Mushy supplies plus a better reduce for additional ankle assist make this a really plush boot. In case you affiliate mountaineering boots with cumbersome, stiff leather-based, then the X Extremely 4 Mid GTX ($175) will remember to change your thoughts. This boot is noticeably softer than different boots we examined, however will nonetheless present ample assist over the miles.
The X Ultras sport a GORE-TEX membrane and an All Terrain Contragrip outsole. Our testers had been impressed with the traction on these boots, which dealt with rocky terrain and gritty slabs within the excessive desert of California’s Japanese Sierra with ease.
Lead tester Miya Tsudome made positive to hike a minimum of 5 miles in these boots with and with out a backpack on to evaluate their capabilities. We did a slip take a look at on moist rock, and the Contragrip outsole did an ideal job sustaining stability.
In brief: Whereas the softness of those boots makes them undeniably comfy, this function additionally contributes to a normal feeling of instability, particularly within the collar. These boots additionally run a bit massive, and our testers suggest sizing down a half dimension. Total, we suggest this shoe to day hikers and backpackers who primarily follow the path, as they lack the extra technical match for extra rugged terrain.
-
Peak
Mid and low -
Waterproofing
Sure -
Higher
PU-coated leather-based; textile -
Weight
1 lb., 11.2 oz. -
Out there in extensive
No
-
Snug -
Agile -
Good waterproofing
-
Run giant -
Doesn’t have nice ankle assist
Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX Mountaineering Boot Evaluation
Consolation and Match
The X Ultras are comfy and delicate and able to go proper out of the field. We discovered that no break-in was needed, and we simply hiked 5 miles in them with none points on day one.
A versatile higher strikes along with your toes, and a spacious toebox accommodates a wide range of widths with out feeling too slender nor too roomy. The padded collar supplies assist and luxury on your ankles, although it lacks a bit in stability consequently.
Their match, nevertheless, isn’t totally true to dimension, feeling a half-size too massive general, and we suggest sizing down earlier than buying.
Breathability
These boots strike stability between breathability and water resistance. A GORE-TEX mesh laminate higher does an outstanding job of deflecting water and moisture, with out making your toes really feel like they’re suffocating. The artificial mesh and light-weight design will enable your toes to breathe, particularly in comparison with heavyweight, leather-based mountaineering boots.
Salomon is a operating shoe firm, in any case, and the X Ultras are positively modeled as such. The GORE-TEX will inhibit true breathability, nevertheless, and this turns into obvious after many uphill miles on uncovered trails within the solar, the place our toes felt a bit sweaty. However particularly paired with skinny, moisture-wicking socks, these gentle boots keep cool sufficient to not be a dealbreaker.
Stability
Whereas a excessive collar usually means extra ankle assist, which is usually preferable whereas carrying heavier masses, the softness of the collar in these mountaineering boots don’t encourage a lot confidence. Our tester additionally seen that these boots had been loads larger than different boots she examined on the identical dimension, and he or she recommends you dimension down half a dimension for a extra technical match.
The lacing system has a novel function wherein the laces go by means of a strengthened “wing” mid-foot to allow you to dial within the match. The laces solely have one eyelet on the collar, which doesn’t mean you can pull the thick padding across the ankle tight sufficient to really feel probably the most safe.
Supplies
Artificial textile includes the higher, accompanied by GORE-TEX safety. An OrthoLite sock liner provides to the consolation of the within of this boot, and contragrip rubber soles deal with a wide range of surfaces, from rocky trials to slippery granite.
The artificial supplies give a smooth, technical look to the X Ultras, which positively deviate from the everyday earthtones and leather-based of different mountaineering boots. These boots additionally are available in a wide range of shade choices, from the sunshine inexperienced we examined right here, to a teal blue or gray black.
Conclusion
The Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GORE-TEX mountaineering boots are a worthy selection for these taking to the paths and wish to retain the nimbleness of path runners with the assist and safety of a boot. It’s a noticeably delicate boot, from the consolation of the ankle collar to the flex within the forefoot. This makes it much less splendid for long-distance mountaineering with a heavy pack on, the place a stiffer boot could also be preferable.
The ankle collar feels a bit too delicate to essentially shield from rolling ankles, however does present nice safety from water immersion. The artificial supplies of this boot present water resistance and breathability, and the general really feel of the shoe is gentle and maneuverable for quick miles on path. All in all, the X Ultras are an ideal choose for staying gentle and comfy, although bear in mind to dimension down for the most effective match.
