Men’s Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review

Bottom Line

On our Best Hiking Shoes for Men guide, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX stands out as a comfortable, burly, and versatile choice. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer used these kicks over 300 miles of wet spring and fall conditions in the high Colorado Rockies from marshy basins to high mountain ridges. He liked how these shoes combine the durability and waterproofing of a classic hiking shoe with the comfort and breathability of a trail runner.

The aggressive lug pattern and flexible outsoles offer stellar traction, making them ideal for both steep ascents and wet conditions. A protective toe cap and reliable GORE-TEX waterproofing make these shoes perfect for technical routes in unpredictable weather. Plus, the X Ultra 4 is pleasantly light – less than 14 ounces per shoe – so they feel spry and nimble on most terrain. 

On the downside, the fit is narrower, and the midsole is stiffer than most hiking shoes we reviewed. It’s also on the heavy side compared to the trail running shoes we recommend, and the unique quicklace system takes some getting used to. However, if you’re looking for footwear that promotes fast movement in tough conditions, these hiking shoes may be a perfect fit.

Comfort

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is comfortable out of the box with almost no break-in time. We hit the trails immediately after unboxing these shoes and experienced no issues with blisters or hot spots. The springy yet stable midsole guarantees a smooth and cushioned ride that makes the X Ultra 4s an amazingly versatile shoe. Our testing revealed they’re a stellar choice for everything from rocky scrambles and marshy routes to steep, sandy ascents and long, flat trail runs.

However, the unique Salomon Quicklace system takes some getting used to. The Quicklace uses a self-tensioning cord that can loosen over the course of a hike, so it may need to be re-tightened throughout the day. Additionally, the lace pocket for keeping the pull tab out of the way is very small. This system limits alternate lacing configurations, which might be a drawback for some users who want a more customized fit for their foot shape and size.

The sizing might not work for everyone, either. These shoes run a bit narrow, so those with wide feet may want to consider the wide version. Also, the high heel-to-to drop of 11mm might not work for everyone’s natural gait. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer also experienced the heel support digging into his ankle, which caused some discomfort over time. Overall, we ranked the X Ultra 4 GTX in the middle of the pack for comfort.

Traction

These shoes are the best of the best when it comes to traction – you won’t find more reliable, sticky, or well-designed grip anywhere. For Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer, the X Ultra 4 exceeded expectations on eight different mountain climbs in wet and icy spring conditions in the Colorado Rockies. These shoes kept him feeling stable on all terrain – even when he encountered deep mud, slick couloirs, and loose, rocky ridges.  

The X Ultra 4 is one of our top recommendations for huge hiking days full of steep descents and ascents. Two different types of rubber on the outsoles enhance their ability to stick to different terrain, and the triangular tread pattern extends from back of the heel to the front of the toe, offering excellent braking and control on off-camber trails and beyond. The aggressive outsoles effectively shed debris, muck, and gravel while maintaining grip on slick, sandy, and stable ground, too . 

The biggest downside of the softer rubber on these shoes? The lugs wear down faster than we’d like on technical terrain. That said, this is a small gripe – we gave the X Ultra 4 GTX the best score for traction in our latest guide to men’s hiking shoes.

Weight

Despite their nearly 14-ounce weight per shoe, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX strikes a fine balance between weight and performance. The lightweight uppers with TPU overlays keep the shoes’ weight down, so they feel surprisingly agile on trail. When it comes to maintaining speed and agility without compromising on traction and waterproofing, these shoes are in the Goldilocks zone.

However, the X Ultra 4 is still one of the heavier shoes we tested in the hiking shoe category. During testing, we felt its weight the most on 20+ mile days. Keep in mind, though, these shoes deliver exceptional performance akin to hiking boots while retaining maneuverability. You’ll have to decide if the shoe’s added stability and durability offset that additional weight.

Durability

These shoes have some burly features that maintain their integrity and performance over hundreds of miles. We love elements like the sturdy toe cap, reinforced heel, and reliable metal and plastic eyelets. However, we’ve found their durability falls a bit short. Around the 300-mile mark, our gear analyst noticed the textile uppers began to separate from the outsole, and the lugs had worn down noticeably as well at this point. Although X Ultras outperform many other shoes in traction during their peak performance phase, the limited durability outsole is worth considering if you’re looking for a hiking shoe that can last for multiple years or long-distance backpacking trips. Despite these drawbacks, the X Ultra 4 performed admirably for the initial 300 miles. 

Weather Resistance

We highly recommend the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX for your next hike in muddy, wet conditions – it’s one of the most weather-resistant shoes we’ve tested. The comprehensive GORE-TEX liner fully enveloped the shoes to keep our piggies dry in most conditions. We found this liner is incredibly effective against puddles, rain, muck, and even snow. This shoe is one of our favorites when the skies open up.

However, the X Ultra 4 is less suitable for cold shoulder season adventures compared to insulated alternatives. And in nonstop wet conditions, such as sustained rain, puddle-filled routes, or tails with lots of creek crossings, Ian found the GORE-TEX liner eventually soaked through. Once they get wet, the shoes can take many hours – even days – to fully dry. But, when it comes to typical conditions, they repel water as well as any hiking boots we’ve tested.

Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 4?

We recommend the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX for hikers who want a reliable shoe that will keep your feet dry and deliver excellent traction. With a beefy toecap, grippy outsoles, and semi-breathable uppers, these shoes excel on rugged terrain, steep ascents, and wet trails. However, we don’t recommend these for folks with wider feet due to their narrow fit. The stiffer midsole, high heel-to-toe drop, and unique Quicklace system might also be a drawback for some users. And, if durability is your top priority, we would suggest looking elsewhere, as our test pair began to show significant wear and tear after 300 miles. Still, if you’re looking for a shoe to take on serious spring and fall hikes, this shoe is one of our favorites – and we think you’ll love it, too.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

For alternatives to the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, head over to our guides to the Best Hiking Shoes for Men and Best Trail Running Shoes for Men. 

La Sportiva Spire GTX Review: The La Sportiva Spire GTX stands out with its superior breathability and comfort. It’s more expensive and less flexible than the X Ultra 4, but if you’re heading into technical, off-trail adventures, it’s a stellar choice.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Review: The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX offers one of the cushiest, most responsive, and supportive soles of any waterproof hiking shoe we’ve tested. 

KEEN Targhee IV WP Review: The KEEN Targhee IV WP offers excellent waterproofing, protective features like a large toe cap and leather uppers, and a rugged build, making it a more durable alternative to the X Ultra 4.