SalewaMen's ALP Trainer Mid GTX Boots

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.

I wanted to wait until I had some miles on these before chiming it. I now have approx. 250 miles on them and have to say, honestly and without any doubt they are my favorite boot I have EVER owned. Lightweight, with the comfort of a slipper, the laced up feel of a sneaker, with a hiking boot sole. More support than a trail runner but you are more nimble and can move faster than a typical hiking boot. I hike in San Diego so I have no idea how they do on wet/slippery surfaces. I actually bought a backup pair for fear they might not be available when the time comes. I basically have 3 pairs of hiking boots, these are my light weight ones. Be warned; they run narrow (which I personally like) and small (order up a half size).

The 'no-blisters' clain that the manufacturer makes for these boots is absolutely true! I have ony had them for a week, and break-in was limited to wearing them for one day at the office and a couple of two hour sessions. No serious walking or hiking was done for break-in. I then used them yesterday for a 15 mile hike with 5000 feet of elevation gain, and had no hot spots, let alone blisters on my feet. I did use top quality merino wool socks for the hike. This was simply incredible for me, and not in line with ANY other boots I have ever had. I have always had issues with heel lift and subsequent blisters on my heels.I normally wear 10.5 to 11 size shoes, and have high volume in the arch area of my foot. I have a hard time finding boots that fit well. Most are usually too tight in the area behind my toes, at the bottom of the laces. Based on reviews I read, I ordered size 11.5 for these and fit is perfect for me, when using a mid weight high quality merino wool hiking sock.If there were any downsides to this boot, it is that in the sole area, it really is a 'light hiking' type of shoe - you do feel sharp rocks under foot, enough to avoid them. But if this softness or flexibility is the price you pay for fit that does not give rise to blisters, I am all in. I am not talking about softness like sneakers or running shoes, but there is more flexibility than you find in heavier boots. Grip on the soles is very good though. Also, with respect to the uppers, ankle support is closer to a heavier backpacking boot.I will be looking for another pair of heavier Salewas for my longer backpacking trips. Looking forward to using these for shorter trips, light overnights and climbing approach hikes. Overall highly recommended!

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.

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.

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.