The Salewa Pedroc 2 Max in a double test
Around a month each in Mallorca and the Dolomites: how does this lightweight speed-hiking shoe perform in heat, on rock and in everyday use?
The Salewa Pedroc 2 Max in a double test
Around a month each in Mallorca and the Dolomites: how does this lightweight speed-hiking shoe perform in heat, on rock and in everyday use?
A shoe reveals little about itself in isolation. The picture becomes much clearer when two people with different feet and different paces wear the same model for several weeks.
That is exactly what we did. The Salewa Pedroc 2 Max went to Ines and Janpaul: one took it into Mallorca's summer heat, the other on evening outings through the woods and mountain tours in the Dolomites.
Ines and Janpaul: two terrainsContents
| Spalte 1 | Ines in Mallorca | Janpaul in the Dolomites |
|---|---|---|
| Main terrain | Woodland paths, root-covered trails, gravel, rock and sand | Steep woodland trails with roots and stones, gravel and rocky sections |
| Key outing | 13 km, 700 m elevation gain, above 30 °C | 5 km evening outing, plus mountain tours in the Dolomites |
| Additional use | Everyday use, dog walks and hunting | Longer hikes and more technical sections |
The Pedroc 2 Max in numbers
Two components explain much of the feedback: beneath the mesh sits an EVA midsole with an integrated stability plate. It provides the guidance Ines appreciated, as well as the stiffness Janpaul found excessive on roots.
First impressions and workmanshipContents
Both reports begin in much the same way: clean stitching, no material flaws and an upper that feels well made. Ines also highlights the design.
Then comes the sentence everyone wants to hear after returning from a blister-inducing outing: the shoe feels comfortable straight away. No breaking-in period, no pressure points.
The two testers judge one detail differently. Instead of a quick-lace system, the shoe uses conventional laces. Ines sees that as a drawback, especially for everyday use. Janpaul gets on well with them: the lacing can be adjusted precisely and causes no pressure points, even on long outings.
The sizing questionContents
One point can save you money when buying online: Janpaul owns the Salewa Pedroc 2 PTX in size 42.5, but his toes touch the front on descents. He therefore chose a 43 in the Max, which was half a size too large. The non-membrane model has a roomier fit, so stick to your usual size.
On the trail: cushioning, grip and foot climateContents
This is where the two tests agree, across very different surfaces.
Cushioning is a clear strength for both testers. It noticeably softens uneven ground without losing contact with the surface, on long descents as well as firm forestry tracks.
Grip delivers what the outsole promises: a secure feel on dry woodland paths, gravel and stony hiking trails, particularly uphill. Mallorca added rock to the mix, and Ines always felt sure-footed during easy scrambles.
Foot climate remained comfortable even above 30 °C. The breathable mesh panels kept things pleasant all day.
Where the two tests divergeContents
This is the part that explains the shoe best.
Ines says she is prone to rolling her ankle and takes descents cautiously. Her verdict: the Pedroc 2 Max gave her a secure, stable feel throughout the outing without sacrificing comfort.
Janpaul reports the opposite. For him, the sole is too stiff and too wide. That hardly bothers him on forestry tracks, but once roots, larger stones and sloping sections appear, it yields too little. If his foot lands awkwardly, it quickly creates a sideways tipping motion.
That is not a contradiction. It is the same construction seen from two perspectives. A stiffer sole supports you when it lands squarely, but offers less guidance once the ground becomes unstable and the pace increases.
Made for longer hikes and speed hiking on easy to moderately challenging terrain, plus any dry-weather everyday use. Less suited to highly technical ground when you are moving quickly.
Not waterproof, but quick to dryContents
The Pedroc 2 Max has no waterproof membrane, so it is a fair-weather shoe. If it gets wet, it dries quickly; even salt water left no marks in Mallorca. If you spend time outdoors in wet conditions all year round, look at the PTX version.
Durability and everyday useContents
After several weeks, both testers reach the same conclusion: rock, sand and gravel have left no visible damage, and the tread is intact.
What stands out is how often the shoe leaves the trail. Ines wears it for dog walks and hunting, while Janpaul values its range from relaxed hiking to a noticeably faster pace.
Strengths
- Comfortable cushioning that supports you on long routes and descents
- Reliable grip on woodland paths, gravel and stone trails
- Comfortable foot climate even above 30 °C
- Comfortable straight away, with no pressure points for either tester
- Hard-wearing construction and quick drying
Weaknesses
- The sole is too stiff for some feet on very uneven ground
- No waterproof membrane
- No quick-lace system (a drawback if you prefer one)
VerdictContents
The Salewa Pedroc 2 Max is a comfortable all-rounder for dry days. Its territory is classic hiking, woodland and gravel paths, speed hiking and everyday use between dog walks and evening outings.
Its limit is highly technical, very uneven ground at speed. How much that matters depends on your feet and running style, which is why both test reports are more useful here than a single score.
