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.
Salomon Speedcross 6
Pros
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Impressive durability
- Quick mud shedding ability
- Lightest Speedcross yet
- Secure lockdown with QuickLace system
- Enhanced ground feel in the forefoot
- Agile and responsive in fast corners
Cons
- Midsole feels like concrete
- Extremely poor breathability
- Not suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Low energy return
Key Features
- Unparalleled grip: The outsole is designed for superior traction, making it ideal for slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Comfortable fit: The Speedcross 6 provides a precise fit that adapts well to your foot shape, enhancing stability.
- Lightweight construction: This model is designed to be lighter than previous versions, allowing for greater agility during your runs.
- Revamped upper: The new upper design not only looks striking but also adds to the shoe's functionality.
- Fast mud evacuation: Enhanced drainage capabilities ensure that water and mud do not weigh you down.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Polyurethane
- Outer material: Polyester
- Closure type: Bungee
The Speedcross 6 is a suitable choice for hikers seeking a lightweight and agile shoe. It demonstrates significant performance in handling muddy tracks and dirt trails, thanks to its flexible yet stable platform and robust lugs.
Weighing only 10.4 oz (296g), it is 22.1% below the average weight of hiking shoes, making it light enough for running as well. Laboratory tests indicate that it is 13.0% more flexible than average, enhancing comfort on longer excursions and allowing for quick adaptations to unpredictable trails.
Equipped with the reliable Contagrip outsole, which we measured at 93.9 HC on the durometer, it provides exceptional grip on slick and soft surfaces. The 5.8 mm deep, aggressively spaced lugs ensure notable traction and control across various terrains.
The firm midsole contributes to stability and ground sensitivity, evidenced by its low shock absorption rating of 96 SA. Additionally, the curved insole design offers support by allowing the foot to sit inside rather than balance on top.
However, these shoes may not be ideal for summer use due to limited breathability, making them more comfortable in cooler weather conditions.
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
Pros
- Fully functional Gore-Tex membrane
- Ample cushioning for long adventures
- Excels in challenging, technical terrain
- Rapidly sheds mud
- Agile and tenacious grip on twisted trails
- Remarkable durability
- Ideal for heel strikers
Cons
- Completely lacks breathability
- Midsole could feel overly firm for some
- Exceptionally heavy
- Narrow, snug-fitting toebox
Key Features
- Unparalleled grip for enhanced traction on various terrains.
- Precise and comfortable fit that adjusts well to your foot shape.
- Waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry.
- Revamped upper design for improved durability and comfort.
- Quick-lace bungee closure system for a secure fit.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Polyester
- Closure Type: Bungee
The Speedcross 6 GTX is a versatile hiking shoe best suited for individuals seeking lightweight waterproof protection and superior traction on challenging trails. Its design features an impermeable upper and a reliable grip, making it effective in harsh weather conditions while enhancing agility.
Weighing in at 11.5 oz (325g), the Speedcross 6 GTX is 14.5% lighter than the average hiking shoe, allowing for prolonged trekking without foot fatigue. This balance of lightness and protection sets it apart as a notable choice among Salomon hiking shoes.
The fully waterproof upper utilizes a Gore-Tex membrane with a lab-tested breathability score of 1/5. This combination ensures that water does not penetrate the upper, effectively keeping feet dry during encounters with puddles or rain.
With chevron-shaped lugs measured at 5.0 mm deep, this shoe provides exceptional traction, outperforming the average by 1.5 mm. It demonstrates strong performance on muddy terrain and steep inclines, contributing to stability during aggressive movement.
However, the midsole may not deliver the deep cushioning favored by some hikers, as it prioritizes ground feel and stability instead. This aspect could be a drawback for those who prefer a softer underfoot experience.