Men’s Salomon X Ultra IV Mid GTX Review

Bottom Line

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is one of the lightest hiking boots on our Best Hiking Boots for Men guide. This Salomon hits the ground running with its nimble, sneaker-like feel and lightweight build. Don’t be fooled by the airy design, though – this model brings plenty of stability, protection, and weather resistance to tackle serious trails.

Cleverhiker Founder Dave Collins, Managing Editor Ben Applebaum-Bach, and Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer each have hundreds of miles on these boots, ranging from the Sonoran Desert to the California coast to peaks over 12,000 feet in Washington and Colorado. Whether it’s spring rain, fall snow, or unpredictable weather forecasts, we love the X Ultra 4 Mids for their snug fit and reliable GORE-TEX membrane to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. Their streamlined profile offers precise foot placement on tricky terrain. If you want speed and comfort over heavy-duty durability and ankle support, these boots hit the nail on the head.

The trade offs for such a light design? The X Ultra 4 Mid offers less durability and support compared to boots made with tougher materials like full leather uppers and dense rubber outsoles. Our testing shows that after about 300 miles, the X Ultra 4 Mid shows meaningful wear and tear with the uppers developing holes and the tread wearing thin. Additionally, the uppers lack the ankle support and rigidity found in bulkier options, and their more narrow fit and tighter toe box might not work for all feet. We also find the lacing system can be a bit tedious for making adjustments, and the eyelet design can be a bit uncomfortable. But for hikers wanting protective, lightweight, and agile boots for excellent control both on and off trail, these sharp-looking boots are worth a closer look. gear guide.

Comfort

If you’re looking for out-of-the-box comfort, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX delivers. With a short break-in time of around 5 to 10 miles, you can confidently hit the trail on day one without worrying about sore feet. The X Ultra 4 Mids’ incredibly lightweight build feels agile and pliable like a pair of high-top trail runners, but the mid-height design offers the solid cushioning and support we want from a hiking boot. Their flexible nylon collar combined with a large, soft heel tab and cushy, tall tongue hug your feet snugly without feeling restrictive, and a large heel loop and soft tongue makes these easy to put on and take off.

The X Ultra 4 Mid’s poly-coated leather uppers and GORE-TEX liner allow your foot to flex naturally, but this blend also helps moderate foot temperature. The X Ultra 3 Mids are breathable enough to release heat on warm days, but warm enough to keep your toes toasty on cooler days. Cushioning in the midsole absorbs impact, making them great for long days on rugged terrain and a flexible, grippy outsole gives the boots a stable feel, so you can move quickly without slipping, even on loose dirt or rocky paths. And with options for both narrow and wide fits, they’re designed to accommodate different foot types.

However, these boots have some notable drawbacks when it comes to comfort. The flexible collar provides exceptional movement, but if you need rigid support for your ankles or feet, these are not our first pick. The uppers are fairly thin and lack the robust ankle support needed for stability on rocky terrain. We also find the soles aren’t as cushioned as other boots due to the moderate stack height and flimsy insoles.

We don’t recommend these boots for heavy loads over 40 pounds. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer did a two day, 25-mile loop using these boots and carried a bit over 40 pounds. He found the thinner soles led to foot pain, a problem that was solved by picking up a more supportive insole for more comfort. And these shoes run a bit narrow with a cramped toe box, so the wide version may be a better fit for those who prefer more wiggle room. Last, the lacing system isn’t our favorite. It’s effective at keeping the boots snug, but the eyelets are a bit clunky to adjust since four of the six upper eyelets are loops, not hooks. This makes alternate lacing patterns difficult, and re-lacing your boots can be more time consuming compared to boots that use lace hooks instead. Our other issue is the third eyelet on the outside of the boot – it’s a bulky plastic tube encased in leather. It effectively locks in your heel, but the size and position of this component can dig into the top of your foot over time. We really noticed when using tall snow gaiters that put pressure on this piece. That said, compared to boots made with tougher materials our team loves these boots for their nimble feel, so try them out for yourself – we think you’ll find them comfy as they get.

Ankle Support

The X Ultra 4 Mids strike a fine balance between flexibility and support. Thanks to their mid-height design, they comfortably hug your ankle, offering just enough stability laterally without feeling restrictive. The collar height is perfect for those who want some ankle coverage for protection against roots, underbrush, and splashback from water crossings, but don’t want the stiff bulk of full-height hiking boots. We love this level of flexibility for fast-moving hikes on uneven ground, where the boot allows your ankle to move naturally. The poly-coated leather uppers add a bit of support but stay lightweight, so your ankles will stay stable even with moderate loads. The lacing system extends nearly to the top of the boot and stays in place once tied, which keeps your heels and ankles locked in place to reduce the risk of rolling. If you’re hiking with a heavy pack, these Salomons hit the sweet spot between support and agility.

But if you’re looking for full-on ankle protection, these boots don’t cut it. The flexible collar is outstanding for mobility, but it sacrifices the stiff support needed for those prone to rolling ankles or hiking on tough terrain. And while the mid-height design is comfortable for most, it won’t be enough support if you’re carrying a heavier load over 40 pounds. For those needing maximum stability, a stiffer, more robust boot like the high-cut Salomon Quest or mid-cut LOWA Renegade would be a better choice – but choose the X Ultra 4 Mids if you prefer minimal ankle support.

Weight

These boots don’t just look light on the spec sheet – they truly feel like it on the trail. At only 1 pound, 14.4 ounces, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is one of the lightest boots we’ve tested. Their materials keep the weight below 2 pounds, with poly-coated leather uppers, a soft nylon and foam interior, and lightweight EVA midsoles. Their streamlined design is more similar to some of our favorite trail runners than many hiking boots, keeping you nimble on flat trails and rolling terrain where every ounce counts. We love these boots for steep ascents, where you can conserve energy and stay comfortable as you gain elevation – especially compared to boots that weigh many ounces more.

The downside of lighter materials? They sacrifice durability. For really rough backcountry trips, a more robust option might be better suited to handle obstacles on trail. However, the X Ultra 4’s lightweight build makes it a top pick for hikers looking to move fast on mixed terrain.

Traction

Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer loves the traction on these boots, which feature an aggressive, widely-spaced tread pattern with angular lugs from toe to heel. The deep, chevron-shaped lugs bite into loose dirt and mud, and offer decent grip on slick rock for a confident step on tricky trails. A firm midsole adds just enough cushioning without compromising ground feel. For the outsoles, Solomon uses its own brand of soft and hard rubber compounds called Contagrip. It’s flexible enough to distribute pressure evenly but stiff enough to add stability on most surfaces.

These boots excel on steep inclines where other boots fall short. Thanks to a busy cluster of lugs at the toe and forefoot, the X Ultra 4 Mids are especially reliable on steep ascents and sidehill routes. At the heel, these boots pair substantial ridges with deep lugs for excellent braking on descents. In wet conditions, the tread sheds mud, gravel, and water efficiently, keeping the soles clear for uninterrupted traction. For hikers prioritizing surefootedness on unpredictable ground, these excel.

The major con of softer, stickier traction like the X Ultra 4 Mids, though, is durability. If you’re looking for boots to take on rough, rocky trails, or footwear that lasts many years, these might miss the mark. The rubber compounds make for excellent grip, but it’s short lived – during testing, we find the lugs are substantially worn down around 500 miles of regular use. We continued to wear them past that point, but the reduction in traction is noticeable. So, while these boots shine in most off-trail conditions, they aren’t our top recommendation for extended mileage.

Weather Resistance

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX will keep your feet dry in challenging and wet conditions. The GORE-TEX membrane is the star here, sealing out moisture during long slogs through rain-soaked trails while still letting your feet breathe – and avoiding overheating. The poly-coated leather uppers are moisture resistant as well, meaning you won’t feel the wet grass, and you can cross shallow streams with confidence. When it starts to drizzle, the protective toe cap, gusseted tongue, and mid-height design block water, debris, and splashback, and fast-drying nylon laces stay locked in place. These Salomons maintain their waterproof integrity even in a couple of inches of snow, making them versatile enough for year-round use. All of this weather protection comes without sacrificing flexibility, so your feet can move naturally even in stormy conditions. 

But, the X Ultra 4 Mids’ rely heavily on its GORE-TEX membrane – which works wonders against moisture – but it will eventually soak through. This liner is highly effective, but if you’re hiking in nonstop rain, snow, or repeatedly crossing wide, low creeks and streams, water will eventually seep in. Luckily, these boots are so lightweight that they dry fairly fast – usually in just a few hours.

That said, if you dunk your foot or they soak through, these boots will feel uncomfortable. The GORE-TEX can trap moisture that may lead to rubbing and blisters, so you may want to take some time to let them dry out a bit. The poly-coated leather isn’t as rugged as full-grain leather, leading to quicker wear on consistently wet terrain. These boots are thinner than others we’ve tested, so they work well in snow, but definitely feel colder compared to thick leather boots. On the flipside, these boots are light and breathable enough to wear on days up to 80°F, but on hotter days and in high humidity, they feel clammy and hot. For most hikers in mild conditions, these boots deliver just the right level of protection against storms.

Durability

When it comes to durability, the X Ultra 4 Mids are average. The poly-coated leather uppers provide a solid balance between flexibility and resistance to wear, and hold up well against trail obstacles like roots, underbrush, and sharp rocks. Salomon’s attention to details like metal eyelets, strong laces, and a rugged toe cap helps these boots last longer.

It’s worth noting that our testing was mostly on mixed alpine terrain, from groomed paths to extremely rough scree slopes and boulder fields above treeline in the Colorado Rockies. Our testing shows the midsoles and outsoles on challenging mountain terrain performed well up to 500 miles. 

These boots are ideal for trails that demand speed and agility while still offering decent durability. However, the trade-off for the lightweight design is that they don’t offer the same longevity as heavier, more robust boots. The poly-coated leather shows signs of wear earlier than more durable materials, especially after extended use on rough trails and rocky routes. However, we’ve found the most significant wear is on the soles. The traction is exceptional for the first half of the boots’ life, but the lugs eventually become squishy, rounded, and lose their grip. This is also true of the soft, flexible collar and tongue – they’re enormously comfortable, but they lose shape and develop holes from regular use.

But this isn’t a dealbreaker for us. These boots are built for lightweight, agile performance on tough routes – not for long-term use on moderate trails – and they’re absolutely perfect if that’s what you’re after.

Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX?

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is for experienced hikers who want ultralight performance and agility over durability. Because they’re so airy and light, these boots have a nimble and sporty feel for fast movement on mixed terrain. They’re a great choice for hikers who need protection from the elements without committing to a stiff, hot boot. The flexible but protective collar allows for natural ankle movement, and fast drying laces distribute pressure evenly across the boot. A protective toe cap, sticky traction, and a short break-in period makes the X Ultra 4 Mid a top pick for fast-paced backpackers and day hikers who tackle moderate terrain in spring, summer, and fall. 

However, these boots may not be suitable for hikers with heavy backpacks who need advanced stability and ankle protection, and they don’t have the durability or burly construction needed for tackling rugged, rocky terrain for extended periods. These boots simply don’t have the lifespan of boots made with nubuck leather, and the combination of their thinner uppers and softer soles means they can’t withstand harsh conditions as well as more robust boots. The lacing system isn’t our favorite and can be a bit cumbersome for making adjustments, and folks who prefer a bigger toe box and a wider fit may also want to look elsewhere. The X Ultra 4 Mids are a good price for some of the lightest boots out there for fast, active adventures.

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 4 Mids, 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 – although they cost a bit more.

LOWA Renegade 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

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2 Review: The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 2s share the X Ultra 4 Mids’ exceptionally light weight, narrow fit, and spry feel, and they’re just as grippy and comfy, too. These boots feel more like high-top trail runners, though, with even better flexibility and speed thanks to reduced ankle support – they offer similar protection, but with less rigidity. They aren’t quite as weather resistant as a result, but for fast-moving hikers on well-maintained trails the Ultra Raptor 2s are a maneuverable and lightweight option for speed on active hikes.