Full trail review
In-depth analysis
Agile mid GTX boot for fast hikers on mixed terrain.
Suited for hiking · trekking
On trail
Agile mid for fast hikers on mixed terrain
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Salomon
At a glance
- Cut
- Mid GTX
- Feel
- Light & responsive
- Best for
- Mixed terrain pace
What we like
- Lightweight, great for long hikes
- Excellent traction, even in wet conditions
- Gore-Tex keeps water out without overheating feet
Trade-offs
- May feel snug for wide feet
- Higher price compared to basic models
My experience on the trail
The X Ultra 4 Mid is a frequent pick in my boot guides for hikers who want a sportier feel than traditional mids like Moab or Renegade. I have tested it on mixed European day hikes and loaded pack walks — it rewards a quicker pace and lighter kit.
I carried La Sportiva TXS on Alta Via 1, but Salomon is the brand I suggest when someone wants mid-cut support without feeling like they are wearing bricks. The chassis feels closer to a trail shoe than a bunker boot — you notice it on long ascent days when flexibility matters.
On wet Dolomite rock the Contagrip outsole grips confidently with a lighter pack — less planted than Renegade on heavy descents, but more agile on mixed terrain where you pick steps carefully.
I suggest X Ultra when Moab feels clunky but hikers are not ready for low-cut approach shoes on rocky Dolomite sections.
Performance on trail
Light, responsive, and excellent grip on wet rock. Salomon’s chassis feels closer to a trail shoe than a bunker boot — you notice it on long ascent days.
Mid height adds ankle coverage for scree and shallow streams without the bulk of expedition footwear. Advanced Chassis stabilises on descents without the clunk of full leather mids.
GTX membrane handles drizzle and damp grass; breathe better than full leather boots on hot valley approaches — still not a mesh shoe in August heat.
On wet rock with a lighter pack, Contagrip grip felt confident without the bulk of full leather mids on hot valley approaches.
Who it's for
Fast hikers on mixed terrain who want GTX weather protection in a lighter, more responsive package than classic hiking boots.
Strong upgrade path from Moab when you want better agility on rock without dropping to a low-cut shoe. Also suits hut trekkers with disciplined kit lists who stay under ~12 kg pack weight on most stages.
Less ideal for heavy pack haulers or hikers who need maximum ankle stiffness — look at Quest or Renegade when load dominates.
Break in with the same sock system you will use on trail — Salomon heel hold rewards proper lacing on long descents.
On mixed European trails the Contagrip sole and Advanced Chassis combination rewards hikers who move at pace without carrying expedition-boot weight on every valley mile.
How it compares
vsMerrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
$180.32indicative on Amazon
Moab is wider and more traditional; X Ultra is lighter and sportier on rock with a narrower last.
Read full reviewTXS is lower cut and more scramble-focused; X Ultra adds mid ankle coverage and Salomon cushioning.
Read full reviewRenegade is stiffer and more durable long-term; X Ultra is the agile option for lighter packs.
Read full reviewQuest carries heavier loads on long descents; X Ultra wins on pace and trail-shoe feel.
Read full reviewTXS wins on rock precision and weight; X Ultra adds mid ankle coverage and Salomon cushioning.
Read full reviewReady to buy?
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Trade-offs
- Less forgiving on very rough descents with a heavy pack than a stiffer Lowa-style boot
- Premium GTX price — justify it if you hike often in wet, rocky conditions
- Durability is good but not expedition-decade good — expect cosmetic wear and sole replacement after heavy seasons
- Narrow fit excludes some hikers — try in person when possible
- Above ~12 kg pack weight on long scree descents, consider stiffer Quest or Renegade — X Ultra optimises pace over load hauling
Bottom line
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the agile waterproof mid I recommend when Moab feels too clunky but you are not ready for a low-cut approach shoe — break it in, match socks, and it covers most mixed European hut treks with lighter kit.
Match socks, break them in, and X Ultra covers most mixed European hut treks with disciplined kit lists.
For mixed European hut treks with lighter packs, X Ultra hits the sweet spot between Moab bulk and approach-shoe ankle exposure.
Ready to buy?
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Fit notes
Salomon runs narrower than Merrell — try with your hiking socks and consider wide alternatives if you have pressure points at the forefoot.
Lace lock and heel hold are good for descents; still break in before a week-long trek. I recommend at least two weeks of shakedown hikes with the same sock system you will use on trail.
Half-size up works for some feet with thick wool socks — verify toe room on downhills where toes slide forward.
GTX handles drizzle and damp grass; merino socks and evening drying at huts manage sweat on August ascents.
