Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review | WORTH It In 2024?

Tyler Aug 04, 2024
77 People Read
Salomon X 4 Ultra Shoes after testing

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Key Specs

Price: 160$

Profile: Lightweight, Low-cut

Colors: Evening Primose, Black, Black,Monument, Slate Green,Black

Our Rating: 9.2/10

Are you in the market for a new hiking shoe that has comfort and sustainability? Salomon revamped their Ultra X line, and the Salomon X Ultra 4 is one hiking shoe you do not want to miss out on. We are going to review these hiking shoes, I personally tested the X Ultras while owning them for over 6 months.

I'm going to share my HONEST experience of testing these hiking shoes for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2024. 

Salomon recently added a new lacing update as well as adding more volume to the shoe overall for a better fit for wide-shoed hikers. In my 15+ years of hiking these are the lightest hiking shoes I have personally tested. Before moving forward, it is best to review How To Choose Hiking Boots.

What We Liked

Lightweight performance

Excellent build quality

Advanced Chassis

Secure Fit

What We Didn't Like

Synthetic upper material

Limited Durability

Quicklace system

Are The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Worth It?

The short answer is yes, for anyone looking for a waterproof, robust, lightweight hiking shoe, we at Mountaineer Journey highly recommend the X Ultra 4's. This shoe has been revised multiple times by Salomon, consistently outperforming its predecessors.

The performance is unmatched when it comes to traction and long treks, all while combining ultra-lightweight design—a true anomaly in the hiking world. The Gore-Tex waterproof membrane adds an extra layer of waterproof protection, ensuring your feet stay dry in all conditions.

See Our Hand Tested  Salomon X Ultra 4 YouTube Review

front view of the shoes



Who are these hiking shoes for?

Fast hikers who want a respectable degree of stability and weather protection but aren’t concerned about swooping across the slopes at the same speed as runners will find the X-Ultra 4 ideal. Compared to lightweight running shoes, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX offers superior stability and protection, especially in wet and rocky conditions. This shoe can be utilized from day hikes to trekking in the snow.

Given that it is a lightweight shoe made of synthetics and textiles, I have concerns in terms of durability given how lightweight it is. If durability is high on your list, I would recommend a more robust-fitted shoe. Now take a deep dive into our review. As a Mountain Guide, The Salomon X Ultra 4’s are one of my top choices for lightweight hiking shoes.


shot of the shoes at the top of the mountain

Comfort 9/10

As I said in my most recent Hoka Kaha 2 GTX review, the most important aspect of the hiking shoe is comfort, without proper comfort you can throw performance out of the window because you'll never wear them.  These shoes offer a robust nature of comfort that can last week long treks or a general hike in the forest. The first aspect I noted right out of the box was the cushioning of the heel. I was able to do box jumps without absorbing any shock into my heel(my personal test for comfort around the heel).

Next i turn my eyes to the reinforced nature of the toes, able to absorb shock when striking down with the foot. I noted slipping of my heel while walking, I was able to cure this with lacing techniques as seen in: How To Lace Hiking Boots In One Minute Or Less. I noticed the width of the shoe allows easy put-on but is also what causes the heel slipping because the tongue of the shoe is too loose.

(Credit: Salomon Youtube Channel)

The Quicklace  system is found on every Ultra X line of Salomon. I noticed the lightweight affect of the laces allows me to zip them on quickly and effectively. There is no fraying of the laces themselves. The quicklace system also locks the tongue of my shoe tight, which prevents that slipping as mentioned before. You can also purchase a pair of X ultra 4 GTX with traditional laces.


Tread of the shoes after testing


Traction 9.5/10

The traction of the Ultra X 4 is nothing but elite. A Salomon exclusive combination of rubber compounds called Contagrip MA makes up the outsole. The Contagrip outsole is a terrific option for this all-around hiking shoe that can handle a range of terrain types but also last for more than just a few hikes. We felt comfortable smearing the rubber on smooth rocks, but it is also strong enough to allow us to trek through the mud without trouble. While hiking in mud, the lugs are spaced out enough to allow great traction, and the deep lugs do not carry the mud with you.

Last weekend, I ventured out on a challenging hike up a steep, rocky trail known for its technical terrain. As I ascended, I couldn't help but appreciate the exceptional traction of my Salomon X Ultras Each step felt secure, even on the slickest surfaces and loose gravel.

At one particularly tricky spot, where previous hikers had slipped and stumbled, my shoes gripped firmly, giving me the confidence to push forward without hesitation. By the time I reached the summit, the view was breathtaking, but what truly made the hike enjoyable was knowing I could rely on my shoes to keep me safe and steady, regardless of the path ahead.



testing the boots on rocks

Weight 10/10

The Ultra X 4 weighs in at 1 pd 12 ounces for a mens size 10 ½. I do not put much “weight” into my weight reviews of shoes (no pun intended) because to me it is all about feel. This is definitely the most lightweight hiking shoe I have reviewed to date, it carries the weight of a trail runner.  A lightweight boot may feel heavy on your feet due to the design of comfort issues, this is something to take with a grain of salt.



Water Resistance 10/10

Notable is also the  Salomon Ultra X 4's waterproofing technology's longevity. The Gore-Tex liner is a staple, I will not longer wear a shoe without Gore-Tex. A credit to their superior materials and design, the boots have reliably kept water out throughout several hikes keeping my feet dry. I find the waterproofing to be really dependable throughout the long run, not simply the instant dryness. For every serious hiker, this feature alone justifies the boots' purchase.

The lightweight technology of these boots allow excellent breathability As the weather is getting hotter at the beginning of summer here, I was able to complete a 5 mile-hike without any issues of sweaty feet while on the trail. I did not feel any heat getting trapped inside the boot, as Gore-Tex liners are known to do.


Stability and Support 8/10

Salomon has been able to maintain top-notch support while reducing weight by introducing some new and cutting-edge technology. This shoe is constructed on the Advanced chassis, or ADV-C which is clearly more supportive and structured than the typical hiking shoe from the moment you put it on. Usually there is a trade-off between support and weight however, not with the Ultra X 4's. The quality of the support of the midsole is one of the best sellers for this shoe. I was able to complete long-treks on rugged terrain without having to worry about the constant pain I usually get in my mid foot, I was surprised by this because this boot less flexible than your average.

In general, I do not like low-cut hiking shoes because they keep your ankles open leading to increased risk of injury and sprains etc. However, I noticed with the robust lacing system, my ankle felt stable while hiking. One of the best tell-tale signs of stability- Are you able to dorsi/plantar flex without trouble? And Are you able to feel that your ankle is supported through that whole range of motion? For me, the Ultra X 4's passed the test.



inside view of the sole

Durability 7/10 

You may wonder why I have such a low rating for durability yet I have not had this boot for more than a year. The synthetic material around the tongue of the shoe will fray with time. This is not a manufacturing error, but more related to what the shoe is meant for. This shoe is meant to be lightweight, flexible, and comfortable. When you have those attributes built into a hiking shoe, you must trade off some durability this is an inversely proportional relationship.

The biggest telltale signs of a boots durability is the tongue and the outsole wearing down. The outsole can wear down evenly or unevenly which also tells from which the quality of the shoe was built. No signs of premature wear around the toe box. So far the soles are wearing down evenly, i noted some fraying on the tongue of the shoe so far. These shoes are ultralight weight that usually means they do not have top-line durability. If you are looking for exceptional durability and similar performance for trail use, I would check out the Merrell Moab 3.



X Ultra 4 Pricing

Salomon

160$

Amazon

135$

REI

160$



Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Salomon X Ultra 4 good for winter?

Yes, you may use the X Ultra 4's in the winter, however keep in mind if you are using the low-cut version, you may want to have extra warm socks with ankle protection. 

What is the difference between Salomon Ultra 3 and 4?

The Salomon 3 is the same version as the 4, however the 4 is known to be more lightweight. X Ultra 3: Features Contagrip outsoles that provide solid traction on a variety of terrains, including wet and uneven surfaces. X Ultra 4: Upgrades to an improved Contagrip MA outsole, offering better grip and stability, particularly on loose or soft ground. This enhances performance on more challenging trails.

Are Salomon X Ultra 4 equipped with a waterproof membrane?

Yes, they use Gore-Tex technology, known for waterproofing and breathability. 

How We Test And Our Methodology


When it comes to reviewing hiking boots, experience, and expertise matter. MountaineerJourney.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 12+ years of experience testing and reviewing outdoor products especially hiking boots. 

We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.

By combining our hands-on experience with a thorough understanding of hiking footwear technology and design, we bring you reviews you can trust. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned thru-hiker, you can rely on us to help you find the right boots for your next adventure. Trust us to guide you through your next purchase of hiking boots, because when you’re tackling the great outdoors, the right boots are as essential as the trail itself.

Adventure Awaits,

Tyler