SalewaMen's Wildfire GTX Approach Shoe

Salewa rapace has to be the best boot I have ever used. I have been hiking since I was in my mid teens and climbed mount Olympus twice. Plus I was in the Marines. I have never used boots that are so comfortable and required absolutely no break in time like these rapace boots. I have struggled with plantar fasciitis for a long time and I have narrow feet with high arches and finding boots that fit well can be a struggle. I took the advice of folks that recommend getting half a size larger than normal. Put on some wool socks and went for a 4 mile hike at Tenaja falls CA with a 30 lbs pack. No break in time, no hot spots. This boots are a light weight mountaineering boot. It’s stiffer than most but still has a bit flex so it’s not uncomfortable. The heel and tread design ensure good grip even in steep and loose ground. The lace system ensures that the boot conforms to the foot ensuring no hot spots or blisters. I’m glad I got them half a size larger. This gives me a bit of room so when I’m going down hill under heavy load my toes don’t hurt. I also like the included extra insoles. The fit with my sock combo make a perfect fit. I know that each person’s feet are different but these are great for me.Update:I used these boots for a three day trip in the Sierra Mountains just a bit lower than 7000 feet of elevation. Wend down and up on some very steep terrain with loose rocks and soil. The boots were awesome. Good grip, support for the ankles enough flex to be comfortable but stiff enough to support going uphill. If they provide waterproof I’ll say they are perfect.

I had been wearing Salomon Quest 4 hiking boots for years and loved their fit, comfort and overall performance. But, wanted something more rigid and supportive for rocky alpine treks. I was concerned that a stiffer boot would mean compromising comfort until I wore these Salewa Rapace GTX boots. I wear 9.5 in most shoes/boots and the 9.5 Rapace's fit great with the Salewa insoles that can customize the fit. The lacing system also provides great fine tuning. For me the true test of comfort and fit is hiking downhill and the Rapace's have been great on downslopes. The rigid sole also delivers solid support when walking over rocky terrain. I gained more confidence over the rocks the more I wore them knowing they could withstand the punishment. Traction has been fantastic as well with Vibram big lug tread and the great heel break. Overall, very happy with these boots and look forward to many miles in them!

If this boot fits your foot and your outdoor needs then you will love it. It's stiff but not Frankenstein stiff for me. Rockered sole keeps you walking in the flats and nice and stiff in the steeps. If you're looking for a full bore mountaineering boot, this may not be your boot - probably not warm or stiff enough. For me it's a heavy duty backpacking boot and mountain hunting boot. It's pretty light weight but still gives me the support I need. I have a low volume foot and this boot can be adjusted with the additional layer of footbed that comes with it for thinner feet. Personally, I use an aftermarket insole which is just a preference - there is plenty of arch support built into this boot.If I could change anything about the boot, it would be a softer compound rubber on the sole, Brown or tan leather upper, and maybe an inch taller. Otherwise this boot does a lot of things very well!

These boots are solid while being dry, comfortable and stable. Grip is outstanding. I live in CO and hiking trails out here you can encounter all types of terrain. I bought mid August and only wore them for two short hikes less than 5 miles before elk hunting season. Then hiked over 100 miles in a 14 day period. No blisters. Was hiking steep untrained terrain while side hilling. No issues. Had to retie show more than other boot but I figured this will be just during the break in period. They are a stiffer boot. Love the steel shank. Can step on a rock under forefoot and not be bothered even with a heavy pack. Awesome boots!

Took the boots on an 3rd season Elk hunting trip in NW CO. Less than a 100 yard break in time. Post trip feedback. very comfortable. no issues with break in. terrain wasnt an issue up to snow in waistline in some areas and elvation accents and descents. boots ventilated very well. 0-32 degree temps. Feet cold and numb most of the time. Go with an 1/2 size or bigger to add thicker socks if you want warmer feet. Boots fit to size. Would buy again. enjoy.

Estaba súper entusiasmado por la compra de mis botas, pero después de la primera montaña, empezaron a despegar el cuero del caucho, al regreso de mis 9 horas me di cuenta que un lado de las botas no estaba bienPara que vean que la suela está intacta, ni un día de uso!Es normal éso?Vá a seguir despegando?Me costaron muy caro!Que hago?

excellent boot in 2-3 day hikes, hunting, wet mud, light snow.i live in colorado and the boot is excellent for hill decent in tough rocky conditions.i am 230 lbs and pack 50 + backpack, meat .. boot is stiff enough to handle rough places.if you have nordic wide feet ,i would not buy the shoe and go with something like kenetrek,lowa.i ll provide year review with more miles