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Salomon X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX
Editor’s Conclusion
The Salomon X ULTRA 4 with Gore-Tex is good for long-distance backpacking so long as you keep weight to an average load. This also works well for tough day hikes during which you put in a lot of miles.
The DWR coating and Gore-Tex lining signal that this shoe is designed for use during seasons where rain can be challenging. This is not a boot; the design is a low-top shoe, a restyled upper, more space in the toe-cap area. The chassis and lace system have also been updated.
The DWR coating and Gore-Tex lining signal that this shoe is designed for use during seasons where rain can be challenging. This is not a boot; the design is a low-top shoe, a restyled upper, more space in the toe-cap area. The chassis and lace system have also been updated.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Comfortable
Light
Protective
Traction
Waterproofing
Cons
Gore-Tex build runs warm in hot season weather
Some user feedback pointing out the Quicklace system makes customizing FIT difficult.
Key Features
Overall Fit
There are comparative differences between the X ULTRA 4 and its previous version, the X Ultra 3. The updated designs in more volume to the shoe's shape, and the toe box offers more space for flexing the toes. The previous version attracted a lot of feedback regarding the shoe running narrow and uncomfortable pressure points. The upgrade has countered those cons.
However, the previous shoe was also very popular among those with narrow feet. This updatedd version has factored in those with narrow feet, and the shoe locks supportively at the heel area.
For those looking for even more width, Salomon does offer extra width options.
QuickLace System
The quick lace system allows one pull to get an even tight cinch. The leftover lace can be tucked into a pouch designed into the tongue.
A newly designed wing connects with a middle eyelet and locks the lacing system to maintain a secure FIT.
A draw-back for those who use lace systems to tweak and customize fit is that they will need to be creative when doing this via a Quicklace system. Another potential drawback is that if you break a QuickLace while hiking, it will be tricky to fix the problem.
Durability
The x Ultra range has evolved and gone through updates, and this line has a decent reputation for durability. As things stand now in 2021 for this updated shoe, durability does not appear to be a con.
Breathability
Gore-Tex shoes run warm in hot weather; this is a drawback, and to counter this, there is a non-Gore Tex version of the Ultra 4 for summer weather hiking.
This shoe design comes with natural extra breathability; the low-cut design allows more air to enter and exit the shoe. The uppers are durable but also thin enough to help with the feet, not overheating. However, for those looking to hike in cooler wet weather, Gor-Tex liners are effective and give enough breathability to avoid over hot feet.
Waterproof
The combination of a Gore-Tex liner and a DWR waterproofing treatment for the textile uppers do give excellent waterproofing.
Due to the low-cut design, hikers need to remember that wading through any water with depth does present a risk of water getting into the shoe via the top area. If you go too deep into the water, the drying out process for this type of hiking shoe is slow.
Support + Stability
The chassis has been updated, and weight has been reduced while ensuring good support and stability. The wider base does give a solid weight distribution for stability on tricky sloping surfaces. Though the desigs a low-top, the overa,ll stability is supportive and comfortable.
While hikinon fnd, the shoe has flexibility and allows for a quick, smooth stride.
Traction
For traction, the makers have stayed with Contagrip, but slight changes to the durable, grippy compound have been made. This compound has a high level of durability.
The chevron-styled lugs give a firm bite into muddy surfaces and are tested to give good traction on stone and slopes in wet weather.
Comfort
User feedback shows a liking for this shoe's comfort; The upgrade has kept comfort with moderately flexible construction and a shoe that is ready straight out of the box.
The tongue and collar have soft and supportive cushioning; The underfoot padding gives comfort during long backpacking/hiking trips. The EVA foam lives up to its positive reputation for absorbing shock.
Protection for the heels and toes offers excellent protection, and to keep out dust and debris, a material barrier has been designed to run along the top of this shoe.
The 4 sits higher towards the ankle than the previous model; some users have mentioned that it can cause friction and rubbing,, but so far, this has not been demonstrated to be a broad issue for hikers.
Overall, the shoe is light and feels comfortably quick.
Weight
The Low top ultra 4 weighs 1 pound and ten ounces (men's version). This makes this hiking shoe a lot lighter than other options, such as the Oboz Sawtooth II Low BDry, weighing at 2 lbs and 2.8 oz.
The Ultra 4 clearly steps ahead of most other hiking shoe options when it comes down to weight.
There are comparative differences between the X ULTRA 4 and its previous version, the X Ultra 3. The updated designs in more volume to the shoe's shape, and the toe box offers more space for flexing the toes. The previous version attracted a lot of feedback regarding the shoe running narrow and uncomfortable pressure points. The upgrade has countered those cons.
However, the previous shoe was also very popular among those with narrow feet. This updatedd version has factored in those with narrow feet, and the shoe locks supportively at the heel area.
For those looking for even more width, Salomon does offer extra width options.
QuickLace System
The quick lace system allows one pull to get an even tight cinch. The leftover lace can be tucked into a pouch designed into the tongue.
A newly designed wing connects with a middle eyelet and locks the lacing system to maintain a secure FIT.
A draw-back for those who use lace systems to tweak and customize fit is that they will need to be creative when doing this via a Quicklace system. Another potential drawback is that if you break a QuickLace while hiking, it will be tricky to fix the problem.
Durability
The x Ultra range has evolved and gone through updates, and this line has a decent reputation for durability. As things stand now in 2021 for this updated shoe, durability does not appear to be a con.
Breathability
Gore-Tex shoes run warm in hot weather; this is a drawback, and to counter this, there is a non-Gore Tex version of the Ultra 4 for summer weather hiking.
This shoe design comes with natural extra breathability; the low-cut design allows more air to enter and exit the shoe. The uppers are durable but also thin enough to help with the feet, not overheating. However, for those looking to hike in cooler wet weather, Gor-Tex liners are effective and give enough breathability to avoid over hot feet.
Waterproof
The combination of a Gore-Tex liner and a DWR waterproofing treatment for the textile uppers do give excellent waterproofing.
Due to the low-cut design, hikers need to remember that wading through any water with depth does present a risk of water getting into the shoe via the top area. If you go too deep into the water, the drying out process for this type of hiking shoe is slow.
Support + Stability
The chassis has been updated, and weight has been reduced while ensuring good support and stability. The wider base does give a solid weight distribution for stability on tricky sloping surfaces. Though the desigs a low-top, the overa,ll stability is supportive and comfortable.
While hikinon fnd, the shoe has flexibility and allows for a quick, smooth stride.
Traction
For traction, the makers have stayed with Contagrip, but slight changes to the durable, grippy compound have been made. This compound has a high level of durability.
The chevron-styled lugs give a firm bite into muddy surfaces and are tested to give good traction on stone and slopes in wet weather.
Comfort
User feedback shows a liking for this shoe's comfort; The upgrade has kept comfort with moderately flexible construction and a shoe that is ready straight out of the box.
The tongue and collar have soft and supportive cushioning; The underfoot padding gives comfort during long backpacking/hiking trips. The EVA foam lives up to its positive reputation for absorbing shock.
Protection for the heels and toes offers excellent protection, and to keep out dust and debris, a material barrier has been designed to run along the top of this shoe.
The 4 sits higher towards the ankle than the previous model; some users have mentioned that it can cause friction and rubbing,, but so far, this has not been demonstrated to be a broad issue for hikers.
Overall, the shoe is light and feels comfortably quick.
Weight
The Low top ultra 4 weighs 1 pound and ten ounces (men's version). This makes this hiking shoe a lot lighter than other options, such as the Oboz Sawtooth II Low BDry, weighing at 2 lbs and 2.8 oz.
The Ultra 4 clearly steps ahead of most other hiking shoe options when it comes down to weight.
Comparisons
Weight matters while out hiking, and the Ultra 4 is light, but other comparative light shoes are on the market.
Staying with Salomon, the Salomon X Raise GTX is a synthetic construction that weighs in at only 1 lb. 7.6 ounces.
You get Gore-Tex waterproofing and comparable comfort, support, performance, and protection. The shoe offers a softer underfoot and more flexibility with a slightly lower price tag. The X Raise does not perform equally to the Ultra 4 when covering difficult technical terrain. Its design purpose is more focused on well-used woodland trails.
Staying with Salomon, the Salomon X Raise GTX is a synthetic construction that weighs in at only 1 lb. 7.6 ounces.
You get Gore-Tex waterproofing and comparable comfort, support, performance, and protection. The shoe offers a softer underfoot and more flexibility with a slightly lower price tag. The X Raise does not perform equally to the Ultra 4 when covering difficult technical terrain. Its design purpose is more focused on well-used woodland trails.
Verdict
The updated Ultra 4 shoe is in response to user feedback about the popular previous version.
Those that liked the previous version should look at trying out the updated model. For hikers who have not tried out Salomon hiking shoes, this is a good chance to try out an updated and popular shoe line.
A light shoe that works well in cool and wet weather with a just above average price tag for a well-constructed product.
Those that liked the previous version should look at trying out the updated model. For hikers who have not tried out Salomon hiking shoes, this is a good chance to try out an updated and popular shoe line.
A light shoe that works well in cool and wet weather with a just above average price tag for a well-constructed product.
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