Our verdict
It can be said that what the Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX offers lies along the lines of “lasting performance come rain or shine.” It is an oxymoron of sorts, too, in that it propels you to go further, all while being as stout and protective as possible. Sure, its premium asking price might be asking too much, but what you will get in return is nothing short of exceptional.
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Lightweight
- Grippy outsole
- Waterproof
- Durable
- No break-in
- Supportive
Cons
- Expensive
- Insole has little arch support
Who should buy the Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX
The Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX is a lightweight and truly com comfortable hiker best recommended for:
- alpine treks and day hiking on challenging terrains and soft-soiled paths
- off-road adventure negotiating sidehills and downhills
Allows freedom of movement
As far as enhancements are concerned, the Alp Trainer Mid GTX does not disappoint. After all, it is not the second-gen of the OG Alp Trainer Mid GTX for nothing.
The Flex Collar technology used in this boot marries freedom of movement around the collar with unrelenting ankle support.
Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX is supportive for narrow feet
The Flex Collar also makes descents more comfortable by easing the tension around the Achille’s region.
With a redesigned footbed, the MFF+ is a modular insole, which comes by default in every pair. Compared to what the former version had, this footbed can be customized even further to fully support hikers with narrower feet.
Expensive price tag
Getting this comfortable mid-cut hiking companion can be costly: Its price tag is not for the faint of heart.
However, on the upside, experienced trail-goers do not find this hiker heavy at all. One of them even said that it is "the Air Jordans of lightweight hiking boots".
Little arch support after 300 miles
Another complaint also talks about the little arch support the insole provides. This is after the shoe accumulated 300 miles under its belt, covering desert and mountain terrain.
But the revamped outsole has been lauded by testers. With its more aggressive lugs, the Vibram outsole of the Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX can produce double the amount of friction on loose terrain.
Provides sufficient traction
This piece from Salewa sticks like a dream to a variety of surfaces, including on inclines where scrambling is required.
The opposing directionality of its rubber lugs also provides sufficient traction, whether on ascents or descents.
Salewa’s Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX: Is it for you?
If you are easily wooed by tough-but-not-so-gruff boots, this offering can make you a believer quite effortlessly.
That said, in case you still need a bit more nudging to jump on the Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX bandwagon, here are a few more reasons:
- The boot in question is for you if you travel along soft-soiled paths often.
- It is ideal for adventurers who frequently negotiate sidehills and downhills.
- With its anti-odor Cleansport NXT treatment, the Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX is recommendable for trail-goers who despise stinky feet.
- This is the boot to bring along where wading through some 3-4 inches of water is inevitable.
