Salomon X Ultra 5 Review | Are They WORTH IT In 2025?

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 2025. Previously we tested the low cut Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, and Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX you will find the X Ultra 5 made some great iterations to the new model. 

For this review, I have put in over 40 miles into testing my own personal pair of Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX  since their release this year in 2025. 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.

I'll be sharing my critical opinion with 11 years of experience as a trail guide and experienced hiker.

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

• If Durability and long-lasting materials matter to you

• You prioritize ankle support without the unwanted stiffness

DON'T Buy if 

• You are hiking on easy well-paved trails

• You prefer the best hiking boot on the market (Hoka Kaha 3)

• You want a “minimalist” feel to your lightweight hiking boots such as the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2

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

• Not The Widest Fit

• Takes a while To Dry After Water Submersion

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Price 

At the time of this writing, the X Ultra 4 Mid is priced at $180 retail.

Order the Salomon X Ultra 5 for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail): 

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid (Backcountry.com)

Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂

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 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 on top of your foot nicely, the sides of the boot carry more padding this time around. 

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. 

Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid is a very comfortable hiking boot with better 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. 

 I really like to compare the X Ultra 5 to trail running shoes, such as the Hoka Speedgoat 6, since they have such a lightweight profile. For further comparison, the X Ultra 5 weighs only 33% heavier than one of the lightest trail runners out there! 

Traction: 9.5/10

Salomon engineered the new X Ultra 5 with the same exceptional grip and traction that the X Ultra series has long been 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.

I really feel the Contagrip is one of the best outsoles out there. 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 outsole sits approximately 3 inches off the ground, making it about 10% thicker than the previous model. This added height noticeably improves shock absorption and enhances rigidity on the trail, resulting in superior grip and traction.

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. The X Ultra 5 stands out as one of the top-performing hiking boots on the market because of this excellent traction. 

Overall Protection 4/5 

Salomon improved on the rubber toe cap of this iteration, it spans further throughout 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 performance on the trail.

The gusseted tongue helps keep out any debris or rocks from entering 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 Mid 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 definitely suited for hiking in the snow, as well as hiking in the summer. The waterproofness does its job against the snow, while still allowing for ventilation in the hotter weather. 

Does The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Fit Well?

The X Ultra 5 Mid Fit is great without any issue. 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 flexibility of the synthetic and PU leather, which provided a comfortable and secure fit.

The Sensifit technology cradles the foot within the boot giving it a nice and snug feel 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

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 stability of these hiking boots are unquestionable, 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.

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 with advanced technologies designed to maximize support on the trail. If you prioritize lightweight performance without compromising stability, this boot won’t disappoint.

Durability 8.5/10

The Salomon X Ultra 5 is primarily constructed from PU-coated leather, reinforced with textile materials for added durability. Compared to previous models, Salomon has incorporated more leather, enhancing the boot’s overall robustness. The leather panels are stitched using traditional methods, with no welded materials in the design.

So far after 30 miles of testing, I haven’t noticed any significant wear on the outsole or leather components, and the lugs remain intact without signs of breakdown. 

While these boots won’t outlast full-grain leather models with minimal seams, they are more durable than most other synthetic lightweight hiking boots in their class.

Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX offers impressive longevity for a lightweight boot, delivering greater durability than many synthetic alternatives while maintaining its lightweight performance.

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 give better support, durability and agility so it’s a must have for serious hikers.

This boot is for adventurers who want the stability and support of a hiking boot but don’t want to compromise on the lightweight feel and responsiveness of a trail runner. 

Whether you’re tackling mountain trails, rough terrain or fast hikes, the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX will keep you secure, comfortable and moving with confidence.

At $180 this boot blows its price out of the water, with premium materials, advanced grip and waterproofing. If you’re looking for a high performance hiking boot that combines durability, speed and comfort the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is the one.

One potential 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 more heavyweight backpacking hiking boots check out the Lowa Renegade or Salomon Quest 4. 

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

Fit: 4.5 / 5

Durability: 8.5 / 10

Value: 4.5 / 5

Total: 49 / 55

 Our Rating: 8.9 / 10 

At the time of this writing, the X Ultra 5 Mid is priced at $180 retail, we have found you the best deal below. 

Order the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail): 

Salomon X Ultra 5 (Backcountry.com)

How We Tested and Our Methodology 

I personally tested the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX for over 30 miles now, with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible.I'm excited to share that the X Ultra 5 outperformed the X Ultra 4 by 3 points, reflecting a 3% increase in our objective scoring. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.

Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,000 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to evaluate the Salomon X Ultra 5 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.

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Adventure Awaits,

Tyler