salewa hiking boots

I finally took the plunge and purchased a pair of Salewa hiking boots, the Rapace GTX. My initial excitement was palpable; the craftsmanship felt exceptional. Unboxing them, I immediately noticed the high-quality leather and sturdy construction. The weight felt substantial, promising excellent support on challenging trails. I was eager to put them to the test!

First Impressions and Initial Hike

My first impression of the Salewa Rapace GTX boots was overwhelmingly positive. The rich, dark brown leather felt luxurious, and the robust construction inspired confidence. I appreciated the thoughtful details, like the reinforced toe cap and the well-padded ankle collar. Before embarking on my first hike, I spent some time breaking them in around the house. I didn’t want any nasty surprises on the trail! I wore them while doing chores, walking around the garden, and even while watching a movie. This helped to soften the leather slightly and get a feel for the fit. My initial hike was a relatively easy five-mile loop near my home in the Cotswolds. The trail was mostly well-maintained, with a mix of gentle inclines and flat sections. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the boots were, even from the outset. The cushioning was excellent, and my feet felt well-supported throughout the entire hike. There was no rubbing or discomfort, which is a huge plus for me, as I’ve had problems with blisters in the past with other boots. The grip on the soles was also impressive, providing excellent traction on both the grassy and rocky sections of the trail. I felt confident and stable, even on some slightly uneven terrain. By the end of the hike, my feet felt surprisingly fresh. This was a significant improvement over my previous hiking boots, which often left my feet aching after a similar distance. Overall, my first experience with the Salewas was outstanding. They exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort, support, and grip. I felt ready to tackle more challenging trails with confidence, knowing my feet would be well protected and supported.

Testing the Boots on Varied Terrain

After my initial successful hike, I decided to really put my Salewa Rapace GTX boots through their paces. I planned a more challenging trek across the Brecon Beacons in Wales, a region known for its diverse and often unforgiving terrain. This involved navigating steep inclines, rocky paths, muddy sections, and even some stream crossings. The boots performed admirably across all these varied surfaces. The Vibram soles provided exceptional grip, even on wet and slippery rocks. I felt secure and confident, even on the steepest ascents and descents. The high-cut design offered excellent ankle support, preventing any twisting or rolling of my ankles, a crucial feature given the uneven ground. I was particularly impressed by how well the boots handled the muddy sections. My feet stayed remarkably dry, thanks to the Gore-Tex lining, a key factor in maintaining comfort and preventing blisters. The stream crossings presented a small challenge, but the boots held up well, and my feet remained dry even after wading through several shallow streams. I even encountered a particularly challenging section involving loose scree. The boots provided excellent stability, allowing me to maintain my footing and navigate this difficult terrain safely. The overall experience reaffirmed my initial positive impressions. The boots are incredibly versatile, performing exceptionally well across a wide range of challenging conditions. They exceeded my expectations in terms of both grip and stability. I felt completely confident in their ability to protect my feet and provide the support needed for demanding hikes. The Brecon Beacons hike was a true test, and the Salewas passed with flying colors.

Durability and Longevity

Assessing the durability of my Salewa Rapace GTX boots has been an ongoing process, involving several months of regular use on various terrains. From the initial stages, I was impressed by the robust construction. The leather feels thick and resistant to abrasion, showing minimal wear and tear even after numerous hikes across rocky trails and muddy paths. I’ve encountered some minor scrapes and scuffs, which are to be expected with any hiking boot, but these are purely cosmetic and haven’t affected the boots’ performance in any way. The stitching remains intact, showing no signs of loosening or failure, even in areas subjected to significant stress during steep ascents and descents. The Gore-Tex lining continues to provide excellent waterproofing, keeping my feet dry even in prolonged periods of rain. I’ve been particularly pleased with the longevity of the Vibram soles. They show minimal wear, despite the varied and often harsh terrain I’ve subjected them to. Considering the number of miles I’ve already put on these boots, the level of wear is remarkably low, suggesting a long lifespan ahead. I’ve also tested the boots’ resistance to water damage. After several submersions in streams and exposure to heavy rain, they’ve never shown any signs of water ingress, maintaining their waterproof integrity. The overall impression is one of exceptional durability. These boots are clearly built to withstand the rigors of frequent and demanding use. They’ve proven themselves to be incredibly resilient, exhibiting minimal wear and tear despite consistent use on challenging trails. I’m confident that they will continue to provide reliable service for many more months, even years, of hiking adventures. Their rugged construction and high-quality materials suggest a long and dependable lifespan, far exceeding my initial expectations.

Comfort and Fit Over Time

Initially, the Salewa Rapace GTX boots felt a bit stiff, a common characteristic of high-quality leather hiking boots. However, I found that this stiffness quickly softened with wear. After a few shorter hikes, the leather began to mold to the shape of my feet, providing a more comfortable and customized fit. The cushioning in the insole is excellent; even on longer treks, I experienced minimal foot fatigue. The ankle support is superb, offering stability and confidence on uneven terrain. I particularly appreciate the snug fit around the heel, preventing any slippage or rubbing. Over time, the boots have become incredibly comfortable, almost like a second skin. I’ve completed several all-day hikes, covering significant distances, and my feet remained remarkably comfortable throughout. There were no hotspots or blisters, a testament to the excellent design and high-quality materials. The breathability of the Gore-Tex lining is also noteworthy. Even during warmer weather, my feet stayed relatively cool and dry, preventing excessive sweating. This is a crucial aspect of comfort, particularly during strenuous activities. I’ve found that the comfort level of these boots has consistently improved over time. The initial stiffness has completely disappeared, replaced by a supportive and snug fit that molds perfectly to my feet. This gradual break-in period is a testament to the quality of the leather and the overall design. The combination of superior cushioning, excellent ankle support, and breathable lining has resulted in an exceptionally comfortable hiking experience, even over extended periods of time. I can now confidently wear these boots for hours on end without any discomfort or fatigue. They’ve truly exceeded my expectations in terms of long-term comfort and fit.