Salewa Snow Trainer Insulated GTX

SUPPORT
“It looks and feels like a typical midcut hiker, but it has touches of a mountaineering boot, which give you the best of both worlds,” one tester says. A stiff, nylon-and-fiberglass shank in the midsole creates a rigid platform, while the boot’s collar can move independently from the upper, enhancing ankle movement and agility. “The flex is great for approaches, while the stiff platform performs on class 4 climbs,” our tester adds.

PROTECTION
Our testers loved the integrated gaiter in snowy conditions—especially when snowshoeing. The wraparound rubber toe bumper protected the boot from all abuse, and a Gore-Tex liner kept the wet out.

CRAMPONS
Lock semi-automatic crampons securely with the small heel welt. Added benefit: easier to kick them off hands-free.

TRACTION
The Snow Trainers sport the Vibram Icetrek outsole, a fabric-studded sole much like that of the Ice Renegade GTX (see left). “These boots provide adequate grip on the approach—pretty much unheard of for a stiff-soled shoe,” one tester reports. “They stuck to mud, wet rock, and packed snow, as well as flat ice. I didn’t need to put on crampons until the ice was inclined more than 20 degrees.”

FIT 
The two included footbeds can be used alone or together to create custom fit.

$250; 3 lbs. 2 oz.; salewa.us