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Hardcore shoes for hardcore terrain.

Salewa mixed the stability and comfort of a lightweight hiking shoe with the technology and grip of approach footwear to create the Alp Trainer GTX Hiking Shoe. Hardcore ruggedness and comfort come together to give your foot a great ride whether you are sectioning the Pacific Coast Trail or stalking remote lines in the Sawtooths.
  • Gore-Tex membrane keeps water out and lets your feet breathe so your feet stay dry and blister-free
  • Multi-Fit Footbed technology gives you a perfect fit and accounts for the length, width, and the height of your foot
  • Salewa's 3F system works with the natural bio-mechanics of your foot to allow maximum range of movement and complete support
  • KEVLAR® rands give you durable protection from abrasive rocks and increase your grip when your hike starts to look more like a climb
  • Extended lacing runs through the toe box to give you a customized fit
  • Anatomically positioned steel wire transfers the laces' support around your entire foot and keeps your heel from slipping

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Salewa Alp Trainer GTX Hiking Shoe- Men's

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Here's what others have to say...

3 5

StewartS

Member since 

These seem like well built shoes but really hurt my heels. After a long day hike I needed a recovery period for my feet. The shoes have a higher than normal heel and the insoles are super hard (even with the 2 that it comes with). I wouldn't recommend these shoes to anyone with plantar fasciitis. Wanted to like them, but my feet didn't agree.

Unanswered Question

For an impending thru-hike of the PCT, I...

James Howard

Member since 
Posted on

For an impending thru-hike of the PCT, I am debating between three different pairs of hiking shoes that will need to be appropriate for sections of the trail which will inevitably range from scalding to frigid, if all my research done up to now serves me well. That being said, I have narrowed down my choices to either these, the Salomon X Ultra GTX Hiking Shoe, or the Teva Riva eVent Hiking Shoe.
Anyone recommend one over the others, and if so, why? Any input, suggestions, or advice would be most appreciated. Thanks!

4 5

BMoney

Member since 
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

These Alp Trainers are fantastic . Still testing there ability but so far so good. I got the 9, usually a 9-1/2. Scrambling, 14 mile hikes, backpacking, light mountaineering. They have great grip (vibram soles). Are stiff enough for all day approach and climbing some 5.7's without blisters. What more could u want. Like that the sole is stiff and toe caps help on sharp rock on shady descents..

4 5

oldp399477

Member since 

I was looking for a shoe to use for day hiking or overnight (1-2) night backpacking trips and couldn't decide between the Alp Trainer, the Alp Trainer Mid, and the Firetail, so ordered all three for comparison. All three are very well made and I really hoped they fit but unfortunately the toe box was too tight for my foot. The Firetail is more like a climbing shoe with a lower profile in the forefoot, a sole that is less defined, and more rigidity than a trail running shoe. The Alp Trainers have a deeper lugged sole and it felt like there was more protection in the sole of the shoe. If they had fit, I would have gone with the Alp Trainers for my usage.

5 5

Patrick Mulligan

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I have had these for several months now and have put these things through their paces. They are a great and very robust approach shoe. They've not become my shoe of choice for high alpine and long burly approaches. They're very warm / waterproof, but they don't breath well. This leads to wet, sweaty feet in warm weather. I've started using a far more breathable but not waterproof la sportiva for long desert approaches - think Red Rock. These are a far better shoe for approaches where you're packing or where you're replacing a boot instead of a shoe.

5 5

Scott Bailey

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

GET 1/2 SIZE BIGGER! If you have normal feet like me, then get 1/2 size bigger. The shoe is designed with all hiking conditions (except hot weather) in mind. So, the toe cavity is shaped to a gradual point more-so than a basic hiking shoe. This makes it possible to hike on rocky terrain more efficiently.

To put it plainly, they took a rock climbing shoe concept and made it work in a standard hiking shoe. It's not too dramatic, but that's what other rating posts are trying to explain. The cavity will rub your toes unless you have toes that are thinner, or set more at an angle to accommodate the slightly pointed/firm toe cavity on this shoe. I got mine a 1/2 size bigger thinking this might be the case, and I got it right. The toe section of the shoe is also less flexible than a trail running shoe. So, if you are looking for rugged delight on rugged terrain, this is your shoe. I live in Idaho and use them year round.

They are very stylish while paying strict attention to the needs of rugged hiking conditions. Personally, I wanted a shoe rather than a boot because I prefer to wear a shoe for any condition. Whereas boots are usually too bulky for my taste. I use a boot for long back country excursions, but need a rugged shoe for everything else. This one fits the bill.

The heal support is a major factor for the shoe category. As long as the heal support is good, then a shoe can be worn in almost any hiking condition. They really focused on this particular feature as is obvious with the metal external wire that helps lock your heal in place when you tighten your shoelace. A really cool feature that makes this shoe a special one for the true hiker. A solid approach and hiking shoe for sure.

4 5

akpp69179

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I returned this product before using it

What a great, well made shoe. Was very pleased when it arrived and I tried to make it work. I wanted to keep it, but it was just too narrow. My 10 1/2 med foot wouldn't go in without a shoehorn, even after unlacing it completely and wearing light hiking socks. Thought about just putting it on my desk and admiring it, but in the end, I returned it for another. If your feet are narrow, this should be your shoe.

I've heard great things about Salewa and...

jon3009005

Member since 
Posted on

I've heard great things about Salewa and I want to try one out. I'm not sure which model would be best though. I do a lot of overnight backpacking (loads ~20lbs, rarely over 25) and a lot of peakbagging--that is, off trail through brush, scree, boulderfields, what-have-you--but not much technical climbing w/ropes.

Any suggestion between the Firetail, Alp Trainer and Mtn Trainer? What are the big differences? Thanks!

Sandy Brown

Member since 
Groups:
Best Answer Responded on

The Firetail, Alp Trainer and Mtn Trainer are lined up in a continuum from approach to heavier duty packing and climbing (non-vertical). The Firetail has a true approach sole, meaning less lug depth for better rock scrambling grip. The upper is mesh based for better breathing. Think of the lightness, flexibility and comfort of a trail runner with the durability, protection and features of a mountain approach shoe. The Alp Trainer gets you a deeper-lugged sole for better backpacking. The upper is a super-durable suede. Think of a classic hiking boot with the performance of a technical approach shoe. The Mtn Trainer ups the burliness quotient. Even deeper-lugged outsole with 2 layers of sheet EVA (not "blown") under the mid-foot & heel. Sheet EVA is firmer for more precision and support. Also, you get a partial nylon shank and a 360 degree sticky rubber rand.
Sorry for the long response. Based on your use, I would lean toward the Alp Trainer with the Mtn Trainer in 2nd.
Enjoy!

3 5

Tricia

Member since 

I bought these shoes right before I left for a month-long hike. Yes, I know I should have broken them in a bit first, but time was a bit tight. Anyway, the fit was great; I didn't have any trouble with blisters for the first couple of weeks wearing them right out of the box; we hiked around 12 miles per day. We hiked in deep snow for a number of days, but, unlike other waterproof shoes I've had, these shoes almost always dried overnight.

The reason I only gave the shoes 3 stars is durability. They broke a few days before the end of the hike (after ~220 miles)...the seam on the outside of my foot split (which meant wet feet all the time). The soles aren't overly worn (see picture), and for 160 dollars I really expected that they would hold up a little better.

Good Fit, Questionable Durability
waterproof enough to cool them off in the creek

Bucket

Member since 
Posted on

After hiking for a while, it's so nice to have a shoe you can soak in the creek to cool your feet down without actually getting them wet. Cooled my heels for a solid 10 minutes here, not even a hint of water got inside.

Are they waterproof

Janice

Member since 
Posted on

Are they waterproof

Sandy Brown

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

Yes. They are fully Gore-tex lined including a cover over a floating tongue.

5 5

Bucket

Member since 

I liked my high top version of this shoe so much that I had to get this model so as not to wear out the others too fast. I recently have been using these on my mountain bike, and really like them for that too. Like the high top version, these have an amazingly stiff sole for their weight, and are excellent for any terrain, leaving your feet feeling nice after any length hike. If you want a shoe that will last for years of abuse, this is an excellent choice. My width is D, and I found them a touch snug at first, but still roomy enough in the toe box. They are so bomber that I would guess it will be many months and miles before they start to feel sloppy. This is the sort of shoe which will have the sole sadly worn out before the rest of it breaks down.

I am a size 10.5
What size do you...

Backpacker 123

Member since 
Posted on

I am a size 10.5
What size do you recommend?

Sandy Brown

Member since 
Groups:
Responded on

They run pretty true to size. I am typically a 9 in running shoes and a 9 in Salewa. If anything, go up 1/2 size.

4 5

Unk5423667

Member since 

I usually wear a ten and a half but went a full size larger. While using a mid weight sock my foot fit perfectly in the shoe,with no hot spots. The foot bed is very cushioning and the traction on rocks is excellent. I have over forty miles on them now and the only rub spot is on the outside of my right foot just below the ankle with no blistering. The shoe breathes fairly well my feet were a little damp but not wet after hiking all day. The sole is ridged and great for hiking over varied terrain. Pawel

4 5

Illimani94

Member since 

I so wanted to like these. They seem well-made, light weight, sturdy, good tread. Unfortunately they don't quite fit my problem feet. I have low-volume, narrow feet and these just didn't work. My heels were getting chewed up, and my toes ended up forced into the toe box on downhills. Not even the to-the-toe lacing was able to control it. I was bummed, and still am. If they fit you they should work well as lightweight hikers or approach shoes.

4 5

dimigeo

Member since 

A great shoe, exactly what I was looking for (grip and waterproofing & general wear and forget).

the only downside to this shoe? the temp, the shoe just doesn't breath enough for a "alpine shoe" bear in mind i use these in Norway, which does not get as hot as the alps in summer. I don't think the Gore liner has anything to do with this, more the shoe's construction.

plus sides is the great heel support, the shoe feels "locked on" and the vibram sole is 100% amazing in everything (tree roots wet rock climbing, everything).

construction is 100% bomb proof! (so far)

4 5

Wayne Linton

Member since 

Ive got very narrow feet and wear orthotics. These are the best fitting hiking shoes I've owned. They have a very rigid instep that firmly holds my orthotics in place.
I have had Achilles tendinitis for 18 months - at last it is beginning to heal because my foot is supported properly.
One thing I had when they were new there was a tiny bit of excess glue that dug into the side of my little toe. I reached in to my shoe an to my surprise there was a sharp splinter of glue that I easily picked off.

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