Men’s Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Review

Bottom Line

Fast-and-light hikers, take note: the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX is built for moving quickly without sacrificing confidence on the trail. We tested these boots on rocky foothill loops and wet alpine routes in Colorado, and they handled everything from slick roots to loose scree with ease. The Contagrip outsole gave reliable traction in mixed conditions, and the GORE-TEX liner kept our feet dry without overheating on warmer climbs.

Support and stability are solid for moderate loads and uneven trails. Although, the flexible ankle and softer midsole make them better suited for fast-moving hikers than those hauling heavy packs. Still, the balance of comfort, grip, and protection makes these boots ideal for three-season adventurers who like to keep their pace up. For anyone seeking a nimble, waterproof boot that doesn’t weigh them down, the X Ultra 5 delivers excellent all-around performance and value. See how it stacks up in our guide to the best hiking boots for men.

How We Tested

We tested the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX primarily on Colorado’s foothill and alpine trails during early and mid-fall. Thanks to an unusually cold and wet season, our analysts had the chance to put these boots through their paces on rain-soaked trails, fresh snow, and frozen mornings. We logged dozens of miles on mixed terrain, from hard-packed dirt to slick granite slabs, often with a 35-pound pack. These real-world conditions helped us evaluate the boot’s comfort, waterproofing, traction, and support over a range of cold-weather scenarios.

Comfort

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX is lightweight and flexible but can be a bit uncomfortable for those with wide or high-volume feet. We’ve been testing boots in the X Ultra line for over five years. The general feel is still snug, especially through the midfoot and toe box. 

That said, the average hiker with an average foot will likely find this boot to be super comfy right out of the box. The soft synthetic upper flexes naturally with your foot, making it feel more like a supportive light hiking shoe than a rigid backpacking boot. There’s a short break-in period. Our team noticed that it became more flexible and comfortable around the 10- to 15-mile mark. 

There’s plenty of well-placed padding around the ankle collar and tongue. We didn’t experience any hot spots during testing, whether carrying a light daypack or a full overnight load. Hikers who like to move fast and don’t need tons of structure will appreciate the X Ultra 5’s agility, cushioning, and all-day comfort.

Fortunately, Salomon offers a wide version of the X Ultra 5 Mid. However, the “wide” sizes are fairly limited and currently only available in the black colorway. Our analysts also found that the overall sizing runs just a touch small. If you’re between sizes or wear thicker socks, consider going up a half size.

This boot still runs a bit warm thanks to the waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Lightweight wool socks helped, but we definitely noticed some stuffiness during warm, early-fall hikes in the Colorado sunshine.

Ankle Support

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX offers solid mid-range support that feels stable on rolling terrain and uneven trails. However, it’s not built for hauling heavy packs or navigating long stretches of loose scree. It’s flexible and decently structured, providing a confident feel without feeling overbuilt. The padded collar hugs the ankle comfortably, and the synthetic upper adds just enough rigidity to keep you steady on moderate terrain.

When carrying a heavier load (35+ lbs) or tackling steep, uneven trails, the X Ultra 5 started to reveal its limits. The ankle flex became more noticeable, and we occasionally had to pay extra attention to foot placement. Adjusting the lacing helped dial in a more secure fit, but the boot still doesn’t offer the same locked-in structure as heavier-duty backpacking models.

For most hikers who like to move fast, the balance of comfort, mobility, and moderate support makes this boot an excellent all-rounder. But if you frequently head out on long backpacking trips on loose or rough terrain you may want a bit more support. 

Weight

The lightweight nature of this boot is the big draw for many hikers. Our men’s pair in size 13 weighed in at 18.5 ounces per boot (just over 2.3 pounds for the pair), which is right in line with the lighter end of the mid-height hiking boot category. That weight savings is something we definitely noticed on trail. These boots feel fast and nimble, especially compared to heavier leather options that can feel like overkill on many trails.

We really appreciated how the reduced weight helped cut down on fatigue during long days, particularly when hiking without a heavy load. Even when backpacking with a moderate pack, the X Ultra 5 never felt like it was dragging us down. However, the lightweight build does come with some tradeoffs in structure and stiffness, which we touched on in the ankle support metric. But, overall, if you’re looking for a boot that prioritizes speed and comfort without completely ditching support, the weight of the X Ultra 5 is a big win.

Traction

Traction is one area where our analyst gave Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX some pretty high marks. Throughout our testing in Colorado’s early fall, we encountered just about everything from dry, dusty trails, sudden rainstorms, and even the season’s first snow. Across it all, we were happy with the level of traction these boots provided. 

Salomon’s All Terrain Contagrip outsole really impressed us with how adaptable it is. It handled everything we threw at it, from loose gravel and slick roots to polished alpine rock, without giving us much trouble. On steep descents, the heel lugs dug in nicely for solid braking control, and the multi-directional forefoot lugs gave us the traction we needed when climbing back up. Even on muddy singletrack after a storm, the tread stayed reliable and grippy. 

We also noticed how well the tread cleared debris. We did pick up some mud and pebbles, but they rarely stuck for too long. It’s not as toothy as what you’d find on heavier boots, but that’s part of its charm; the X Ultra 5 offers dependable grip without feeling overbuilt or cumbersome.

For most three-season adventures, the traction on the X Ultra 5 feels just right: secure when the trail gets rocky, steady in wet conditions, and quick to shed mud or debris. However, if you’re often hiking through snow, deeper mud, or loose scree, you’ll want something with a more aggressive outsole. 

Weather Resistance

For wet-weather protection, the X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX does a solid job, but it’s definitely not invincible. The waterproof GORE-TEX membrane kept our feet dry through muddy trails, shallow creek crossings, and light rainstorms in Colorado’s high country. The gusseted tongue and well-sealed upper help block out splashes and puddle spray, and the boot dries fairly quickly once things do get wet.

That being said, we did start noticing some dampness seeping in at flex points after a few weeks of use, especially on steep, wet ascents where the boot bends more aggressively. We also clocked some heat buildup during warmer hikes, which is consistent with what we’ve seen in other waterproof synthetic boots. The GORE-TEX liner does a solid job of sealing out water, but it comes at the cost of breathability. This is more noticeable in the new Ultra 5 Mid vs the older Ultra 4 Mid. 

Overall, the weatherproofing performed well during testing, but like many lightweight waterproof boots, its long-term performance will depend on use and care. We recommend pairing it with summer-weight wool socks and occasional DWR maintenance to get the most out of its wet-weather protection.

Durability

The X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX holds up reasonably well, but it’s no surprise that lightweight synthetic boots don’t match the long-term toughness of leather boots. That’s still true here. After putting these through miles of rocky terrain, bushwhacks, and technical scrambles in the Colorado high country, we saw some expected wear, mainly light scuffing and nicks in the upper. Structurally, though, our test pair is still going strong.

The updated design does a good job of reducing weak spots with less exposed stitching and a more streamlined construction. However, long-term durability is still a question mark. Online reviewers frequently report issues with the X Ultra 5 compared to previous versions, especially complaints about lace eyelets breaking and seams splitting near the toe flex point.

To be fair, we haven’t run into any major failures yet, but we’ll continue to monitor these through long-term testing. For now, we’d say these are durable enough for most 3-season hikers but not the best pick for folks who regularly abuse their gear on sharp alpine terrain.

Should you buy the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX?

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX is a great fit for day hikers, fast packers, and anyone looking for a lightweight boot with more of a sneaker-like comfort and trail-ready protection. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a more agile feel and don’t typically carry a heavy load. The moderate ankle support and waterproof design make it a versatile choice for everything from local trails to backcountry overnights in mild-to-moderate weather.

It may not be the best match for hikers who need wide sizing, a more natural toe box, or extra support under heavy packs. Durability is decent for a synthetic boot, but they’re not as rugged as most full leather options. 

Overall, the X Ultra 5 Mid offers strong value for hikers who prioritize comfort, traction, and weight savings. If you’re not carrying a big load and don’t need tank-like construction, this is a nice option. 

What other hiking boots should you consider?

For more options, please see our full guide to men’s hiking boots.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Review: Like the X Ultra 5, these boots are lightweight with a narrow fit and a responsive feel. But if comfort is top priority, the Anacapa 2s are the winner with their forgiving foam soles and superior traction. They offer a flexible, nimble experience that’s perfect for hikers who want speed over harsh weather resistance and durability, making them ideal for moderate conditions.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Review: The Renegades deliver excellent ankle support and weather resistance. But these are classic all-leather hiking boots, so they  stand out for their superior cushioning, durability, and impressive traction. They’ll feel slower and clunkier, and they cost more, but if you’re looking for a wider fit and improved stability for rugged terrain, these are a reliable choice

Oboz Katabatic LT Mid GTX Review: If you want something that feels a touch lighter underfoot, the Katabatic LT Mid is worth a look. It offers similar trail-runner-inspired performance with a slightly more flexible fit and an emphasis on comfort and agility. That said, it sacrifices some structure and durability in rocky terrain.