Salewa Firetail GTX Review
One of Salewa’s promises is 100% blister free wear for its full line of approach, mountaineering and tech approach footwear. After months of usage of my Firetail tech approach shoes their promise has held true.
As a tech approach shoe, the Firetail GTX has the features of a hiking shoe/approach shoe but is light enough to run in if you need to race those mid day storms. I was impressed with the cushioning it has for multiple hour pursuits whether striding or just hiking. The EVA midsole with PU Shock Absorber absorbed the impact while running although I did use my orthotics for added comfort in my flat arch area and to make the shoes fit my narrow feet a bit tighter.
The Vibram outsole provides the highest level of traction I have experienced in a long time. While doing a little bouldering, scrambling up the hillside and on the loose gravel, the grippy feeling was instant and I had true faith that my footing would hold.
The Y-shaped “3F System”, with braided steel wires, really help to secure my ankles and heels, keeping my feet stable even in uneven terrain. With years of sprained ankles in both feet, that extra support is nice without adding any weight to the shoe.
The Mesh lining and Gore-Tex membrane make these shoes great year round whether in the dog days of summer or wet weather of the mud season. My feet kept cool during use in the midday heat and dry when the trail hit water.
The Firetail GTX is also available for men and retails for $139 US. A non GTX version is available for $109 US. To see the full line of shoes head to salewa.us.
