Bottom Line
Just like the prior version, we found the Salomon X Ultra 5 Low hiking shoes to be an excellent middle ground between traditional hikers and trail runners. These shoes provide moderate support that hugs the contours of your foot without feeling tight or restrictive. The ankle and tongue have extra padding for added comfort, and traction is unparalleled – we felt confident on steep uphills and downhills, as well as rock-hopping across creeks and trekking through mud.
Though the Salomon’s synthetic upper doesn’t feel quite as robust as a leather hiker, it’s still durable enough to handle the rigors of trail use for several seasons. The version we tested isn’t waterproof, but it impressed us with its water resistance when rock-hopping along a creek and hiking through wet grass (Salomon does sell a Gore-Tex version for those who want the added protection).
With their lightweight materials and streamlined look, the X Ultra 5s required no break-in time and grew even more comfortable as the miles added up. For more trail-ready picks, check out the rest of our recommendations in our gear guide of the best women’s hiking shoes.
How We Tested
We hiked in northern California, exploring miles of varied terrain in regional parks, from rugged singletrack to muddy, post-rainstorm trails. Our gear analyst tested these shoes side-by-side with the past version to gauge what changed and evaluate the latest version’s all-around performance.
Quick Specs
Women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Low
Best Women’s Hiking Shoes Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $155
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 5.2 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm
Pros
- Lightweight for how durable/supportive they are
- Very little break-in needed
- Excellent traction
- Breathable
- Stable
- Wide sizes available
- Quicklace System offers a snug fit
Cons
- Runs smaller than the prior version in both volume and length
- Moderate arch support may not work for all foot types
- Quicklace system takes getting used to
Comfort
These shoes are undeniably comfortable. They require no break-in time, offer an excellent balance of weight and support, and include extra padding around the ankle and tongue. Even after miles of hiking on varied and uneven terrain, we didn’t have any soreness, hotspots, or aching arches. One thing worth noting is that the latest version runs smaller and narrower than the prior model – our gear analyst wore a 7.5 in the X Ultra 4 but ended up with an 8.5 in the 5.
This shoe feels nimble and athletic with a design that hugs the midsole to provide a customized fit around your foot. The molded insert provides extra lateral support, mobility, and flexibility to adapt to the terrain. Further, the textile lining provides unparalleled breathability, allowing sweat to evaporate.
Compared to other shoes in our lineup, the Salomons did not feel stiff right out of the box. Despite having firmer cushioning, they are still very responsive and provide solid energy return with each step.
Though the Quicklace system can appear a bit clunky, we actually enjoyed its simplicity and security – it never loosened on the trail, and we appreciated the top pocket for tucking away the laces. This one-pull tightening method provided a snug fit that kept our feet from sliding around in the shoe.
Traction
Boasting Contragrip rubber with updated chevron lug pattern, the X Ultra 5 Lows are built to handle a wide variety of terrain, from wet and loose to dry and hard surfaces. From testing these shoes in the field, we can confirm that the Salomon’s traction is highly competitive and dependable. The multi-directional lugs are especially reliable in mud – even on steep, slippery slopes.
We never felt unstable when rock-hopping, hiking down steep slopes, or scrambling uphill. The X Ultra 5s were nimble and lightweight underfoot, offering adequate precision on technical terrain. This makes them an excellent choice for alpine environments in particular.
Weight
The X Ultra 5 Lows are one of the lighter options in our lineup. Although not as feathery as some trail runners, they have a very agile and fast-moving personality – great for moving quickly on the trail. For reference, one shoe weighed 11.6 ounces on our scale, with the pair checking in at 1 pound 7.2 ounces total.
Although these shoes are heavier than many trail runners, they offer increased durability, protection, and stability, which is a worthwhile trade-off for many hikers. Compared to hiking boots, the Salomons’ lower weight helps reduce foot fatigue on high-mileage days while still maintaining excellent support and all-around performance.
Durability
Compared to many other shoes on the market, the X Ultra 5 Lows are well made and built to last. The new Matryx upper is tightly woven and outlasts many traditional mesh materials. Not to mention, the large rubber toe cap, aggressive outsole, and reinforced heel make this shoe a standout choice for rugged terrain. Though we weren’t able to take these shoes backpacking, we found no weaknesses while day hiking and came away with no concerns regarding wear and tear on the trail.
Weather Resistance
Although we tested the non-waterproof version of the Salomon X Ultra 5, we were pleasantly surprised by their moisture resistance. When hopping across creeks, our feet stayed dry and comfortable, with no water penetrating the uppers and making its way to our socks.
When walking through wet grass and dipping the upper of the shoe into a hidden creek, the shoes repelled most of the moisture but left our socks slightly damp from the water that snuck in over the ankle. This issue isn’t specific to the Salomons – you’ll need to be mindful with any low-top hiking shoe. Thankfully, the X Ultra 5s are incredibly quick to dry.
We also appreciated the shoes’ top-notch breathability. The upper material allows air to flow, limiting hotspots from sweaty feet. During testing, our feet stayed comfortable even when hiking fast uphill in warm, 70-degree weather.
Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 5 Low?
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Low is an excellent pick for those who want to keep things light without sacrificing traction, durability, or comfort on the trail. It excels on technical terrain with its nimble feel and snug, secure fit. We like it as a daily hiker for all types of adventures – it’s even a solid choice for rugged backpacking trips.
However, we found the version to fit a bit smaller in both length and volume, so those with wider feet may need to consider another shoe. It’s also heavier and stiffer than standard trail runners, although it’s flexible and nimble for a hiking shoe. Finally, there’s a good amount of arch support, which may or may not work for you – again, it all comes down to individual fit and footwear preferences.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
If there are things you like about these shoes but you aren’t totally sold, there are other more options to consider in our guide to the best women’s hiking shoes.
La Sportiva Spire GTX Review: The La Sportiva Spire GTX is an excellent alternative for technical adventures and shuttling heavy loads. They come at a higher price point, but you get upgrades in durability and waterproofing (without totally sacrificing breathability). However, they are much stiffer than the Salomons, require more time to break in, and have a less planted feel overall.
Saucony Peregrine 16 Review: One of our favorite trail runners, the Saucony Peregrine weighs less than the X Ultra 5 and is an excellent crossover option for hikers who also love to trail run or go fastpacking in the mountains. These shoes offer a bit less protection and stability but are nimbler and more flexible than the Salomons.
HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review: The Speedgoat 7 is another shoe that can be used for both hiking and trail running, while the X Ultra 5 Lows are best suited for hiking. The Speedgoat is significantly wider than the Salomon and weighs less, but it’s not as durable or precise due to the taller stack height, which can feel clunky when navigating technical terrain.
