Fiona Russell tests and reviews the robust Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex boot and just had one quibble.
The most noticeable feature of the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex hiking boot is the robust-looking upper. The fabric base includes a high level of leather detailing at the toecap, heel and all the way around the rand of the boot, to give greater durability and protection.
- Price: $175 / £170
- Available from Sports Shoes
- Weight: 1.81 lb / 824g
- Pros: Comfort, durable, lots of sizes
- Cons: Weight quibble
- Rating: 4/5
Materials: textile /synthetic upper with PU-coated leather details, Gore-Tex membrane (free from PFCs of environmental concern), OrthoLite sock liner, rubber Contagrip outsole with ‘Chevron’ lugs, EVA foam midsole with ‘EnergyCell’ | Features: Advanced Chassis, PFC-free water repellency, SensiFit construction, protective mudguard | Men’s version: yes | Sizes: U.S. 5 to 11 / UK 3.5-9.5 (including half sizes)
The fit is generous and would best suit a mid to wider foot, rather than a narrow one like mine. The lacing system has fabric eyelets, plus a metal eyelet and a metal hook at the ankle. It’s worth noting as fabric can wear quicker than metal.
Salomon has designed an “active support” detail that runs from the sole to the laces to give the foot more stability. I think this works well, and my feet feel very well supported. The ankle cuff area is comfortable, although the tongue is a little overly padded for my liking and tends to protrude from the boot when lacing the boots. Salomon suggests a weight of 370g per boot, which wasn’t quite accurate, although they are fairly lightweight at 412g each for the female UK8.5.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid is a great three season hiking boot for walking on mixed terrain, from forest tracks to hill paths and mountain slopes. The cushioning is what I would rate as medium, and grip is good in most conditions. The heel of the sole is shaped so that it can dig into soft terrain when descending and this feature does work quite well. This is a solid and stable boot with good levels of protection.
See how the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid boot compared to other walking boots in this test in our round-up of the best walking boots.
Tested by Fiona Russell
Fiona has a narrow UK 8.5 foot. She tested the boots on a range of terrain, from hard-packed trails to muddy and wet hill and mountain slopes. She often walks off the path and through thick vegetation.
