Customer Reviews SALEWA Wander Hiker GTX

Sized up a half size based on previous reviews, and as it happens these we the only pair in that size left! Fantastic hiking shoes, very well made, amazing features and quality! My last pair of hiking shoes (another brand) lasted 19 years, finally the sole came off one shoe when I was hiking the Continental Divide and I had to descend the climb with an Alligator flap at a slow pace! I hope these will hold up to a lot of work, this is a new brand for me, but so far I am enjoying the comfort and stability!

This was the fifth hiking shoe I tried and it was the magical one. This model and another Salewa shoe - Firetail 3 GTX - both felt 1/2 size smaller than expected. I wear an 8.5 pretty consistently even in hiking boots, but that size was too tight in the toe box in both shoes. The Firetail was a slightly more stylish shoe, but is even narrower through the toes, so even in a size 9 it did not feel comfortable enough for hours a day. The Wander Hiker does have plenty of room in size 9. And has excellent arch support, which is important for my left foot with plantar fasciitis. My right foot sadly experiences pain through the metatarsal region after long periods of time. I've been breaking in the Wander Hiker by walking the neighborhood - longest period about an hour. So far so good. A little tingling but not painful. I can't attest to the waterproof quality yet, but I did get these specifically for that feature. These are meant to be my day trekkers for a trip to Patagonia, where the weather can change wildly and is often wet. Overall I'm pleased with this hiker choice.

I needed to go up 1/2 size in this shoe. Normally wear 8.5 - and tried both that size and a 9. The 9 gave more room in the toebox. This shoe is relatively nice looking, but a little bit on the 'sturdy' style side. But it will work well in Patagonia. The sole is fairly stiff, but there is good arch support (important for plantar's on my left food). Lots of protection if you are climbing/hiking rocky trails.

Unfortunately the unique fastening system on one side was jammed so I was unable to try them.