Those with an adventurous spirit know exactly about the thrill of an alpine trek. Climbing a rough terrain full of treacherous rocks, mud and slimy surfaces is a surreal experience. The trek however cannot be possible without suitable hiking shoes . Sine the alpine terrain is the exact opposite of a plain surface, you would see a lot of steep climbs and descents, undulating peaks, glacial rocks, boulder-filled rivers and muddy streams. Navigating this terrain require special boots that would protect you from snow and have the right grip to keep your balance intact. Alpine treks are completely different from your normal walking trails and the level of shoe protection and fitness levels needed are much more.

Salewa boots in NZ have garnered much attention these days due to their specific build and design aptly suited for tough treks in snow-capped peaks. Here are some of the features that make this boots the right choice for a mountain trek.

• Material – The Salewa boots are made of a Gore-Tex membrane. Each square inch of the membrane consist of billions of micro-pores that are smaller than a water droplet. Due to this, the shoes made of Gore-Tex are completely waterproof. No matter the concentration of snow and rain,  you are assured of a  waterproof protection during your hike. Hiking through Mt. Taranaki can take you through wet surfaces formed due to heavy rains and snowfall. These boots are perfect in such terrains.

• Relaxed feel – You could go on long walks with Salewa boots in NZ over tough mountain terrains with ease. Wearing these shoes, you could carry a heavy backpack comfortably without feeling fatigue in the legs. The shoes have features like Nylon Insole , OrthoLite footbed or Bilight TPU midsole that provide a well-balanced cushioning. Apart from that, the 3F system gives adequate heel support. The laces are connected with a small cord connected to the heel, that locks in the foot perfectly so that no additional pressure is felt at the ankle or the heel. The lacing design of these boots is remarkable. They can be freely customized and are long enough to be tied around the toes. This prevents any potential fall or slip if one advertently trips over untied laces.

• Balance – The 3F system of Salewa shoes connects the instep of the shoe to the sole and heel to give flexibility, support, and the right fit. The Trainer Mid GTX boots are heavy boots but feel incredibly light after wearing them. The Vibram® outsole of the boots are designed to provide the wearer crucial support during steep descents that are important during alpine treks. These boots may not be suitable for easily walkable trails but are apt for undulating and rough mountain surfaces that require better safety measures. Another thing to note beforehand during an alpine trek is the gushing wind that could create some disbalance but with the support of these boots even if you are pushed off your place, you are sure to prevent any fall as the boots would be firmly pressed against the ground.

• Grip – When you hike on an alpine track, you would expect weathered glacier rocks of varying shapes and sizes, ranging from big slab rocks to small yet sharp and slimy stones. Basically, the chances of slipping in such a terrain is immense and alpine trekkers are well aware of this. If the right mountain boots are not worn then it could lead to treacherous falls. It is keeping this aspect in mind that Salewa boots in NZ are designed to provide a compact grip so that mountaineers don’t injure themselves by slipping on slimy rocks. The Vibram sole, the tread pattern around the corners and the approach-shoe like design in the front makes a firm hold of the surface, no matter how slippery.

• Breathability – There are adequate pores built in these boots that enable sufficient airflow. The temperatures can be highly varied in the mountains and you could either be sweaty during the summers or suffer the risk of a frost bite during freezing winters. Trekkers have to travel long distances on foot to cover the planned track circuit. Therefore,  it is crucial to have the breathability feature in the shoes so that your feet doesn’t get clammy or have the necessary warmth in snowy conditions. The Gore-Tex membrane is designed in a way that gives these boots the breathability needed to cover the track comfortably.

Nut Graf

Alpine boots unlike your traditional hiking boots are not exactly suited for easy walking trails. They are designed for long outings. These hiking shoes are meant for better grip and balance. The Gore-Tex membrane that covers the Salewa boots provides breathability to the shoe that is adaptable to all kinds of harsh weather conditions. They prevent excessive sweatiness, are waterproof and provide warmth in snowy surface. The famed 3F system of these boots lend high flexibility and support to the trekker and helps him navigate rough surfaces with amazing ease.