Here is a story to understand what these shoes are about. Put on the Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 shoes, grab the overnight pack and toss it in the old car. After a long drive, onto the trail and head upwards until a faint path bends away from the well-used trail others are on. The couloir to the remote tarn is still full of snow but the stiff sole and burly toe protection of the shoes makes kicking steps easy. The next day a solo third class ascent of the granite peak takes longer than expected and the scree field escape tests resolve but not the shoeA'a; (TM)s capability. An all-night drive home means going directly to the office, where the cool looking Salewa Mountain Trainer 2 shoes look good enough for work but invites inquiries about the weekend. One shoe, another weekend. 1.6mm leather surrounded by a tough rubber rand takes a beating Vibram sole provides solid traction on dirt, mud, scree, and snow Mid-stiff nylon midsole creates a solid platfor