Our verdict
In the area of comfort, the Salewa Wildfire Edge approach shoe does not disappoint. It is also a shoe that excels in the durability and fit categories. That said, its rather stellar resume is marred by criticisms, the most worrying of which has to be its uninspiring grip performance on damp surfaces.
Pros
- Remarkably comfortable
- Runs true to size
- Lasting durability
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- Fantastic versatility
- Captivating overall design
- Impressive supportiveness
Cons
- Salewa Wildfire Edge
- Bulky shoe
- The too-vibrant color scheme for minimalists to love
Who should buy the Salewa Wildfire Edge
The Wildfire Edge is an impeccable Salewa piece in which adventurers can hike, climb, and look well all at the same time. It is a solid option if you:
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- Prefer an approach shoe that gives the foot extra support while allowing the wearer to pull off maneuvers with as much flexibility as possible.
Excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces
What supplies hikers with sufficient surface grip in the Salewa Wildfire Edge is the Pomoca Speed Mtn outsole. This component, which is made entirely of butilic compound (rubber), is capable of producing enough friction on both wet and dry surfaces. Its diamond-shaped protrusions or lugs bolster its ability to provide surefootedness over loose- or soft-soiled terrain.
Excellent edging performance
It is built with a climbing zone (the outsole’s smoothed-out front edge) which helps wearers perform edging maneuvers in safety. Its presence allows approach hikers to mount on ledge-like projections without requiring them to slip into their rock climbing shoes.
Shock-absorbing cushioning
The Salewa Wildfire Edge protects and cushions the foot with its stout heel midsole. It proactively absorbs shock thanks to its thick yet cushy construction. It transitions to the shoe’s Edging Plate—a flexible yet sturdy component that provides adequate support in edge situations.
Heavy-duty and comfortable cushioning
Right on top of the heavy-duty midsole and the Edging Plate is the removable MFF+ insert. This footbed comes in two parts: A padded top layer and a brace-like bottom layer. They attach to each other with the use of hook-and-loop (Velcro) patches.
Provides excellent breathability and abrasion protection
Suede leather, with a thickness of 1.6 mm, is what makes up the majority of the Wildfire Edge’s low-top upper. Its interior is lined with breathable mesh. It is equipped with 3D-injected EXA Shell overlays that protect the shoe from abrasion. It is armed with an anti-rock heel cup that improves rearfoot support, and a hard-wearing toe cap that adds defense against bumpy hazards.
Easy to wear
It has a pull loop at the heel which helps wearers slip in and out of the shoe with relative ease. Its lockdown system is comprised of a combination of eyelets and synthetic lace.
Salewa Wildfire Edge vs. Wildfire GTX
The Wildfire Edge is part of Salewa’s roster of quality approach-centric kicks. That said, the shoe shares the limelight with another gear from the same brand—the Wildfire GTX. Gain knowledge of their key differences in the following list.
Footbed technology. The Salewa Wildfire Edge, as previously discussed (see Midsole section), has a semi-modular footbed, called MFF+. The Wildfire GTX, on the other hand, has its supply of underfoot comfort sourced from its Ortholite footbed. Both components are removable.
Waterproofing. Between the two competing approach shoes, only the Wildfire GTX is watertight. Yes, it comes with a waterproof yet breathable liner from Gore-Tex, called Extended Comfort.
Weight. Hikers might find the Wildfire GTX as the more favorable shoe on this front. Indeed, it is lighter than the Salewa Wildfire Edge by roughly 30 grams.
Vegan construction. In this round, the Salewa Wildfire GTX bags the crown by being a vegan-friendly approach shoe. It is made of a set of materials devoid of any animal substance.
