The Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid Gtx Review & Lab Test of 2026

The Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX is a versatile alpine trekking boot designed for backpackers seeking a lightweight option without sacrificing performance. Ideal for varying terrains, it features a waterproof construction that ensures stability and traction in both mud and scree.

With its durable materials, the boot provides a secure footing even under heavy loads. The combination of weight savings and effective performance makes the Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX a practical choice for those who may not require the extensive features of the brand's flagship model, the Mountain Trainer 2 Mid.

Pros

  • Fantastic stability given the lighter weight
  • Aggressive grip for varied terrain
  • Solid impact protection under the heel
  • Secure lockdown and ankle support
  • Durable for its weight
  • Effective waterproofing
  • Flexible ankle cuff for steep descents
  • Precise fit regulation with lace-to-toe

Cons

  • A 21 mm drop is not for everyone
  • Gets notably firmer and stiffer in cold
  • Outsole holds on to mud

Key Features

  • Pomoca sole with optimally arranged cleats for natural foot movement
  • Highly wear-resistant fabric ensuring long-lasting use
  • Climbing lacing for improved fit and performance
  • Gore Tex Performance Comfort lining for waterproofing and breathability
  • Weight: 465g

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole material: Rubber
  • Shaft height: 5 Inches
  • Outer material: Synthetic

Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid Gtx Review & Lab Test – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Salewa Mountain Trainer Lite Mid GTX Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 Mid GTX Salewa Alp Trainer 2 Mid GTX LOWA Renegade GTX Mid
Price $220 $290 $230 $255
Trail terrain Technical Technical Technical Technical
Weight lab Weight brand 19.5 oz / 553g 22.8 oz / 645g 19.2 oz / 543g 21.1 oz / 597g
Breathability Warm Warm Warm Warm
Use Backpacking Backpacking Backpacking Backpacking
Orthotic friendly
Drop lab 21.0 mm 15.1 mm 16.1 mm 17.2 mm
Size Slightly small Slightly small Slightly small True to size
Midsole softness Firm Firm Firm Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Big Normal Small Small
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Flexible
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Outsole hardness Hard Average Average Average
Waterproofing Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof
Material Textile Suede Suede Leather
Season Winter Winter Winter Winter
Toebox durability Good Good Good Good
Heel padding durability Bad Decent Bad Decent
Outsole durability Decent Decent Decent Decent
Width / fit Medium Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Narrow Medium Narrow
Lug depth 6.0 mm 5.6 mm 5.2 mm 5.1 mm
Heel stack lab 42.5 mm 36.3 mm 37.1 mm 37.8 mm
Forefoot 21.5 mm 21.2 mm 21.0 mm 20.6 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Narrow
Technology Gore-Tex Gore-Tex Gore-Tex Gore-Tex
Cut - Mid cut Mid cut Mid cut
Removable insole
Ranking Bottom 48% Bottom 31% Top 30% Top 18%
Popularity Top 47% Top 37% Top 32% Top 44%