Delicate supplies plus a better minimize for further ankle help 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 make sure you change your thoughts. This boot is noticeably softer than different boots we examined, however will nonetheless present ample help 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 not less than 5 miles in these boots with and and not using a backpack on to evaluate their capabilities. We did a slip take a look at on moist rock, and the Contragrip outsole did an important job sustaining stability.
In brief: Whereas the softness of those boots makes them undeniably snug, this characteristic additionally contributes to a basic feeling of instability, particularly within the collar. These boots additionally run a bit massive, and our testers advocate sizing down a half dimension. General, we advocate this shoe to day hikers and backpackers who primarily keep on with 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. -
Accessible in huge
No
-
Comfy -
Agile -
Good waterproofing
-
Run giant -
Doesn’t have nice ankle help
Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX Mountaineering Boot Evaluation
Consolation and Match
The X Ultras are snug and smooth and able to go proper out of the field. We discovered that no break-in was crucial, and we simply hiked 5 miles in them with none points on day one.
A versatile higher strikes together with your toes, and a spacious toebox accommodates a wide range of widths with out feeling too slender nor too roomy. The padded collar gives help and luxury to your ankles, although it lacks a bit in stability because of this.
Their match, nonetheless, isn’t totally true to dimension, feeling a half-size too massive total, and we advocate sizing down earlier than buying.
Breathability
These boots strike an excellent 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 working shoe firm, in any case, and the X Ultras are undoubtedly modeled as such. The GORE-TEX will inhibit true breathability, nonetheless, 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 typically means extra ankle help, which is mostly preferable whereas carrying heavier hundreds, the softness of the collar in these mountaineering boots don’t encourage a lot confidence. Our tester additionally seen that these boots had been so much larger than different boots she examined on the similar dimension, and he or she recommends you dimension down half a dimension for a extra technical match.
The lacing system has a singular characteristic through which the laces cross via 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 permit you to pull the thick padding across the ankle tight sufficient to really feel essentially the most safe.
Supplies
Artificial textile contains 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 modern, technical look to the X Ultras, which undoubtedly deviate from the standard earthtones and leather-based of different mountaineering boots. These boots additionally are available 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 need to retain the nimbleness of path runners with the help and safety of a boot. It’s a noticeably smooth boot, from the consolation of the ankle collar to the flex within the forefoot. This makes it much less very best 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 smooth to actually 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 important decide for staying gentle and comfy, although keep in mind to dimension down for the most effective match.