Gear
Amphib Bold 2
Salomon designed the Amphib Bold 2 to solve a persistent backcountry headache: traditional water shoes feel clumsy and unstable on technical dry trails, while standard trail running shoes turn into soggy, waterlogged bricks after a single crossing. This hybrid footwear leans unapologetically into trail agility, pairing a low-profile EVA midsole with an open, single-layer synthetic mesh upper that evacuates water the instant you step onto dry gravel. It is purpose-built for fastpackers, packraft
Topic summary
Salomon designed the Amphib Bold 2 to solve a persistent backcountry headache: traditional water shoes feel clumsy and unstable on technical dry trails, while standard trail running shoes turn into soggy, waterlogged bricks after a single crossing. This hybrid footwear leans unapologetically into trail agility, pairing a low-profile EVA midsole with an open, single-layer synthetic mesh upper that evacuates water the instant you step onto dry gravel. It is purpose-built for fastpackers, packraft
Key takeaways
- Quick-drying breathable synthetic mesh upper
- Collapsible step-down heel for slide-style wear
- Quicklace system with integrated lace pocket
- Contagrip water-specific outsole with wet-surface siping
- Low-profile EnergyCell EVA foam midsole
- Rapid water drainage and exceptionally fast drying times
Intended uses
- Packrafting and river trips
- Warm-weather wet trail running
- Canoe portages and lake trips
- Casual waterside camp wear
Verification notes
Evidence: expert reviewed. Last verified October 16, 2026.
Editorial take
Salomon pitches the Amphib Bold 2 as a hybrid amphibious shoe, designed for paddlers, fastpackers, and trail runners who regularly transition between riverbeds and dry trail. The construction borrows heavily from traditional lightweight runners rather than clunky water sandals. Built around an airy, single-layer synthetic mesh upper and a collapsible heel counter, it functions as a secure, locked-in trail shoe under tension or a laid-back slip-on slide around camp.
In moving water, evacuation is immediate. The open mesh lets moisture dump out instantly rather than pooling around the footbed, and the synthetic materials dry out quickly in the sun. Salomon equips the shoe with a water-focused Contagrip outsole featuring flat, siped lugs designed to grip slick stones and wet boat decks. Underfoot, the EVA midsole is intentionally low-profile; this keeps you nimble and close to the ground, but it provides minimal cushion against sharp bedrock during technical, heavily weighted approaches.
The shoe's minimal structure makes it exceptionally light and easy to squash flat into a drybag. The obvious trade-off is protection. Fine sand and grit easily migrate through the porous mesh, requiring occasional rinsing, and the soft synthetic sidewalls will not withstand heavy abrasion from sharp river canyon walls. Compared to heavier water-hikers from brands like Astral or Keen, the Amphib Bold 2 trades rugged foot armor for genuine running shoe performance and unmatched packability.
Best for
- Packrafting and river trips
- Warm-weather wet trail running
- Canoe portages and lake trips
- Casual waterside camp wear
Not ideal for
- Porous mesh allows sand and fine silt to enter easily
- Minimal underfoot cushioning offers little protection on sharp rocks
- Lacks upper abrasion resistance for rough river canyons
Verified specifications
- Key features
- Quick-drying breathable synthetic mesh upper
- Collapsible step-down heel for slide-style wear
- Quicklace system with integrated lace pocket
- Contagrip water-specific outsole with wet-surface siping
- Low-profile EnergyCell EVA foam midsole
Warranty and repair information: contact Salomon directly for the most current terms.
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Data sources & verification
- Last verified: 10/16/2026


