Editor’s choice: the best shoes for the mountains 2022

– independent trekking shoe model kit

Salomon Predict Hike Mid GTX

How to choose the best shoes for the mountains? Obviously trying on, checking, comparing. They must be, above all, comfortable, but they should also protect the foot from injury, provide good traction on various surfaces, do not get wet and, if possible, wick away moisture to the outside. There are no perfect and universal solutions, nevertheless there are a few manufacturers and a few models that are likely to work best when trekking in the mountains in the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Here is our list of the best shoes for the mountains.

Salomon Predict Hike Mid GTX

Aesthetically pleasing and comfortable shoe for easy terrain and varied terrain, which will definitely allow you to stand out from the crowd. A mid-height holewalk protects the ankle while keeping the boot lightweight.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® membrane,
• All Terrain Contagrip® sole with deep tread for wet, dry, hard and mucky surfaces,
• Soft cushioning provided by Energy Surge foam,
• Inside the shoe, an OrthoLite insole that adapts to the shape of the foot,
• A shoe made from recycled products such as plastic bottles and waste materials,
• upper: fabric/synthetic material,
• weight: 321 g (one shoe).

Salomon X ULTRA 4 GoreTex

Lightweight short boots ideal for day hikes and easier treks. Inspired by running shoes. Conatgrip sole and herringbone tread are ideal for muddy or sandy trails, as well as soft ground.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® membrane,
• Contagrip® MA sole,
• ADV-C sole frame protects the flexes of the outer part of the foot,
• Lace-up system for a one-stroke fit, pocket to hide laces,
• seamless upper construction,
• a strip of leather, synthetic material or rubber around the base of the foot protects the side of the foot and the area on the arch side of the foot,
• OrthoLite® insoles that conform to the shape of the foot,
• upper: synthetic material/fabric,
• weight: 360 g (one shoe).

Arc’teryx Aerios FL GTX and FL Mid GTX

A model for fans of ascetic and aesthetic design. A very lightweight shoe for all-day trekking and more difficult trails from Arc’teryx’s Fast and Ligth collection. Waterproof, inspired by running shoes designed for long distance running. Made of breathable materials. In shorter and ankle versions.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® membrane,
• breathable material,
• Vibram sole,
• high TPU plastic lining,
• reinforcement at the toe,
• EVA foam in the midsole,
• low boot weight: 300 g,
• weight of higher boots: 370 g,
• upper: Cordura.

La sportiva Tx5 Low Gtx

A classic approach shoe option. Lightweight waterproof boot with high rubber lining. A more technical model for lovers of tougher trails and via ferrata.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® membrane,
• Ortholite® approach insole,
• EVA foam in the midsole,
• high lining,
• Mythos lacing system,
• Vibram sole,
• upper: nubuck,
• weight: 380 g (one shoe, r. 38).

La Sportiva Spire GTX

New generation of boot from La Sportiva. The result of combining experience in designing shoes for advanced trekking and running shoes. Breathable, short boots for day hikes and fast terrain treks.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® SURROUND® membrane,
• Additional toe and heel protection,
• mesh upper to prevent small stones and debris from getting inside,
• Vibram XS Trek sole,
• EVA foam in the midsole,
• Ortholite Mountain Hiking 5mm insole,
• channels in the sole to facilitate ventilation,
• upper: nylon mesh,
• weight: 370 g (one shoe, r. 38).

Aku ROCKET DFS GTX

Short dynamic shoes for fast hiking. Special sole construction allows hiking even in difficult terrain. Two different lacing systems allow the shoe to be adjusted as needed. The surface of the shoe is protected by 3D printing.

Basics:

• GORE-TEX® Performance Vomfort membrane,
• Vibram® Rocket Traction LUG + Vibram® Megagrip sole,
• Ortholite® Hybrid insole, partly made from recycled materials,
• two different AKU Dual Fit System (DFS) lacing systems,
• use of AKU Elica Natural Stride System technology,
• shoe in women’s and men’s version,
• upper: fabric + microfiber,
• weight: 310 g (1 shoe, r. 38).

Aku ULTRA LIGHT Micro GTX

Reliable classic. Traditional model of Aku trekking boots, present on the market for 30 years. Created with women in mind. A tall, comfortable shoe that will work well on all-day treks in medium to easy terrain. A great shoe for everyday wear as well.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort membrane,
• Vibram® Erica Everest sole,
• In the midsole, triple-density EVA foam,
• front of the shoe protected by an eyelet,
• Upper: o breathable suede with AIR8000® material,
• weight: 440 g (1 shoe, r. 38).

Aku SLOPE MICRO GTX

Men’s version of Aku’s traditional trekking shoe model. Present on the market for 30 years. High , comfortable shoe, which is suitable for all-day trekking in medium and easy terrain. Great for everyday wear as well.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort membrane,
• Vibram® Erica Everest sole,
• Triple-density EVA foam in the midsole,
• front of boot protected by lining,
• upper: o breathable suede with AIR8000® material,
• Weight: 525 g (1 shoe, r. 42).

HanWag TATRA LIGHT GTX

A modern, mid-height boot from a brand with tradition. Built around a lightweight sole that gives good traction due to lower foot placement. Ideal for hiking with a lightweight backpack, in lower mountains.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® membrane,
• Vibram® Integral Light sole,
• upper: suede, material,
• weight: 600 g (1 shoe, r. 39).

The North Face VECTIV™ FASTPACK FUTURELIGHT™ MID

Lightweight and versatile ankle boot with a modern design. Ideal for hiking even in more difficult terrain. Waterproof and breathable.

Basic Information:

• Breathable and waterproof FUTURELIGHT™ membrane,
• Double row of eyelets for precise lacing,
• Toe protected by moulded TPU material,
• OrthoLite® X55™ insole made of 5% recycled rubber,
• midsole made of single EVA foam,
• sole made with VECTIV™ Technology,
• upper – abrasion-resistant, durable mesh,
• weight: 692g pair r. 38.

Scarpa Zodiac

Classic technical approach shoes, which will meet the needs of more demanding tourists who like to move in difficult mountain terrain. Footwear ideal for more challenging trails and via ferrata. Suitable during warmer summer temperatures, as well as in transitional seasons during better weather.

Basic information:

• high breathability,
• impregnated leather to prevent soaking,
• additional protection of the toe and heel with a rubber boot,
• laces led up to the toes,
• Sock-fit DVL by Scarpa® upper with a tongue made from a single piece of S-Tech Shoeller® material,
• specialized Vibram® Drumlin sole,
• lining 37.5 Cocona® provides quick moisture wicking and keeps feet comfortable even in higher temperatures,
• Upper: Perwanger suede leather + Cordura®,
• weight: ok. 500 g. (r. 42).

Scarpa RUSH MID GTX

Ideal for fast movement on sandy, muddy trails. Waterproof and breathable. Inspired by lightweight running shoes. Higher upper will provide ankle support.

Basic information:

• GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort lining membrane,
• PRESA® Free-dome™ IKS™ sole with improved tread,
• Additional toe and heel protection,
• midsole made of double EVA foam,
• upper: material,
• weight: 380g (1 shoe, r. 42).

MEINDL BORNEO 2 MFS

New version of the popular Meindl BORNEO classics. High breathability and comfort in a variety of weather conditions, thanks to the shoe being made entirely of leather. Designed for more demanding trekking.

Basic information:

fully leather,

Soft grain leather lining,

externally made of nubuck additionally waxed – which provides effective protection against water,

special ”bearing grommets” to facilitate free movement of the laces,

innovative DiGAfix system, which is responsible for the shoe’s fit and heel hold,

sole hardness: B,

upper: oiled nubuck leather,

weight: 790g (8 UK).

Mammut Alnasca II Gtx

An ultra-lightweight low-cut approach shoe. Waterproof and breathable thanks to Gore-Tex membrane. Alnasca low-cut version is a shoe that will perform well on difficult approaches, longer hikes, as well as via ferrata.

Basic information:

• 360 heel support: A three-dimensional TPU element is designed with the anatomy of the heel bone in mind, which it completely surrounds,
• rubber toe cap to protect the toes,
• Michelin® OCX Approach sole,
• adapt to the shape of the foot thanks to Memo Foam Technology,
• upper: material,
• weight 420 g (1 shoe, size 42).

Our test of this model:

Salewa Salewa Mtn Trainer Lite

A low, lightweight and versatile boot that can handle less and more demanding trekking, walking, as well as steep approaches.

Basic info:

• 3F system that connects the heel, instep, and sole,
• Climbing Lacing,
• Heavily sculpted sole and rubber compound POMOCA® S Path outsole,
• heel stabilizer,
• TPU protection,
• rubber lining – toe protection,
• upper: Highly wear-resistant fabric,
• weight: 448 g.

Salewa MS MTN TRAINER MID GTX / there is also a low version

Lightweight trekking shoe with waterproof yet breathable membrane. They will perform well on approaches as well as descents in varied and technically challenging terrain. The shoe comes in ankle and short versions.