Women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review

Bottom Line

Salomon’s X Ultra 5 Mid GTX for women performs well on technical trails and mixed terrain, balancing light weight with stability. Strong lateral support and a durable Contagrip outsole provide reliable traction. After extensive testing on Washington’s wet rocks and Arizona’s desert trails, it proved dependable on all surfaces.

While it is comfortable, the fit might not work well for those with wider feet or people who want more toe room; the forefoot and midfoot feel snug at first, and the underfoot cushioning is moderate, not plush. Some features have advantages and disadvantages, like the quicklaces, which provide convenience but limit customization. Despite these small drawbacks, the X Ultra 5 is worth considering for day hikers looking for a tough, high-performing boot.

For readers looking to explore more options, check out our guide to the best women’s hiking shoes and top-performing hiking footwear.

How We Tested

We tested the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX on day hikes across Central Washington and Arizona, covering a mix of wet, rocky mountain trails and hot, desert terrain. Over multiple outings, we evaluated traction, stability, fit, and comfort in varied conditions to see how the boots perform on real-world hikes.

Comfort

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX delivers solid comfort for a low-profile, lightweight hiking boot. Its EVA foam midsole has moderate cushioning, balancing shock absorption with stability. It has an athletic, trail-runner feel that’s responsive on technical terrain. The padded tongue and collar minimize pressure points, and the OrthoLite insole adds decent support for day hikes.

Out of the box, the boot felt snug in the forefoot and midfoot, which could be uncomfortable for wider-footed hikers. After several miles, however, the fit loosened slightly, allowing for all-day wear without hotspots or blisters.

During testing on Central Washington’s wet, rocky trails and Arizona’s hot, desert terrain, the boots performed well in various climates. The narrow fit and low profile offered a more connected-to-the-ground feel, which I appreciated given my background in minimalist footwear. Overall, the X Ultra 5 is comfortable enough for day hikes and versatile enough to handle different trail conditions without feeling bulky.

Durability

Durability is a strong suit of the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, despite its lightweight design. The Matryx upper, reinforced toe bumper, and Contagrip outsole withstood abrasion and scuffs during testing, showing minimal wear.

Over multiple day hikes, the boots maintained structural integrity and grip, handling off-trail detours without damage. The materials and construction feel long-lasting, but we can see the soles and traction of these boots wearing down quickly, especially for avid hikers on more technical trails.

Another potential issue is that the Quicklace system might experience long-term wear because of thin laces and a plastic ratchet. However, the shoe’s main structure remains solid.

Ankle Support

The X Ultra 5 Mid GTX has stable ankle support in a lightweight hiking shoe. We tested the mid-height version, but there is also a low-top option if you prefer less ankle support and a lighter feel. Nonetheless, the molded Advanced Chassis keeps the heel locked and delivers lateral stability on uneven terrain.

During testing, the combination of a firm heel counter and responsive midsole enabled quick descents and agile movements without feeling wobbly. The Quicklace system, while convenient, made it hard to fully tighten the collar around the ankle, allowing some debris to get in. Despite this, I never experienced any ankle roll or instability and felt sufficiently supported around the ankle.

Traction

Traction is a key feature of the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX. The All Terrain Contagrip outsole with chevron-shaped lugs grips wet rocks, muddy trails, and loose surfaces terrain.

During our Central Washington hikes, the boots handled slick logs and steep descents without much slipping. In Arizona’s desert trails, they maintained grip on dusty, loose gravel and mild rock scrambling. The aggressive lug pattern and durable rubber provide reassurance when navigating mixed terrain. Hikers on extremely muddy trails might notice some lug caking, but overall, the outsole design is versatile.

Weather Resistance

The Gore-Tex lining of the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX provides solid waterproofing for wet trails and shallow water crossings. The upper materials, including the abrasion-resistant Matryx, protect against snags, debris, and mud.

During testing, the boots performed well on damp rocks and muddy patches in Central Washington. Arizona hikes offered hot, dry conditions where the shoe felt breathable enough for shorter outings, though Gore-Tex shoes naturally run warmer in higher temperatures.

For day hikers in mixed conditions, the X Ultra 5 is dependable on wet or unpredictable terrain. Although not a waterproof boot, its weather resistance handles most single-day trail situations, offering a good balance of protection and a lighter, more agile feel build.

Weight

The X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is impressively lightweight at about 1 lb. 12 oz. It feels more like a trail runner than a traditional hiking boot, while still providing protection and stability.

On technical trails, the lightweight design makes quick uphill climbs and descents easier. The boot’s lower profile helps with nimble movement and reduces fatigue over longer distances, while still offering the support needed. Compared to heavier hiking shoes, it’s simple to cover more ground comfortably.

Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 5?

If you’re a day hiker seeking a lightweight yet durable boot that performs well on mixed terrain without slowing you down, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is a great choice. It offers a perfect mix of support and agility for those who move quickly on the trail but still want reliable protection and weather resistance.

That said, these boots might not be the best choice if you need more cushioning for long hikes or have wider feet, since the forefoot area is a bit tight. Also, although the quick-lace system is quick and sleek, it doesn’t allow for precise tightening around the ankle, which reduces support.

Overall, the build quality, stability, and all-around utility make the X Ultra 5 a great value for hikers tackling technical, single-day routes. On the other hand, if your priorities are maximum ankle coverage or extra softness underfoot, you may want to explore alternatives.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

If you’re shopping for a capable pair of trail-ready boots, there are a few other options worth exploring in our guide to best women’s hiking boots.

Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review: If you love the performance of the X Ultra 5 but need something tougher for longer expeditions or heavy pack loads, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a natural next step. With exceptional ankle and lateral support, a sturdy chassis, and top-tier traction, these boots excel on rugged terrain. They’re heavier than the X Ultra 5, but that extra weight provides stability and durability, making them perfect for backpackers tackling multi-day routes or steep alpine terrains trails.

KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP Review: For hikers who value comfort and fit, the KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP provides a roomier toe box and easy break-in. These boots find a good balance between flexibility and support, with dependable traction and a secure heel-lock system for uneven terrain. They’re also a great value, making them a smart choice for casual hikers or anyone with wider feet looking for reliable performance at a fair price.

Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid WS Review: The Lowa Renegade EVO GTX Mid WS is a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional, leather-focused design that still offers high-end comfort and precision on the trail. Ideal for hikers in cooler, wetter environments or anyone looking for a more comfortable, easy-to-wear boot for all-day adventures.