Men’s Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review

Bottom Line

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is a comfortable, burly, and versatile hybrid between a hiking shoe and trail runner. We’ve tested these kicks over dozens of miles in wet spring and fall conditions in the high Rockies, from marshy basins to high mountain ridges. They combine the durability and waterproofing of a classic hiking shoe with the comfort and breathability of a trail runner. The aggressive lug pattern offers stellar traction, making them ideal for both steep ascents and wet conditions. Plus, the X Ultra 4s are pleasantly light – about 14 ounces per shoe – so they feel spry and flexible, and require almost no break-in time.

On the downside, the fit is narrower and the midsole is stiffer than previous versions. Though the unique quicklace system takes some getting used to and these shoes don’t last quite as long as other models, if you want a pair that makes for fast movement in tough conditions, these shoes will be a perfect fit.

Comfort

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTXs are comfortable out of the box. Their supportive, springy midsole and stable outsoles guarantee a smooth and cushioned ride that makes the X Ultra 4s an amazingly versatile shoe. We recommend them for everything from rocky scrambles and marshy routes to steep, sandy ascents and long, flat trail runs.

The waterproof liner will keep your feet dry in wet conditions, but the uppers remain breathable enough to stay cool and dry when temperatures rise. Plus, they have a minimal break-in period thanks to a large heel tab for easy on / off, a snug fit, and soft heel cuff and tongue. We hit the trails immediately after unboxing these shoes and experienced no issues with blisters or hot spots.

However, the unique Salomon Quicklace system takes some getting used to. The Quicklace uses a self-tensioning cord that can loosen over the course of a hike and needs to be re-tightened throughout the day. This system limits alternate lacing configurations, which might be a drawback for some users who want a more customized fit for their foot shape and size.

We also find the sizing runs a bit narrow, and the midsole is stiffer than prior versions, so those with wide feet may want to look elsewhere. And, the plastic heel support offers excellent stability, but it can dig into the ankle as the cuff wears down with frequent use, adding to potential discomfort over time. That said, these features also make the X Ultra 4s feel stable, secure, and fast on trail.

Traction

These shoes are the best of the best when it comes to traction – you won’t find a more reliable, sticky, or well-designed grip anywhere. For gear analyst and lead tester Ian Krammer, the X Ultra 4s exceeded expectations on eight different mountain climbs in wet and icy spring conditions in the Colorado Rockies, where he encountered deep mud, slick couloirs, and loose, rocky ridges – but these shoes kept him feeling stable on all terrain. The X Ultra 4s are one of our top recommendations for huge hiking days full of steep descents and ascents.

The aggressive outsole pattern features angular lugs that effectively shed debris, muck, and gravel while maintaining grip on slick, sandy, and stable ground. Two different types of rubber on the outsoles enhance their ability to stick to steep inclines at the forefoot and a burly outsole design at the heel provides secure braking on tricky descents.

Weight

Despite their nearly 14-ounce weight per shoe, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTXs strike a fine balance between weight and performance. The combination of lightweight, abrasion-resistant construction on the uppers – including a GORE-TEX liner and TPU overlays – keeps their weight down, but makes them feel surprisingly agile on trail. When it comes to maintaining speed and agility without compromising on traction and waterproofing, these shoes are in the Goldilocks zone.

However, the X Ultra 4s are some of the heaviest footwear we tested in the hiking shoe category. Compared to lighter models, we felt their weight the most when hiking over long distances and during extended periods of wear. Gear tester Ian Krammer found that his legs and feet were more fatigued wearing them, and he got tired at a faster rate compared to lighter shoes.

Keep in mind, though, these shoes deliver exceptional performance akin to hiking boots while retaining the maneuverability of trail runners. You’ll have to decide if their durability and stability are more important than their additional weight.

Durability

These shoes have some burly features that contribute to a longer lifespan and maintain their integrity and performance over hundreds of miles. We love elements like the sturdy toe cap, durable outsoles with a sticky, long-lasting rubber composite, and reliable metal and plastic lace hooks that last for the full life of the shoe. Their Gore-Tex waterproofing adds a layer of protection against harsh weather conditions and makes them durable and reliable in wet and mucky conditions. 

However, we’ve found their durability falls a bit short. Around the 300-mile mark, the textile uppers began to separate from the outsole, and there was significant wear on the stitching and TPU overlays. The thick plastic heel cup will eventually cut through the softer foam of the cuff and heel, potentially affecting comfort and support. The lugs tend to wear down noticeably as well, compromising their grip in more demanding conditions. While they outperform many other shoes in traction during their peak performance phase, the limited lifespan of the outsole is worth considering for years of use or long-distance backpacking trips.

Despite these drawbacks, the X Ultra 4s perform admirably for the initial 300 miles, particularly on less challenging terrain. Hikers who want long-term durability may find these shoes best suited for mellow, non-technical trails where their robust construction shines without encountering premature wear issues.

Weather Resistance

We highly recommend the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX for your next hike in muddy, wet conditions – they are some of the most weather-resistant shoes we’ve tested. Their comprehensive Gore-Tex liner fully envelops the shoes to keep your piggies dry in most conditions. We find this liner is incredibly effective against puddles, rain, muck, and even snow, and the substantial toe cap, extended TPU overlays, and durable outsoles make these shoes one of our favorites when the skies open up.

However, the X Ultra 4s lack insulation, so they’re less suitable for cold shoulder season adventures compared to insulated alternatives. But, they repel water as well as any hiking boots we’ve tested, so they’re an excellent choice for tackling adverse weather conditions without compromising on durability or traction.

Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 4?

We recommend the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX for hikers and trail runners who want a hybrid shoe that balances protective features, waterproofing, and comfort. With a beefy toecap, grippy outsoles, and semi-breathable uppers, these shoes excel in rugged terrains, steep ascents, and wet conditions. If you’re looking for a reliable shoe that requires minimal break-in time, will keep your feet dry, and offers excellent traction, the X Ultra 4s are a home run.

However, we don’t recommend these for folks with wider feet due to their narrow fit. The stiff midsole and unique Quicklace system might also be a drawback for some users. And, if durability is your top priority, we would suggest looking elsewhere, as these begin to show significant wear and tear after 300 miles, making them less ideal for long-term heavy use compared to more robust hiking shoes.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

KEEN Targhee IV WP: The KEEN Targhee IV WP offers excellent waterproofing, protective features like a large toe cap and leather uppers, and a rugged build, making it a more durable alternative to the X Ultra 4. Plus, it features a roomier toe box and a cushier midsole for a smoother and even comfier ride on trail.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: The La Sportiva Spire GTX stands out with its superior breathability and comfort, making it a great alternative for those who prioritize an airier feel on the trail. We prefer the highly adjustable lacing system of the Spires over the Salomon Quicklace system, and these shoes also include an advanced Gore-Tex liner that allows for better ventilation than the X Ultra 4.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX: The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX offers one of the cushiest, most responsive, and supportive soles of any waterproof hiking shoe we’ve tested. The lightweight design and plush feel make the Anacapas a better option for hikers who don’t mind less ground feel in favor of more shock absorption versus the Ultra 4 GTX.