, I did develop a small blister on my right heel, but I do NOT attribute that to the construction of the boots, only that I'm really wearing a size too small. I'm hoping that after wearing them a few times they will "break in" a little and I won't have to worry about blisters. In any case, get these if you really want the best constructed boots to handle any type of technical terrain!

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

Having used Salewa's excellent Raven mountaineering boots pretty extensively I was excited to find these as a warmer weather alternative. I took them on a couple of long hikes in Scotland and Wales and encountered the same problem that a number of reviewers have had, namely the heel design. The section of the boot that cradles the heel is very hard and doesn't provide any cushioning. I didn't get any blistering from the boots, but I could easily feel all the force being directed against my heel bone on uphill segments (even with double socks), and by the end of the day I was hobbling. In terms of materials and construction this boot is everything I would expect from Salewa and I'm sure many hikers will find that it fits great, but the heel design is a dealbreaker for me.

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

As a park naturalist I am climbing rocks, hiking, biking and taking pictures of nature stuff. These boots are very good. It has taken a bit longer to "limber them up". Now, they are doing fine. I have wide feet, so that is why it took longer than usual. I wish they had a size E.

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

I'm a boot guy..have more pairs than one man should have ( according to my wife).. So believe me when I tell you these are first class. I have never had a pair of boots that I had no break in issues, no hot spots...comfort right out of the box.

I have a very high arch, narrow heel; with every other boot there's always been a "honeymoon period" where my boots and I got to know each other. Not with these...plenty of room for my arch (didn't even have to remove the one layer of inner sole)...heel was snug with no rub, no hot spots at all.

Bottom line, consider this boot. I bought the specifically for the Fjällraven Classic this summer, I have no doubts these are going to be just the ticket for this trek.

Comments about SALEWA Men's Mountain Trainer Mid GTX Backpacking Boots:

So based on the reviews from multiple sites and Salewa's 100% blister proof guarantee, I wanted these boots so bad. I actually only found one EMS store that carried them that was over an hour away. I got them, tried them on, felt good.

Two days later took them on a pretty average short hike in Windham NY. Within a mile I feel my heel getting rubbed and the outside left ankle where the 3d lacing system is start to pinch my foot. I think maybe I just need to break them in. Mile 2, relace shoes, still feeling pinch on outside left ankle, and heel still hurts. By the 3rd mile, it's roughly +2300' change to the summit, I can barely even walk. Even inclined step is torture. Guaranteed I have blisters. I did everything I could at mile 2 to remedy what I thought would happen. Limp back the 4 miles. I weigh 250 and carried a ~45 lb pack with tools to do trail blazing and maintenance. Usually I'll spend all day but I could barely walk.

Good news is the boots are very well made. The sole is very strong. The trail I walked had gnarly roots and lots of rocks. The soles handled them easily. The traction was a bit poor on wet rocks or leaves. I never had the issue of slipping as I've walked this trail many times, so not sure why these soles would have poor traction, but in mud and other stuff it's fine.

I would say that the boot is somewhat unforgiving in that I almost twisted my knee on a mistep. I've had misteps before but never felt my whole foot no flex. Usually my ankle will flex and I'm fine, but this boot scared me. Maybe it needs more breaking in, but I'm returning/exchanging for the TPS 520's asap.