Thread: Light Weight Synthetic Boots - Salewa Crow, La Sportiva Trango

Anyone running Salewa Crow boots? Looking at replacing my La Sportiva Trango GTX that just blew out after a few months. The previous model of the Trango GTX was excellent, new model is definitely not as tough. I was really impressed with the previous model, was fairly durable for what it was and served me well, dried out quickly and was a good balance between supportive and flexible. Would have bought another pair in a heartbeat but not getting another pair of the new model so off to try something different.

Looking for synthetic boots as they don't stay as wet as leather and can chuck them in front of the fire to dry them out and not worry about having to look after the leather. West coast so boots usually don't stay dry for long so have found it good that the boots will dry off a bit during the days walk. Will likely just try and find some light weight leather boots if I don't find any suitable synthetic ones but pretty keen to give the Salewa Crow boots a go.


This is the original pair of Trango GTX after about 3 years of use, mainly daytrips and small overnighters. Look a bit rough but were still usable, just had one of the eyelets pull out which is why I retired them.


This is the new model that had the same type of use after around 4 months.

Lowa Tibet GTX or Meindl Himalaya. After all, every day is leg day

What size are you? I have a lightly used pair of the older TRKs here...

I have some Crows along with a couple of other models of Salewas. I have tried a lot of brands of boots, and the Salewas fit my feet better than anything else.
The Crows are about 3 years old and had a pretty tough life with work and play and are still in good nick apart from the tread getting a bit worn and losing it's edge. I would definitely get another pair but personally prefer the Repace, which is basically the same boot in leather.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

What size are you? I have a lightly used pair of the older TRKs here...
Attachment 268279

My last pair were EU43 but would probably go for a EU43 1/2 next time.

Originally Posted by Shearer

I have some Crows along with a couple of other models of Salewas. I have tried a lot of brands of boots, and the Salewas fit my feet better than anything else.
The Crows are about 3 years old and had a pretty tough life with work and play and are still in good nick apart from the tread getting a bit worn and losing it's edge. I would definitely get another pair but personally prefer the Repace, which is basically the same boot in leather.
Attachment 268281

This is good to know, thanks. Look like they have lasted reasonably well.

Originally Posted by gimp

Lowa Tibet GTX or Meindl Himalaya. After all, every day is leg day

Is that more accurate now?

[QUOTE=Shearer;1655355]I have some Crows along with a couple of other models of Salewas. I have tried a lot of brands of boots, and the Salewas fit my feet better than anything else.
The Crows are about 3 years old and had a pretty tough life with work and play and are still in good nick apart from the tread getting a bit worn and losing it's edge. I would definitely get another pair but personally prefer the Repace, which is basically the same boot in leather.

What Shearer said, i am on to my second pair of Repace and really like them.

Looking at that stitching failure, I’d be chasing up the retailer as that looks like prime warranty territory.

I've got these that are pretty awesome and worth looking at
https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....-boots-110768/

I do like them but a little bit narrow in the front box section.
I've had a couple of pairs of salewa and they are far superior in my opinion. Not too worried if I don't sell them as it would be good if they stretched out a little where i need them too. Try a pair on at your local for reference

Originally Posted by StrikerNZ

Looking at that stitching failure, I’d be chasing up the retailer as that looks like prime warranty territory.

Have tried with another pair that failed at work, same spot. Came back and said it was used in wrong conditions, these were made for occasional use (only a few times a month) on formed tracks. Which is a bit nonsense as the internal stitching failing has got nothing to do with offtrack use but La Sportiva have left me with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth so don't think I want to give them any more money. Have given the distributer feedback to feed back up to La Sportiva that the previous model was far superior.

Yeah, I've had Rapace boots before and liked them, wanted to go synthetic as I really like the feel of the boot being able to dry through the day after getting soaked through and was worth them being a little less durable. The first model of La Sportiva Trangos lasted as long as some of the leather boots I've had anyway.

I have the same pair of old la Sportiva, and they ve been a couple of times around the world. Really great boots and super confi for my feet

I know they're not synthetic but consider the lowa rangers. Lighter than the tibets, won't leak like a synthetic and sturdy as Fook.

I have had a good run hunting the West Coast with Crispi Summit boots that are usually always wet over there.

I wouldn’t use a full leather boot there again as they don’t last long being continually wet, and they’re too heavy when wet. I had a pair of Meindl Himalayas that only lasted a year over there and they’re a pretty expensive boot to only get a year out of.

TimC, it’s not about leaking from wet grass, it’s being constantly wet from being in and out of side creeks and rivers all the time. One spot we hunt the bush is quite thick and the quickest way to get to the hunting area is to walk up the creek bed, more often than not walking in the creek. It just ruins full leather boots.

Where do you guys actually go to buy your boots? My size 11 Keanes that are one of the few that fit my wide flat Kiwi farm boy foot, have just started coming apart after a Galatea trip last year. Bought them in Edinburgh mid 2019 so have not done too bad. Not looking forward to the replacement exercise.