Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
Pros
- Stable and grounded platform
- Flexible forefoot adds maneuverability
- Great grip on wet terrain and rocks
- Surefooted on mixed and hilly trails
- Much lighter than average
- Excellent Gore-Tex waterproofing
- Tough and durable upper
Cons
- Minimal cushioning and shock absorption
- Not for deep mud
Key Features
- Lightweight Design: This boot provides a balance between weight and stability, making it ideal for long hikes.
- Matryx®️ Upper: Constructed with ultra-durable materials that offer excellent support and durability.
- Contagrip Outsole: Engineered for superior grip on various terrains, ensuring you remain stable regardless of the conditions.
- Gore-Tex Technology: Keeps your feet dry by providing waterproof protection while allowing breathability.
- Comfortable Collar: Designed to fit snugly around your ankle for added support without compromising comfort.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Leather
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is designed for hikers seeking stability and comfort during outdoor adventures. It offers significant protection against instability, moisture, and fatigue, making it suitable for various conditions.
This boot incorporates the Advanced Chassis, which enhances foot containment through a stiff TPU brace in the midfoot. Its rigid construction effectively reduces excessive lateral movements, supported by a maximum 5/5 torsional rigidity score from our manual assessment.
Weighing in at 15.4 oz (437g), this model is 17.7% lighter than average, contributing to its malleable and airy design. The comfortable ride resembles that of a trail shoe, allowing for versatility in both city walks and daily use.
Constructed with a Gore-Tex lining and a non-porous Matryx upper, the boot provides a reliable waterproof barrier, ensuring feet remain warm and dry in wet or wintery conditions. Our smoke test confirmed its impermeability, although it received a low 1/5 breathability rating.
While the Contagrip outsole with 3.5 mm lugs delivers dependable grip on various terrains, it may not perform well in deep mud situations. Therefore, those frequently navigating soft ground and sticky mud might consider options with deeper and more aggressive lugs.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Top-notch waterproofing
- Excellent underfoot protection
- Highly secure ankle support
- Fantastic stability
- Comfortable in-boot feel
- Effective grip on various terrain
- Fits as expected
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Gets very stiff in cold
Key Features
- Stable & Supportive Design: Offers exceptional support for backpacking.
- Smooth Ride: Engineered for comfort over extended hikes.
- Enhanced Support: Provides extra stability during tough terrains.
- GORE-TEX Feature: Keeps your feet dry in wet conditions.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Leather
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is an exceptional hiking boot designed for backpackers seeking significant support, durability, and protective cushioning during multi-day hikes on challenging terrain.
Upon lacing up the boot, we immediately experienced the support provided by Salomon’s integrated ADV-C 4D chassis stabilizer. In lab testing, the boot received a score of 5/5 for rigidity, indicating it is the most rigid option available. This rigidity ensures that even when navigating rocky alpine trails with a heavy pack, ankle twists are virtually impossible.
For durability, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX performed impressively in our tests. We utilized a Dremel on the toe box, heel, and outsole, and all areas exceeded our expectations. After 12 seconds at 5K RPM and a force of 3.2N, the solid rubber toe cap showed minimal wear, providing reassurance for protection against bumps and scrapes while hiking on rugged trails or during light scrambling.
The midsole boasts an average firmness rating of 27 HA, as measured by our durometer. With a stack height at the heel being 2 mm above average, ample firm material is available to protect the heels from sharp rocks, which is particularly beneficial for heel strikers.
With a weight of 23.4 oz (663g), the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is typical for a supportive backpacking boot but may be excessive for casual day hikers. For this reason, we do not recommend this boot for light hikers or those primarily engaging in day hikes.