Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Impeccable waterproofing
- Very lightweight
- Great grip for mixed terrain
- Excellent support and lockdown
- Stable platform
- True-to-size fit
Cons
- Minimal shock absorption
- Quicklace is not for everyone
- Too-high collar
Key Features
- Trekking Shoes: Built specifically for challenging terrains, these boots offer reliable traction and support.
- Ground Infection Control: Designed to minimize ground contact and improve stability.
- Soft, Breathable Lining: The lining provides extreme comfort, keeping your feet cool and dry during extended wear.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber, providing excellent traction.
- Shaft Height: Ankle Strap, offering additional ankle support.
- Outer Material: Leather, which is both durable and stylish.
- Inner Material: Mesh, ensuring breathability and comfort.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is an excellent choice for hikers seeking a lightweight, versatile shoe with effective cushioning. After extensive testing both in the lab and on trails, it emerged as the top overall hiking shoe from Salomon.
During our test hikes, our feet remained dry even when crossing streams, highlighting its significant waterproofing capabilities without excessive weight. We measured the shoe's weight at 13.3 oz (378g), which is 5% lighter than the average for hiking shoes, making it suitable for thru-hiking where energy conservation is essential.
In lab tests, we found the midsole softness to be measured at 32.5 HA, aligning with the average for hiking footwear. This balance provides sufficient protection underfoot while maintaining a comfortable ground feel.
The X Ultra 4 GTX offers notable stability due to a shank in the midsole that reinforces the midfoot, reducing the risk of rolling on uneven terrain. Our lab measurement indicated a bending stiffness of 20.9N, making it 14.2% stiffer than average, which enhances support during long hikes.
When subjected to simulated winter temperatures by freezing for 20 minutes, the shoe exhibited a significant increase in stiffness, becoming 75% stiffer in sub-zero conditions. Therefore, we advise against storing these shoes outside during winter hikes, as they do not perform the same until warmed up.
La Sportiva Spire GTX
Pros
- Feels like a backpacking boot with low collar
- Unparalleled stability and support
- Superb waterproofness with some breathabilty
- Mutes out rocks and debris like no other
- Excellent grip and braking
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Greater range of sizes allows to fine tune the fit
Cons
- Can feel tippy on rocky and hilly terrain
- Frail inner lining
- Gets even firmer in cold
Key Features
- 360-Degree Breathability: Incorporates ePE Gore-Tex® Surround™ and Nano Cell 2.0 technologies for superior ventilation.
- Lightweight Construction: Designed to be lightweight yet durable, offering ease of movement on trails.
- Cushioned Midsole: Provides excellent shock absorption for long hikes, helping reduce fatigue.
- Durable Materials: Made with high-quality rubber and mesh that withstands regular wear and tear.
- Excellent Traction: The rugged sole ensures grip on various surfaces, enhancing stability during your adventures.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Mesh
The La Sportiva Spire GTX is an ideal backpacking shoe for winter hikes, providing warmth, protection, and stability for snowy and unpredictable conditions. Our testing, both in the lab and on the trail, confirmed its effectiveness during various outdoor adventures.
With a heel foam thickness of 39.1 mm, one of the tallest measurements we've encountered, the shoe offers significant isolation from ground impact and debris. The heel features a steep incline of 16.0 mm, which helps reduce stress on the Achilles tendon, allowing for longer treks while carrying heavy loads.
The cushion measures a firm 32.6 HA on our durometer, enhancing overall stability. Additionally, the STB control system includes tall sidewalls that cradle the feet securely, while the Vibram outsole, equipped with 4.3 mm deep lugs, ensures reliable traction on various surfaces.
Designed to withstand cold weather, the upper provides excellent protection against harsh winds, achieving a low score of 1/5 in breathability tests, which is beneficial for winter footwear. However, it’s important to note that the already firm midsole becomes even firmer in colder temperatures, making this shoe less suitable for those who prefer softer cushioning.
Salomon X Ultra 4
Pros
- Lightweight
- Exceptional breathability
- Excellent grip
- Comfortable midsole
- Great ankle support
- Insanely protective
Cons
- Lacing system is not adjustable
- Some issues with rubbing at the ankle
Key Features
- Trekking Shoes: Built specifically for challenging terrains, these boots offer reliable traction and support.
- Ground Infection Control: Designed to minimize ground contact and improve stability.
- Soft, Breathable Lining: The lining provides extreme comfort, keeping your feet cool and dry during extended wear.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber, providing excellent traction.
- Shaft Height: Ankle Strap, offering additional ankle support.
- Outer Material: Leather, which is both durable and stylish.
- Inner Material: Mesh, ensuring breathability and comfort.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 is an excellent choice for those seeking a stable and cushioned ride during long outdoor activities. Despite its supportive design, it remains lightweight and features a breathable upper that enhances comfort for extended adventures. This model serves as a versatile option, bridging the gap between a hiking shoe and a boot, making it ideal for summer backpacking.
The mesh upper provides exceptional ventilation, ensuring feet stay dry and comfortable even in high temperatures. It effectively dries quickly when wet, highlighting its breathable characteristics due to the lack of waterproofing. This feature is beneficial for those who prioritize breathability over water resistance.
Weighing in at 12.5 oz (355g), the shoe offers ample padding and support. The dual-density cushioning incorporates a balanced 46.0 HA in the forefoot for comfort, paired with a firmer 51.5 HA in the heel for stability and underfoot protection, minimizing uneven compression under heavy loads. This combination significantly enhances the overall comfort during use.
The ADV-C Chassis contributes to improved stability by linking the lacing system to a shank in the midfoot area, preventing excessive foot rolls. On foot, it delivers notable support, while the Contagrip outsole enhances control during movement. With its 41 lugs measuring 5.2 mm deep, this outsole excels in providing traction across mixed surfaces.
However, the high heel counter may cause initial rubbing in the ankle and Achilles areas. Those who prefer shoes with lower heel counters might want to consider additional options. Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 4 presents significant advantages for backpacking enthusiasts while also having some comfort considerations to keep in mind.
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof
Pros
- Excellent for winter hikes
- Firm but protective cushioning
- Well-constructed and durable upper
- Lots of protective overlays
- Amazing stability
- No break-in time
Cons
- Outsole durability could be better
- Not ideal for narrow feet
- Lacks traction on wet rocks
Key Features
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water in.
- TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces; non-marking rubber outsoles leave no trace when walking indoors.
- SUPPORT: External support shank and mid cut height add ankle support and balance on uneven surfaces; contoured heel provides next level stability.
- FIT: Mid profile upper ensures a secure fit with a padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
- COMFORT: Removable metatomical footbed design offers excellent arch support and cradles to the natural contours of your foot.
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Fabric
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle
KEEN's Targhee III Waterproof is an ideal choice for long hikes across mixed terrains, providing significant comfort and support. Its spacious build, balanced cushioning, and robust lugs ensure confidence while navigating various surfaces.
The shoe features a 29.5/17.0 mm heel and forefoot, delivering a notable combination of cushioning and ground feel. This design offers stability on diverse terrains, supported by a firm cushion that remains effective even under the weight of a backpack. Our durometer tests indicate it is 11.9% denser than average, preventing uneven compression.
A wide toe compartment allows for comfortable movement, with a measured width of 106.6 mm in the toe box that tapers to 86.6 mm at the big toe. The upper construction protects against water and debris, confirmed by our lab with a 2/5 breathability rating and high durability for the toe box.
The outsole features 4.5 mm multi-directional lugs that provide reliable grip on a variety of surfaces, ranging from soft to hard and dry to wet. Constructed with thick 3.3 mm rubber, it offers both underfoot protection and durability for long-term use.
However, it's important to note that the waterproofing is effective only up to ankle level due to the shoe's low-cut design. For trails with deeper water levels, we recommend considering boots instead.