I still remember two years ago when I first put my feet into the SALOMON X ULTRA 2. It's clear from the outside that they're hiking boots, with the surrounding area protected, but the enveloping fit and soft feel of the upper that I felt immediately after putting them on was exactly like that of a running shoe.
This season, the brand has completely redesigned its classic, comfortable hiking shoes, introducing , the X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX®
table of contents
Compare the old and new versions to see how much the latest version has evolved
I'm looking forward to seeing how that unforgettable fit has changed in the latest version, of course, but I'd also like to see how much of the weaknesses I felt in the previous model have been overcome. As a pair of shoes with unique features, I hope they grow into fine young men. At this point, I feel like a father watching over his child, with both anticipation and anxiety
the X ULTRA 2 I've been wearing until now , try them out on a typical hiking trail and in as many harsh conditions as possible, and report my impressions.
will provide as many perspectives as possible, including impressions from actual field testing, SALOMON
table of contents
- X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® general characteristics
- Main specifications
- What's changed? Detailed comparison review
- summary
X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® general characteristics
It goes without saying that if you want to walk long distances in comfort when hiking, the better your shoes should be. However, it is also true that a certain level of durability is essential when walking on uneven ground while carrying a load. Is there a shoe that has the strength of a hiking boot, yet is as easy to walk in as a sneaker, allowing you to walk long distances in comfort? After much research and development, SALOMON 's X ULTRA series was born in 2012.
It's been about two years since I started using the previous model, and I've found them very useful for day hikes in the local area and light outdoor activities like camping, as they are comfortable enough that you don't feel tired even when wearing them for long periods of time
Now in its third generation, the shoe boasts an outstanding fit, further enhanced by improvements to every detail, including the brand's proprietary SensiFit™ upper construction, a technology the brand has cultivated over the years. The latest technology, Descent Control, integrates the upper panel, midsole chassis, and outsole, improving heel hold and further enhancing stability. The heel of the outsole now features a special pattern that enhances braking performance, allowing you to run down mountain trails in comfort. The new, more refined X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® is a staple hiking shoe from the brand, offering a balanced set of features for comfortable hiking on long trails.
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | Specifications and reviews |
|---|---|
| weight | 380g |
| Upper fabric | Water-resistant textiles, waterproof synthetic materials |
| Outsole | - High Traction Contagrip® |
| waterproof | GORE-TEX® membrane |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| grip | ★★★☆☆ |
| protection | ★★★★☆ |
| stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★★☆ |
What's changed? Detailed comparison review
These shoes were apparently developed with the concept of providing a comfortable walking experience on the TMB (Tour de Mont Blanc), one of Europe's most famous long trails. Therefore, it seems likely that a test course as similar as possible to this would bring out the best in these shoes. Furthermore, a more reliable test could be conducted by taking into account the natural elements unique to Japan's low mountains, such as wet roads and forested areas
I found a test route that met this selfish request and was also possible to do in a day from Tokyo. It's a route known as the "Miura Alps," which stretches from Sagami Bay to Tokyo Bay, spanning a total of about 10km across the mountain ranges that run inland from the Miura Peninsula
Unfortunately, heavy rain continued from the night before through the afternoon of the day, making the route ideal for poor conditions. So, I immediately decided the X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® (hereafter referred to as X ULTRA 3) on this course, and also try on the X ULTRA 2 GORE-TEX® (hereafter referred to as X ULTRA 2) on both the left and right sides at the same time to see the difference.
Different upper: improved fit and comfort
First, let's look at the difference in the upper (appearance), which immediately catches the eye. The basic material and design remain almost the same, and at first glance there seems to be very little difference, but upon closer inspection the differences become increasingly apparent. And what's important is that these changes have further improved the excellent fit and flexibility that have been the strengths of this model to date, and have also made it lighter .
has increased from four to five compared to the previous model (photo below, left) the number of metal parts also quicklace" shoelace system used in low-cut models also contributes to a high level of fit by tightening evenly, and is still as easy to tighten as ever.
Another major point is that with this update, the upper panels have been changed from sewn (top row in the photo below) to bonded (bottom row in the photo below) . By using thinner material and eliminating seams, the upper is more flexible and, as a result, is lighter.
Furthermore, although I wasn't able to experience this directly, according to the manufacturer, the shape of the toe cap has also been changed , which has led to lighter weight and improved flexibility (i.e. fit) while maintaining the same protection performance.
Difference in sole: Improved stability and grip on rough terrain
From here on, I will write about the detailed impressions I had when actually driving through the Miura Alps
After walking for a while, the first thing I noticed was the high flexibility of the X ULTRA 3 and the stability it provided when landing . Even when I walked by pushing off the ground strongly with my toes, the forefoot bent flexibly, my heel didn't lift, and I felt like the entire shoe followed the movement of my foot. What's more, even when I landed hard on my heel, it didn't wobble. I felt like I was walking more like I was wearing sneakers, with a sense of unity. The previous model was supposed to be a very flexible shoe, but when I walked wearing both at the same time, I could definitely feel the slight stiffness of the previous model.
The Miura Alps are low mountains, only about 200m high, but they have continuous ups and downs, and a variety of terrain including gravel, mud, tree roots, and exposed rocks, as well as dense forest with poor visibility. At one point, I felt like shouting, "The Alps are a scam!"
In terms of stability when descending, there is another major change to the sole pattern of the X ULTRA 3. has extensive lateral grooves that were not present . This increases grip even when landing hard on the heel, making downhill more stable. This is a structure commonly seen in trail running shoes.
The High Traction Contagrip® sole combines grip and cushioning by utilizing different material blends on the periphery and inside, and the lug spacing around the center has been slightly wider than in the X ULTRA 3 (see photo below, left). This makes it easier to bite into and release dirt and mud, and slightly improves grip on rough roads.
Don't be overconfident! I still have trouble with wet rocks
As a result of prioritizing all-around performance, such as stable grip and ease of walking off-road, the grip on wet rock is not as good as that of soles that are strong in such situations (such as the brand's "Contagrip® Premium Wet Traction" or Vibram's "MEGAGRIP"). This is a problem for those who actively take on routes with lots of rock. In any case, on wet rock, you are likely to slip if you push off hard with your toes or land forcefully on your heels in the same way as on normal roads, so you need to keep the entire sole of your foot flat and move carefully
The rocks in the photo are still quite rough, so they weren't that dangerous, but when the rocks are wet and smooth, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to walk on them
Differences in the lineup: Meticulous response to diverse needs, foot shapes, and genders
A mid-cut model perfect for those with ankle concerns
Of course, this model also comes in a mid-cut model for those who want more ankle protection, in addition to the low-cut model. The mid-cut model has almost the same structure, except that the quick shoe is fastened with a lace. The ankle support is stronger in exchange for weight, but the ease of walking is basically the same
New wide model designed based on the Japanese foot shape
Also, the mid-cut model only has been updated with the Type X ULTRA 3 WIDE MID GORE-TEX® , which features a wider foot shape. This is actually one of the major highlights of this update. This wide model is not simply a wider version of the standard foot shape; rather, a shoemaker from France came to Japan and used a new last (foot shape) created from scratch just for this purpose, based on data on Japanese foot shapes. They also apparently incorporated feedback from Japanese testers, so perhaps Japanese people like us might get a better fit if we adjusted our size based on this from the start.
Women's model with specially designed parts based on the anatomical structure
The women's model is available in the same lineup as the men's model. In fact, these women's models are not simply scaled down, but each part has been specially designed to accommodate the female anatomical structure
Summary: Recommended for these people
The first thing that surprised me was how much the fit of the upper, which had already impressed me, had been further improved. The flexibility and stability of the entire shoe have been balanced and improved. The design, which is focused on reducing fatigue over long distances, makes walking lighter, allowing you to enjoy leisurely walks and even light running downhill
Carrying a light load, these shoes promise a comfortable walk on any uphill or downhill climb up to the tree line. They are also perfect for beginners, as they can be worn as an extension of your everyday shoes
Although you need to be a little careful as they are not very good on wet rocky surfaces, these shoes are perfect for any activity that involves long periods of walking in less strenuous situations, such as hiking, camping, traveling, etc. We also recommend trying out the wide model when getting fitted
For product details and inquiries, please also check the SALOMON official website
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