Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s Review

Let’s Talk About Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s are designed to be a lightweight and versatile option for women who want to move fast on varied terrain. Salewa, a brand known for its alpine expertise, has created a shoe that aims to balance durability, comfort, and waterproof protection.

I’ve been searching for a hiking shoe that can handle both day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips without feeling like I’m lugging around bricks on my feet. I needed something waterproof, supportive enough for moderate loads, and grippy enough for scrambling.

Upon unboxing, the Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s immediately impressed me with their sleek design and the apparent quality of the materials. The TPU-coated fabric upper felt robust yet surprisingly flexible, and the suede inserts added a touch of premium quality. The shoes felt lighter than expected, a welcome change from some of the bulkier hiking boots I’ve used in the past.

I was also considering the La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX and the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX. The La Sportiva seemed a bit too stiff for my needs, while the Salomon, though comfortable, didn’t seem as durable for off-trail scrambling. The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s appeared to strike the right balance.

My first impression was excitement; they seemed to embody exactly what I was looking for. These shoes offered a promising blend of agility and ruggedness.

Real-World Testing: Putting Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s on a moderate day hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which included rocky trails, stream crossings, and some muddy sections. The Gore-Tex lining kept my feet dry during the stream crossings, and the Pomoca outsole provided excellent grip on both wet and dry rocks. I appreciated the confidence the shoe inspired on the rocky trail.

The conditions varied from sunny and dry to brief rain showers. The breathability of the Gore-Tex lining was impressive; my feet didn’t feel overly sweaty even during the warmer parts of the hike. The shoes felt comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period.

The only slight issue I noticed was some minor pressure on the outer edges of my feet during a steep descent. Adjusting the lacing helped alleviate this.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple day hikes and one overnight backpacking trip, the Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s have held up remarkably well. There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the upper, and the outsole shows no significant degradation despite being used on abrasive terrain. The shoe remains supportive and comfortable.

The durability is impressive, especially considering the relatively lightweight construction. I expected some scuffing on the TPU-coated fabric, but it’s proven to be quite resistant. Cleaning is simple. I generally just wipe them down with a damp cloth, and they’re good to go.

Compared to my previous hiking boots, which were heavier and less flexible, the Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s offer a significant improvement in agility and comfort. They have exceeded my expectations for a lightweight hiking shoe. The 3F System really secures the heel!

Breaking Down the Features of Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

Specifications

• The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s feature a 1.6mm suede leather and highly wear-resistant fabric upper. This combination provides a balance of durability and flexibility.
• The midsole is made of EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate), known for its shock-absorbing properties. The EVA midsole cushions each step, ensuring comfort on long hikes.
• The outsole is constructed from Pomoca MTN Trainer Lite rubber compound. This specialized rubber compound delivers exceptional grip on various terrains.
• The lining is Gore-Tex Extended Comfort, providing waterproof protection and breathability. This ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
• The shoes weigh approximately 465g (16.4 oz) per shoe. Their light weight reduces fatigue on long hikes.
• They feature a mid-cut design for added ankle support. This offers protection without sacrificing mobility.
• The footwear closure utilizes laces for a secure and adjustable fit. The laces allow for precise customization to your foot shape.

Performance & Functionality

The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s perform exceptionally well on a variety of terrains, from rocky trails to muddy paths. Their grip, comfort, and waterproof protection make them a reliable choice for hikers and backpackers. The performance is impressive.

The shoes excel in providing excellent grip, thanks to the Pomoca outsole. They are also incredibly comfortable for long days on the trail because of the cushioned EVA midsole. The waterproof Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry in wet conditions.

The primary strength is their versatility – they handle a wide range of conditions and terrains with ease. A minor weakness might be the lacing system, which can require some adjustment to achieve a perfect fit. Overall, they exceed expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s have a sleek and modern design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The materials used are high-quality and well-constructed, contributing to the overall durability and comfort of the shoe. The build quality is top notch.

The shoes are relatively lightweight and comfortable to wear, even for extended periods. There is a slight learning curve with the lacing system, but it becomes intuitive with practice. The design also integrates a rubber toe cup.

Durability & Maintenance

The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s are built to last, with durable materials and robust construction. The TPU-coated fabric and suede leather upper are resistant to abrasion and wear, while the Pomoca outsole is designed to withstand rugged terrain. It has been holding up great.

With proper care, including regular cleaning and occasional waterproofing treatments, these shoes should provide years of reliable service. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and occasional waterproofing. They are also easily repairable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s don’t come with many additional accessories, but their design is compatible with various aftermarket insoles and hiking socks. Aftermarket insoles can enhance comfort and support, while quality hiking socks can improve moisture management. The Climbing Lacing system can be easily adjusted.

The shoes are compatible with most standard hiking gaiters, which can provide extra protection in muddy or snowy conditions. There are no specific customization options beyond selecting different insole and sock combinations. Aftermarket support is decent.

Pros and Cons of Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

Who Should Buy Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s?

The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s are perfect for women who enjoy hiking, backpacking, and scrambling on varied terrain. They’re ideal for those who prioritize lightweight performance, waterproof protection, and excellent grip. This shoe is great for backpackers.

These are an especially good fit for hikers who encounter stream crossings or wet conditions frequently. They aren’t best for those who primarily hike on well-maintained trails or who prefer a more minimalist shoe. Those who require maximum ankle support may prefer a traditional hiking boot.

A must-have accessory is a good pair of merino wool hiking socks to enhance comfort and moisture management. Consider aftermarket insoles for added arch support, if needed.

Conclusion on Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s

The Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s are a fantastic choice for women seeking a lightweight, versatile, and waterproof hiking shoe. They offer an excellent balance of performance, durability, and comfort. The price is justified.

The shoes are worth the investment for anyone serious about hiking or backpacking in varied conditions. I would highly recommend the Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s. It’s a worthwhile investment.

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-performing hiking shoe that won’t weigh you down, give the Salewa MTN Trainer Lite Mid GTX Hiking Shoes – Women’s a try – your feet will thank you!