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Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX - Women's Review

It's difficult to find any short-comings in this fantastic product, which even comes at a fair price.
Editors' Choice Award
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Price:  $165 List | $164.95 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 3 resellers
Pros:  Good traction, very comfortable, ankle padding, waterproof
Cons:  Runs big, excess padding in tongue
Manufacturer:   Salomon
By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 7, 2018
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84
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#1 of 17
  • Comfort - 25% 9
  • Support - 20% 8
  • Weight - 15% 6
  • Traction - 15% 8
  • Water Resistance - 15% 10
  • Durability - 10% 9

Our Verdict

The previous Salomon X Ultra 2 Mid proved to be a great all-around hiking boot. They felt light on the foot but performed like a durable, sturdy boot. The Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX is the updated version and boy does it pack a punch! The third iteration is slightly bulkier, yet more durable and more substantial overall compared to the previous model. We also like the updates to the lacing system and the outsoles. These boots hit the sweet spot between a burly hiking boot and a comfortable and nimble hiking shoe. The stability underfoot, traction, and comfort that the X Ultras provide won us over this year for threading the shoe and boot line and providing ultimate versatility. They achieve a balance between all of our metrics, from weight to durability to overall cost. For these reasons, we have awarded the X Ultra 3 our Editors' Choice Award this year.

Color Updates

Salomon no longer offers the purple color that we bought and tested, but this Editors' Choice winner is available in several other colors, including the black shown above.

February 2019


Compare to Similar Products

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Awards Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award  Best Buy Award Top Pick Award 
Price $164.95 at Backcountry
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Compare at 2 sellers		$149.95 at REI
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Pros Good traction, very comfortable, ankle padding, waterproofColor options, PU monowrap frame construction, narrow and wide fit options, seamless Gore-Tex liningVery water resistant, durable, incredibly lightweight, sleek designComfortable, lightweight, durable, inexpensiveComfortable, stable, incredibly well-padded, low weight
Cons Runs big, excess padding in tongueNo arch support, expensive, bulky, heavyProblematic fitLacks support of larger, heavier bootsLack breathability, large sole, short collar
Bottom Line It's difficult to find any short-comings in this fantastic product, which even comes at a fair price.Our award winner and Top Pick for Durability, these boots all-leather construction provides unbeatable protection and support reminiscent of a traditional leather hiking boot of days past.This boot is designed for mountainous, technical terrain where lightweight and durable footwear is key.The Targhee III are the latest iteration of the Targhee model, and the best one yet; Keen has made some small changes, making these boots the full package.These boots are some of the most comfortable and supportive models we have tested, making them our Top Pick for Comfort.
Rating Categories X Ultra Mid 3 GTX Renegade GTX Mid Alpenrose Ultra Mid GTX Targhee III Mid Sky Toa
Comfort (25%)
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
5
10
0
9
10
0
10
Support (20%)
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
Weight (15%)
10
0
6
10
0
4
10
0
9
10
0
6
10
0
7
Traction (15%)
10
0
8
10
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8
10
0
9
10
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7
10
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8
Water Resistance (15%)
10
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10
10
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9
10
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10
10
0
8
10
0
6
Durability (10%)
10
0
9
10
0
10
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
Specs X Ultra Mid 3 GTX Renegade GTX Mid Alpenrose Ultra... Targhee III Mid Sky Toa
Boot Type Midweight hiker Midweight hiker Lightweight/Midweight hiker Lightweight/Midweight hiker Lightweight hiker
Weight Per Pair (Size 7.5, in lbs) 1.83 lbs 2.19 lbs 1.47 lbs 1.80 lbs 1.64 lbs
Width Options Regular Regular Regular Regular Regular
Upper Suede leather, nylon Nubuck leather Breathable mesh/ coated fabric Oiled nubuck leather Synthetic
Heel height (mm) 32 mm 34 mm - measured inside the boot – centre of the heel, including insole 32 mm 35 mm 44.5 mm
Shaft height (mm) 121 mm 140 mm - measured inside the boot to the highest shaft point, including insole 127 mm 125 mm 101.6 mm
Midsole Dual-density EVA DuraPU with MONOWRAP Frame EVA Dual Density EVA Rangi
Sole Contagrip rubber Vibram Evo rubber Michelin rubber Rubber Vibram MegaGrip

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


For a boot that can handle any terrain a wide temperature range and feel great on your feet the Salomon X Ultra's are very difficult to beat.
For a boot that can handle any terrain, a wide temperature range, and feel great on your feet, the Salomon X Ultra's are very difficult to beat.

Comfort


The X Ultra 3 scored highly in the comfort metric (especially after breaking them in!). If we had to choose a boot to wear for long days, it would be the X Ultra 3 Mid, because they provide the comfort of a burlier boot, while also remaining breathable and light on the foot. Weight is essential for comfort, as you end up having to lift extra weight each time you step with a more massive boot.


These boots do seem to run big in comparison the X Ultra 2. This may also be because the boots are slightly sturdier than the previous model, making them feel bigger. We suggest trying them on before buying a pair (or purchasing from a retailer that allows returns). The same size boot in the 2 and 3 version of the X Ultra feel quite differently; the X Ultra 3 Mid provides more support underfoot and more stability in the ankle. This makes them a good option for longer trips, especially when carrying heavy loads, an improvement upon the previous iteration.

We like the X Ultra Mid 3 because of their breathability in warm conditions. This makes them a great option for the desert while their water resistance also helps get through wet conditions with ease.
We like the X Ultra Mid 3 because of their breathability in warm conditions. This makes them a great option for the desert, while their water resistance also helps get through wet conditions with ease.

Support


Our feet were happy with us after a long day in the X Ultra 3's. The X Ultra 3 Mid is a step up from the previous model when it comes to support and padding. The EVA midsole provides support under the arch of the foot, while Solomon's Advanced Chassis stabilize each step. The boots come up fairly high around the ankle, providing ankle stabilization and padding.


The only drawback here is that the padding around the ankles doesn't let the laces snug up as tightly as other models in our test group. The ankle padding makes these boots comfortable, but we found ourselves having to stop and re-tighten the laces at times because of all the excess padding.

The lacing system on the Salomon X Ultra makes them easy to adjust depending on the thickness of your sock or the width of your feet.
The lacing system on the Salomon X Ultra makes them easy to adjust, depending on the thickness of your sock or the width of your feet.

Weight


The X Ultra Mid 3 weighs in at 1.83 pounds in size 7.5 in US Women's. This surprised us as they weigh 0.2 pounds more than the Salomon X Ultra 2. On our feet, this weight difference was pretty negligible. It's not the lightest pair in our test fleet, but considering everything this boot provides, we find the trade-off of more weight for more performance to be well worth it.


Traction


The High Traction Contragrip sole is a grippy one. These soles have deeper lug depths and a more aggressive tread pattern than the X Ultra 2. Both models use Contragrip rubber, but the High Traction on the new model makes a noticeable difference. The Advanced Chassis also adds to the overall stability of the boot. These provide support in the heel and help you maintain traction, especially when going down steep, loose terrain.


For the vast majority of users, the X Ultra 3 provides plenty of traction. While there are a few boots out there with even better traction, most hikers won't need or notice a big difference.

The X Ultra 3's have surprisingly good traction on the slick mossy boulders around Yosemite Valley.
The X Ultra 3's have surprisingly good traction on the slick, mossy boulders around Yosemite Valley.

Water Resistance


The X Ultra Mid 3 is an incredibly water-resistant model, and we were impressed by their performance in wet conditions. Somehow Salomon nailed the combination of mesh, leather, and GORE-TEX liner to create the most breathable and waterproof boot we reviewed. These shoes will shed water, even after being completely immersed for several minutes!


The tongue is connected to the boot with a lightweight, water-resistant membrane, keeping this gap sealed in wet conditions. The X Ultra Mid 3 are comparable in this metric to boots with a more durable leather upper. We were struck by Salomon's ability to combine a lightweight design with reliable water protection in this boot.

Durability


The PU-Coated leather and synthetic mesh that make up the uppers of these boots provide plenty of protection from the wear and tear of trail use. The toe box has a large-but-not-bulky protective rubber cap, as does the heel, which protects the foot. The thicker, more durable sole that the X Ultra 3 Mid inspires confidence that these have many trail miles ahead of them.


This model is nearly on par with the most robust boots we reviewed, as a burly boot fit for any conditions. The thoughtful combination of leather and mesh make the X Ultra durable, yet breathable. The X Ultra is fit for warm conditions, while still providing long-term protection from the elements. A burly yet breathable boot is something to get excited about!

Walkin' the line in the X Ultra 3s.
Walkin' the line in the X Ultra 3s.

Best Applications


It's tougher to say which application these boots aren't prepared for. The X Ultra Mid 3 combines the breathability of a lightweight boot with the protection and durability of a leather boot. These boots are versatile, making them a good option for both backpacking and day trips. For all-around adventures that require a boot, these Salomon's are the first pair we want to be tied to our feet.

We are stoked on the overall performance of the X Ultra 3's especially concerning comfort and stability. They also feel light on our feet which helps negotiate talus.
We are stoked on the overall performance of the X Ultra 3's, especially concerning comfort and stability. They also feel light on our feet, which helps negotiate talus.

Value


The X Ultra Mid 3 lies in the middle of the road concerning price. Because they are well made and durable, these boots are a good choice for a boot that will last a long time and perform well in many conditions. We appreciate the reasonable price tag on these durable, burly boots, especially in our favorite model overall.

The aggressive tread pattern of the X Ultra Mid 3 makes them a great option for rugged terrain from loose rocks to scree to boulder hopping.
The aggressive tread pattern of the X Ultra Mid 3 makes them a great option for rugged terrain, from loose rocks to scree to boulder hopping.

Conclusion


Salomon has made a boot that impressed us with its durability, water resistance, and comfort. The X Ultra Mid 3 is well-padded, easy to break in, and provides more traction and stability than its predecessor. We are impressed with how these boots performed in all types of terrain, especially loose rock and steep scree, where we were able to maintain traction and stay on our feet with ease. Their ability to allow freedom of movement, while still providing the ankle support that is a staple feature of a hiking boot, makes the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX our Editors' Choice Award winner.

These boots styled all of our rating metrics from comfort to support to water resistance.
These boots styled all of our rating metrics, from comfort to support to water resistance.


— Jane Jackson