Soft materials plus a higher cut for extra ankle support make this a very plush boot. If you associate hiking boots with bulky, stiff leather, then the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX ($175) will be sure to change your mind. This boot is noticeably softer than other boots we tested, but will still provide ample support over the miles.
The X Ultras sport a GORE-TEX membrane and an All Terrain Contragrip outsole. Our testers were impressed with the traction on these boots, which handled rocky terrain and gritty slabs in the high desert of California’s Eastern Sierra with ease.
Lead tester Miya Tsudome made sure to hike at least 5 miles in these boots with and without a backpack on to assess their capabilities. We did a slip test on wet rock, and the Contragrip outsole did a great job maintaining balance.
In short: While the softness of these boots makes them undeniably comfortable, this feature also contributes to a general feeling of instability, especially in the collar. These boots also run a bit big, and our testers recommend sizing down a half size. Overall, we recommend this shoe to day hikers and backpackers who primarily stick to the trail, as they lack the more technical fit for more rugged terrain.
Shopping for hiking boots? Check out our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Hiking Boots and the Best Hiking Boots for Women.
- Height: Mid and low
- Waterproofing: Yes
- Upper: PU-coated leather; textile
- Weight: 1 lb., 11.2 oz.
- Available in wide: No
Pros
- Comfortable
- Agile
- Good waterproofing
Cons
- Run large
- Doesn’t have great ankle support
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review
Comfort and Fit
The X Ultras are comfortable and soft and ready to go right out of the box. We found that no break-in was necessary, and we easily hiked 5 miles in them without any issues on day one.
A flexible upper moves with your feet, and a spacious toebox accommodates a variety of widths without feeling too narrow nor too roomy. The padded collar provides support and comfort for your ankles, though it lacks a bit in stability as a result.
Their fit, however, isn’t entirely true to size, feeling a half-size too big overall, and we recommend sizing down before purchasing.
Breathability
These boots strike a good balance between breathability and water resistance. A GORE-TEX mesh laminate upper does a superb job of deflecting water and moisture, without making your feet feel like they are suffocating. The synthetic mesh and light design will allow your feet to breathe, especially compared to heavyweight, leather hiking boots.
Salomon is a running shoe company, after all, and the X Ultras are definitely modeled as such. The GORE-TEX will inhibit true breathability, however, and this becomes apparent after many uphill miles on exposed trails in the sun, where our feet felt a bit sweaty. But especially paired with thin, moisture-wicking socks, these light boots stay cool enough to not be a dealbreaker.
Stability
While a high collar often means more ankle support, which is generally preferable while carrying heavier loads, the softness of the collar in these hiking boots don’t inspire much confidence. Our tester also noticed that these boots were a lot bigger than other boots she tested at the same size, and she recommends you size down half a size for a more technical fit.
The lacing system has a unique feature in which the laces pass through a reinforced “wing” mid-foot to enable you to dial in the fit. The laces only have one eyelet at the collar, which doesn’t allow you to pull the thick padding around the ankle tight enough to feel the most secure.
Materials
Synthetic textile comprises the upper, accompanied by GORE-TEX protection. An OrthoLite sock liner adds to the comfort of the inside of this boot, and contragrip rubber soles handle a variety of surfaces, from rocky trials to slippery granite.
The synthetic materials give a sleek, technical look to the X Ultras, which definitely deviate from the typical earthtones and leather of other hiking boots. These boots also come in a variety of color options, from the light green we tested here, to a teal blue or grey black.
Conclusion
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots are a worthy choice for those taking to the trails and want to retain the nimbleness of trail runners with the support and protection of a boot. It is a noticeably soft boot, from the comfort of the ankle collar to the flex in the forefoot. This makes it less ideal for long-distance hiking with a heavy pack on, where a stiffer boot may be preferable.
The ankle collar feels a bit too soft to really protect from rolling ankles, but does provide great protection from water immersion. The synthetic materials of this boot provide water resistance and breathability, and the overall feel of the shoe is light and maneuverable for fast miles on trail. All in all, the X Ultras are a great pick for staying light and comfortable, though remember to size down for the best fit.
