My brief time with Salewa’s new technical approach shoe has bounced around from the rocks, mud, and slush of early-season trails to riding and pushing a mountain bike with kid cart through slippery, snow-and-ice-covered stretches of the Ben Burr Trail. The shoe’s aggressive lug sole maintained solid traction through all of it. The Multi Fit Footbed Plus system, which is adaptable to the unique shape of your foot, provided exceptional foot comfort and, so far, has lived up to SALEWA’s Alpine Fit 100% blister free guarantee. I’ve yet to try the Salewa Switchfit lace system for what is was made for: pulling your foot forward for on-rock scrambling and light climbing. Still, I suspect this shoe would excel on cross-country hikes through rocky terrain like the Selkirk Crest or Cabinet Mountains where sections of non-technical climbing are invariably required. The Wildfire Edge stands out from other approach shoes thanks to burly tread and technical features that you’ll be glad you have when single-track trails turn to steep rock. MSRP: $169.95. Salewa.com.
