Salomon OUTBOUND PRISM GTX

8.6
8.6 score
[Editors rating (8.6)] = (TheGearHunt) score (8.6)/10


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Editor rating: 8.6 / 10
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Editor’s Conclusion
The Salomon Outbound Prism GTX is a shoe that feels like a running shoe and can also put in a surprising number of miles for short hikes.

At first glance, these look like a pair of designer trainers, with a sleek, low-cut profile and a few color options. These are fine for daily casual use or work, and the surprise is the designed features and performance. Comfortable, supportive, and protective on moderate trail hikes over varying types of surfaces in cooler seasons.

Good for occasional hikers who put in a half or a full day hiking on local hiking trails. This shoe feels and performs like a combination of approach, casual, running, and hiking shoes.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros

Gore Tex Membrane

Supportive mid-sole

Traction

Lace System

Comfort

Style

Cons

Soles can at times hold wet mud

Breathability in warm weather ( check out the Non-Gore Tex version)

The shoe can appear dirty on the uppers after use (regular cleaning needed)

Users suggest a pull tab would improve the shoe for putting it on.

Key Features

The OutBound Prism qualifies as being very light on the feet. Users feedback that the shoe has a good balance of flexibility. The shoe has a moderate rubber toe-bumper, giving standard protection against knocks and scuffs.

Users mention the shoe will perform within design capability on tricky surfaces in reasonable weather. However, on muddy surfaces, feedback indicates the lugs can at times pick up mud.

The Gore-Tex gives excellent protection; breathability is present in the shoe but a draw-back, less breathability in hot weather.

With built-in EVA foam, comfort is good, and shock absorption works well. The Uppers are not stitched, and the shoe genuinely has close to a glove-like FIT. The ever-popular OrthoLite insole does give an outstanding amount of cushioning.

Lots of user feedback discusses that the heel area can cause blistering due to heel movement during the short break-in time for the shoe. Yet, many other users say they used the shoe without issues from day one. This might all be about the various feet shapes and sizes.

Generally, the shoe has good performance features designed in and feels like a high-end quality training shoe. Good for cross-training, running, as well as short day hikes.

Breathability

In cool weather and wet weather, you will be happy with the level of breathability, enhanced by the shoe's construction, thin mesh uppers, low cut design for ventilation flow. The Gore-Tex also plays a positive part in breathability, but this gets challenged if using this shoe in hot weather.

The shoe has an inner soft and comfy lining that allows moisture movement to help sweaty feet stay cool, but this can also be limited for effectiveness in summer.

When discussing warmer feet in hot summer due to the synthetic construction, we are talking about putting in miles for a half or a full day's trail walking.

For casual, wearing for work, and other shorter duration activities, user feedback is impressed by the level of breathability, even in hot weather. However, a summer version without Gore-Tex is available.

WaterProofing

This shoe is available in non-Gore-Tex and Gore-Tex versions, good news for use in hot summer weather.

Looking closer at the non-hot weather version, water protection is excellent within the design context. You won't be wading through rivers or snow; the low-cut design cancels out any such use.

For surface water, nipping through a shallow stream, the shoe is protective. The shoe works for keeping out moisture while allowing a degree of breathability. Water-proofing is good but thinks twice if you want to head into wet terrains where an ankle or full boot is more useful.

Fit

The shoe does have a wide footbed, yet a minimal number of users claim it runs slightly narrow. The Mid-Section scores positively for support, and the heel has cushioned support. Some users mentioned their heel area allows movement while breaking in the shoe, resulting in blisters. This is not a broad issue among users because a majority express satisfaction with the fit.

Designed for cushioning is extensive and comfortable and pushes up the levels for comfort and FIT. The upper construction is stitch-free and allows for a smooth FIT for the upper area of the feet. To FIT like a glove is an overused cliché, but for this shoe, it is correct. The shoe's tongue is built-in via a style to allow easy foot access into the shoe.

The overall fit is good; the shoe has a broad platform and appropriate support for a low-cut shoe.

Performance

Arch support works well. The flat lace-up system secures nicely and reduces the possibility for pressure areas with regards to the instep. The shoe has well-balanced flex, but for technical trails or mountains and rocks, it lacks stiffness.

For grip, the tried and tested durable Contagrip sole steps in with good performance and support. The lug layout is good for grip, but some users suggest a tendency sometimes to pick up wet clinging mud.

Summing Up

A good short-distance hiking shoe with warm weather and cooler season version available. Very good as a casual shoe, working shoe, or other outdoor activities.

Comparison

Considering the OUTBOUND PRISM GTX, it's reasonable to conclude you are focused on design purposes.

The nearest good-performing comparative shoe is another gem from Salomon.

The OUTbound GTX. This is a good-performing option. This shoe can tackle more challenging terrain when compared to Prism.

For weight advantage, the Prism is slightly lighter by around 10 grams, in ounces a light 0.3527 ounces. To the majority, it's not much; to weight watchers, it's a significant difference.

The back collar and spine support of the Outbound Prism GTX’s collar are more raised and work as a shoe pull tab. This makes putting the shoe on easier. The Prism has five sets of eyelets rather than four. This gives an edge for lacing up and adjusting for fit.

The OUTbound does provide more protection via the uppers via a forefoot rubber rand. Apart from these differences, the shoes are comparatively similar.

Verdict

The Outbound Prism is an affordable, well-constructed shoe with versatile use, and Salomon offers the shoe in summer and cooler seasons.

When factoring in the price, the quality materials, good performing features, and staying with the purpose for design, this is a good addition to not only your hiking gear but many other uses.

Worth the investment.