Salewa is known for their mountaineering footwear. In fact, they are one of Europe’s premier manufacturers of mountain equipment. Having equipped several high profile expeditions since their inception in the 1930s, Salewa continues their tradition of excellence with the new Mountain Trooper. Based on the companies already successful Mountain Trainer boot, the Trooper is a fine-tuned blacked-out version that’s well suited for military and law enforcement professionals alike.
With input from professionals in the industry, Salewa massaged minor details and the color palette to produce a fully capable boot that can be used in a tactical environment without compromise. The Mountain Trooper ditches the traditional metal eyelets and utilizes nylon ones to reduce the possibility of snagging or unwanted noise. Key features in a non-permissive environment. Additionally, Salewa incorporates their proprietary 3F System to ensure the best heel hold possible. With an Ortholite footbed and a full leather interior lining, the Mountain Trooper remains comfortable throughout the duty day. Finally, the super reliable Vibram Maton outsole will keep you sure-footed whatever the mission-set calls for.
Spending 6 years in the Ranger Regiment has made me a bit of a boot expert. Long days and nights moving through rugged terrain with a load on your back will quickly highlight any weaknesses in both body and equipment. The boots Rangers were issued in the ’90s were a carryover from the Vietnam era. Terrible in comparison to the modern tactical footwear. Salewa pours decades of bookmaking knowledge into a single piece. Making the Mountain Trooper a great pick for anyone seeking a tactical duty boot. But don’t assume its ninja black appearance is only for working professionals. This boot is right at home hiking or hunting in the mountains as well.
Mountain Trooper Specs & Features courtesy of salewa.com:
- Weight: 725 g
- Sole segment: Alpine approach
- Gender: Male
- Insole: Mid stiff: Nylon
- Outsole: Vibram® Maton
- Upper: 360° full rubber rand / 1.6–1.8mm Suede
- Lining: Full grain leather
- Footbed: Ortholite
- MSRP $269.95
Final thoughts:
There are a few footwear manufacturers that I’ve determined over decades of hiking, exploring and military experience that I can blindly trust. Salewa is one of those companies you can just count on. The Mountain Trooper is a robust hiking boot with a lot of tech thrown in. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a fashion boot to be worn around town. It isn’t. The Mountain Trooper is built like a tank and will require some breaking in. The upper cuff is pretty stiff out of the box but will become more comfortable with use. Fortunately, the para-cord laces extend the full length of the boot, making fine tuning the fit very easy. Even for a wider foot like mine.
If you haven’t experienced the fit and capability of Salewa products, I encourage you to check out their website and browse their full line of active footwear.
