Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s Review

First Impressions of Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s

The Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s promise a unique blend of approach shoe agility, hiking boot support, and trail runner comfort. Zamberlan, known for their quality craftsmanship, aims to deliver a versatile shoe for various outdoor activities. The claim of a “car-to-summit” capability immediately caught my attention, hinting at a shoe ready for any challenge.

I was searching for a single pair of shoes that could handle everything from quick day hikes to more technical scrambles. My aging ankles needed more support than trail runners offered, but I wasn’t ready to commit to a full-fledged hiking boot for shorter trips. The promise of all-day comfort and sticky grip piqued my interest.

The initial impression was favorable. The shoes felt surprisingly light for their apparent robustness, and the materials exuded quality. The design struck a good balance between athletic and rugged, without looking overly bulky.

Compared to my Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (a reliable but somewhat clunky hiker) and my La Sportiva TX4 approach shoes (excellent grip, but lacking support), the Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s seemed to bridge the gap. I also considered the Five Ten Guide Tennie, but it lacked the waterproofness I desired. The Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s appeared to be the most promising option for my needs.

I was cautiously optimistic. Zamberlan has a reputation for quality, but I’ve been burned before by overly hyped footwear. I was excited to see if these shoes could truly live up to the all-in-one hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s on a moderately challenging day hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The trail involved a mix of rocky terrain, packed dirt, and some stream crossings. The weather was dry but humid.

The shoes performed admirably. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provided exceptional traction on the rocks, inspiring confidence during scrambles. The Gore-Tex Extended Comfort lining kept my feet dry and relatively cool, even in the humid conditions.

The “to-the-toe” lacing system allowed for a customized fit. Initially, I needed to make a few adjustments to find the sweet spot between snugness and comfort. After that, they performed admirably.

There were no immediate issues, although I noticed a slight rubbing on my heel after a few miles. I will monitor this on my upcoming testing.

Extended Use & Reliability

After two months of regular use, including several more hikes, a weekend backpacking trip, and a few days of scrambling, the Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s have held up well. The durability is impressive. There are minimal signs of wear and tear on the suede uppers and the rubber rand.

The Vibram sole still provides excellent grip, even after significant mileage. The Gore-Tex lining continues to keep my feet dry in wet conditions.

Cleaning the shoes is relatively easy. A simple scrub with a brush and some mild soap removes most dirt and grime. The Hydrobloc treatment on the suede seems to repel water and stains effectively.

Compared to my previous hiking shoes, the Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s offer a superior combination of support, comfort, and grip. They outperform my trail runners in technical terrain and are more comfortable than my heavier hiking boots on shorter hikes.

Breaking Down the Features of Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Zamberlan
• Gender: Male
• Men’s Shoe Width: Medium
• Footwear Type: Shoes
• Weight: 445 g (per shoe)
• Footwear Closure: Shoelaces
• Footwear Upper Fabric/Material: Suede With Hydrobloc Treatment
• Insole Material: Nylon 1.5mm
• Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
• Lining Material: Gore-Tex Extended Comfort
• Midsole Material: Double Density Molded EVA Midsole
• Outsole Material: Vibram Pepe with Megagrip
• Footwear Last: Zamberlan X-Active Fit
• Insulation: Nylon

These specifications highlight Zamberlan‘s commitment to quality and performance. The lightweight design, combined with waterproof protection and a grippy outsole, makes these shoes suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. The choice of materials, such as Hydrobloc treated suede and Gore-Tex, ensures both durability and comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s perform exceptionally well in their intended role as a versatile hiking shoe. The grip is outstanding on both rock and trail, thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole. The waterproofness is reliable, keeping feet dry in wet conditions.

The shoe’s main strength lies in its versatility. It excels on moderate hikes and technical scrambles. The to-the-toe lacing system provides a secure and customizable fit.

A potential weakness is the slightly narrow fit. Those with wider feet may find these shoes uncomfortable. The heel rubbing issue I experienced could be a concern for some users.

These shoes largely meet expectations. They deliver on their promise of versatility, comfort, and performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s feature a sleek and modern design. The suede uppers and full rubber rand provide a rugged yet refined look. The shoe feels well-built and durable.

The weight is surprisingly low for a shoe with this level of support and protection. The lacing system allows for a precise and secure fit.

There is a slight learning curve in getting the lacing just right. However, once dialed in, the fit is excellent.

Durability & Maintenance

The Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s appear to be built to last. The materials are high-quality, and the construction is solid. The full rubber rand provides excellent protection against abrasion and impact.

Maintaining the shoes is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a brush and mild soap is sufficient to keep them in good condition. The Hydrobloc treatment helps to repel water and stains.

With proper care, these shoes should last for several seasons of regular use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s do not come with any specific accessories. The to-the-toe lacing system allows for a very precise fit, with a lot of adjustment potential.

While not specifically designed for customization, the shoes are compatible with most aftermarket insoles. Users can swap out the stock insoles for something more supportive or cushioned, if desired.

Pros and Cons of Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s

Who Should Buy Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s?

The Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s are perfect for hikers, scramblers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions. They are ideal for those who prioritize grip, support, and waterproof protection.

Those with very wide feet or those who prefer a more minimalist shoe should skip this product. If you are looking for something super light and breathable and are not prioritizing waterproofness, a trail runner might be a better fit.

A good pair of hiking socks is a must-have accessory. Users might also consider aftermarket insoles for added support or cushioning.

Conclusion on Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s

The Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s are an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and high-performing hiking shoe. They offer a superb combination of grip, support, waterproofness, and durability. While they may not be perfect for everyone, their strengths far outweigh their weaknesses.

The price is relatively high, but the quality and performance justify the investment. These are shoes that will last for many miles and provide confidence on the trail.

I would definitely recommend the Zamberlan Salathe’ GTX RR Hiking Shoes – Men’s to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile hiking shoe. Invest in a pair, hit the trails, and experience the Zamberlan difference!