Salewa

Wildfire GTX Hiking Shoe - Men's

Wildfires are PERFECT!!!

Salewa Wildfires are a PERFECT shoe. So what did Salewa do? They ruined them with the Wildfire 2. The Wildfires were the perfect combination of fit, form, and function. I have three pairs: one for every day, one for hiking and approaches, and a pair in black that I work in. I am SO UPSET that Salewa felt the need to change everything good about these shoes. I actually bought three more new pairs before they're all gone. You should do the same.

Shoes fit well, very satisfied. They did take a break-in period. Very light weight, water proof, quiet, comfortable. Also easy to clean.

Awesome Shoe for Hiking

The sole is great and rugged. I put over 100 miles in these shoes doing the Wonderland Trail in Washington. Rocks, roots, dirt and water soaked log crossings… these shoes did great! My only issue is that they are really for people with narrow feet! I have blisters all over my feet especially the outside heel. The inserts could use some upgrades but all around if you have narrow or slim feet, these shoes are amazing. I stepped in water at one point and they were quick to dry. They never let me slip on even the worst types of terrain. Overall great shoe… just for people with narrow feet!

Great all around shoes

This is my 4th pair of these shoes. I totally love them and use them for many different things including just walking around with my kids. I’m a law enforcement officer and this is my main pair of work shoes. I can run in these shoes without any discomfort. Before these I wore Salomans but I have never looked back since. Totally recommended

Size review

Was too tight (9 1/2). Did not fit like the non gortex version

Virtually Impossible to Resole

I've owned two pairs of the MS Wildfire GTX and I was about to buy my third pair. Whilst these are by far once of the best and most comfortable all-round approach shoes I've owned. I have decided to not to purchase another pair. Firstly these are very comfortable as a all-day wear for long approaches, their breathability is surprising for GTX shoes, they remain dry, confortable and relatively odour free on long approaches in temps upto 30c. The are light, but not super light so will take much of the abuse they are designed to accommodate. I found them to offer adequate support and remain stable and confidence inspiring on mixed terrain, from marked trailed, scree slopes, snow pack and everything else you'd expect to find in mountainous terrain. The upper, the toe box, the heel counter, ankle collar, eyelets and the lacing as a whole are in excellent condition after 1 year of heavy use, indicating a hard wearing construction. The sole, a soft compound offering plenty of adhesion is all but the steepest of terrain, but herein lies the crux of the problem, 2 pairs of shoes, in 2 years with the upper in excellent condition, albeit for a sole that renders them useless. To my dismay Salewa do not stock or offer to the market a replacement sole for this approach shoe. I simply find this unacceptable and lacks due care and consideration for the environment. I would expect a manufacturer based in the Alps to understand that longevity is not a trade off in any mountain brand. This kind of service is akin to the depletive design found in iphone technologies and should find its way into products used to access the very environment we are trying to protect. Whilst Salewa customer care have been great in offering advice for third party business, none of these business will actually resole these shoes. As such I would not recommend buying these shoes or others with similar design flaws until Salewa address the issue.

Happy Feet

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

11.5

Height:

5' 11"

Weight:

175

I have had these shoes for 4 days and have about 15 miles on them. I am a true size 11 (vans, nike, new balance for reference) and I ordered these in 11.5. Even though I ordered 1/2 size up they fit snug. I have narrow feet and these fit perfect. So if you have wide feet or like wearing thicker socks while hiking, these are not for you. These are very comfy, I like the way the laces allow you to have a custom fit throughout the entire shoe. Waterproofing is legit! The grip is great! I am super happy with these, but buyer be where! Order 1/2 size to one full size up! I was half thinking of returning these for another 1/2 size up, but I am happy with the fit.

Maybe the best shoes I?ve ever owned.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

13

Height:

6' 4"

Weight:

250

I?ve had a pair of these for four years. Bought them on sales at a small mountain shop. As a class V whitewater guide, I use these as my exclusive on the river shoe. They?re stiff enough to hop across rocks, grippy enough on the slick surfaces, and protective for the toes. I?m back looking for another pair even as mine have many miles left because I don?t want to miss them if they stop making them. Unlike many shoes, they?ve not broken down after repeated water use and totally soaking. (Many shoes simply fall apart.) These are superb approach, scrambling, rock hopping, river shoes.

Very happy with the purchase

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

8.5

Height:

5' 6"

Weight:

148

I was trying to find some nice waterproof hiking shoes to use in the summer and fall. I hadn't heard of this brand but the reviews looked promising. I rarely venture away from brands that I don't already own shoes from, but I decided it was worth trying. I have been very satisfied. Even with the cost being a bit more than I usually pay for athletic (for lack of a better word) shoes, I feel I got a tremendous value. Initially, I felt like they were stiffer than I liked. But after wearing them a couple of times, they are perfectly broken in. I also had the opportunity to wear them in heavy rain and they performed flawlessly. The main things that made these shoes stand out to me were the thoughtfulness of the design and the clear quality of the product. I also really like the way to soles have great traction, unlike my other hiking shoes. I feel like you could tackle just about anything in them. And they are very comfortable. It almost feels like they were made for my foot. I don't have very wide feet, so that might be something to think about if you do, but it is worth trying even then, since the return policy is so good.

Good approach shoes, but not as comfortable as previous pairs of salewas I have owned.