Product · Salewa
Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid GTX: nylon-stiffened
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The Mountain Trainer Mid GTX is the men's version of Salewa's stiffened walking boot. Amazon lists a synthetic upper, a lining of Gore-Tex and synthetic materials, a Bilight midsole, a medium-stiff nylon insole and a synthetic sole, with a mid-height cut. In our main UK walking boot guide, it is the boot for walkers who want firmer support underfoot on rocky paths and scree without moving to a heavy leather boot.
- Upper
- Synthetic
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Synthetic
- Lining
- Gore-Tex, synthetic
In its favour
- The listing states a medium stiff nylon insole, giving more support on rocky ground than a soft trainer.
- Gore-Tex lining is listed, so it is designed to keep out water from wet grass and shallow bog.
- A synthetic upper usually dries faster than full leather after a wet day on the fells.
Good to know
- Water resistance is listed as water resistant rather than waterproof in one field, so check the maker's details.
- The listing gives 1.6 kg without saying whether that is per pair, so compare weights in a shop.
Our take
Listing details
The shaft height reads Kurzschaft and the height map mid top. The seasons field says autumn and winter, the country of origin is Romania, and the item weight is 1.6 kg, without saying whether per boot or per pair.
The water resistance field reads water resistant, though the model name and lining confirm Gore-Tex. Bilight is named as the midsole, but the listing does not explain it further.
Why a stiffer boot helps on rock
A medium-stiff nylon insole spreads load across the foot when standing on small rocks and edges. On Lake District and Snowdonia paths with lots of loose stone, that can reduce foot fatigue and give a more secure footing.
A synthetic upper keeps weight down and needs less break-in than leather. It also dries faster on the outside after a wet day.
Mountain Trainer Mid against the Hillwalker II and Terra GTX
The Berghaus Hillwalker II GTX has a suede upper and fabric lining. It is softer and more flexible. Choose it for grassy paths and moorland, the Salewa for rocky routes.
The Scarpa Terra GTX is a leather boot with a Vibram Energy II sole at a listed 590 g. It suits walkers who want leather. The Salewa offers stiffness with a synthetic upper.
Care and who should skip it
Rinse off mud, dry naturally, and reproof with a spray suitable for synthetic uppers. Check the stitching and toe area for wear on abrasive rock.
Walkers who mostly walk on flat, grassy paths may find the stiffer sole less comfortable than a flexible boot. Those who prefer leather should look at the Scarpa or Lowa options in our guide.
Anyone choosing between this and the women's Mountain Trainer Lite should note that the men's boot lists a Bilight midsole as well as the nylon stiffening, so it may feel a little more substantial underfoot.
Verdict
The Mountain Trainer Mid GTX suits walkers who want a stiffer, synthetic Gore-Tex mid boot for rocky paths and scree. If you prefer a softer suede boot, choose the Berghaus Hillwalker II GTX, and for a leather boot with a named Vibram sole, the Scarpa Terra GTX is the alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Best walking boots for UK hills and footpaths
Amazon listing title: Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid Gore-Tex® Men's Shoes