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Salomon X Ultra 5 Review 2026 | Unsponsored
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2026.
Previously we tested the low-cut Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, and Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX has made X Ultra 5 made some great iterations in the new model.
For this review, I have put in over 160 miles into testing my own personal pair of Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX since their release in 2025. Testing included technical trails in Colorado to lighter hiking trails in the Northeast U.S.
I’m familiar with how they feel and perform on the trails, as well as the improvements from the previous model. I’ll go over comfort, traction, overall protection, water resistance, fit, stability & support, and durability.
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 X Ultra 5 holds up
Related: Best Salomon Hiking Boots , Best Men’s Hiking Boots
Editor’s Note: this post was updated on 6/8/26 with new durability updates after 160 miles of testing, as well as new insights on stability, and traction.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built to last for years
- Soft, Trail-Ready Feel
- Excellent Cushioning & Comfort
- Advanced chassis provides stable lateral support
- Reliable Water Resistance
- New And Improved Toe Cap
Cons
- Higher Price Point
- Narrower Fit
- Longer Dry Time
Should you buy the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX?
Buy if
- You want one of the best overall values for a lightweight hiking boot with excellent support and stability
- You prioritize excellent performance on the trail with lightweight materials to increase your speed
- You want a dedicated hiking boot under $200
- You prioritize ankle support without the unwanted stiffness
DON’T Buy if
- You are hiking on easy, well-paved trails
- You’re looking for a budget-type hiking boot
- You want a “minimalist” feel to your lightweight hiking boots such as the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2
Watch Our Hands-On Youtube Salomon X Ultra 5 Review
Compare To Similar Products
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Hoka Kaha 3 GTX
Our Flagship hiking boot, unmatched comfort, stability, and shock absorption. Our award-winning boot of 2025. HIGHEST rated boot in the last 10 years of testing.
Most Comfortable Hiking Boot
9.2
Hoka Anacapa 2
Our most COMFORTABLE rated hiking boot of 2025. Unmatched comfort with out-of box performance and stability. This boot also features breathability features that the competition does not offer making it an enticing summer hiking option.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Comfort: 8.5/10
The Salomon X Ultra 5 definitely improved on comfort compared to the previous model. Immediately when trying these on, I felt a more conforming feel, secure fit, and less compression around the top of my foot.
The impact absorption is much better, even with a minimal stack height, compared to other maximalist hiking boots like the Anacapa 2.
My biggest test for impact absorption is one of my favorite hikes in Connecticut, where I put them to the test on an uneven boulder climb. My feet felt a lot fresher after tackling uneven gravel trails; I had to rely less on consciously controlling each foot strike.
The Ortholite insole is very comfortable. The midsole allows your foot to sink in slightly, giving a more plush feel than the previous X Ultra 4.
The toe box has a nice fit without any areas of compression; I didn’t have any toe numbness when testing out these hiking boots.
The tongue is well-padded and sits nicely on top of your foot; the sides of the boot have more padding this time around. I didn’t have any lace bite or uneven weight distribution on the tongue.
One of the best features of the X Ultra 5 is the padding and plushiness around the ankle. I didn’t experience any areas of ankle discomfort while hiking.
This was one of the most breathable waterproof hiking boots we have tested to date. While testing in 90°F, my feet were still well-ventilated. This was comparable to the Hoka Anacapa Breeze (a non-waterproof model).
Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid is a very comfortable hiking boot, offering greater comfort than the previous model.
Weighing just 15.91 oz on my scale, the Salomon X Ultra 5 is still one of the lightest hiking boots I have tested to date.
For reference, the X Ultra 4 model weighs 12% less than the new upgraded model. Currently our second-lightest hiking boot to date. Weighing only one ounce heavier than the Hoka Transport GTX.
Traction: 9.5/10
Salomon engineered the new X Ultra 5 with the same exceptional grip and traction the X Ultra series is known for.
The outsole features Salomon’s proprietary Contagrip TA, a high-performance rubber designed for superior traction. I put the X Ultra 5 to the test on every terrain imaginable, and they delivered unwavering grip and stability.
The Contagrip is one of the best outsoles we have tested on the market. See our case study Contagrip vs Vibram, and you will see we felt the Contagrip outperformed the Vibram outsole in many objective testing standards.
The grip performed exceptionally well on uneven basalt and limestone. The lugs are very aggressive and grippy. In usual spots where I would have been slipping with other boots, the X Ultra 5 held extremely strong.
The outsole is made from exceptionally durable rubber. It does not conform to uneven surfaces, which improves overall grip.
I tested the X Ultra 5 on extremely steep sandstone, where most outsoles tend to flex under pressure. However, the X Ultra 5 remained firm and did not flex at all.
The Active Support wings on each side of the boot add to the rigidity and stability on trail. I felt the increased lateral stability of the X Ultra 5 helped me hold a better edge upon ascending very steep terrain.
Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 5 is an exceptionally grippy hiking boot that outperforms heavier models while offering half the weight and a more streamlined outsole.
Overall Protection 4/5
Salomon improved the rubber toe cap in this iteration; it extends farther along the front of the toe box and is more robust and protective.
No need to worry about sharp objects piercing through the front of this boot.
The lack of side protection in previous models is no longer a concern.
Salomon upgraded the X Ultra 5 with a more robust Matryx® upper, enhancing both durability and breathability for improved trail performance.
The gusseted tongue helps keep debris and rocks out of the boot. The ankle cuff is nice and strong, with overlying rubber for added protection.
When it comes to overall protection, the X Ultra 5 may not be the most rugged hiking boot on the market.
However, Salomon managed to enhance its protection while maintaining a lightweight design, making it one of the most well-protected synthetic boots available.
Water Resistance 5/5
The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is equipped with a Gore-Tex liner for water resistance. I measured the Gore-Tex liner at about 5 inches of flood height, which is commendable for this hiking boot.
During my 10-minute submersion test, the X Ultra 5 remained completely dry with no signs of water leakage.
The upgraded Matryx® upper enhances breathability, making this model well-suited for hot weather. Despite the addition of a GTX membrane, airflow remains unrestricted thanks to the improved upper design.
I will say, the X Ultra 5 took about 10% longer to dry after submerging them in water vs the Merrell Moab 3, a comparable model.
The X Ultra 5 are well-suited for hiking in snow and summer. Their waterproof design protects against snow while allowing for ventilation in warmer weather.
Does The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Fit Well?
The X Ultra 5 Mid Fit is great with no issues. I used a men’s 10.5 and did not have to size up or down.
The textile lining within the boot itself is very comfortable and inviting. On my first 8-mile trek, I found that these required minimal break-in time, thanks to the upper’s fit.
The Sensifit technology cradles the foot within the boot, giving it a nice, snug fit throughout.
The lacing system features two eyelets at the top for a nice secure tie. I did not have to use any special lacing techniques with these boots.
Salomon Ultra 5 Fit 4.5/5
X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Stability & Support 4.5 / 5
The X Ultra 5 features the ADV-C or advanced chassis, which acts as a buttress on the lateral side of your boot, giving you the torsional rigidity you need while on trail.
The advanced chassis helps prevent my left foot from overpronating. It’s not a hard corrective shank, but rather a softer guidance while on the trail.
The stability of these hiking boots is unquestionable; they are one of the best on the market.
The Active Support Wings further enhance stability and foot support, positioned at an optimal angle to keep your foot secure on rugged trails.
Even while carrying a 40 lb backpack, I felt incredibly stable throughout my hikes. The active support wings are key for backpacking.
For a lightweight hiking boot, ankle support is impressive. The ankle cuff wraps securely around the foot, offering a snug fit without restricting movement.
During testing, I experienced no sprains or strains, even on challenging terrain.
Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid delivers outstanding stability, thanks to advanced technologies designed to maximize support on the trail.
While they provide excellent stability with prescriptive technologies, if you prefer stiffer leather boots that achieve stability through rigidity, consider the Keen Targhee IV or Salomon Quest 5.
Durability 8.5/10
The Salomon X Ultra 5 is a departure from the construction philosophy of long-time fans.
It’s primarily made from PU-coated leather with textile reinforcement, but the real “win” for longevity is the move away from welded materials.
In this version, Salomon used traditional stitching for the leather panels. In my 16 years of reviewing outdoor gear, I’ve found that stitched seams outlast the heat-bonded “welds” found on many modern lightweight boots, which tend to delaminate after a season of hard use.
After 160 miles of testing, including significant time on the abrasive rocky terrain of the Appalachian Trail, the structural integrity is excellent.
I did notice some minor cosmetic scuffing on the lateral hindfoot (outer heel) of both boots where I tend to strike hardest, as well as some wear on the lateral lugs as well.
One standout piece of data from my testing is the heel counter. In many lightweight stability boots, the internal plastic of the heel counter starts to soften and collapse after the first 50-75 miles, leading to heel slip.
After 160 miles the X Ultra 5 heel counter is still as stiff and robust as day one.
Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is a long-lasting boot. By using more leather than the X Ultra 4, Salomon has created a boot that has the speed of a synthetic hiker with the ruggedness of a traditional leather boot.
Is the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX worth it?
The new Salomon X Ultra 5 is top-notch, with a new upper, more stability, and next-level comfort.
Salomon has fine-tuned this model to deliver better support, durability, and agility, making it a must-have for serious hikers.
This boot is for adventurers who want the stability and support of a hiking boot without compromising the lightweight feel and breathability.
At $185 this model delivers very good value. If you’re looking for a high-performance hiking boot that combines durability, speed and comfort, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is a very good choice.
One downside to consider is that while the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX offers excellent performance, there are more cushioned alternatives available, such as the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX or Hoka Anacapa 2.
If you are looking for heavier-duty backpacking hiking boots, check out the Lowa Renegade or the Zamberlan Vios.
Value: 4.5/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort: 8.5 / 10
Traction: 9.5 / 10
Overall Protection: 4.5 / 5
Waterproofness: 5 / 5
Stability & Support: 4.5 / 5
Fit: 4.5 / 5
Durability: 8.5 / 10
Value: 4.5 / 5
Total: 49.5 / 55
Our Rating: 9 / 10
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX for over 160 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 more than 2,500 miles of hiking across diverse terrain, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to accurately evaluate the Salomon X Ultra 5’s performance 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.
Adventure Awaits,
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.
