SALOMON Men's X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots

Product Information

There are many reasons why we like these hiking boots so much but one of the most important reasons is their versatility. It’s rare to find a pair of boots that can accommodate to a multitude of terrains so well. Here’s our explanation of why it is like that: These Gore-Tex boots also feature a protective toe cap and mudguard, which add an extra layer of protection against water and help you shed mud before it gets the uppers wet.

Easy to clean and maintain in good condition. Proper care is an absolute must if you wish to extend the life of a pair of hiking boots.

Performance Comparison

Additionally, the Moab 2 Mid WP’s Vibram outsole is made from a more rigid and durable compound and has deeper lugs, so this model is a better choice for muddy roads. The boots come in both regular and wide widths, so you can choose the best option for your foot. If you have average-width feet like me, the wide option will provide a more comfortable fit. These hiking shoes have a high-cut design that offers extra protection on long distances and a great all-around fit. In the case of the X Ultra 3, the regular width shoe is much too tight, and while the Wide model is somewhat better, it is also much too snug, to the point of still being uncomfortable. Also, the skin covering the Achilles on my left foot was rubbed raw after just a few miles. After conducting a lot of research I bought a pair of SalomonX Ultra 3 Wide GTX Low. (The non-GTX model which was my first choice is not available in wide.)

We will probably write an in-depth review about them in the following months. Hopefully, the issues will have been resolved by then. Conclusion This hiking boot has a mid-cut design that provides extra support and protection to the ankles, which is crucial when navigating rough terrain.Shaving weight often comes at the sacrifice of on-trail comfort, but that’s not the case with the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. The Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route was an ideal testing ground, starting with an unrelenting descent of over 4,500 feet. By the end of our first 9-mile day, I had only experienced light soreness, and I wasn’t immediately wanting to remove the boots when we finally got to camp, which is very high praise for a new pair of hiking footwear. In addition, there was very little break-in required. The X Ultra 3 felt far less stiff than Salomon’s own Quest 4 out of the box, although I did wear it on a few day hikes before heading into the Canyon. And the rest of the boot’s testing has gone just as smoothly: I haven’t dealt with any hotspots or notable discomfort throughout a year of use. While waterproof as well, it doesn’t feature the GTX membrane, so its waterproofing is considered less reliable. The padded collar is comfortable, although, on slippery surfaces and more technical terrain, we felt that this great boot is not as supportive as a high-cut model. The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX have been worn during numerous hiking trips since February 2021 (over the course of almost two years) and we can say that they’re extremely efficient over a variety of terrain and conditions without compromising on comfort. Lighter than most traditional hiking boots and provided with good cushioning, the X Ultra 3 offers good performance on a long hike. Plus, these boots resemble trail runners, so they are not overly stiff and need no break in period. Where Does It Fall Short in Performance?

Attractive style and design, visually appealing unlike competitors such as the Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX or KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof for example. To build more lightweight boots, Salomon gave up leather for this model, replacing it with synthetic materials, which also dry faster. Salomon hiking boots and walking shoes are the ultimate companions for hikers seeking unbeatable performance and comfort. Engineered with advanced features such as Gore-Tex technology, these boots offer waterproof protection while allowing your feet to breathe, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable throughout your outdoor adventures.

Our Verdict

The stitching is strong though, and we also expect the GTX lining to preserve the waterproofing for a long time. 2. Traction However, if you have flat feet or high arches, you may need to add an additional insole for more support. How It Evolved? The lace hooks located at the top of the boots have the potential to catch on pants, microspikes, or other objects These boots have endured over a dozen mountain hikes, and remarkably, their soles are still like new. This doesn’t happen often. Still, tread life is hard to predict but if you want to prolong its lifespan, avoid pavement. While these boots are undeniably comfortable for city strolls, they are specifically designed for hiking. The soles and lugs are optimized for technical ascents, descents, and general trail usage, rather than pavement. Mud, gravel or loose dirt – the lug pattern is engineered to keep you stable on mixed terrain (early spring; 650-700 m a.s.l.) Weight and versatility The cushioning on the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX is highly effective in reducing impact and providing support to the feet.

This product is a waterproof boot that uses a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry in snowy or rainy weather. As we walked in the wide version of these Gore-Tex boots on the Bryce Canyon’s Rim Trail, they proved supportive, and there were only a few sections of the path where they struggled to maintain traction. Walking in temps above 30°C (86°F) can be a bit uncomfortable mainly because of the waterproof-breathable membrane. Note that we’ve tested these in temps around 35°C (95°F) and there was no problem whatsoever. Still, most people (including ourselves) find that a pair of trail runners or sandals is a much better option for the summer heat than hiking boots. Another good option is the non-waterproof model called Salomon X Ultra 3 Aero.The market of hiking boots is full of models and designs touted as “the next big thing”. But “all that glitters is not gold” as the saying goes. Not among the lightest models but still lighter than other major models without sacrificing on stability or comfort. The only slight issue is when you walk under the sun and the temps are higher than 30°C (86°F). Waterproof membranes are known to cut breathability and cause feet to sweat more but we haven’t noticed anything like this. The breathability is decent and the feet stay dry and cool. The main problem is related to the cushioning around the ankle and tongue as it could make your feet feel really hot on scorching summer days. But it isn’t hard to guess that this footwear is not for such kind of weather unless going through forests or mountains where there’s plenty of shade. As it is more breathable, it keeps feet cool in warm weather and cosy in chillier conditions, unlike other waterproof walking boots which do not provide ventilation. Despite a few criticisms about the sizing, this pair can still be worn by those with broader feet as it is available in a wide width for both men and women. Overall, it comes highly recommended by hikers and walkers of all levels. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Features It isn’t a surprise that the X Ultras are so popular among outdoor lovers of all age ranges and a longtime favorite of many outdoorsmen. The support, traction, and stability they offer are top-level. This isn’t a big surprise but what’s really amazing is how these shoes support foot movement without being heavy or overly stiff. The lightweight Advanced Chassis placed between the midsole and outsole is one of the key stabilizing components. The chassis design helps stabilize the heel for optimized motion control. What’s really cool is that this allows the wearer to feel stable even in mountainous territory where rugged terrain and rough mountain paths are ubiquitous.