Salomon x ultra 4 mid gtx wide

The X Ultra 4 Mid Wide GTX from Salomon are the perfect walking boots for moderate hikes. Featuring a cushioning midsole and a grippy outsole, you’ll feel comfortable on the trails. They’re equipped with a toe cap to protect your feet against foreign objects. Another practical feature includes the mid-cut collar that keeps your feet in place. Most importantly, they’re equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane that offers great weather protection and is breathable. What a cleverly-designed boot!

The advantages at a glance:

  • Weatherproof walking boots for moderate tours
  • Waterproof and breathable thanks to GORE-TEX
  • Toe cap protects your feet
  • Cushioning properties ensure comfort whilst walking
Benefits Agile as a trail-running shoe but with all the stability, grip and waterproof protection you need to tackle technical terrain. Equipped with a new chassis, the shoe is even better at protecting sensitive articulations without compromising freedom. Slim: Built with running last & integrated features, this sleek but technical shoe looks as light & agile as it feels. Sneaker-like comfort: Lightweight & engineered with great flexibility and foothold, OUTline is as comfortable as a running shoe. With a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, this shoe is made for long-lasting comfort and protection. The fit is comfortable with more space in the toes so your feet can spread, highly-cushioned midsole to reduce impact, and reduced weight to save energy. The lightweight construction is packed with features to protect your feet including a Gore-Tex membrane, Quicklace system for easy adjustments and reinforced heel and toes. A generous, cushy fit will keep your feet comfortable for longer.

Salomon’s X Ultra line has been at the top of our hiking boot round-up for years, and the latest version carries the torch with an excellent balance of weight, comfort, and durability. However, there is no shortage of competition in 2022, and Merrell’s Moab 2 Mid WP remains a popular pick year after year. Stacked up against the Salomon, the Moab 2 offers more generous all-around cushioning, especially underfoot (this translates to better isolation from the ground). That said, the Salomon wins out in weight by 6 ounces per pair, has a more modern and athletic feel, and uses more premium materials. The Moab will save $20 (and they sell a non-waterproof variation), but the X Ultra 4 is the more well-rounded option. 

Another lightweight hiker to consider is Danner’s Trail 2650 Mid GTX. Like the X Ultra, the Danner offers great traction and protection in a feathery (1 lb. 12 oz.) package. We also love the sleek and modern look, which translates well for around-town use and casual wear. But the praise mostly stops there: The Danner falls short of the X Ultra in support and stability (it felt fairly floppy throughout testing), isn’t as comfortable during long days on the trail, and runs long and narrow, which made nailing the fit pretty tough for us (we also found the wide version to be too roomy). In the end, the Trail 2650 is a good-looking and slightly lighter alternative to the Salomon, but it’s far less competitive from a performance standpoint and costs $35 more to boot.

Salomon x ultra 4 mid gtx wide

Hoka One One is best known for their lineup of max-cushioned trail and road running shoes, but they have a growing and very competitive hiking collection. We like the latest Anacapa Mid GTX, which retains the comfort-first and well-padded build of their running models in a mid-height boot. All in all, we found the Anacapa to be impressively sprightly on the trail, well fitting with an accommodating but secure shape and customizable lacing system, and highly comfortable for long days out. That said, the Hoka falls short of the X Ultra 4 in both stability and grip, and it won’t stand up as well to long-term use (especially over rugged terrain or while carrying a heavy load). Given these concerns—plus the Anacapa’s higher weight and price—we give the nod to the Salomon as the better-built boot.

In the same fast and light category as the Hoka Anacapa, Vasque's Breeze LT Mid GTX is another design to have on your radar. Like the Anacapa, the Vasque has an agile, trail runner-like feel (it weighs 1 lb. 11 oz. per pair) and features a Gore-Tex liner for waterproofing and grippy Vibram outsole for traction. That said, while testing the Vasque in the Grand Canyon, we came away with one serious concern: durability. After only around 15 miles of hiking, the thin rand along the inside of the boot began separating from the upper, which goes to show how shaving weight can impact overall longevity. The X Ultra 4 is slightly heavier than the Vasque, but the boost in durability is worth that tradeoff, in our opinion.

From within Salomon’s own lineup, the OUTline Mid GTX has similar intentions as the X Ultra 4 Mid. Both shoes are light (the OUTline checks in at 1 lb. 13.6 oz.), flexible, and feature grippy Contagrip outsoles and premium Gore-Tex waterproofing. However, in testing the low-top variation of the shoe, we found the OUTline to be too thin underfoot for maintaining comfort over long distances (it’s best suited for short day hikes on established trails). And unfortunately, the toe caps on our OUTline began to separate after just one hike, which was a big disappointment. Like the Vasque and Hoka options above, we do appreciate the OUTline’s running shoe-like feel and modern looks, but the X Ultra 4 is the more proven and well-built option.

Salomon x ultra 4 mid gtx wide

Last but not least is another Salomon design to consider: their Quest 4 GTX. As we touched on above, the Quest is the burlier option of the two and a better match for shuttling a heavy load over rough and rocky terrain. In particular, it’s noticeably stiffer than the X Ultra 4, has a taller ankle height and more aggressive stance, and boasts added underfoot padding and protection that minimizes foot fatigue over long distances. The biggest tradeoff is an increase in weight, with the Quest clocking in at a fairly hefty 2 pounds 14.2 ounces (a full pound heavier than the X Ultra). This isn’t a huge deterrent for demanding hikes and backpacking trips that involve off-trail adventuring with a full pack, but those who want to move fast and light on well-maintained trails will find it overkill. For these folks, the X Ultra 4 is plenty of boot and will save you a significant $65.

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (Men's) Price Comparison

REI Co-op

$123.69

25.00%

https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-7…

Backcountry

$165.00

0.00%

https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b…

Amazon

$165.00

0.00%

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LKC6PP1/?tag=20sbt-20

165.00

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Does Salomon make a wide boot?

The X Ultra 3 Mid Goretex Wide Fit boot by Salomon has been designed for hikers with a wider foot or for those who like to feel more space on the foot while walking on diverse trails, slopes, and rocks.

Are Salomon hiking boots Wide fit?

Fit and Sizing Finally, the toe box is close to an average width (perhaps slightly narrow), which worked well for me on our multi-day backpacking trip. Those that prefer a wide and spacious toe box, however, will likely find the Salomon's to be restrictive.

Are Salomon walking shoes wide fitting?

This comfortable wide-fitting boot is perfect for general hill and country walking and features a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry and comfortable.

Does Salomon make wide sizes?

The fit of Salomon shoes Wide options are not extensive but still present in some of the brand's running and hiking models.