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Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex Review

This mid-top hiking boot is ridiculously lightweight, though it offers excellent stability and traction for fast and light objectives
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Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex Review
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Price:  $175 List
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Manufacturer:   Salomon
By Ryan Huetter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 25, 2023
74
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 17
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Support - 25% 7.0
  • Traction - 15% 8.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 7.0
  • Weight - 10% 8.9
  • Durability - 10% 5.0

Our Verdict

The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 GTX is the latest edition of a long line of great boots, and we did not think there was much to improve. We were wrong. The X Ultra 4 Mid is even better than its predecessor while boasting impressive weight savings. The most noticeable technological improvement comes in the ActiveSupport straps, which secure the foot into place when the laces are tied, making this a more stable shoe when hiking in off-trail situations. We love this boot and find ourselves using it as much as our low-cut trail runners as it weighs nearly the same but is much more comfortable and supportive when pounding out miles. Check out our full article on the best men's hiking boots to see how it ranks versus competitors.
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly lightweight
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Less durable than heavier models
Thin sole
Editor's Note: This review was revised on October 25, 2023, with updates after continued testing.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best for Lightweight Hiking
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Hiking Boot
Top Pick Award
Best Support
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
 
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Bottom Line This is one of the lightest hiking boots we have reviewed, and it impresses us not only for its weight but also for its overall performanceThis high-top boot is one of the most stable we tested, and with plush cushioning is perfect for big backcountry missionsThis flagship hiking boot is our first recommendation for a hiking and backpacking boot, achieving remarkable performance in all terrain types and conditionsThis inexpensive boot is super comfortable and is a great all-around optionThis heavy leather hiking boot is a budget friendly and offers great atability
Rating Categories Salomon X Ultra Mid... Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Salomon Quest 4 Gor... Merrell Moab 3 Mid... Timberland Mt. Madd...
Comfort (25%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
Support (25%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
Traction (15%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Water Resistance (15%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Weight (10%)
8.9
6.0
4.5
6.8
7.0
Durability (10%)
5.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
Specs Salomon X Ultra Mid... Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Salomon Quest 4 Gor... Merrell Moab 3 Mid... Timberland Mt. Madd...
Measured Weight (per pair, size 11) 1.85 lbs 2.54 lbs 2.90 lbs 2.36 lbs 2.31 lbs
Upper PU coated leather Waterproof nubuck leather Leather and nylon Pigskin leather, mesh Full-grain leather
Width Options Regular Regular Regular Regular, wide Regular, wide
Waterproof Lining Gore-Tex Gore-Tex Gore-Tex Waterproof membrane TimberDry
Boot Type Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Midweight hiker/backpacking boot
Last Board/Shank Molded shank Not specified 4D Chassis Molded nylon TPU shank
Midsole SensiFit 2-density CMEVA (rubberized EVA) EnergyCell Super Rebound Compound EVA
Sole Contagrip Vibram Megagrip rubber Contagrip TD Vibram TC5+ Rubber

Our Analysis and Test Results

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 best 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


salomon x ultra mid 4 gore-tex - crossing technical creeks and slippery rocks, these boots felt...
Crossing technical creeks and slippery rocks, these boots felt comfortable and light, never slowing us down.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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 Green 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.

salomon x ultra mid 4 gore-tex - lightweight and comfortable, the x ultra 4 gtx boots have enough...
Lightweight and comfortable, the X Ultra 4 GTX boots have enough cushioning to reduce the jarring impacts of rocks and other obstacles, but are soft enough to feel more like a shoe.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

By using the novel Active Support wings that wrap around the foot snugly when securing the laces, the X Ultra 4 GTX boots cradle the foot and result in a very stable fit.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

Lightweight and nimble, we found these boots to grip well in varied off trail terrain.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

While others searched for dry logs to hop across, we had no problem fording this creek on a wet hike along the Washington coast while wearing the X Ultra 4.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

salomon x ultra mid 4 gore-tex - so light, you wonder where all that weight has disappeared to, kind...
So light, you wonder where all that weight has disappeared to, kind of like the trail on this foggy coastline hike.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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.

salomon x ultra mid 4 gore-tex - for what this boot is, the durability and build-quality are great.
For what this boot is, the durability and build-quality are great.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

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?


The only boot we tested that was lighter than the X Ultra 4 is the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2. It's a zero-drop boot that we find very comfortable, though not the best for carrying heavy loads or getting into rougher terrain. For those scenarios, we'd recommend the all-star Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex or Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.

Ryan Huetter