SalewaMen's ALP Trainer Mid GTX Boots

I have owned two pair of Salewa boots. Both have been of top quality and comfort. Break-in may take some time. Yet, once broken in, the boot fits like a glove. The two "zone" lace arrangement is very nice. If I feel that I do not need as much ankle support from the upper portion I can loosen the laces slightly without interrupting the lower laced area. Once the laces are pulled tight in the lower zone they remain tight. Essentially, I can tighten them as I would like them and only loosen the upper lacing to remove my foot. This eliminates the need to redraw the lower laces each time you put the boot on. I purchased a slightly larger boot to accommodate a thick pair of winter wool socks. I normally wear 11 US. I purchased 12 US and they fit perfectly with wool socks. Support throughout the foot is superb. I recommend this boot to any serious hiker/climber.

First off, these boots are narrow, but that works for me - my feet are somewhere between a C and D in width. I find these ALP Trainer Mids to be the most comfortable and best fitting of my small collection of hiking boots, which includes boots from Asolo, Keen, and Salomon. I have NOT worn these out for any hiking or backpacking adventures yet, so I cannot comment on their durability in that regard. They are doing alright by me for the simple things I've put them through so far. You know how you might have some everyday carry items, like a wallet, watch, cell phone, pocket knife, etc.? In that regard, these are my everyday footwear. I like their appearance, love their fit; I put them on and get out the door.

With my lifestyle, I gravitate toward products that tend to be of good quality. Some boots don't hold up to the wear and tear of everyday use. That or don't work as advertised. Salewa Alp Trainer Mid GTX Boots are the real deal. They look great (I bought the black on black), they wok as advertised (Very water resistant) and they clean up very easy. Last but not least, they feel fantastic. I'm into my 2nd month of constant use and they still feel like the first day I got them. I'm actually thinking of buying another pair in another color.

I've worn out three pair of the Alp Trainer. In the past I've given 5 star reviews for these boots because they were so awesome...well, not these EXACT boots, because Selewa has changed the design. The new design isnt as robust as the old style. Less torsional support, and just a weaker feeling boot all around. I have an older design that's nearing the end, and they still have noticeably more support than my new pair, yet I can't really feel any weight difference between the two. Seems like you find the perfect boot, and it either gets discontinued, or "improved" upon to the point that it's not the same boot. I'll put 'em through the paces and see how they hold up.EDIT 3/16/17: O.K., I've worn these boots nearly every day over the past 3 months and, in spite of the changes I still really like them! My previous opinion still stands, but the boots haven't been "improved" upon to the point that I'll write them off. Still really comfortable. Have to wait and see if they wear as well as the "pre-improved" boot.EDIT 10/25/18: I’ve definitely put these boots through the wringer, from the Sierra Nevadas to the coastal range in Ca, to the rocky deserts and mountains of Southern Az. Holy crap, these boots just won’t die. I still miss the support of the originals as you def. feel every pebble, but dang, these boots are still tough! They are narrow, as are my feet, so I find them an excellent fit. If you have a high volume foot, these might not be for you.

Not ideal as a primary pair of backpacking boots because the front half of the sole is too thin, and the toe box can feel constrained. However, those qualities make it a perfect backup pair. They're light (2 size 11s I have weigh 2lbs 10oz and 2lbs 7oz), and the cushionless front part of the sole conforms to the terrain for excellent feel and traction. Original pair has held up extremely well to several years of off-trail use.

I’ve put over 50 miles on these now. It’s taken a while as I’ve recently switched to using Trail Runners whenever possible. I plan to use these in spring and fall wet conditions.The bad first: Salewa uses a split insole design which allows you to separate the insole apparently to make it thinner. I guess to dial in fit or use more socks. I can’t imagine actually using only the thin top portion but maybe someone will. But that’s not the main problem.What has happened is that over the course of breaking these in the foam in the insole has compressed. There are velcro disks in the center of the heel that attach the two insole halves. These disks do not compress as the foam does and eventually create increasingly a pressure point or hot spot. Imagine having a quarter in your sock all the time.It has gotten to where I cannot use them. I tried some after market insoles but the ones I tried seem to change the geometry too much creating more drop and seemingly more ankle rolling.So I contacted the retailer who said to contact Salewa directly as their warranty is 2 years. I did so and received a response 2 days ago asking for pics but suggesting there was no improved insole and that I could buy “super feet” insoles ($40-50 when I checked).It’s been 2 days now since I submitted the pictures and I haven’t heard anything yet.The rest of the boot is pretty cool. It’s light and narrow making it decent for technical terrain which I travel a lot. Vibrant soles and Goretex uppers do their job.Not a boot for wide feet that’s for sure. And unless you already are committed to an aftermarket insole you like to buy I can’t recommend buying this boot.

If this fits your foot (shape, size, width-narrow, length, higher arch) it is the BEST hiking shoe ever. Very hard to find in the US but well worth the search, nothing sold in big box stores comes even close. I have had 4 pairs of these, they have changed slightly over the years and are more water proof I believe now. It is an approach shoe, good for trails and some rock climbing too.