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It has been over 15 years since the creation of "long trails," routes based on a clear concept, in Japan. Now, routes are being steadily developed and maintained across the country, and specialized guides and magazines have been published. This style of walking long distances over multiple days seems to be gradually gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts in Japan as well
What was once an activity only available to a select few has now become so popular that anyone can easily try it out. This is due not only to the maturation of the culture and environment, but also to the widespread availability of high-quality equipment
One of the most important pieces of gear is shoes. Today I'd like to introduce Salomon 's new hiking shoes, the ELIXIR MID GORE-TEX , a new concept boot packed with the features required for walking long trails. I'd like to review it right away.
table of contents
Main features of SALOMON ELIXIR MID GORE-TEX
The SALOMON ELIXIR MID GORE-TEX is a lightweight hiking boot designed for a wide range of uses, including comfortable long-distance hikes. Its extra-thick midsole, featuring soft, premium cushioning from EnergyFoam™, Active Chassis™ for stable landings, and Sensifit™ construction for a comfortable fit and a luxuriously padded tongue and collar provide a secure fit that envelops the foot, ensure comfortable walking even on long routes of several dozen kilometers. The Reverse Camber sole, with its gently curved toe and heel, promotes a smooth stride. The All Terrain Contagrip® outsole with 5mm lugs provides traction even on rough terrain, while the nubuck leather protection and GORE-TEX waterproof membrane provide reliable grip and protection for off-road adventures, ensuring you'll be able to overcome any challenge your long journey throws at you. In addition to the mid-cut version reviewed here, a low-cut version is also available.
Recommended points
- A thick sole with high shock absorption and stability that prevents lateral movement, making it fatigue-free
- Reverse Camber outsole shape allows for light, rolling footwork
- All Terrain Contagrip® outsole with 5mm lugs for grip on a wide range of terrain, from road to trail and off-trail
- Robust and durable nubuck leather protection against rocks, branches and roots
- Highly waterproof (breathable) thanks to GORE-TEX and gusseted tongue
Points of interest
- It's bulky and lacks agility
- Not very breathable or quick-drying
- Because of the thick padding, the inside of the shoe feels a little narrow and the toes feel a little hard, so it's best to choose shoes with a generous size and wear thick socks
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | SALOMON ELIXIR MID GORE-TEX |
|---|---|
| weight | 474g |
| Stack Height | 37.3mm/30.3mm |
| drop | 7mm |
| upper |
|
| Midsole |
|
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip® with 5mm lugs |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★★☆ |
| cushion | ★★★★★ |
| stability | ★★★★☆ *Except when carrying heavy loads of several tens of kilograms |
Field Detail Review
Comfort and durability (look and upper): Just like basketball shoes? Luxurious comfort and protection in a sophisticated design
In recent years, many of Salomon's new series have been designed with boldness in mind. The Elixir also features a thick sole and chunky form reminiscent of Y2K fashion, a subdued matte color scheme, and flat laces that are unusual for mountain boots. Regardless of functionality or ease of use, the bold freshness of this look is enough to make an impact
The upper is constructed with soft nubuck leather surrounding synthetic mesh on the front, and is further reinforced with a plastic bumper to protect the toes from punctures
Weighing in at around 500g, these boots aren't particularly heavy for hiking boots, but they are a bit heavy for lightweight hiking boots. Compared to the company's popular X ULTRA series, they are made with a relatively durable fabric, and offer excellent protection for a lightweight hiking boot.
When I put my foot in, it felt a little narrower than usual, probably due to the thick padding. However, this model also uses Salomon's familiar "Sensifit™" upper construction, which gently wraps around the sole and instep to hold the entire foot in place, providing basic comfort, and as I got used to wearing them, I began to feel comfortable with this just-right snug fit
Thick padding is applied from the tongue to the collar and around the ankle, providing excellent ankle support and a sense of security closer to a high-cut than a mid-cut. Combined with the high-volume midsole (described below), this provides a comfortable fit and a luxurious feel against the skin
The integrated tongue provides ample comfort and cushioning, reaching up to the ankle. Combined with the reliable waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX, it effectively blocks the intrusion of pebbles, twigs, gravel, and water
Setting shoelaces is surprisingly delicate. We recommend loose sizing and thick socks. Flat shoelaces require frequent re-tying to achieve the perfect fit
However, as someone who has worn a variety of Salomon shoes in the past, I was somewhat bothered by the slightly tight sizing of this model and the strict fitting of the shoelace system. It uses standard flat laces and has a hybrid structure with parts where the laces are threaded directly through the fabric and parts with metal eyelets and hooks (see photo below). Although it feels flexible and secure, allowing you to adjust the tightness depending on the location, once tightened, the parts that are threaded directly through the fabric tend not to loosen, which is good or bad, and if you tighten them too much as usual, your feet may end up feeling cramped
the Elixir after all, a hiking boot, it may be natural, but it's best to wear thick socks and choose a size larger than usual. In my case, my right foot is about 4mm larger than my left, so while my left foot was extremely comfortable, my right foot felt like my toes were slightly touching the shoelace. I noticed this when I started walking, and after walking several kilometers, I frequently adjusted the tightness of the laces. Eventually, I got used to the right tightness and the discomfort was alleviated.
Because the padding is thicker and the toes are harder, it's best to choose a size that's a little looser than usual. Be extra careful when choosing the perfect size
Walking comfort (midsole and outsole): Not only is it excellent cushioning, but the Salomon-exclusive thick sole combines stability, propulsion, and grip
As I mentioned in the exterior section, the biggest highlight of these boots is undoubtedly the gorgeous, extra-thick midsole. I've never seen a Salomon hiking boot with such a boldly thick sole
The Elixir's sole structure combines an extra-thick midsole made of "EnergyFoam™" with "Active Chassis™" which suppresses lateral movement
The thick sole is made of "EnergyFoam™," a material also used in many of the company's high-cushion running shoes. This lightweight foam is made by blending conventional EVA with olefin (OBC), which is lighter, more durable, and more resilient than conventional EVA. Not only does it have excellent shock absorption, it also maintains cushioning and moderate resilience even during long hikes, reducing fatigue and giving you an extra spring in your step
Thanks to this thickness and shock absorption ability, even though there is no plate, it is difficult to feel the impact from the road surface on uneven ground
Furthermore, the Reverse Camber shape of the sole, which has a gentle curve like the bottom of a boat from the toe to the heel, guides a smooth stride from landing to pushing off, propelling your feet naturally forward (see photo below)
Reverse Camber sole with a gentle curve like the bottom of a boat
Active Chassis™ provides luxurious cushioning and outstanding stability
If this were the only feature of the sole, the Elixir might have seemed like it wasn't much different from the shoes of other manufacturers that were pioneers in thick-soled shoes. What makes the Elixir unique and different from other thick-soled, high-cushion shoes is the Active Chassis™, a stability-enhancing part combined with this high-cushion midsole (see photo below)
The part embedded on the outer surface between the upper and midsole is the "Active Chassis™."
This hard resin part inserted into the side of the midsole controls the degree to which the soft foam sinks, reducing lateral movement of the foot when landing and supporting correct weight transfer
The Active Chassis™ located on the outside of the sole prevents lateral movement, making landings more stable
What you actually feel when walking in these shoes is not the "wobbly" feeling that was common with thick-soled shoes of the past, but a firm, stable landing. The comfort is like going downhill on a full-suspension mountain bike, and the feeling of bouncing over a gentle, uneven trail makes walking itself simply enjoyable
All-Terrain Contagrip® compound for grip across a wide range of terrains and directions, with a balanced, moderately aggressive lug pattern
When hiking long trails over a variety of terrain, you need grip strength that can handle as wide a range of terrain as possible
The Elixir's outsole compound is made with All Terrain Contagrip® rubber compound, which provides reliable grip on a wide range of terrain
Furthermore, when you turn the shoes inside out, you can see that the outsole area is slightly larger than that of regular shoes (see photo below), suggesting an intention to improve stability and grip. The lug pattern is relatively orthodox and well-balanced, with consideration given to mud evacuation and braking and stepping, and the height is also a little deep at 5mm at its deepest point. However, each point is large, so it seems to be durable. It is designed to provide reliable grip not only on dry surfaces, but also on rocky scree and muddy off-road terrain
In fact, I tried walking on a range of terrain, from wet dirt trails to steep, rocky slopes, flat sand, and grass, and the wide, tenacious sole with no quirks allowed me to avoid danger without any problems
Summary: They are comfortable even over long distances, yet offer the same comfort and feel as regular hiking boots
I've been wearing the Elixir for about a month now, using it for everything from everyday activities to hiking, and I'm blown away by the balance of cushioning and support, the comfort, and the smooth, well-paced stride. While these features aren't ideal for technical trails or steep inclines where you have to stand on your tiptoes to grab small rock holds, on any other trails they provided me with forward momentum, a brisk step, and the comfort of not tiring me out even after long walks. This means they're not only great for long trails, but also offer just the right level of usability for camping and other light outdoor activities
If you're about to tackle a long, long route that you've never walked before, why not consider these new generation thick-soled hiking boots that combine premium cushioning with reliable support?
For details and to purchase the SALOMON ELIXIR MID GORE-TEX,
Please check the official online store for information on the latest model arrivals and product details
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