SALOMON Men's X Ultra 3 Mid Gore-tex Hiking Boots

Product Information

The most significant structural change is the new ADV Chassis, which according to Salomon “maintains the stability, control, and protection in the heel while cutting weight.” The shoe is lighter (by 0.5 ounces), but I can’t yet verify if this is a game-changing feature, marketing hype, or (probably) something in between. Not among the lightest models but still lighter than other major models without sacrificing on stability or comfort.

Both boots come with the GTX membrane and a reasonable price, which turns them into some of the best hiking boots for women for regular hiking and trekking. How Does It Compare with Other Products? 1. Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP The boots come in both regular and wide widths, so you can choose the best option for your foot. If you have average-width feet like me, the wide option will provide a more comfortable fit. To build more lightweight boots, Salomon gave up leather for this model, replacing it with synthetic materials, which also dry faster. Although there was a small decrease in stability due to the lightweight design, this hiking footwear felt comfortable and light on the trail, reducing foot tiredness considerably. The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX have been worn during numerous hiking trips since February 2021 (over the course of almost two years) and we can say that they’re extremely efficient over a variety of terrain and conditions without compromising on comfort.For the first part of the hike, this great boot was airy enough, allowing perspiration to go through its membrane pretty well. One thing I noticed about the waterproofing is that you must make sure the boots are properly laced and tightened. If the boots are too loose, water can seep in from the top, and it will take a lot of time to get the boots dry again. 7. Support This product is a waterproof boot that uses a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry in snowy or rainy weather. Top-notch build quality: The X Ultra 3 Mid is showing very little wear after well over a year of consistent use. There are many reasons why we like these hiking boots so much but one of the most important reasons is their versatility. It’s rare to find a pair of boots that can accommodate to a multitude of terrains so well. Here’s our explanation of why it is like that:

Molded to match the contours of your foot, the OrthoLite insole provides superior cushioning and heel support Extremely comfortable and reliable boots, they hold up well on a combination of surfaces in various conditions. Reliable for technical, wet, and muddy hikes they provide great traction on slippery surfaces. Can also be used as everyday wear year-round. No or short break-in time depending on travel distances, trail conditions, the experience of the user, etc. And yet, we recommend that you begin with shorter trips so that your feet could get used to the boots. On the other hand, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX hiking boot is lighter than the Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof, so it is more comfortable to wear for extended periods, as it puts less strain on your feet.Easy to clean and maintain in good condition. Proper care is an absolute must if you wish to extend the life of a pair of hiking boots. As we walked in the wide version of these Gore-Tex boots on the Bryce Canyon’s Rim Trail, they proved supportive, and there were only a few sections of the path where they struggled to maintain traction. What’s really amazing is that we’ve been through snow and sun, various altitudes, terrains, and temps including: These Gore-Tex boots also feature a protective toe cap and mudguard, which add an extra layer of protection against water and help you shed mud before it gets the uppers wet.

For especially technical terrain or carrying a heavy load, we’d recommend stepping up to a taller, sturdier, more protective boot like Salomon’s own Quest 4D 3 GTX. It isn’t a surprise that the X Ultras are so popular among outdoor lovers of all age ranges and a longtime favorite of many outdoorsmen. The support, traction, and stability they offer are top-level. This isn’t a big surprise but what’s really amazing is how these shoes support foot movement without being heavy or overly stiff. The lightweight Advanced Chassis placed between the midsole and outsole is one of the key stabilizing components. The chassis design helps stabilize the heel for optimized motion control. What’s really cool is that this allows the wearer to feel stable even in mountainous territory where rugged terrain and rough mountain paths are ubiquitous. These boots have endured over a dozen mountain hikes, and remarkably, their soles are still like new. This doesn’t happen often. Still, tread life is hard to predict but if you want to prolong its lifespan, avoid pavement. While these boots are undeniably comfortable for city strolls, they are specifically designed for hiking. The soles and lugs are optimized for technical ascents, descents, and general trail usage, rather than pavement. Mud, gravel or loose dirt – the lug pattern is engineered to keep you stable on mixed terrain (early spring; 650-700 m a.s.l.) Weight and versatility Lighter than most traditional hiking boots and provided with good cushioning, the X Ultra 3 offers good performance on a long hike. Plus, these boots resemble trail runners, so they are not overly stiff and need no break in period. Where Does It Fall Short in Performance?

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

Changing weather conditions including days when the weather switched from snowy to sunny and from sunny to a downpour