SALOMON OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX Review: Whatever the reason, these lightweight hiking boots are incredibly comfortable. They make you want to wear them forever and ever

Discover the new appeal of hiking by carrying as light a load as possible and going faster, longer, and further. One of the reasons why this new hiking style, "fastpacking," has become so popular in recent years is undoubtedly the existence of high-performance shoes equipped with cutting-edge technology. Shoes that not only offer comfortable wear, but also the stability, grip, and high level of protection of classic hiking boots, combined with the lightness and moderate rebound of running shoes—combining these contradictory functions simultaneously—would only be possible with superior technology

The latest model of hiking shoes for fastpacking, which require such ambitious and delicate tuning, has been released by Salomon, one of the leading brands in this field. This the Outpulse Mid Gore-Tex . I would like to review it right away.

Main features of SALOMON OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX

The SALOMON OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX is a new concept hiking shoe designed to meet the needs of hikers who want to tackle the trail more lightly and energetically, based on the wide range of technologies that Salomon has cultivated through its shoe development to date, covering a wide range of outdoor activities from hiking to running.

The midsole features the Energy Blade Outdoor, a blend of the lightweight, soft, and resilient EVA Fuze Surge compound and a lightweight TPU plate in the forefoot, providing excellent cushioning and responsiveness. The gently curved Reverse Camber sole delivers a surprisingly smooth and dynamic ride for a mid-cut hiking shoe

Featuring the familiar SENSIFIT™ upper construction, known for its comfortable fit that gently envelops the foot, All Terrain Contagrip® for reliable grip on a variety of terrain, and excellent durability, protection and waterproofing, these shoes are packed with all the essentials you need for safe and speedy long-distance mountain travel, making them the perfect shoe for those looking to enjoy a new style of adventure

Recommended points

• Lightweight, snug-fitting upper and moderately flexible sole for overall comfort
• A sole structure that is easy to walk and run in, with a high level of sole sensitivity, rebound, cushioning, and grip
• A calm design that is easy to wear in the city

Points of interest

• Compared to regular trekking shoes, they are more flexible and delicate, so they are not as sturdy, durable, or provide as much protection for the soles of your feet
• The top of the shoelace hook is low, allowing for more mobility around the ankle, but providing less support for sprains and other injuries

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed review: Walking (running) through the low mountains in May when snow still remained

The overwhelming comfort of these hiking boots is unbelievable

The first thing that catches your eye is the beautiful look. The matte natural color and the fine texture of the knit-like upper fabric give it a soft and elegant impression. The design matches well with earth-toned clothing, which has become especially popular recently, and it gets you excited

As soon as I put my feet in and took a light walk, I immediately noticed the exceptional comfort that is one of the great attractions of these shoes. Wow, they're so soft. What's so comfortable about them...?

The shoe width is neither slim nor wide, but a standard width. The upper, equipped with SENSIFIT™, which provides the ultimate fit that is synonymous with Salomon outdoor shoes, gently envelops the entire foot, as if it were molded to the shape of your foot. However, there is still natural room around the toes, and there is no feeling of pressure or tightness from the forefoot to the heel

Generally, hiking shoes are made with fabrics that are resistant to friction and tearing, and have hard parts such as a shank sandwiched between them, so a certain degree of bulkiness is unavoidable. Of course, the fabric and materials used in these shoes are also durable enough to withstand outdoor use. Despite this, these boots surprisingly do not feel bulky. It's like wearing lightweight running shoes. The entire shoe flexibly follows your stride, and the shoes do not interfere with the movement of your joints when walking, giving you a natural walking sensation

And while its weight of 380g (actual weight: 378g, US size 9) isn't exactly the lightest, it's still quite light compared to many mid-cut hiking boots. For reference, Salomon's other hiking boots, including the X ULTRA 4 MID GORE-TEX (425g), X ULTRA 3 MID GORE-TEX (450g), CROSS HIKE MID GORE-TEX (396g), and PREDICT HIKE MID GORE-TEX (376g), are almost all heavier than this boot. This lightness is also a major factor in the comfortable fit and low fatigue

High sensitivity in the soles of the feet allows for quick foot movement, while reliable cushioning performance is also achieved

The positive first impression I had was even more palpable once I started walking with my gear on. For example, when I stepped on the ground, the soles of my forefoot were highly sensitive, able to sense even the slightest unevenness in the road surface. The ease with which the soles of my feet interact with the road is an important factor in trail running and speed hiking, where each step requires quick decisions and quick placement of the foot. These flexible and sensitive soles allowed me to run down difficult steep slopes filled with rocks, tree roots, and mud without hesitation

Of course, simply making the sole thinner to increase sensitivity would transmit impacts directly, causing damage to the feet. What makes these boots so great is that they maintain that sensitive sensitivity while also ensuring solid cushioning (the sole is not thin at all, measuring 31.7mm at the heel and 21.7mm at the forefoot). The feeling of gently absorbing the impact of gravity like a memory foam mat, yet still being able to firmly grip the road, is incredibly comfortable

Hybrid midsole construction for natural propulsion

In addition to high sensitivity to the soles of your feet and cushioning against impact, OUTPULSE is equipped with numerous features that keep your body moving forward smoothly, resulting in an unprecedented ease of walking in these shoes.

Its biggest feature is its newly installed midsole structure. The OUTPULSE midsole is made up of a combination of two materials: a soft, shock-absorbing foam compound called "Fuze Surge," which is 20% more responsive than conventional EVA foam thanks to its 30% natural rubber content, and a lightweight TPU plate called "Energy Blade Outdoor," which is built into the forefoot (see diagram below).

The "Fuze Surge" efficiently absorbs shock, reducing fatigue and providing stability while walking, while the "Energy Blade Outdoor" not only provides cushioning but also provides a moderate rebound force (tuned for hiking). The combination of these two different materials and properties allows for a smooth, speedy stride while accurately gripping the ground, minimizing damage. And all while keeping the weight down. Wow, that's awesome

In addition, the "Reverse Camber" structure (photo below), which curves the sole so that it rises slightly toward the toes and heels, ensures that the entire movement from landing on your heel to pushing off with your toes is smooth, giving you a smooth feeling as if your foot is moving forward naturally

This type of shape has recently become common in trail running shoes as well as speedy hiking shoes, and once I experienced it, it became so comfortable for me that nothing else seemed to satisfy me

However, it has also been pointed out that shoes with these high-rebound plates have the drawback that if used carelessly by runners with weak legs, the high rebound can cause unstable landings and make them more susceptible to unexpected injuries

These shoes have been designed with careful consideration for this issue, with the sole being made wider so that it slightly extends beyond the shape of the foot (see photo below). I can't confirm whether this is the direct cause, but at the very least, I didn't feel any particular need to worry about my landings becoming unsteady even as I gained speed

Outsole provides grip and vertical momentum

The OUTPULSE uses the "All Terrain Contagrip" outsole, which is also used in many of the company's lightweight hiking and trail running shoes. It offers all-around grip, handling both hard ground and slushy mud. During the test, I was able to place my feet comfortably on everything from the hard forest road approach to dry soil, tree roots, rocky areas, and even remaining snow.

Looking at the lug (groove) pattern, it's relatively shallow for a hiking boot, and the grooves are narrow. The main feature is the vertical lines that are designed for forward propulsion, but the grooves are spaced wider around the heel, and there are horizontal protrusions that are designed for braking, as seen in hiking boots. The impression is that it's a hybrid design of running and hiking (with a slightly stronger running feel)

I tried wearing them alongside several other Salomon hiking shoes (the photo shows X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX) and found that they were certainly easy to walk in on mild terrain, but on steep, muddy slopes, the grip felt a little weaker than other serious hiking boots

Integrated tongue and GORE-TEX upper for reliable waterproofing

The mid-cut design and seamlessly integrated tongue (see photo below) ensure excellent waterproofing thanks to the reliable GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable membrane. The integrated tongue also helps prevent pebbles from getting in

Pay attention to: durability, cushioning under heavy loads, ankle support

It's perhaps inevitable that shoes that are specifically tuned for lightness and ease of running will inevitably have to compromise on durability and support. The the OUTPULSE , which provides sufficient protection to absorb impacts from rocks and trees, but is clearly inferior to traditional hiking shoes. If you rely too much on the cushioning and carry an excessively heavy load of over 10 kg, the flexibility of your soles will be strained, and you may experience pain after long walks.

Also, perhaps prioritizing ease of movement, the tightness around the ankle is a little loose, and the shoelaces are positioned lower than in mid-cut shoes. As someone who tends to sprain my ankles, I felt a little unreliable here, although not as much as with low-cut shoes. This is an area where personal preference is a factor, and opinions differ

Of course, since there is no such thing as a perfect shoe that has everything, this feature itself is not necessarily a bad thing. It is important to understand these features and use them appropriately for the appropriate occasions and purposes

Summary: Lightweight hiking boots that make you want to wear them forever and ever

OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX places emphasis on light footwork, propulsion, and shock absorption like a trail running shoe.

This is symbolized by a number of features that enable light and comfortable hiking, such as a comfortable fit, flexibility, and sensitivity, as well as a midsole that balances shock absorption, rebound, and stability, and an outsole that combines traction and slip resistance. The combination of these features makes the OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX a strong candidate for hikers who want to walk long, fast, and enjoyably while wearing light gear.

Not only that, but these charms will teach those who have never tried fastpacking before the pleasure of taking steady steps, the feeling of speedily descending complex terrain, and the expanded possibilities of travel that lie beyond - a new value in "freedom." Of course, I think the appeal of these shoes will be fully conveyed even if you wear them on your usual mountain hikes

With the new season just beginning, be sure to try it out and join us on a new adventure

For more information and to purchase SALOMON OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX

For more product details, please also check out the official online stores for OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX (Men's) and OUTPULSE MID GORE-TEX (Women's)

   

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