Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex Review

The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX nearly levitates right out of the box; they are that light. Weighing only 1.85 pounds, these are lighter than many of the men's hiking shoes we reviewed. These are such an improvement over the previous model and something we heartily recommend for those looking to go faster and lighter.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX is a very comfortable hiking boot, and we have awarded it high marks for its instant foot-friendly comfort straight out of the box. The upper material, made from leather and textile materials, is very supple and easily conforms to the foot. The Ortholite footbed is of high quality, although we found that by replacing it with our favorite Superfeet Hike Support insole, we were able to get a bit more arch support and added stability (as is the case with nearly any hiking boot).

The lacing system in the mid-top version of the X Ultra 4 is standard, versus the speed lacing found on the low-top model. Thanks to the low-friction lacing eyelet on the ActiveSupport wing, these were still easily laced up with a single pull, securing the foot comfortably in place. We found the materials used around the ankle to be reasonably soft and did not experience any discomfort while hiking, though the ankle tab that makes it easier to pull the shoes on also allows for dirt and debris to get into the shoe since it makes the opening around the ankle wider. Those wearing pants won't find this nearly as much of a deal as those preferring shorts on the trail.

Support

Surprisingly stable for its weight, the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX uses a proprietary ADV-C Chassis Midsole. This boot is supportive without being as rigid as typical traditional hiking boots. This midsole keeps the foot from feeling most of the sharp impacts of rocks and roots on the trail, and the molded toe bumper cap keeps the toes from slamming into unseen objects when you find yourself gazing at the amazing views and not down at where you're walking. That said, this boot has less midsole cushioning than most other boots we tested, so expect to feel more of the trail in these boots than in a burlier pair of hiking boots. We feel that the sole is on par with that of a hiking shoe, which is why we recommend it for lighter-weight adventures.

The ActiveSupport wings do a great job snugly wrapping around the midfoot, and we felt less likely to roll an ankle thanks to this added security. The mid-top cut, increasingly typical for a modern hiking boot that seeks to walk the line between old school high-top boots and the lower-cut hiking shoes, provides a cradle around the ankle and gives good stability while carrying a pack but still allowing for full flexion and motion.

Traction

The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX has kept the noteworthy Contagrip rubber compound, which has proven to be adept at giving positive traction in all surface types and conditions. The rubber is soft and sticky enough to smear on dry rock, especially because the boot flexes with the foot to give as much surface area contact as possible, unlike stiffer boots that require lots of ankle flexion to walk on slabby terrain. In varied conditions that require more “bite,” the lug pattern is aggressive enough to provide purchase in loose sand or wet mud.

Although the ADV-C Chassis is reasonably torsionally rigid, the one area these boots don't do as well is in steep edging. A stiffer boot is likely going to be much more effective balancing on a narrow ledge or kicking steps in hard snow than this boot.

Water Resistance

The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX uses one of the best waterproof-breathable membranes to ensure that your feet stay dry on your hike. The Gore-Tex liner gives this boot a flood height of 4.5 inches, meaning that you can slosh your way through some pretty deep stream crossings without worrying that they will wet out. We stood for 5 minutes in a mountain stream, careful to keep the water below the flood level, and although our feet were ice cold, we found no instances of leaking.

Due to the numerous seams along the boot's upper where it contacts the outsole, there are many opportunities for delamination leading to decreased water resistance, especially if you are hard on your boots or hiking in rough terrain that may accelerate wear and tear on these lightweight hikers.

Weight

We have to give credit where credit is due - the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX immediately impressed us with a nearly half-pound reduction in weight from the previous model. While it is not the lightest hiking boot we feature in this review, it is certainly the most boot for the weight, surprising us at how supportive and comfortable it can be while remaining light and agile.

Weighing as much (or less) than many of the shoes we showcase in our hiking shoe review, there is no excuse not to check these boots out since they can offer that much more ankle support. Especially for those who are accustomed to trail running shoes and hiking shoes, there is virtually no weight penalty to these boots, making them a slam-dunk choice if you are going into technical off-trail terrain or carrying a heavy backpack.

Durability

We are encouraged that the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX, even in its pursuit of lightweight construction, still chose to use PU coated leather and textile materials for the upper, while many other competitors lighten their boots by opting for lots of exposed mesh. The leather is positioned where wear and tear are most likely to occur, with the textile material being used on the tongue and in the toe box.

There are a number of seams on this boot, which may require some maintenance if they start to separate, but in reality, we feel like this shoe is perfectly durable based on how lightweight it is. Heavier boots will likely be more durable, but that is the trade-off. If you want the latest and greatest, one of the lightest hiking boots on the market, and are fine if they start breaking down after a season or two of consistent use, then you won't be disappointed. Expect them to be as durable as a full leather backpacking boot and you will probably be upset that they didn't last as long as you had hoped.

Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX?

We like this hiking boot a lot. Its weight savings is on par with a pair of shoes, and they offer long-lasting comfort on the trail, fantastic lateral support, and traction. We recommend these for the hiker that has been on the fence about whether to give up the support of a boot for the lighter weight and increased agility of a hiking shoe.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?