Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Review

Overview

The X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX is Salomon’s answer to a common request: a boot with ankle coverage and a waterproof membrane that still moves like a trail runner. At 854 g for a men’s size 9 pair, it sits well below traditional leather boots. The trade-off is a soft, lightly cushioned platform that suits maintained trails better than heavy loads or rough off-trail travel.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	854 g per pair (men’s size 9)
Cut	Mid
Waterproofing	GORE-TEX membrane
Upper	PU-coated leather and textile
Midsole	EnergyCell EVA
Stability	Advanced Chassis (ADV-C) with Active Support straps
Outsole	All Terrain Contagrip
Lug depth	4.5 mm
Heel-to-toe drop	11 mm
Lacing	Traditional laces (no Quicklace on the mid)
Price	$175 at launch

Performance

Comfort and break-in. Nearly every reviewer lands on the same word: soft. Outdoor Gear Lab’s testers gave it high marks for out-of-the-box comfort, noting that the leather-and-textile upper conforms to the foot easily. GearJunkie’s testers hiked 5 miles on day one with no break-in. The padded heel tab, collar and tongue get repeated praise, and the toe box is roomy enough that testers reported no toe compression.

Weight and agility. Outdoor Gear Lab’s men’s testers called it light enough that they reached for it about as often as their low-cut trail runners, because it weighs nearly the same but adds ankle coverage. For a waterproof mid, 854 g a pair is unusually low. On a long climb or a fast descent, that shows up as less swing at the foot and a pace closer to trail-runner than boot.

Traction. The Contagrip outsole is the other consistent strength. Testers describe confident bite on rock, scree, roots and mud, and the lugs shed muddy trail well. A hiker logging 72 miles on wet granite reported a single minor slip. The dissenting view comes from an owner scrambling a wet Welsh ridge, who found the grip less convincing than Salomon’s marketing suggested. Like most 4.5 mm lugged outsoles, it is a hiking tread, not a mountaineering one.

Waterproofing. The GORE-TEX membrane does its job. Testers report dry feet through heavy rain and creek crossings, and one owner describes submerging a foot up to the tongue without a leak. The usual caveat applies: the membrane limits airflow, and breathability is rated moderate. Once water comes in over the collar, it stays in.

Support and protection. This is where opinions split. Outdoor Gear Lab’s testers credit the Active Support straps and chassis with making the boot steadier off-trail, and one UK reviewer said her feet felt well supported. GearJunkie’s testers found the soft collar left the boot feeling a little unstable and recommend it mainly for hikers who stay on trail. Several reviewers also point to thin midsole cushioning: the boot lets a hiker feel the ground, closer to a hiking shoe than a padded boot. The reinforced toe cap and chassis shield the forefoot from rock strikes without adding bulk.

Fit. Sizing reports conflict. GearJunkie’s testers found it a half-size large and suggest sizing down. Treeline Review found it true to size with an average width, and Outdoor Gear Lab’s women’s testers describe a generous fit that favors wider feet. Hikers with narrow feet should try a pair on first. A forward-sliding foot on descents is the likely result of a size too big.

Durability. The synthetic-heavy upper is lighter than full leather and gives up some longevity for it. Outdoor Gear Lab lists it as less durable than heavier boots. Owner reports vary: one Appalachian Trail hiker said the boots were still in good shape at roughly 500 miles, while a daily wearer said the outsole and GORE-TEX wore out after about a year. The fabric lace eyelets are another point reviewers flag as likely to wear faster than metal.

Lacing. The most common owner complaint is laces that loosen and need retying through the day. Swapping in aftermarket laces is the usual fix, but it is an annoyance on a $175 boot.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 854 g a pair is light for a waterproof mid
• Comfortable straight out of the box, with a plush collar and tongue
• Contagrip outsole grips well on rock, mud and wet roots
• GORE-TEX stays dry in rain and shallow crossings
• Reinforced toe cap and chassis protect without bulk

Cons

• Thin midsole cushioning transmits trail texture
• Soft collar feels less stable on rough or off-trail terrain
• Laces loosen, and fabric eyelets may wear sooner
• Sizing reports conflict, so fit is worth trying in person
• Upper and outsole durability trail heavier leather boots

Who Should Buy This

Day hikers, weekend backpackers and three-season thru-hikers who stick mostly to maintained trail and want dry feet and ankle coverage without boot weight. It is also a sensible pick for wet climates where a mesh trail runner stays soaked all day. Hikers carrying heavy loads, those who spend a lot of time off-trail on uneven ground, and anyone who wants a stiff, supportive platform should look at a heavier boot. Ultralighters who prefer to let shoes drain and dry should skip the membrane entirely.

Verdict

The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX does what it sets out to do: a comfortable, grippy, waterproof mid at a weight few boots match. Its softness and modest durability keep it from being a do-everything backpacking boot, but for trail-bound hikers who want the lightest waterproof ankle-high option from a mainstream brand, it is an easy recommendation.