Javier Ramirez Testing the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite GTX Hiking Boots in the Uinta Wilderness | Photo Hillary Ramirez Mountain Weekly News
On a last minute late summer camping trip to Utah’s High Uinta Wilderness, I tested out the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GORE-TEX hiking boot on a few hiking trails. When I first slid the boot on I could instantly get a sense of the type of ankle support this boot would provide while hiking in the rocky trails of the Uintas.
After 3 trails here are my takeaways on the Salewa hiking boot.
Ankle Support
As I moved along the trails I could notice the stability and support around my ankles that the 3F System, which connects the instep, sole and heel in the Mountain Trainer Lite Mid, was providing. The difference I found in this mid-cut boot was the flexibility in the 3F ankle flex collar. The collar allows for more range of motion while still providing the support needed to ensure a stable ankle while stepping on the wide range of rocks along the trail.
The added range of motion definitely makes this Salewa Hiking Boot stand out amongst other hiking boots I have worn that restrict movement of the ankle.
Added Rubber
After several miles on the trails I found myself more than thankful for the added rubber toe cap. The amount of times I was thanking Salewa for adding this feature was way too many to remember. This along with the POMOCA S Path outsoles and deep lugged treads allowed for a confident step each and every time I hit the trail.
Once reaching destination #1 I loosened the extra precision climbing laced long round laces as I felt that my wide feet were a bit too snug and warm after 6 miles. While the Mountain Trainer Lite Mid is a lightweight 3-season alpine hiking boot I found it to be a bit too warm for these late summer Utah hikes and could see myself using these for a snow packed terrain.
Being late summer the trails and streams were severely dry so I didn’t have the opportunity to test out the GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Lining, but I was impressed with how flexible the boots still were over the stiffness I have experienced with other GORE-TEX included hiking boots.
Sizing
Since I have wide feet I felt the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid were a bit on the narrow side for my feet. I would also recommend wearing thinner socks or going a at least a half size bigger as I found myself wanting a bit of extra room with a thinner hiking sock.
The boot size issue could play a factor into having to loosen the laces as well, but the laces could also use some extra length to ensure a comfortable and breathable fit all around without having to worry about untied laces. The 3F System ankle support and flexibility in these boots definitely are a big design plus and makes these boots stand out amongst others.
Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Shoe Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Ankle support with flexible 3F ankle flex collar
- Added rubber toe cap for durability on rough terrain
- 3F system and flexibility stand out
Cons:
- Not ideal for wide feet
- May feel too warm for hot weather
Overall Impression
For those of you who have narrow and high arch feet the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid Boots ($219.95) would be great for you. I would also recommend this boot for anyone who is looking for a boot with ankle and heel support and stability without losing the range of motion in your ankle.
The Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid hiking boot may not be a great fit for anyone with wide feet, but can be an excellent choice for anyone with narrow feet or anyone looking to transition away from high to mid-top boots into low top hiking shoes while strengthening up their ankles.
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