Gear

OK, so I love my Salomon Ultra's, but multi-day hiking in New Zealand I felt exposed without some ancle support.  Have got some 'proper' walking boots and they do my knees in. 

This summer I'm heading up into the Alps around Martigny.  I'm committed to lightweights as I travel super light and fast.  I Also want a mid to take short gatters

 I was sold on the Fastpackers until I walked into Field and Trek and found the Salomon Vega's which felt like a mid and more tready version of the Ultras.

 Does anyone know anything about the Vegas as can't find any online info on them at all, other than the Field and Trek website (they are not on the Salomon website)?

As long as they fit properly I'd say go for it, Salomon footwear is darn good IME. Re: your ultras, When you say you felt exposed without ankle support was that as far as it went? did you actually have any problems with them?

Welcome to the forum BTW.

Thanks fella

No, the exposed bit is totally in my head. 

It's the tread and gater issue which I'm using to properly justify moving on from the Ultras

Chris,

I've now done a fair bit of walking and running, also a bit of scrambling, in the Vegas and they are very comfortable and grippy, but they get rather hot because of the Goretex lining.  Good grip, nice rolling action, nothing to complain about - a bit too stiff for running in, but if you only want one pair of waterproof shoes you have to compromise.  Chris, if you are female (?) I'd say buy them, as the choice of Goretex-lined runnable shoes for women is very limited.  If you're male you have lots more to choose from.

All the best

Elizabeth

I know this post was written some time ago, but I bought the Salomon Vegas a couple of weeks ago. This last week I really gave them a good workout, and agree with most of what is written. I went hiking in the Pennines, with and without a backpack. Up and down mountains, rock scrambling, through puddles and even ran down a few hills in them.

The grip is good, they are really lightweight, I didn't have a problem with sweating with the Goretex and wore double socks all week, there is plenty of movement but gives sufficient support on the roll. I thought the laces might be 'slippery', but they were not a problem.

On thing I would say is that I feel that  Salomon compromised some of the shock absorbancy by being so lightweight. Although really comfortable, I just 'felt too much' through the sole. It was ok, I walked 14 miles one day with a loaded backpack, but I just felt more could have been offered with the cushioning. I think I'll look into buying insoles for them or something.

Also, they are made small in sizes. I normally go for a size 7 in walking shoes, but had to get an 8 in these.

Overall, I really recommend these.