Our Score
Specs:
Weight: 15.91 ounces
Waterproof: Yes (Gore-Tex)
Outsole: Contagrip TA
Matryx Upper
Best Salomon Hiking Boots of 2025 | Unsponsored
Want to know the best Salomon hiking boots for your next adventure? This guide highlights the top-rated models of 2025, suitable for every hiking style and need.From lightweight day hikers to rugged backpacking boots, find your ideal pair here.
I have spent hundreds of hours testing each boot on the trail, from light everyday trail use to the most technical trails nature can offer. Testing included comfort, traction, overall protection, stability, waterproofness, weight, durability, and value.
Each Salomon hiking boot is placed into a best of category of its own. This will help you choose the best hiking boot for your needs, in some cases, users will find the best backpacking boot better than the best overall ranked hiking boot.
All of these boots were purchased with my own money and without sponsorship.
Overview of the Best Salomon Hiking Boots
Top-Rated Hiking Boot
8.9
Salomon X Ultra 5
Our best-rated Salomon hiking boot of 2025. Easy to use, come a lightweight and can tackle technical trails. For Upgraded upper as well as outsole.
8.4
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Our best backpacking Salomon boot of the sheer period. Great grip and stability on the trail. Easy to take around for backpacking miles.
8.6
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Our best lightweight Salomon hiking boot of this year. Comfortable and very light on the trails.
How We Test Salomon Hiking Boots
Here at Mountaineerjourney.com, we objectively score and test each hiking boot. Each hiking boot is tested for at least 50 miles before we even consider putting in our individual review.
After our individual review is performed, we then compare each Salomon hiking boot to each other to go over which one is best for each individual. We put each hiking boot through the same testing standards each time to ensure all scoring is completely objective with zero bias.
In addition, we do not accept any free products or sponsorships to ensure our reviews reflect the beneficence of our audience, helping them make informed, trustworthy gear decisions.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX – Best Overall Hiking Boot
Price: $185
Pros
- Very Durable
- Excellent Cushioning
- Advanced Chassis, Great Support
- Great Grip
Cons
- Breathability Concerns
- High Price Point
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX nails the balance between comfort, durability and pure performance. Made for serious hikers, this boot goes the extra mile and still manages to be light as a feather without skimping on support and stability.
The previous iteration of the Salomon X-Ultra 4 was disappointing due to the durability. Much of the upper was made entirely of welded synthetic material. Many users found delamination just as I did after approximately 120 miles during our testing. See Salomon X Ultra 4 vs Salomon X Ultra 5. However, Salomon really stepped up their game with the new Matryx upper.
The The Matryx upper is a workhorse made with Kevlar fibers. It keeps you going for miles with both its durability & breathability on full display and the Gore-Tex liner keeps your feet bone-dry even when the weather turns nasty. Those delamination issues are no longer a problem, nor did they increase the weight with this model. That’s a definite win with this new iteration.
I tested the Salomon X Ultra 5 on the lightest gravel trails to technical boulder rocks, and I must say the traction is excellent. Many users have issues with the Contagrip TA outsole. Still, I found this new iteration of Contagrip outsole to be built with a denser rubber compound and a firmer platform, resulting in less flex and ground adaptation on rocky, uneven trails. I tackled sections that would’ve challenged the previous model.
Add in the advanced chassis as well as the active support wings, and you have a great lateral support structure. Both of these structures resist lateral movement by acting as a buttress and lessening any sprained ankles on the trail.
Speaking of ankle support, I really felt that the new upgraded top lace hooks gave solid lockdown at the top of my foot as well as my lateral ankles. Unlike the Quest 4, my ankles weren’t freely moving within the boot itself.
Sadly, it’s hard to find a hiking boot that’s both waterproof and lightweight nowadays, coming in at under 16 ounces, the Salomon X Ultra 5 is the lightest hiking boot we have tested to date. Sure, it comes with a higher price tag, and may not be a great fit for those with wider feet. But all things considered, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is still the top of the class when it comes to hiking boots for 2025.
Our Rating: 8.9
Read Our Review: Salomon X Ultra 5 Review | Are They WORTH IT In 2025?
Salomon Quest 4 GTX – Best for Backpacking
Price: $230
Our Score
Specs:
Weight: 1 lb 7 oz (men’s 10.5)
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
Ankle Height: 6.6 inches
Traction Technology: Contagrip TA
Pros
- Outstanding traction
- High riding ankle support
- Excellent water resistance.
- Best backpacking boots.
Cons
- Weight
- Comfort issues
- Price
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is built for hikers who need one thing above all else — unshakable stability and protection on demanding terrain. After putting over 80 hours into testing this boot across steep inclines, mud, and rocky mountain trails, I can confidently say it’s one of the most capable backpacking boots I’ve ever worn.
At the same time, the Quest 4 also can be very irritating when it comes to comfort. When I put these on, I notice right away the scratchiness of the traditional stitched insides of the boot rubbing up against my feet. There is no traditional sock liner like in the Merrell Moab 3, which would have really given this boot an upper hand.
In terms of stability, you feel the ADV-C chassis at work. This internal frame adds a layer of lateral reinforcement that locks in your footing and keeps your ankles steady on off-camber sections.
Combined with a high-riding ankle cuff, the Quest 4 delivers elite-level support without feeling overly restrictive. It’s definitely a boot you will appreciate while backpacking.
The traction is another standout. Salomon’s Contagrip TA outsole bites hard into slick, sandy, and uneven surfaces. I’ve tested plenty of outsoles over the years, but this one’s sheer grip on rock and mud is top-tier. On the wet, root-covered trails of the White Mountains, the lugs bit into the surface with confidence. Even through rain-soaked descents, I never felt that “skatey” feeling that lighter, shallower-lugged boots often give.
The upper construction is built from leather and textile panels wrapped in a Gore-Tex membrane, giving it exceptional weather resistance and mid-calf protection. Even after our full 10 minute submersion test, my socks stayed bone-dry.The trade-off, of course, is breathability, but it’s a compromise that feels worth it for serious backcountry performance.
One of the tough aspects of the Quest 4 is the fact that the boot is extremely heavy. I weighed them on my scale at 1 lb 7 oz per boot, which is in the 95th percentile of the heaviest boots we have tested. Foot fatigue becomes noticeable on hikes over 5 miles with a loaded pack.
Durability-wise, the Quest 4 is built like armor. The traditional stitched leather is extremely robust, although it can be quite annoying on the inside of the boot.
If you’re a backpacker, mountaineer, or experienced hiker tackling steep, rugged terrain, the Quest 4 GTX will deliver unmatched security and dependability. But if you’re more of a casual weekend hiker who prioritizes comfort or wants something lighter, you’ll be better off with models like the X Ultra 4 or 5.
Our Rating: 8.4
Read Our Review: Salomon Quest 4 GTX review
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX – Best Lightweight Option
Price: $180
Our Score
Specs:
Weight: 14 oz
Waterproofing: Gore-tex liner
Traction: Contagrip outsole
Insole: Ortholite insole
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Quick break-in
- Great stability and support
Cons
- Durability
- Flimsy lacing system
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the go-to choice for hikers seeking a lightweight option without sacrificing performance. Key features include:
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX strikes one of the best balances between lightweight design and on-trail performance in the entire Salomon lineup. After logging extensive miles in the fall and winter months through mud, snow, and limestone terrain, I can confidently say this boot performs far beyond its weight class.
Right out of the box, the fit and comfort stood out. The ankle cuff has a nicely conforming feel, and the Ortholite insole adds that soft layer of cushioning that many overlook. There’s no long break-in period, and the synthetic upper flexes naturally from the first hike. TThe most comparable boot is the Hoka Anacapa Breeze. Still, the Breeze does not have a waterproof membrane, and it is also 6 ounces heavier.
The Contagrip TA outsole on the X Ultra 4 is not as tough as the X Ultra 5 iteration. During testing on snow-covered trails, I noted some slipping because of the hollow nature of the chevron-shaped lugs. Also, the outsole is not as stiff as the Next Generation boot. It can form to some uneven surfaces throughout my field testing.
As the previous boots have, the X Ultra 4 features the ADV-C chassis and Active Support wings which kept my midfoot stable on uneven ground. That pairing gives you dependable footing on technical terrain without adding unnecessary bulk. It’s rare to find this level of traction and stability in something this light.
Protection is decent with this boot. However, you don’t get the armor-like material of the Matryx on the X Ultra 5 nor the heavy Nubuck leather on the Quest 4. I did notice some delamination towards the end of my test near the welding of the upper to the outsole.
Waterproofing is also a strong suit thanks to the Gore-Tex liner that stood up to my 10-minute submersion test with zero leakage. Better yet, the synthetic build allows for quick drying and decent breathability after wet conditions.
Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is made for hikers who want agility without sacrificing support. It’s ideal for fast-moving day hikers and lightweight backpackers tackling mixed terrain. While discontinued in 2025, you can still find them online at solid discounts., up to 20-30% off retail price.
Our Rating: 8.4
Read Our Review: Salomon X Ultra 4 Review
Others To Consider
Salomon Speedcross 6
While the Speedcross 6 is not a hiking boot per se, you can use this as a very agile hiking shoe. Crafted with a super grippy outsole, the Speedcross 6 takes down the roughest trails. Also features a Gore-Tex membrane for excellent waterproofing. We weighed in each shoe at 13 ounces, which feels even more lightweight on your feet while you are wearing them. This is a great option for hikers looking for a very slim and nimble hiking shoe to take on technical trails.
Read Our Review: Salomon Speedcross 6 Review | Worth It In 2025?
Our Methodology
Our testing process for Salomon hiking boots is rigorous and thorough. Each boot was tested over 50 miles each to gather accurate data and objective testing scores. We have been testing each boot since their release as early as 2022 up to continued testing in 2025. We are an independent testing company, and we paid full price for each boot to ensure unbiased reviews.
We evaluate each boot based on several criteria, including: Comfort, traction, stability, support, weight, waterproofness, overall protection, durability, as well as value. Then each of these scores is broken down into weighted categories to give the best evidence-based score possible.
Our goal is to provide honest and professional reviews to help you make an informed decision about your hiking footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX the best overall hiking boot?
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX stands out as the best overall hiking boot due to its exceptional combination of improved durability, traction, and insole comfort. It is in the top five for our best-ranked hiking boots overall this year.
Why is the Salomon Quest 4 GTX the best for backpacking?
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is the best for backpacking due to its great ankle support as well as impact absorption.
What factors should I consider when choosing a Salomon hiking boot?
When choosing a Salomon hiking boot, consider your terrain, pack weight, and hiking style before choosing. If you choose the Quest 4, ensure that this is for superior ankle support and traction, not comfort.
Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
