Bottom Line
A long-time favorite for those who hate hiking with wet feet, the Salomon X Ultra GTX returns with its 5th iteration. With its updated materials, burly design, and superior durability, the X Ultra 5 is one of our top hiking shoes. Tested in Alaska’s Chugach Range, we wrung this shoe through the wringer to reveal how it performed and where it could use improvement.
The X Ultra 5 is one of the beefiest shoes we tested. Weighing in at 1 lb 10.8 oz per pair, these are quite a bit heavier than most of the shoes we tested (many of which are trail running shoes). However, we love the stability that these shoes provide. Their stable platform makes them great for off-trail adventures, and they were a favorite for keeping our feet protected while pounding through sharp scree and talus. When we crossed creeks and snow on an off-trail traverse in Alaska’s Chugach Range, the GORE-TEX membrane kept our feet dry – a must for any long adventure.
Those who count every ounce of their kit may find the X Ultra 5 a bit too beefy for their taste, and their narrow foot shape may not agree with wider feet. But those who require strong weather resistance, great traction, and solid stability for rugged adventures will feel right at home in the Salomon X Ultra 5.
Quick Specs
Men’s Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
Best Hiking Shoes Overall
CleverHiker Rating: 4.8/5.0
Price: $170
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 11 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 11 mm
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Waterproof
- Stable
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Heavy
- Single-lace eyeholes
- Limited durability
- Long break-in
- Not the best for scrambling
- Expensive
Comfort
We wore the Salomon X Ultra 5 for over 50 miles and found that it has one of the longest break-in periods of any shoe we tested. It took about forty miles for the toe crease to wear in as they made a popping noise with each step as the upper material rebounded. This noise disappeared as the crease wore in.
Paradoxically, the X Ultra has a narrow width, but a large volume. This resulted in a slightly awkward fit where our toes felt slightly crunched, but the upper had to be cinched all down so much that the opposing eyelets were touching to secure our feet.
We loved the X Ultra 5s for their highly stable feel. Wearing these on steep rocky terrain, they felt solid and supportive with lots of protection for off-trail travel. However, their thick material, while strongly weather-resistant and supportive, makes them hot. These are not our top choice to wear for a desert adventure but are perfect for cool and damp days.
Traction
The X-Ultra 5 features Salomon’s proprietary Contragrip rubber, a strong compound with great grip. The deep, widely placed lugs are great for digging into loose surfaces and shedding mud quickly. They never gummed up, even while bushwhacking through some of Alaska’s notorious bogs. The chevron pattern is great for multi-directional grip, and they felt secure while descending steep pitches of alpine rock and tundra.
The stiff and hard Contragrip rubber compound does suffer on smooth and wet surfaces, though. The grip was less confidence-inspiring while hopping across slippery river rocks, and it was noticeably slick on smooth shale. However, its traction was still among the best of the shoes we tested; these select surface types gave them a little more trouble.
Weight
There’s no getting around that these are heavy and burly shoes. Weighing in at 1 lb 10.8 ounces per pair, the X Ultra 5s are some of the heavier shoes in our lineup. This was noticeable on long hikes, especially when the shoes became wet. If you’re someone who counts every ounce, then these are likely not the shoes for you. But their heft translates into a highly stable shoe that can pound through any terrain.
Durability
One noticeable update for the 5th version of the X Ultra is its increased durability. The new Matryx woven upper is extremely durable, so far proving to eliminate the toe crease blowout common in earlier materials. This material was built with high-tenacity Kevlar and technical yarn to give it exceptional durability. In over 50 miles of beating these shoes through scree, rocks, and rugged trails, they showed no signs of slowing down. If you’re looking for a shoe to last day after day on the trail, the X Ultra 5 is a great choice.
Weather Resistance
With its GORE-TEX membrane, the X Ultra 5 is one of the best shoes we tested for wet and muddy days on the trail. Wearing these for an off-trail traverse in Alaska’s Chugach range, we loved their ability to keep our feet dry while crossing creeks and snow patches. They effectively kept our feet dry – though the thick material is noticeably warm and does not breathe as well as others. We recommend these shoes for anyone who spends extended periods hiking in wet and cool weather.
Should You Buy The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Hiking Shoe?
If you’re someone who hikes off-trail in wet, muddy, or snowy conditions regularly, then you will love the X Ultra 5. It is highly weather-resistant, perfect for crossing streams and snow. However, its thicker upper material traps extra heat, making it not the best choice for hot summer temperatures. The X Ultra 5’s weight may not be the best fit for ultra-light enthusiasts, but it makes it great for off-trail and rough trail hikes where stability is paramount. Pick up a pair for your next rugged adventure that requires strong weather resistance, durability, and traction for travel in demanding environments.
What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
Check out our full lineup of hiking shoe to see our other favorites:
Merrell Moab 3 Review: If you like highly stable and supportive shoes, the Merrell Moab 3 fits the bill.
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review: At the opposite end of the weight spectrum from the Ultra X 5, the Ultraventure 4 is extremely light and nimble.
Altra Lone Peak 9 Review: With its wide toe box and zero drop profile, the Lone Peak is perfect for the natural foot shape enthusiast.
