I am a Salomon user. When the X Ultra 3 failed for me twice (the second pair I returned) I looked for an alternative. I went with Salewa after seeing their booth years ago at Mountains Crossing. I went with the MTN Trainer to keep the price line about the same. I have put a lot of trail miles on these since March, so I felt I can give them an honest review. At first, I realized that they would need to be broken in and it was tricky getting the fit to wrap around the heels without slipping. The laces quickly started showing their inner core through the sleeve where the knot was being tied. The hiking continued and they felt solid under my feet with great traction. Once broken in I was able to tighten the laces more for those downhills. I also wear the MTN Trainers to work, and they squeak on the polished concrete floors. Must be the traction? They are performing well as day hikers, and the Gore-Tex is doing its job, but they stink. I mean they really do stink, like my son's soccer shoes did. I have never owned a pair of shoes that stink like these. I think an upgrade to the Wildfire would help with the heel issue, but what will they smell like. BTW the Achilles padding is showing wear as well.
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