Introducing the brand new Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, the best lightweight hiking shoe made by Salomon.
This shoe is designed for fast-moving and aggressive hiking on rough and rugged terrain. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is lightweight and athletic, similar to the build of a trail running shoe.
The X Ultra 4s also provide excellent foot protection, stability, support, and powerful grip required in tough, technical terrain. I love this shoe because it is protective but not clunky or heavy.
In this review of the Salomon X Ultra 4, I cover all the pros and cons and why they are one of the best hiking shoes you can get this year.
For this review, I have worn the Salomon X Ultra 4s in various trail conditions, including dry loose dirt, hard-packed snow, ice, sticky mud, and slush. I have tested the waterproof GORE-TEX version and the regular version for over one hundred miles each on the trails.
These hiking shoes perform well in most conditions. The treads dig in and displace slush, snow, and mud with ease. They are stable on relatively flat icy trails or hard-packed snow. But, for steep icy terrain, I will always use my microspikes.
In sticky deep mud, the grip of the treads is far superior compared to my trail running shoes (Hoka Speedgoat and Brooks Catamount. I attribute this to the deep multi-directional lugs and hard rubber that is super grippy.
The Salomon X Ultra 4s are the best lightweight hiking shoe with a trail running shoe feel and excellent foot and toe protection, underfoot support, and tremendous grip.
I use these shoes for long-distance, high-altitude hikes over rocky terrain in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
Where to buy the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Let’s now look at the Salmon X Ultra 4 hiking shoes. If you live and hike in a hot, dry climate, get these ones.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 hiking shoes (check Salomon.com) perform very well in dry, rocky conditions.
You can get fantastic grip and stability in other conditions, such as slush, snow, and mud. But your feet will get wet since there is no GORE-TEX. The non-waterproof is designed specifically for dry, warm conditions.
The ventilation in the toe box of the non-Gore-Tex Salmon X Ultra 4 hiking shoes is amazing.
Where to buy the Salomon X Ultra 4
Salomon X Ultra 4 Buyer’s Guide
I have tested all the latest hiking shoes for men. The Salomon X Ultra 4s fit my feet well and have some incredible features and benefits compared to most men’s hiking shoes. Let’s cover the pros, cons, and benefits.
Pros
- Lightweight (390 grams)
- Amazing foot protection for rocky trails
- Excellent stability on tough terrain
- Super durable outsole and treads
- Traction is phenomenal
- Multi-directional lugs displace mud, snow, and slush
- Available in a waterproof version
- The gusseted tongue keeps debris out of the shoe
- Protective mud guard
- Snug wraparound fit
- Both versions are breathable
Cons
- Expensive (but great value and longevity)
- Forefoot could have more cushion (I use aftermarket insoles for extra comfort)
Performance
The Salomon X Ultra 4 is a high-performance, protective, durable hiking shoe. However, this shoe is quite light in weight, much like a trail runner. These shoes feel amazing on my feet. I am thoroughly impressed at how sturdy, protective, and lightweight the Salomon X 4s have proven to be. No other hiking shoe comes this close to the feel of a trail runner in how they fit.
Comfort
I found the Salomon X Ultra 4 to be extremely comfortable right out of the box. This shoe truly felt amazing on my foot compared to many other hiking shoes that I have tested.
Weight
For an incredibly durable, protective, and supportive hiking shoe, it is unbelievable how lightweight the Salomon X Ultra 4 shoes feel on my feet.
Traction and grip
The Salomon X Ultra 4 delivers excellent traction and grip with the Contagrip MA outsole and a multi-directional lug tread pattern.
The rubber compound of the outsole provides long-term durability and secure traction over a wide variety of trail conditions, including wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces. They also do well on flat icy trails and are amazing in the snow.
Stability and support
Salomon introduced the new ADV-C Chassis. The goal was to deliver additional stability and support. I compared the X Ultra 4 to the X Ultra 3, and the gain in overall stability and increased forefoot support was noticeable.
Durability
The X Ultra 4 and X Ultra 3 are both super tough and sturdy for such a lightweight hiking shoes.
The side mudguards and front toe cap protect your feet and add durability against rocks and other trail debris and obstacles.
The hard rubber outsole was designed to provide long-term durability as well.
The entire heel area of the shoe feels very strong and supportive.
Even the synthetic upper has an extra durable feel and does not tear.
Fit and sizing
Salomon shoes generally fit narrow. If your feet are narrow or pretty regular in width, go for the standard version.
To accommodate my wide feet, I got the X Ultra 4 GTX wide hiking shoes. For picking sizes, the length seems true to me.
The Salomon SensiFit, Active Support wings, and quick-lace system combined are awesome. Pull the quick-lace system and get a comfortable, snug wraparound for your foot.
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX vs Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX
After trying on the Salomon X Ultra 4s and the Salomon X Ultra 3s side-by-side, I think Salomon has made great progress, particularly with its newest update for 2023.
If you read reviews on Salomon.com, REI, or Backcountry.com, you will notice a fair amount of negative feedback about the new X Ultra 4 GTX hiking shoes. Many hikers thought the X Ultra 3 hiking shoes were much better. As of 2023, it doesn’t matter because the X ultra 3s are no longer available.
Many hikers did not like the slightly higher cuff around the ankle of the X Ultra 4s. I did not experience this issue. The latest version of the X Ultra 4s now has a more traditional cuff shape and height. So this is a non-issue for all hikers now.
The X Ultra 4s show a slight improvement in overall quality from what I observed. They are more comfortable, durable, and protective on the forefoot (but not too stiff or heavy). The improved stability was noticeable to me.
The SensiFit lacing system is better in the X Ultra 4s. This lacing system provides a nice, snug fit around my foot.
I have zero complaints about the X Ultra 4s.
Conclusion:
This is the most durable, stable, and protective hiking shoe you can buy that is lightweight and athletic like a trail runner.
The majority of lightweight hiking shoes fail when it comes to durability, support, and foot protection. Not the Salomon X Ultra 4s. They over-deliver and stand out amongst the competition. I could not find another lightweight hiking shoe that worked for me. Support, foot protection, and also long-term durability are mandatory in the rocky, technical terrain that we have in Colorado.
I like the customized fit that the SensiFit and Quicklace system creates. It is a locked-in feel with zero slippage, which is super important for aggressive, fast-moving hikers that like to run on the trails.
Finally, the outsole and lug treads are more durable than other lightweight hiking shoes I have tested. I am often disappointed by how quickly the treads of trail running shoes wear out. The lugs of the X Ultra 4 hiking shoes are also extremely effective at displacing mud, slush, and snow. This helps to maintain an excellent grip.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX hiking shoes are completely waterproof and breathable. I do not find my feet sweaty or damp, which can happen when shoes have a waterproof lining.
As for the Salomon X Ultra 4s, I love how ventilated and breathable these hiking shoes feel. They are the most breathable shoes I have ever worn. My feet will never overheat in these shoes, which you need in hot climates.