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Salomon Elixir Activ GTX Review | 2026
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Salomon Elixir Activ GTX Review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2026.
For this review, I have put in over 45 miles into testing my own personal pair of the Elixir Activ.
As a trail guide with 16 years of experience, I’ve seen boots fail in every way imaginable. Here is my critical take on whether the Elixir Activ holds up.
Salomon Elixir Active GTX Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable footbed
- Good Traction
- Great Heel Counter
- Excellent Waterproofness
Cons
- Weight
- Narrow Fit
Should you buy the Salomon Elixir Activ GTX?
Buy if
- You prefer a lightweight hiking boot without any internal shanks?
- Want a breathable AND waterproof hiking boot
- You prioritize ankle support
DON’T Buy if
- Hike mainly on technical trails
- Looking for a budget type hiking boot
Salomon Elixir Activ Comfort: 8/10
The Salomon Elixir Activ is quite a comfortable hiking boot. You don’t drop into a massive amount of plush cushioning like the Hoka Anacapa 2, however, they are quite comfortable.
The impact absorption is very impressive for this hiking boot here. While the stack height is quite minimal, the amount of rebound cushioning tested out very well.
On uneven rock climbs, I notice the impact absorption really saved my joints and ankles, where other hiking boots tend to leave me hurting.
the toe box is inviting, with more than enough room for my toes to splay out.
One area where the boot tends to get narrow is right around the midfoot. I didn’t have a lot of compression; however, it did take some time to get used to, especially during the break-in period.
This boot uses Salomon Reverse Camber, which is their rockered sole design. This helps with efficiency while hiking on the trail, with a more efficient toe-off period. On trail, it felt lighter on foot. This is comparable to the Hoka Meta Rocker.
The plush cushioning around the ankle is impressive. It is similar to the Salomon X Ultra 5.
Overall, this is a decently comfortable hiking boot, just not a plush pillow.
Weight
I weighed in the Salomon Elixir Activ at 14 ounces, which is about a half oz lighter than the Hoka Transport Hike GTX.
Traction: 8.5/10
This hiking boot contains the Contagrip outsole, which is engineered by Salomon.
I tested the Salomon Elixir Activ on loose gravel, off-camber trails, boulder climbs, uneven dirt trails, and on wet limestone.
To my surprise, this Contagrip outsole was much more effective on wet terrain compared to the other Salomon hiking boots I’ve tested in the past.
The lugs are quite aggressive. I measured them at 5 mm.
One unique feature of the Elixir Activ is the fact that it has a flared heel design, which really helps you dig into uphill terrain. I felt this design hit its peak while I was ascending wet limestone during testing.
Overall, the traction is a real strength of this hiking boot.
Overall Protection 4/5
The majority of this hiking boot is made with a textile upper; however, it is more reinforced and robust than previous iterations.
The reinforced stitching around the ankle really helps boost up the overall protection of this boot. I didn’t experience any scrapes, scratches, or rips while testing this on aggressive terrain.
The rubberized toe bumper was effective against any sharp root kicks or rocky bumps on the trail.
Water Resistance 5/5
The Salomon Elixir Activ has the Gore-Tex membrane for water resistance.
I tested these hiking boots in the snow as well as our ten-minute submersion test period.
To my surprise, my feet stayed completely dry even as I was surrounded by snow up over my ankle cuff during multiple hiking tests.
During the water submersion test, I had zero water leakage into the boot with an impressive quick dry period.
Overall, it’s quite impressive that Salomon was able to craft such a breathable hiking boot yet waterproof, balancing both sides of the equation.
Does The Salomon Elixir Activ Fit Well?
I tested a men’s size 10.5 regular, and they fit true to size.
As I stated before, there was some narrowness around the midfoot; therefore, any people who tend to have a wide foot consider moving up a size.
Otherwise, I was able to obtain a nice tight fit around my ankle with no specialized lacing technique.
I didn’t feel any heel slipping and/or looseness around the toe box.
Salomon Elixir Activ Fit 4.5/5
Salomon Elixir Activ Stability & Support 4/5
The Salomon boot features the SensiFit technology, which creates a nice snug fit from the midsole to the laces.
SensiFit really ups the game when it comes to stability of your foot on the trail. My foot had zero internal movement, even on the most twisted and winding trails where I felt my entire ankle was in overpronated or supinated positions. The SensiFit really kept my foot stable and held strong.
The Salomon Elixir Activ has the Active chassis which is a little less aggressive than the Advanced Chassis Salomon offers on most of their hiking boots.
I felt the Active chassis still kept me locked in on the trail, which really acted as a buttress against any lateral ankle movement. However, I didn’t feel as restricted as I did in a boot like the Quest 4, where the advanced chassis is more rigid.
That freedom that the Active chassis allows, gives the boot a more agile platform.
Overall, for an extremely lightweight hiking boot, the Elixir Activ really dials in the stability.
But if you are chasing truly uneven, technical terrain, or you hike with a heavier pack, I would step up to a more supportive boot like the Lowa Renegade or the Zamberlan Vioz..
Durability 9/10
The Salomon Elixir Active is made up of only synthetic and textile materials.
However, it’s very important to note that none of the materials are welded together; they are all fitted with traditional stitching.
This is the best case scenario for a lightweight hiking boot as it still offers the nimbleness hikers seek while still keeping the durability of a leather hiking boot.
After testing these for 45 miles, the outsole has held up extremely well. No over compression or loss of traction.
One important piece of data is the fact that the upper still stays nice and tight after lacing. A lot of textile uppers tend to fray and loosen up over time.
The Elixir Activ has really held up well when it comes to the structural integrity.
Is the Salomon Elixir Activ GTX worth it?
Priced at $170. The Salomon Elixir Activ is one of the top lightweight hiking boots on the market currently.
The traction is impressive while it keeps the weight down without taking away from stability or support.
Getting this hiking boot at $170 is tough to compete with.
However, if you are considering more comfortable options, check out the Hoka Kaha 3 or Anacapa 2.
For more robust backpacking options, take a look at the La Sportiva Raptor II or the Danner Mountain 600.
Value: 4.5/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort: 8/10
Traction: 8.5/10
Overall Protection: 4/5
Waterproofness: 5/5
Fit: 4.5/5
Stability & Support: 4/5
Durability: 9/10
Value: 4.5/5
Total: 47.5 / 55
Our Rating: 8.6 / 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salomon Elixir Activ good for hiking?
The Salomon Elixir Activ are good lightweight hiking boots for those on light to moderate trails. They are not the best for those who are advanced trekkers or mountaineering.
Are The Salomon Elixir Activ Breathable?
Yes, the Elixir Activ are one of the most breathable hiking boots we have tested to date.They offer nice ventilation throughout the entire boot.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Salomon Elixir Activ for over 45 miles now, with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible.
Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,500 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to evaluate the Elixir Activ performance accurately in real-world conditions.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
Tyler
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.
