Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX: I tested them thoroughly also on snowy trails
In early 2025, I bought a pair of Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX hiking boots, and since then I’ve been wearing them regularly on trails in a wide range of conditions. I’ve used them on snowy trails, rocky terrain (via ferrata), and long hikes on relatively flat ground while carrying a relatively heavy child carrier pack, the Osprey Poco with my 2-year-old son in it. Below is my long-term review of the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX, based on more than a year of use.
I decided to buy these boots because I owned the previous Mountain Trainer model from 2015 and wore it all the way until 2023. Yes, you read that right, those boots lasted an impressive eight years despite being used frequently on rough terrain. You can see some of the trails I did in them here. Nevertheless, I was hesitating a bit to buy the new version. I had come across a few reports of quality issues with the updated model, which made me question whether it’s a good choice. Despite that, I decided to go for it and here is my review.
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX hiking boots are suitable for:
- Hiking
- Mountaineering
- Trekking
- Backpacking
- Via Ferrata
The Basics
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX: Suede leather uppers increase the durability of the boot
The Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX is designed as a technical hiking boot for demanding terrain. It’s best for rocky trails, steep ascents, via ferratas and hiking with a heavy backpack. When I first took them out of the box, the boots felt noticeably more rigid than other hiking footwear I have, even more rigid than my old Lowa Renegade shoes. The construction is focused on stability, and the boots feel very structured and protective, especially around the ankle and forefoot.
The boots also come with a few technical features that are worth mentioning. They use Salewa’s 3F System, which connects the heel, sole, and lacing to provide a more secure and stable fit. In practice, this gives the boots a very locked-in feel, especially on uneven terrain. The lacing system extends quite far down toward the toe, allowing for precise adjustments depending on the terrain and your preference. However, the lacing system is also the thing that bothers me about these boots a bit. The laces are quite long and tend to come undone more easily than I’d like. Because of that, I’ve started tying them with a double knot to keep them secure during hikes. Luckily, that fixes the problem.
In terms of weight, they come in at around 600 grams per boot. That’s not particularly lightweight, but it’s also not overly heavy considering the level of support, protection, and durability they offer.
Since I previously owned the 2015 model of Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid boots, I was of course curious to see how much had changed with this updated version. To be honest, the differences are minimal. The overall design, fit, and purpose of the boot remain similar. It still feels like the same rugged, technical hiking boot built for demanding terrain. And that’s actually something I was happy about. The older model worked extremely well for me over the years, so I wasn’t looking for a complete redesign. Instead, Salewa seems to have refined the formula rather than reinventing it. If you’re switching to these boots from Mountain Trainer 1, I’m sure you’ll feel right at home in the new version.
Comfort and Support
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX: The 3F System for Precise Fit
Over the past year, I’ve worn these boots on everything from long day hikes to more demanding trips with a heavy pack, and overall, I find them very comfortable. That said, it’s important to note that they’re not as comfortable as lighter hiking shoes like the Lowa Renegade or Lowa Innox. The Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX is a stiffer, more technical boot, and you can feel that from when you first time put them on. It also has a bit less padding that most of my other hiking boots. Nevertheless, it’s padded enough not to chafe or cause any other discomfort.
Where these boots excel is on demanding terrain. The relatively rigid sole makes a big difference when you’re hiking on rocky terrain or ascending steep trails. Your foot feels well-supported, and I noticed that my calves didn’t fatigue as quickly as they typically do in softer footwear. The stability is simply excellent, and the boot feels secure and predictable with every step.
Overall, while they’re not the softest boots out there, they offer a level of support and stability that really pays off in tougher conditions, especially when carrying a heavy load or hiking on uneven, rocky terrain.
Traction
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX: Vibram outsoles provide excellent traction on both rocky terrain and on muddy trails
The Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX comes with a Vibram outsole with deep and aggressive lugs. Where the outsole really stands out is on rocky terrain. I’ve used the boots extensively on trails with a lot of exposed rock, and the grip is excellent. The rubber compound feels quite sticky, and at times it genuinely feels like the boots “glue” themselves to the surface. This makes a big difference when moving across uneven or sloped rock, where precise footing is important.
The traction is also good on dirt and gravel trails. I never found myself second-guessing my footing, even in wet conditions. I also used these boots quite a bit on snowy trails, typically at lower altitudes where the snow was softer. In those conditions, the traction was more than sufficient, and I felt stable throughout the hikes. For more demanding winter conditions or harder snow, the boots are compatible with C1 crampons. I tested them with my crampons at home, and the fit was secure, although I haven’t used that setup out on the trails yet.
Overall, the traction is one of the standout features of these boots, especially if you spend a lot of time on rocky or technical terrain.
Breathability and Waterproofness
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX: Suede leather uppers increase the durability of the boot
The Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX boots strike a good balance between breathability and weather protection, although they clearly lean more toward protection.
Since the upper is made mostly of leather, they’re not as breathable as synthetic shoes like Lowa Innox or Salomon Sense Ride. On warmer days, you can definitely notice that they retain more heat. That said, I never felt like my feet were excessively sweaty, even on longer hikes. For a boot in this category, the breathability is perfect.
Where these boots really shine is waterproofness. The Gore-Tex lining performs exactly as you’d hope. I’ve worn them in rain, wet grass, and quite a lot in snowy conditions, including wet snow, and I never ended up with wet feet. That’s something I really like about these boots. Overall, while they’re not the most breathable boots out there, they offer excellent protection against the elements, which makes them a reliable choice for hiking in variable and wet conditions.
Sizing
I got the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX in size 44, which fits me perfectly. Most of my other shoes and boots are also size 44, so in my experience, they run true to size. One thing worth noting, however, is that the boot has a relatively narrow fit. For me, this wasn’t an issue and actually contributes to the precise feel on technical terrain. But if you have wider feet, this could be something to keep in mind, as they might feel a bit restrictive.
Photos
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX: The protective rand ensures good durability
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX: One of the drawbacks – the laces are very long end untie often
Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 MID GTX: Lacing comes to the toes for more precise fit
Verdict
After more than a year of regular use, I can confidently say that the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX is an excellent choice. It’s a technical hiking boot that prioritizes stability, precision, and durability. On rocky trails, steep ascents, and when carrying a heavy backpack, these boots really shine. They provide a level of support and stability that lighter hiking shoes simply can’t match.
However, they’re not the most comfortable option for easy terrain. If most of your hikes are on flat or well-maintained trails, softer and lighter footwear like the Lowa Innox or Lowa Renegade will likely feel more comfortable. The stiffness of these boots only really pays off when the terrain becomes more technical.
I’m also very happy with breathability, weather protection durability of these boots. The only thing that bothers me a bit is the lacing. The laces are quite long and tend to come undone, so I usually tie them with a double knot to keep them secure.
Overall, the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX is a great hiking boot for those who prioritize stability and performance on rougher terrain.
If you have any questions about this product, drop me a line in the comments below.
Rating
| Design |  |
| Functionality |  |
| Quality | |
| Comfort | |
We field tested this product. The rating shows its overall performance.About Rating
Pros:
- Stability
- Support
- Durability
- Waterproofness
- Traction
- Fit offers great precision
Cons:
- Lacing system
