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Salewa Rapace GTX Hiking Boot
Editor’s Conclusion
The makers describe the Salewa Rapace GTX as a Mountaineering Boot. Designed for use in Alpine terrain and all about durability and protection.
This is made for working your way through and over rocks at high altitudes, in which durability is a must-have feature. The first notable features of performance are the midsoles and outsoles, which are very stiff. Before you step up onto the high grounds, this boot will require a healthy break-in period to ensure comfort.
If you are looking for a boot that offers high-level durability, this one came out pretty good for us.
This is made for working your way through and over rocks at high altitudes, in which durability is a must-have feature. The first notable features of performance are the midsoles and outsoles, which are very stiff. Before you step up onto the high grounds, this boot will require a healthy break-in period to ensure comfort.
If you are looking for a boot that offers high-level durability, this one came out pretty good for us.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Highly durable
Protection
Water Proof
Good lateral stability
Very secure lace-system
Cons
Pricey for some users
Users suggest comfort could be better
Users suggest this boot feels heavy
Standard traction
Key Features
Snap shot features
100% Leather
VIBRAM WRAPTHREAD COMBI SOLE
Bilight Technology Midsole
Gore-Tex lining
360° FULL RUBBER RAND
A Stiff Crampon Compatible Midsole.
Good for use
Mixed & technical terrain
Alpine terrain
Not good for
Standard trails
Desert
Durability
The leather uppers are durable, according to user feedback. There are seams, and they are double stitched. The boots are good in harsh environments and show very little wear and tear.
The shoe structure is robust and rugged due to the purpose; these are good for mountain environments. The only potential drawback but not flagged up as a durability issue is the rubber protection rand designed around the boot. It is glued to the boot rather than stitched to the boot.
Water Proofing
Waterproofing is sound; you can wade through all types of water obstacles but do keep in mind that you can't go deeper than slightly over 5.00 inches. The uppers are highly resistive against absorbing water. Of course, this level of water resistance will gradually diminish, so regularly treat the uppers with a waterproofing oil or cream.
Traction
In mud, the traction is good, so traction works fine in the rain in alpine terrain. The sole has been designed to give a firm grip on vertical rock surfaces, and the sole is stiff enough for effective edging.
Stability
The designers have gone for a rigid boot with good lateral stability, and user feedback supports this design initiative working well. A nylon shank has been built into the mid-region of this boot to stop the boot from contorting and twisting on tricky technical surfaces.
Several users feedback that the outsole is just 4 inches wide at the widest area. This is not a negative con, just an observation by users and helpful for those with wide feet. A wider outsole is helpful for those heavy hauling packs.
Comfort
Comfort is a priority. When you go for a high price tag, you get better materials, but in most cases, you will need to break in the boot.
Memory padding is built into the ankle collar, and you need to work the boot to shape or memorize your FIT for ankle support. It's not a long process, but you should draw up a plan to break in these before you set off on some alpine hiking.
These boots are good even on sharp rocky surfaces in return for durability and a break-in period for comfort.
Comfortable support is aided by the lacing system, which secures down on foot. The lacing system works in conjunction with another feature. Pulling a cinch cord across the rear of the foot works for anchoring the midsole.
Comfort and support are designed into these boots, but first, you must commit to breaking in these boots.
Value
In terms of value for money, you get durability, protection, stability, support, and once the boot is broken in, you get comfort. This is not a low-cost option; the buying price reflects suitable materials and performance.
Weight
These weigh in for on average 3.09 lbs due to the use of durable materials. The boots can tend to feel heavier, and this is because of the rigid sole.
These are heavy-duty for taking on alpine types of terrains.
100% Leather
VIBRAM WRAPTHREAD COMBI SOLE
Bilight Technology Midsole
Gore-Tex lining
360° FULL RUBBER RAND
A Stiff Crampon Compatible Midsole.
Good for use
Mixed & technical terrain
Alpine terrain
Not good for
Standard trails
Desert
Durability
The leather uppers are durable, according to user feedback. There are seams, and they are double stitched. The boots are good in harsh environments and show very little wear and tear.
The shoe structure is robust and rugged due to the purpose; these are good for mountain environments. The only potential drawback but not flagged up as a durability issue is the rubber protection rand designed around the boot. It is glued to the boot rather than stitched to the boot.
Water Proofing
Waterproofing is sound; you can wade through all types of water obstacles but do keep in mind that you can't go deeper than slightly over 5.00 inches. The uppers are highly resistive against absorbing water. Of course, this level of water resistance will gradually diminish, so regularly treat the uppers with a waterproofing oil or cream.
Traction
In mud, the traction is good, so traction works fine in the rain in alpine terrain. The sole has been designed to give a firm grip on vertical rock surfaces, and the sole is stiff enough for effective edging.
Stability
The designers have gone for a rigid boot with good lateral stability, and user feedback supports this design initiative working well. A nylon shank has been built into the mid-region of this boot to stop the boot from contorting and twisting on tricky technical surfaces.
Several users feedback that the outsole is just 4 inches wide at the widest area. This is not a negative con, just an observation by users and helpful for those with wide feet. A wider outsole is helpful for those heavy hauling packs.
Comfort
Comfort is a priority. When you go for a high price tag, you get better materials, but in most cases, you will need to break in the boot.
Memory padding is built into the ankle collar, and you need to work the boot to shape or memorize your FIT for ankle support. It's not a long process, but you should draw up a plan to break in these before you set off on some alpine hiking.
These boots are good even on sharp rocky surfaces in return for durability and a break-in period for comfort.
Comfortable support is aided by the lacing system, which secures down on foot. The lacing system works in conjunction with another feature. Pulling a cinch cord across the rear of the foot works for anchoring the midsole.
Comfort and support are designed into these boots, but first, you must commit to breaking in these boots.
Value
In terms of value for money, you get durability, protection, stability, support, and once the boot is broken in, you get comfort. This is not a low-cost option; the buying price reflects suitable materials and performance.
Weight
These weigh in for on average 3.09 lbs due to the use of durable materials. The boots can tend to feel heavier, and this is because of the rigid sole.
These are heavy-duty for taking on alpine types of terrains.
Comparison
User feedback discusses the platform width and suggests it could be more comprehensive.
If you have wide feet and you're looking for a wider boot with excellent comparative performance, the KEEN REVEL III HIKING BOOT is undoubtedly worth taking a look at.
Another great product we reviewed is the Salewa Dropline Alpine Trail Shoes, so make sure to check it out as well.
Snap Shot Features
It also uses leather for the uppers
Rubber sole
6-inch shaft
KEEN Dry Membrane
Padded ankle collar
Pull-on loops
The rubber outsole is a dual compound
Insulation is 200 grams
All-terrain durable
Weight 1.31 Pounds
Good for use
Winter hiking
Trails or alpine
Wet weather, including snow
These are an excellent comparative option for those with wide feet looking for a wider platform.
If you have wide feet and you're looking for a wider boot with excellent comparative performance, the KEEN REVEL III HIKING BOOT is undoubtedly worth taking a look at.
Another great product we reviewed is the Salewa Dropline Alpine Trail Shoes, so make sure to check it out as well.
Snap Shot Features
It also uses leather for the uppers
Rubber sole
6-inch shaft
KEEN Dry Membrane
Padded ankle collar
Pull-on loops
The rubber outsole is a dual compound
Insulation is 200 grams
All-terrain durable
Weight 1.31 Pounds
Good for use
Winter hiking
Trails or alpine
Wet weather, including snow
These are an excellent comparative option for those with wide feet looking for a wider platform.
Verdict
The Salewa Rapace GTX Hiking Boot has a higher price tag because it has a broader and more challenging design purpose.
If you are looking to trek and carry a pack through challenging Alpine/mountain terrains, this boot has been built for this purpose.
These are worth trying out.
If you are looking to trek and carry a pack through challenging Alpine/mountain terrains, this boot has been built for this purpose.
These are worth trying out.
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