Verdict from 42 user reviews
4 reasons to buy
- Sticky: Much like most approach shoes from Salewa, this offering comes with a mighty grippy outsole.
- Accurate sizing: The Salewa Wildfire Edge GTX runs true to size, about a third of those who have tested it say.
- Fine finish: Its incredibly polished construction is among its strongest suits.
- Beautiful: Most of those who have given the Wildfire Edge GTX a four-star rating (out of five) are very impressed with its eye-catching looks.
3 reasons not to buy
- Narrow: Based on a few reviews, this Salewa piece could be a bit roomier.
- Problematic closure: Someone calls the laces of the Wildfire Edge GTX “extremely bad to tie.”
- Pricey: This approach hiker can make your wallet shed some tears.
Bottom line
Donning the Wildfire Edge GTX equates to fleshing out your technical footwork on more treacherous approach routes. Built with the Dolomites mountain range in mind (where jagged rocks abound), this Salewa shoe can help you ascend with boosted control without sacrificing protection. While it may not be for everyone price-wise, the Wildfire Edge GTX is a boon where the tough gets tougher.
Salewa Wildfire Edge GTX: Is it for you?
There is nothing quite like being fully equipped for whatever approach hikes will hurl at you. That feeling of readiness can be realized with the Wildfire Edge GTX. Having said that, before you complete your gear with this Salewa approach shoe, pore through the following first:
Highlights:
Adaptability. This is perhaps what makes the Wildfire Edge GTX stand out among most approach kicks. The design responsible for the shoe’s versatility is its mode-switching feature. Want more hiking comfort? Lace up until the sixth pair of eyelets from the bottom up. Otherwise, meaning if you need to maximize your climbing precision, use the extra heel-hugging eyelets.
Enhanced toeing control. The shoe’s smooth front end and stiff plating around the ball of the foot provide extra edging support. This combination is especially useful during ascents where the forefoot needs to switch directions while edging.
Built for the damp. With its Gore-Tex liner and wet-ready Pomoca outsole, your tootsies can stay dry in inclement weather, all while having the ability to negotiate muddy slopes with lower risks of slipping.
Possible causes for concern:
- Its lockdown mechanism might be too stringy for some, which can lead to durability issues in the long term.
- The default footbed of the Wildfire Edge GTX, while it offers a level of customization, might take you some time to get used to.
Additional info
- You can have all the goodness this shoe has on offer but with extra ankle support in the Salewa Wildfire Edge Mid GTX.