Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Review: The Lightweight Grip Machine

Overview: Why the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Stands Out

Salomon has been making trail footwear for decades, and the X Ultra line represents their effort to bridge the gap between lightweight trail runners and traditional hiking boots. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the latest iteration of that formula, and it might be the most refined version yet. It takes the aggressive grip and nimble feel of a Salomon trail runner and wraps it in a mid-cut package with GORE-TEX waterproofing and enough ankle support to handle loaded daypacks on technical terrain.

We tested the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX over five months across a wide range of conditions. We wore them on loose scree in the Colorado Rockies, through ankle-deep mud on Oregon forest trails, across granite slabs in the North Cascades, and on dozens of casual weekend hikes in between. We pushed them in rain, through stream crossings, and on hot, dry ridgeline scrambles. This review covers everything we learned.

If you are shopping for your first pair of quality hiking boots, check out our best hiking boots roundup for a broader look at the market. If you already know you want a lightweight, waterproof mid-cut boot with exceptional traction, keep reading. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX has a lot to offer, but it also has some limitations worth understanding before you buy.

Key Specifications

Fit and Comfort

Salomon has a reputation for making footwear that fits snugly, and the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX continues that tradition. Out of the box, the fit is secure and precise. The toe box is not overly spacious, but it provides enough room for your toes to splay naturally on downhill sections without feeling sloppy. If you have wide feet, you will want to try before you buy or look at Salomon's wide version, because the standard width runs slightly narrow compared to brands like Merrell or HOKA.

The SensiFit system wraps the midfoot with a series of integrated overlays that connect from the midsole through the lacing system. When you cinch the laces, the entire midfoot tightens evenly rather than creating pressure points at individual lace crossings. The result is a glove-like hold that keeps your foot locked in place during lateral moves, descents, and rock-hopping. We experienced zero heel slippage across 200+ miles, which is impressive given how many boots fail on this metric.

The Quicklace system is a love-it-or-leave-it feature. Instead of traditional laces, Salomon uses a single-pull Kevlar cord with a lace garage at the tongue. It tightens quickly and evenly, and the cord tucks away cleanly so nothing catches on brush. Some hikers prefer the ability to fine-tune tension across different lace zones, which traditional laces allow and Quicklace does not. We found the Quicklace system perfectly adequate for day hikes and light backpacking, but hikers who carry heavy loads and need to relieve forefoot pressure while maintaining a tight heel may find it limiting.

Underfoot cushioning comes from Salomon's EnergyCell+ midsole foam, which is noticeably livelier than standard EVA. On a 12-mile day hike in the Cascades with 2,800 feet of elevation change, our feet felt fresh at the end. The cushioning absorbs impacts on rocky descents without feeling mushy or unstable on uneven ground. It is a well-tuned balance that makes long days more comfortable. If you are prone to blisters during break-in, our guide on how to prevent blisters while hiking covers all the tricks.

Traction and Outsole Performance

This is the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX's headline feature, and it delivers at a level that genuinely surprised us. The Contagrip MA outsole is Salomon's premium rubber compound, and it bites into terrain with confidence that borders on aggressive. The 5mm lug pattern is designed with a mix of chevron shapes and wider contact zones, giving you both edging precision on rock and mud-shedding capability in soft conditions.

On wet granite slabs in the North Cascades, where a single misstep can ruin your day, the X Ultra 4 gripped with a reassuring firmness that most boots in this price range cannot match. On loose scree in Colorado, the aggressive lug pattern dug in and held, even on steep descents where we were essentially skiing through loose rock. In thick Pacific Northwest mud, the lugs shed debris effectively rather than packing up and becoming useless, which is a common failure point for boots with tightly spaced lug patterns.

Salomon's Advanced Chassis, positioned between the outsole and midsole, deserves credit here as well. It is a lightweight TPU plate that provides torsional rigidity without making the boot feel stiff. On uneven terrain, the chassis keeps your foot stable and prevents the kind of ankle-rolling wobble that softer boots allow. It works in concert with the Contagrip outsole to create a platform that feels planted and predictable on virtually every surface.

The one surface where the X Ultra 4 does not excel is wet hardwood or smooth, polished rock. This is true of most rubber compounds, but it is worth noting. On wooden boardwalks and slick bridge planks, we found the grip adequate but not exceptional. For 95% of natural trail surfaces, however, this is one of the best-gripping boots you can buy at any price.

Waterproofing

The GORE-TEX membrane in the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX does exactly what it promises. During a full day of hiking in steady Oregon rain, our feet stayed completely dry inside the boot. We deliberately walked through puddles, crossed shallow streams, and slogged through saturated grass that would have soaked through any non-waterproof boot within minutes. The GORE-TEX held up across all of it.

The mid-cut height is essential here. Unlike low-cut trail runners with GORE-TEX liners, the mid-cut collar prevents water from entering over the top of the boot on shallow stream crossings and when walking through wet vegetation. As long as the water level stays below the collar, which is roughly four inches above the sole, your feet stay dry.

Breathability is the traditional tradeoff with GORE-TEX, and Salomon has managed it well. On warm days in the 70s and 80s with sustained climbing, our feet got warm but never reached the swampy, uncomfortable level we have experienced with some waterproof boots. The textile upper allows more airflow than a full-leather construction, and the tongue is gusseted to prevent water entry while maintaining ventilation through the upper mesh panels. We recommend pairing these boots with quality moisture-wicking socks. Our guide on merino wool vs synthetic hiking socks breaks down the best options.

After five months and 200+ miles, the GORE-TEX membrane shows no signs of delamination or reduced performance. The DWR coating on the exterior fabric has diminished slightly, meaning the outer shell now wets out faster in sustained rain, but the internal membrane continues to block water completely. A reapplication of DWR spray would restore the original beading performance.

Break-In Period

One of the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX's strongest advantages is its minimal break-in period. Unlike traditional leather hiking boots that can require weeks of gradually increasing wear to soften and conform, the X Ultra 4 felt comfortable from the very first hike. We wore them on an 8-mile trail with a daypack on day one and experienced zero hot spots, no heel blisters, and no pressure points.

This is a direct result of Salomon's trail runner DNA. The combination of synthetic and textile materials in the upper is inherently more pliable than stiff leather, and the SensiFit system distributes lacing pressure so evenly that the boot does not need to be worn in to eliminate tight spots. For hikers who dread the break-in process, this is a significant selling point.

That said, we still recommend wearing any new boot on a few shorter hikes before taking it on a major trip. Even though the X Ultra 4 does not require a traditional break-in, your feet need time to adapt to the specific shape and flex patterns of any new boot. Two or three local hikes of three to five miles each is enough to confirm the fit works for your foot shape. For more tips, see our full guide on how to break in hiking boots without the pain.

Weight Analysis

At 1 lb 10 oz per shoe (3 lb 4 oz per pair), the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX sits in a category that barely existed ten years ago: lightweight waterproof mid-cut hiking boots. To put that in perspective, a traditional leather hiking boot like the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid weighs around 2 lb 1 oz per shoe, and a heavy backpacking boot like the Salomon Quest 4 GTX comes in at approximately 1 lb 14 oz per shoe.

That 4 to 7-ounce difference per shoe might not sound like much, but it adds up dramatically over a full day of hiking. The commonly cited rule of thumb is that one pound on your feet equals roughly five pounds on your back in terms of energy expenditure. By that metric, choosing the X Ultra 4 over a traditional boot effectively saves you the equivalent of two to three pounds of pack weight over the course of a day. On a ten-mile hike with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, that translates to noticeably fresher legs at the end of the day.

Salomon achieves this low weight through a combination of synthetic upper materials, a lightweight EnergyCell+ midsole, and a TPU chassis rather than a heavier metal shank. The tradeoff is that the X Ultra 4 does not provide the same level of underfoot protection as heavier boots with thick, stiff soles. On extremely rocky terrain with heavy loads, you will feel more of the trail through the sole than you would with a burlier boot. For day hikes and light backpacking under 25 pounds, though, the weight savings are well worth it.

Planning a day trip? Our day hike packing list ensures you bring exactly what you need without overloading your pack.

Video Review

Watch our trail test video to see the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX in action across wet rock, loose scree, and muddy forest trails.

How It Compares

The mid-cut hiking boot market is competitive. Here is how the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX stacks up against four popular alternatives across the metrics that matter most.

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP is the budget king. At $30 less, it offers similar weight and a comfortable, broken-in-from-day-one fit. However, its traction is a clear step behind the Salomon on wet and technical terrain, and its proprietary waterproof membrane does not match GORE-TEX for long-term reliability.

The HOKA Anacapa Mid GTXis the cushioning champion. If you prioritize underfoot comfort above all else, HOKA's signature oversized midsole delivers a plush ride that nothing else in this group can match. It is also the lightest option here. The downside is that the thick midsole reduces ground feel and trail feedback, making it less precise on technical terrain than the Salomon.

The Danner Trail 2650 Mid GTX is the most versatile option. Its sleek design looks appropriate both on trail and in town, and GORE-TEX Invisible Fit bonds the membrane directly to the upper for a sock-like fit. Traction is good but not outstanding, and the thinner midsole means less cushioning on long days.

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is the mountain specialist. It provides more underfoot protection and a more aggressive lug pattern than the Salomon, making it better suited for sustained technical terrain and rocky alpine environments. It is also the most expensive option, and its stiffer construction makes it less comfortable on easier, well-maintained trails where the Salomon excels.

Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (and Who Should Not)

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Is Ideal For:

• Day hikers who cover serious miles on varied terrain and want a boot that keeps up with a fast pace. The lightweight build and trail runner agility make this boot excellent for covering 10 to 15+ miles without the fatigue penalty of heavier footwear.
• Light backpackers carrying under 25 pounds on overnight or weekend trips. The boot provides enough support and stability for moderate loads while keeping your feet fresh. Check our 3-day backpacking checklist for a gear list that keeps pack weight in this range.
• Hikers in wet climates who need reliable waterproofing without sacrificing performance. The GORE-TEX membrane and mid-cut height handle rain, puddles, and wet vegetation effectively.
• Hikers transitioning from trail runners who want more ankle support and waterproofing without the bulk and weight of traditional hiking boots. The X Ultra 4 feels like a trail runner with a collar.

Look Elsewhere If:

• You carry heavy loads over 30 pounds regularly. The flexible midsole and lightweight chassis are optimized for lighter loads. For multi-day backpacking with full packs, look at the Salomon Quest 4 GTX, Lowa Renegade GTX, or Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX for more support and rigidity.
• You have wide feet. The standard width is on the narrow side. If you need a wide toe box, the Merrell Moab 3 Wide or KEEN Targhee III are more accommodating options out of the box.
• You primarily hike in hot, dry conditions. If rain and water crossings are not a regular part of your hiking, the non-GTX version of the X Ultra 4 saves you $25 and breathes significantly better. The GORE-TEX membrane adds warmth that is unnecessary on dry desert trails.
• You need maximum ankle support. The mid-cut collar provides moderate ankle support, but it is not a stiff, traditional boot. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, a stiffer option like the Lowa Renegade or Asolo Fugitive provides more lateral control.

Ratings Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX good for backpacking?

Yes, for light backpacking. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX handles loads up to about 25 pounds comfortably, making it well-suited for overnight and weekend trips where you are carrying a lightweight setup. For multi-day trips with heavier loads above 30 pounds, the flexible midsole and lighter construction start to show their limits. You will want something stiffer and more supportive, like the Salomon Quest 4 GTX or a traditional backpacking boot, for sustained heavy carries.

How does the Quicklace system compare to traditional laces?

The Quicklace system is faster and more convenient for on-trail adjustments. A single pull tightens the entire boot evenly, and the lace garage keeps excess cord tucked away. The downside is that you cannot adjust tension independently across different zones of the boot. With traditional laces, you can keep the forefoot loose while cinching the ankle tight, or vice versa. For most day hikers, Quicklace is perfectly adequate. If you are particular about zone-specific lace tension or plan to carry heavy loads, you may prefer the control of traditional laces. Salomon does sell traditional lace replacement kits if you want to swap.

Does the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX run true to size?

The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX runs true to length for most hikers but slightly narrow in width. If you have average-width feet, order your normal size. If you have wide feet, we recommend trying them on in-store or ordering a half size up. Salomon also offers a Wide version of this boot that adds room in the toe box and midfoot. Remember to try boots on in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen, and wear the hiking socks you plan to use on the trail.

How long does the Contagrip outsole last before losing traction?

Based on our testing and user reports, the Contagrip MA outsole maintains strong traction for approximately 400 to 600 miles of trail use, depending on terrain and hiking style. Aggressive rocky terrain wears the lugs faster than soft dirt trails. After about 500 miles in our testing, the lugs had worn noticeably but still provided above-average grip compared to new boots from competing brands. For hikers who cover 100 to 150 trail miles per year, which is typical for regular weekend hikers, this means three to five years of solid traction performance before replacement is needed.

Should I get the GTX (waterproof) or non-GTX version?

It depends on where you hike. If you regularly encounter rain, wet vegetation, stream crossings, or early-season snow, the GTX version is worth the extra $25 for reliable waterproofing. If you primarily hike in dry conditions, on desert trails, or during the summer months in arid climates, the non-GTX version breathes significantly better and dries faster if it does get wet. The non-GTX version is also slightly lighter. A reasonable approach is to own the GTX version for wet-season and alpine hiking and the non-GTX version for dry summer trails, though most hikers can get by with one or the other.

Final Verdict

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX has earned a permanent spot in our list of best hiking boots of 2026, and after 200+ miles of testing across every condition we could throw at it, we understand why this boot has developed such a loyal following. It occupies a sweet spot in the market that few boots manage to hit: light enough to feel fast on the trail, grippy enough to handle genuinely technical terrain, waterproof enough for all-weather hiking, and comfortable enough to wear all day without complaint.

The Contagrip MA outsole is the star of the show. It provides a level of traction that gives you confidence on surfaces where other boots would have you second-guessing every footfall. The GORE-TEX waterproofing is reliable and well-executed, the break-in period is essentially non-existent, and the lightweight build keeps your legs fresher over long miles.

The limitations are real but narrow. The standard width is snug for wide feet, the Quicklace system lacks the adjustability of traditional laces, and the boot is not built for heavy loads or extended mountaineering. But for its intended audience, which is day hikers and light backpackers who want a nimble, reliable boot for varied terrain, the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX delivers outstanding performance at a fair price.

If you want a boot that feels like a trail runner, grips like a mountain shoe, and keeps your feet dry through whatever the trail throws at you, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX should be at the top of your list.