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Salomon Men’s Pathfinder Hiking Shoe
Editor’s Conclusion
This shoe is good for those who enjoy moderate running, hiking local trails, cross-training, day-long backpacking, or just prefer a shoe that has the more rugged capability.
The design is basic and does not include a quick lace system, Gore-Tex waterproofing, no outsole upgrades, or premium mid-sole. The makers point out the traction grip is good for all types of trails. Usable in wet weather but not at a level of Water Proofing found in other Salomon shoes and boots.
The design is basic and does not include a quick lace system, Gore-Tex waterproofing, no outsole upgrades, or premium mid-sole. The makers point out the traction grip is good for all types of trails. Usable in wet weather but not at a level of Water Proofing found in other Salomon shoes and boots.
The Salomon Pathfinder is a low-cut shoe for those setting out as beginners or part-timers to enjoy hiking in warm seasonal weather. Also good for everyday casual use.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Comfortable - Cushioning
Traction
Light
Style
Cons
Limited water proofing
Be selective for FIT
Some users point out that the tongue slips down
Key Features
Snap Shot
Sole- Rubber All-terrain grip
Width-Regular
Regular lace-up system
Standard fit
Textile Lining
Toe-cap protection
PU coated, leather, and textile upper
Style: Low Cut
drop: 11mm
Weight: 13.4 Ounces
Comfort
The shoe has a thick rubber sole with moderate comfortable cushioning. User feedback is good and points out that the cushioning works well when putting in the miles.
The uppers offer the type of support you would expect from a low-cut shoe; standard trail walks, even with a medium-weight pack, are fine.
The tongue is cushioned, but user feedback suggests it can at times slip down, causing discomfort. A potential upgrade can counter this by adding a loop so that the lacing system can secure the tongue.
Traction
The aim is that this shoe will give good traction on different types of trail surfaces. The Contagrip sole has a robust lug patterning with medium lugs, which give a good bite into soft surfaces. The thick rubber sole has good traction capability on standard wet and dry trail surfaces.
Protection
The toe area has a rubber toe shield to protect against sharp stones, and the ContrGrip sole is thick enough to provide underfoot protection.
Protection for the uppers is basic, the textile lining and mesh uppers can protect against sharp objects, but repeated scuffing and knocks will impact durability.
The uppers have been a basic level of waterproofing, but the design does not include wading through water or keeping out continued heavy rain. The water protection is there, but it has design limitations.
Support and FIT
The low-cut design includes panel features for the uppers, and the design works for embracing the foot for FIT and support at a level expected from this basic shoe design.
When first wearing this shoe, you may feel the tongue feels large because it has good padding. User feedback points out that the feeling settles as you use the shoe. The below ankle cuffs have padding to help provide support and enhances FIT.
More user feedback suggests the shoe runs narrow; for example, if you are a size 11, you should consider ordering a size 11.5.
Durability
Being 100% synthetics and textile/mesh, it is accurate to point out that durability is good when the shoe is used in the design context. Standard trails with wet or dry surfaces are fine. For technical hiking in hard-wearing environments where a shoe will be tested, durability can be challenged.
Summing Up
This is a basic shoe with flexibility for use. Yes, it can be used in wet conditions, but most feedback is you can expect wet feet. The traction is good for dry seasonal weather on standard local trail surfaces, with moderate effective stability, support, and comfort.
With a moderate weighing pack on a non-technical trail putting in around ten miles without issues is fine. The shoe gives good underfoot and toe protection, and it is comfortable.
Sole- Rubber All-terrain grip
Width-Regular
Regular lace-up system
Standard fit
Textile Lining
Toe-cap protection
PU coated, leather, and textile upper
Style: Low Cut
drop: 11mm
Weight: 13.4 Ounces
Comfort
The shoe has a thick rubber sole with moderate comfortable cushioning. User feedback is good and points out that the cushioning works well when putting in the miles.
The uppers offer the type of support you would expect from a low-cut shoe; standard trail walks, even with a medium-weight pack, are fine.
The tongue is cushioned, but user feedback suggests it can at times slip down, causing discomfort. A potential upgrade can counter this by adding a loop so that the lacing system can secure the tongue.
Traction
The aim is that this shoe will give good traction on different types of trail surfaces. The Contagrip sole has a robust lug patterning with medium lugs, which give a good bite into soft surfaces. The thick rubber sole has good traction capability on standard wet and dry trail surfaces.
Protection
The toe area has a rubber toe shield to protect against sharp stones, and the ContrGrip sole is thick enough to provide underfoot protection.
Protection for the uppers is basic, the textile lining and mesh uppers can protect against sharp objects, but repeated scuffing and knocks will impact durability.
The uppers have been a basic level of waterproofing, but the design does not include wading through water or keeping out continued heavy rain. The water protection is there, but it has design limitations.
Support and FIT
The low-cut design includes panel features for the uppers, and the design works for embracing the foot for FIT and support at a level expected from this basic shoe design.
When first wearing this shoe, you may feel the tongue feels large because it has good padding. User feedback points out that the feeling settles as you use the shoe. The below ankle cuffs have padding to help provide support and enhances FIT.
More user feedback suggests the shoe runs narrow; for example, if you are a size 11, you should consider ordering a size 11.5.
Durability
Being 100% synthetics and textile/mesh, it is accurate to point out that durability is good when the shoe is used in the design context. Standard trails with wet or dry surfaces are fine. For technical hiking in hard-wearing environments where a shoe will be tested, durability can be challenged.
Summing Up
This is a basic shoe with flexibility for use. Yes, it can be used in wet conditions, but most feedback is you can expect wet feet. The traction is good for dry seasonal weather on standard local trail surfaces, with moderate effective stability, support, and comfort.
With a moderate weighing pack on a non-technical trail putting in around ten miles without issues is fine. The shoe gives good underfoot and toe protection, and it is comfortable.
Comparisons
A basic but good shoe design at a buyer-friendly price speaks volumes for its purpose of design.
Comparatively, you can pay more and get a broader purpose of use and features.
The Salomon Men's Outline GTX Hiking takes hiking shoes up to higher features and performance levels by staying with Salomon and mid-level pricing. You will get excellent waterproofing due to the design in the Gore-Tex lining, an outsole, and a lug system that is impressively grippy on all types of surfaces, both wet and dry.
The shoe is very light, with a level of flexibility that allows for both running and hiking. Some users point out that these shoes are good for tough, challenging terrain, but if pushed beyond the purpose of design, they can hit durability issues.
You get so much more with a higher price tag, and the Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots is a fine shoe/boot. 100% Synthetic build, a tough, thick rubber sole, a mid-hiking boot cut, and good durability.
Excellent protection against water due to a Gore-Tex liner and a protective mudguard around the base of the foot.
This is a very popular comparative option that is good for multi-day hiking trips while carrying a backpack. These mid-level ankle shoes are packed with design features to ensure lots of comfort, protection, support, durability good for use in all types of terrains, whatever the weather happens to be.
Comparatively, you can pay more and get a broader purpose of use and features.
The Salomon Men's Outline GTX Hiking takes hiking shoes up to higher features and performance levels by staying with Salomon and mid-level pricing. You will get excellent waterproofing due to the design in the Gore-Tex lining, an outsole, and a lug system that is impressively grippy on all types of surfaces, both wet and dry.
The shoe is very light, with a level of flexibility that allows for both running and hiking. Some users point out that these shoes are good for tough, challenging terrain, but if pushed beyond the purpose of design, they can hit durability issues.
You get so much more with a higher price tag, and the Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots is a fine shoe/boot. 100% Synthetic build, a tough, thick rubber sole, a mid-hiking boot cut, and good durability.
Excellent protection against water due to a Gore-Tex liner and a protective mudguard around the base of the foot.
This is a very popular comparative option that is good for multi-day hiking trips while carrying a backpack. These mid-level ankle shoes are packed with design features to ensure lots of comfort, protection, support, durability good for use in all types of terrains, whatever the weather happens to be.
Verdict
For those starting on hiking local trails in moderate weather, this shoe is designed for them to use.
For experienced hikers, this shoe has a role to play and work comfortably with a moderately sized pack.
The design is basic, and the use of basic is not in a negative context. Many people prefer a shoe that works for local trails in moderate seasonal weather and can also be used for work or daily casual use.
The price tag is very affordable, and the shoe can perform well on non-technical trails; it is a good investment and addition to your hiking gear.
For experienced hikers, this shoe has a role to play and work comfortably with a moderately sized pack.
The design is basic, and the use of basic is not in a negative context. Many people prefer a shoe that works for local trails in moderate seasonal weather and can also be used for work or daily casual use.
The price tag is very affordable, and the shoe can perform well on non-technical trails; it is a good investment and addition to your hiking gear.
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