SALEWA Spotlight | The Pinnacle of Mountain Adventure Footwear

SALEWA footwear is known for its outstanding grip, traction and stability, sure-footedness and climbing precision, and is about as core to mountain adventuring as it gets!

Born in the Dolomites 

The SALEWA research and development team is based in Montebelluna, a small city in the spectacular Dolomite region of northern Italy, which is home to the world’s leading centre for outdoor footwear design – in fact your ski boots were probably made there! 

SALEWA is a clear leader in mountain sports technology – and not just in shoes. Salewa also manufacture mountaineering gear, tents, packs and sleep systems.  

Because the SALEWA team live and work in the mountain playground of the Dolomites they’ve developed a proven pedigree of reliable, strong and light footwear for mountaineering, trekking, speed hiking, and technical approaches. All their boots and shoes are engineered for comfort, stability, grip and durability.  

In recent years SALEWA has introduced several brilliant and innovative footwear technologies, including their amazing 100% blister-free fit, their trademark ‘3F’ system for flexibility and support, and the ‘Flex collar.’ 

How SALEWA footwear is constructed 

Uppers 

SALEWA boots and shoes are available in a range of different upper fabrics from high-quality Italian Perwanger suede leather to lightweight and robust breathable mesh fabrics. SALEWA line their footwear with durable waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX® membranes and performance OrthoLite insoles for cushioning and moisture management.  

Midsoles 

The midsole is the part inside the shoe that provides impact protection and underfoot support. SALEWA use EVA for lightweight comfort and PU for greater durability. Flexibility is paramount here. Lightweight, flexible footwear is more comfortable for easier day hikes. Stiffer boots will give you more support for challenging terrain and carrying a heavier backpack. The reduced flex of many of SALEWA mountain boots also makes them suitable for ‘via ferrata’ climbing and makes them crampon compatible.  

Outsoles 

Their outsoles are sourced from the world’s leading sole technology experts Vibram®, Michelin® and Pomoca. SALEWA selects different rubber compounds and activity-specific profiles to cover all mountain disciplines.  

Seasonal considerations 

Winter 
In winter, your mountain boots should have a more relaxed fit so that you can wear a thicker mountain sock. Having wiggle room for your toes will make your feet feel a lot warmer. 

Summer 
In summer, you might prefer to wear more snug fitting footwear, especially if you are doing a lot of scrambling, edging or climbing. But don’t forget though that your feet always swell over the course of the day, especially when it’s hot. This is why it’s better to try on new boots near the end of the day. If in doubt, or if your feet are between sizes, go up a half size. Either way, your heels should still be seated securely inside your boots and shouldn’t slip. 

What is GTX? 

SALEWA offer most of our outdoor boots and shoes with a GORE-TEX® membrane for waterproof protection and breathability. This makes them ideal for use in a wide range of mountain conditions. However, on very hot, dry summer days, walking shoes without a membrane is a better choice. 

We’re big fans of SALEWA at Outside Sports, so we carry a large range of SALEWA footwear and mountaineering gear for all your adventures. 

Shop SALEWA online or instore at Outside Sports in Queenstown, Wanaka, Tekapo and Te Anau.