There’s no escaping the fact that the Salewa MTN Trainer 2 GTX is a substantial pair of hiking shoes. With a weight – and price- that is on a par with many pairs of hiking boots, it’s clear that these are shoes designed to equate to boots in terms of performance as well. Described as “Alpine approach shoes” by the manufacturer, there’s no doubt in my mind that these are capable of far more adventurous hikes than I’m mentally equipped for! Due to an admin error, these were supplied to me in the wrong size, but with thicker socks I’ve been able to give them a decent trial, out and about in the hills.
Lara Dunn Highly Recommends
If you’re looking for something to keep you comfortable and safe on alpine hikes, scrambles and via ferratas, they are well worth the investment and should last for years.- Supportive
- Rugged
- Highly Technical
- Heavy
- Expensive
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £200 Weight: 1004g (for size 41) Materials: Suede leather uppers, Vibram Mountain Trainer Evo outsole, Gore-Tex lined Features: Female specific. last, protective rand, climbing shoe style lacing with 3F heel cables, Ferrata Zone on outsole. Sizes: UK3-UK9 (including half sizes)/EU36-43 Women’s/Men’s Version: Women’s (men’s direct equivalent available) www.salewa.com |
Aside from their weight, the first thing you notice about the Salewa MTN Trainer 2 GTX is the sheer level of support they offer. There’s little to know lateral torsion and the front/back flex is minimal too, making these far better suited to rock-hopping, scrambles and via ferratas than to a low-level ramble. The fit is anatomically shaped, created on a female-specific last and it contours neatly and securely around the foot thanks to lacing that goes right down to the toes and to the 3F cable-system heel cradle. The rugged Vibram outsole has an aggressive tread that gives excellent traction on a variety of terrain and surfaces and sheds mud well. There’s a section in the middle- the Ferrata Zone- that’s flat but textured to give better grip on the metal ladders of via ferratas.
Tough suede uppers are backed up by a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing, and there’s a toughened rand that goes around the whole shoe, to give plenty of protection against the sharp bit of rock these shoes are designed to encounter. They absolutely look the part too, with distinct climbing shoe styling. These are a supremely technical, highly supportive and very rugged pair of shoes. If you’re looking for something to keep you comfortable and safe on alpine hikes, scrambles and via ferratas, they are well worth the investment and should last for years.
Written and tested by Lara Dunn
Lara usually takes a size UK5.5/6 or EU38.5/39 depending on fit/shape/purpose of footwear. She does find that heel lift can often be a problem due to particularly narrow heels. This shoe was mostly tested on short and longer day walks in the Malvern Hills during an unusually wet autumn and winter, with additional forays to the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains, with and without a rucksack.
