User Review: Salomon Men's 3D Fastpacker Mid GTX

Summary

Solid, capable, out of the box boot, that won't ruin your bank account—or mine anyway. So far, I have gotten three John Muir Trails and a few other Sierra adventures out of these boots and only seeing real wear on the uppers, where they meet the rubber.

Fit: I bought the Fastpackers and put about three hours of easy trail walking on them before I put them to the test on the JMT. The first day out of the valley tends to ruin a lot of feet, with all the uphill—but the Fastpackers, didn't give me any problems. 

Comfort: Having now done the JMT twelve times, I can honestly say I've probably done at least six of them in sandals (but that's another review) due to always having to switch out from my heavier boots and the discomfort they created (I did the first eight or so, in a pair of Fabiano leather mountaineering boots. Overkill) —that is, until I got smart and went lighter.

I tried a few REI brand boots and while they were great and good to go, out of the box, they fell apart quickly. The Salomon 3D Fastpackers have not only held up well, but more importantly, they've never given me a reason to take them off. 

Support: I'd be happy if they'd add an inch more ankle support, but I can't complain and as for the soles, they take the sharp edges of granite very well, laterally, across the entire forefoot, but seem a little soft right through the middle––but again, no real complaints. 

Traction: They go well from slushy puddles to shiny granite. 

Temp Control: I like to wear gaiters, but a lot of people think they keep your feet hotter—they might, but this is one detail I've never bothered to be bothered by. I've used the Fastpackers, mostly in the hot summers and I've never felt like my feet were too hot. I've also used them in spring conditions, with slushy snow, where of course, they did get a little wet, but seemed to dry quickly. 

Ease of Use: Yes, put 'em on and go! . . . 

Features: I like that they are fitted with standard shoe strings and not the cinch/draw type of system on some of the other Salomon shoes. 

I'm hoping to get at least another five hundred miles out the Fastpackers.