The Salewa Wildfire Edge is a great hiking shoe to put on for scrambling in rocky terrain, and need the confidence that our foot will stay put on the rock. These are some of the most nimble shoes we reviewed and are akin to an approach shoe that is designed for climbing on technical routes. The low-top cut and the lack of waterproofing make them specialized for dry conditions and their stiff sole, which makes them excellent for edging, but it does put the performance in front of comfort. This is a niche shoe compared to the hiking shoe competition and is the best choice for a hiker or climber who wants to move freely on exposed routes.
Editor's Note: On March 6, 2022, we updated this gear review with more details on the hiking shoes we'd recommend to friends.Salewa Wildfire Edge Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Excellent traction, breathable
Cons: Not waterproof, can feel uncomfortable
Manufacturer: Salewa
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Salewa Wildfire Edge | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
Price | $127.46 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $149.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $96.93 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $126.10 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $109.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Excellent traction, breathable | Excellent performance, lightweight, great traction, water resistance, support | Secure fit, strong traction, stability | Supportive, versatile, well-cushioned | Lightweight, breathable, great dry traction, inexpensive |
Cons | Not waterproof, can feel uncomfortable | Cuff can be uncomfortable on ankle for some, Quicklace lacing not everyone's favorite | Narrow, tongue absorbs water | Average traction, regular width is relatively wide, hard to lace tightly | Durability concerns, not good for wet weather |
Bottom Line | One of the most capable climbers in this review, and is a great shoe for technical hiking in dry conditions | This is a rugged hiking shoe that can do everything from day hikes to tackling long multiday backpacking trips | This comfortable and waterproof shoe has solid traction and a narrow fit | A comfortable and versatile pair of hiking shoes with a casual look great for taking from trail to town | A budget-friendly hiking shoe that is a perfect choice for those hiking in dry climates |
Rating Categories | Salewa Wildfire Edge | Salomon X Ultra 4 G... | Salomon OUTline Low... | Columbia Facet 60 O... | Vasque Juxt |
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Weight (25%) | |||||
Support (15%) | |||||
Traction (15%) | |||||
Versatility (10%) | |||||
Water Resistance (5%) | |||||
Durability (5%) | |||||
Specs | Salewa Wildfire Edge | Salomon X Ultra 4 G... | Salomon OUTline Low... | Columbia Facet 60 O... | Vasque Juxt |
Weight (per pair) | 2.02 lbs (size 11) | 1.76 lbs (size 11) | 1.62 lbs (size 10.5) | 1.78 lbs (size 10.5) | 1.90 lbs (size 11) |
Upper | Suede, EXA Shell cage, microfiber | Synthetic, textile | Waterproof textile | Seamless mesh | Suede leather |
Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular, wide |
Waterproof Lining | None | Gore-Tex membrane | Gore-Tex | OutDry | None, just a gusseted tongue |
Flood Level | 3 in | 3.25 in | 4.25 in | 4.25 in | 2.5 in |
Last Board/Shank | None | ADV-C chassis | TPU arch shank | Not specified | Torsion stability TSS |
Midsole | Multi Fit Footbed Plus | EnergyCell | Injected EVA | Techlite+ | EVA |
Outsole | POMOCA Speed Mtn | Contagrip MA rubber | Nonmarking Contagrip rubber | Omni-Grip rubber | Vasque OTG |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, this shoe gets edged out by the hiking shoe competition. We like many aspects of the shoe, such as the easy lacing system that allows for a snug fit when getting ready for a challenging climb. The innovative 3F system pulls the lacing around the back of the heel, making for an even more secure fit in the heel. The MFF+ (multi-fit footbed) is one of the nicer footbeds we have worn. The stiff sole that makes this shoe great for climbing also makes it one of the least comfortable shoes to wear for miles at a time. It does lessen the impact of sharp rocks jabbing through the sole, but it can feel clunky, and our feet felt fatigued at the end of a long day wearing these on the trail.
Weight
These Salewa shoes weigh in at 2.02 pounds in US men's size 11. These are not the lightest shoes but are certainly not the heaviest. We find the weight worth the extra stability and climbing ability that they provide over models with less grippy soles.
Support
These hiking shoes are supportive in some ways and quite unsupportive in others. The sole of the Wildfire Edge, which includes an Edging Plate in the insole for more stability, reduces the pain of feeling every single rock through the sole. The narrow sole makes these shoes nimble and responsive. However, this width, combined with the fact that these shoes are cut very low on the ankle, means that they will be more susceptible to rolling ankles than other more supportive shoes that have moderate ankle protection as well. We feel that these shoes are best for confident hikers and climbers who do not carry heavy loads.
Traction
Traction is an area where these shoes prove themselves worthy. Using a Pomoca Speed Mtn outsole, these shoes have the stickiest rubber in any test shoes. This rubber grips incredibly well onto the rock, and the sole simultaneously can edge and smear thanks to the Edging Plate in the insole. The sole of the Wildfire Edge features relatively shallow lugs capable in moderately slippery conditions but are outmatched by mud and other trail conditions that require heavier-set lugs. We paired these shoes with a pair of microspike crampons to ascend a moderate snowfield, but that is at the edge of their comfort zone.
Versatility
This is not a very versatile shoe, as it is limited by its lack of water resistance, its lack of support when carrying a big pack, and its diminished comfort when putting down long miles on the trail. It is best for those who anticipate mostly dry conditions and who require the best performance on steep and rocky terrain that they can find. Those who plan on sticking mostly to trails, who carry overnight packs, and who want the added protection from a waterproof liner can look to several other good options found in this review.
Water Resistance
Without a waterproof liner, this shoe is not waterproof, and it scores low in this metric. There are waterproof versions of this shoe, however.
Durability
These shoes can hold up to the standard rigors of life on the trail but may have some durability issues if used regularly in abrasive terrain. We used these shoes to climb Mount Whitney and numerous other routes in the Sierra Nevada and Red Rock Canyon and found the suede wearing out on the outer edge of the foot. The laces are quite thin, and the lacing eyelets are made from cord rather than metal, so with a lot of jamming into cracks, these will likely break and be unreplaceable. We feel that we could get one solid season of heavy use out of the Edge before they are worn out.
Should You Buy the Wildfire Edge?
This sticky rubber hiking shoe is one of our favorite shoes for traveling in complex technical terrain, as they climb as well as an approach shoe but can handle moderate approaches on the trail as well. The Wildfire Edge is a great shoe for the technical hiker, and the extra traction provides good value. That said, these are a niche pair of shoes that aren't as suitable for general hiking applications as many other shoes on the market. This makes them most valuable to a smaller group of people.
What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
If you need a water-resistant shoe with a lower price, the The North Face Ultra 111 WP is our pick. This shoe is less expensive and includes impressive resistance to water in our testing. This shoe offers great traction and good comfort and versatility. If you want the absolute best with good scores in each testing metric, then the Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex is our favorite. This shoe is one of the highest-ranking selections bringing comfort and traction to a supportive and water-resistant shoe.
— Ryan Huetter
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