Our verdict
Not for narrow-heeled hikers approach shoes, especially when its adhesive prowess goes toe to toe against such kicks when it comes to scrambling. That being said, the featured hiker from Salewa sets itself apart from that pack as it comes fully equipped for trekking adventures, come rain or shine. Yes, ruggedness is its playground, and it's a winner.
Pros
- Multi-terrain tenacity
- Enduring comfort
- Non-existent break-in
- Watertight
- A-grade finish
- Supportive underfoot
- Exemplary stability
- Good flexibility-to-stiffness ratio
Cons
- Loose around the heel
- Loose around the heel
Salewa Alp Trainer 2
In a nutshell, the Alp Trainer 2 GTX is a technical hiker for extended nature trips. Purchase it if:
- You often negotiate cambered valleys and base-mountain terrain.
- Hiking shoes that provide that extra bite on rocky descents are what you need.
- You prefer backpacking shoes that have a bit of give underfoot.
Who should not buy it
If you're looking for a far lighter pair, check out the Juxt from Vasque. Why trust us La Sportiva Spire GTX La Sportiva Spire GTX.
Quite clunky for a low-top shoe
Based on many reviews, the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX is quite tenacious. A professional blogger says that it's "grippy over a variety of terrain." An experienced hiker says that it provides "great grip in wet and muddy and rocky conditions." Its "traction is fantastic," says yet another trail-goer.
Alp Trainer 2 GTX: A great footing-preserver
Reviewers find the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX super-comfy right from the start. An expert among them says that it's "comfortable over long distances." A non-professional reviewer, on the other hand, says that the featured kick is "super comfortable from the first minute."
No wetness in the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX
In terms of waterproofing, this trekking shoe hits the mark. A long-time backpacker says that it's "definitely waterproof," shielding his feet from moisture in moderate rains and shallow creeks.
Quite clunky for a low-top shoe
There are those who are not fond of the 470-gram per-shoe weight of this Salewa trekking kick. One of them says that "the shoe feels bottom heavy," while another says that it's "not very light."
Good flexibility-to-stiffness ratio
With comments such as "protective and supportive" and "good lateral stability," the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX takes your balance insecurities away. Yes, this low-top kick preserves your footing on considerably uneven surfaces.
A showcase of premium workmanship
This beautifully designed trail-slash-trekking shoe from Salewa boasts an enviable finish, and reviewers agree. One of them says that it has "very good workmanship." Another trail enthusiast says, "they look well done."
Flexible in the right spots
The Alp Trainer 2 GTX is neither too bendy nor too rigid. A trusted gear journo agrees, saying that the featured hiking shoe has "the right balance between flexibility and stiffness."
that provide that extra bite on rocky descents are what you need
It's been reported that the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 GTX feels a bit too roomy around the rear foot zone. A reviewer says that you need to tie the laces tighter just to get a semblance of heel security. In his own words, he says, "I feel sloppy when I try to be aggressive with these shoes on the trail."
