Not waterproof and not comfortable - Salewa Wildfire 2 GTX Shoes - Men's

First off, I never write reviews, but seeing this shoe on Campsaver's site doesn't have any up to this point left me feeling it is important to share my experiences.

I ordered these Salewa having high hopes in late February (it is now early April) already having issues with the Gore-Tex membrane fully leaking through on both shoes. I have worn them a handful of times on easy/basic trails and overall like the shoe, but have noticed some attributes I would say aren't up to the standard of a shoe in this category. Outside of the leaking problem, they "slap" with each step you take heel to toe, and don't naturally "roll" your foot forward. If you've ever worn a pair of Converse All-Stars you will know what I mean. To elaborate on the waterproofing issue, I went on a walk this morning through damp grass returning home to two damp/wet feet. The fact this was such a basic test of the durability of the shoe gives me little to no confidence to wear them on any technical or potentially inclement weather hikes as I know my feed would be soaking in a rainstorm and likely cold as well. This leaves a lot to be desired in an outdoor shoe that is meant to be waterproof, durable, and hopefully last a year or two. Let alone two months.

I wanted to like these shoes trying something new coming from Solomon Speedcross which fit like a glove, are waterproof in the year range from new, and are as comfortable as anything. I have simply had several pairs of these wanting to try something new though I have a feeling I will go back to them for my lighter-duty hiking and backpacking needs. They just work and feel great doing it.

What I do love about these shoes is they are much more rugged and rigid than many other approach shoes I have tried including the Solomon's. The outer material is more robust, the toe has a climbing shoe feel to it with the rand wrapping, and the shoe is very stiff. I loved this about them. They toe more like a climbing shoe and the rubber is SUPER grippy and sticky on dry and damp/wet rock.

I have reached out to Campsaver support in hopes of working something out as this is truly a disappointment.