Review: SALOMON X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® Comparing the old and new models of classic hiking shoes that have evolved from comfort to "very comfortable".

It has a soft feel that you've never felt in your previous mountaineering boots. I still remember the moment I first put my foot in my SALOMON X ULTRA 2 two years ago . It is clear from the appearance that the shoes are protected, and the surroundings are so-called climbing shoes, but the enveloping fit and soft feel of the upper that you can feel right after wearing them are truly like running shoes.

The brand's classic comfortable hiking shoes have been completely renewed this season. The third-generation latest model, X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX®, has been released.

Check the old and new comparison to see how much the latest version has evolved

How did that unforgettable fit change with the latest version? Of course, I'm looking forward to that, but I also want to check how much of the weaknesses of these shoes I felt in the previous work has been overcome. This pair has unique features, so I hope they will grow up in great detail. Once this is achieved, the father is in a state of being a man watching over his child with anticipation and anxiety.

So this time, I would like to compare these shoes X ULTRA 2 , and walk through the typical hiking trails in as harsh conditions as possible, and report on their impressions.

As usual, this review will explain as many aspects as possible, including impressions that have been tried in the field, as well as interviews with SALOMON

table of contents

• The general features of X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX®
• Main Specifications
• What changed? Detailed comparison review
  • Difference in appearance: More advanced fit and comfort
  • Differences in sole: Stability and grip on rough roads have improved
  • Differences in lineup: Detailed response to diverse needs, foot shapes and genders
• summary

The general features of X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX®

It goes without saying that if you want to walk more comfortably over long distances, such as hiking, it is better to wear lighter and softer shoes. However, it is certainly true that a certain degree of robustness is essential to carry your luggage and walking on uneven terrain. While it is strong as a mountain climbing boot, it is as easy to walk as a sneaker, and is easy to walk for a long distance, and is as comfortable as you would expect. SALOMON 's X ULTRA series was born in 2012

It's been about two years since I started using my previous model, but I have been using it in a comfortable fit that doesn't make me feel tired even after wearing it for a long time, so I've been very grateful for the light outdoor activities such as day hiking in the vicinity, camping, and more.

This third-generation model has further improved the fit thanks to detailed improvements, including the unique upper structure "SensiFit™" that the brand has cultivated over many years. The latest technology "Descent Control" with integrated upper panel, chassis built into the midsole, and outsole improves the heel hold power and further improves stability. The heel part of the outsole features a new special pattern that improves braking performance, allowing you to run down mountain paths comfortably. X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® which has been more complete , is a brand's classic hiking shoe that is packed with the features needed to comfortably walk long trails.

Main Specifications and ratings

What changed? Detailed comparison review

These shoes are said to have been developed with the concept of comfortable walking on TMB (Tour de Mont Blanc), a 165km long trail that is typical of Europe. In that case, I think it would be better to take a course that is as appropriate for the test as possible to bring out the best in these shoes. Furthermore, if you can test it with the natural elements unique to Japan's low mountains, such as wet roads and forest areas, you can do more reliable tests.

There was a trial route that met such selfish requests and also allowed for a day trip from Tokyo. The Miura Alps is a route that crosses the mountains that run inland on the Miura Peninsula for approximately 10km from Sagami Bay to Tokyo Bay.

Unfortunately, the route has been in excellent condition as it has been raining steadily on the afternoon since the night before. So, I'll try on the X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® the X ULTRA 2 GORE-TEX® (hereafter X ULTRA 2) at the same time, checking the difference.

Differences in upper: More fit and comfort

First, let's take a look at the differences in upper (appearance) that will immediately catch your eye. The basic texture and design of the material are almost the same, and at first glance it seems almost no different, but as you look closely you will be able to see the differences more and more. What's important is that these have further improved the high fit and flexible foot area, which have been the advantages of this model up until now, and even lighter weight .

have increased from 4 to 5 rows compared to the previous model (left of the bottom photo) , and metal parts have been further reduced (right of the bottom photo). The increased tighter Salomon's unique SensiFit™ upper structure, which tightens the feet up from the sole, wraps them in a gap, making it clear that the hold is improved. Quick Lace shoelaces system used in low-cut models also contributes to a high fit with uniform tightening, making it easy to tighten.

Another major point is that the upper panel has been sewn (top of the bottom photo) and crimped (bottom of the bottom photo) The thinner material and the lack of seams make the upper even more flexible and, in turn, lighter.

Furthermore, this did not go as far as I could see directly, but according to the manufacturer, the toe cap has also been changed , which has led to a lighter weight and improved flexibility (= fit) while maintaining protection performance.

Differences in sole: Stability and grip on rough roads have improved

From here, I will write about the detailed impressions I felt when I actually rode through the Miura Alps.

After walking for a while, the first thing I felt was the high flexibility of the X ULTRA 3 and the stability when landing . Even when I walked hard with my toes, kicking the ground hard, the forefoot bends flexibly, and the heels didn't float, so I was able to feel the whole shoe follow the movements of my feet. Furthermore, it is less likely to shake even if you land strong with your heel. I feel like I've come closer to a sense of unity like walking in sneakers. The previous model was supposed to be quite flexible, but when I walked around wearing both at the same time, I definitely felt the stiffness of the previous model, although it was a little more subtle.

The Miura Alps is a low mountain of about 200m, but there are continuous ups and downs, with a wide range of terrain such as gravel, mud, tree roots, exposed rocks, and other unseen jungle forests. Along the way, I felt like screaming, "Alps fraud!"

It is certainly true that this is due to the improved fit and flexibility of the upper mentioned above. What we also learned from interviews is the evolution of the sole integration technology called "descent control" adopted from the X ULTRA 3 . This mechanism, which uses trail running technology, combines the upper, midsole, chassis, and outsole to improve interlocking, controlling the screws, particularly improving stability during downhills when loads increase.

In terms of stable descent, the X ULTRA 3 has another major change in the sole pattern. Below is a photo comparing the sole patterns of the heel section, but the current model (left of the bottom photo) has a large addition of lateral grooves . This increases grip even when landing strongly on the heel, making it even more stable when descending. This is a structure that is often seen in trail running shoes.

The High Traction Contagrip® sole, which uses different materials on the outer and inner sides, combines grip and cushioning, has a slightly wider lug spacing around the center from the X ULTRA 3 (left of the photo below). This makes it easier to bite into and discharge into soil and mud, and slightly improves grip on rough roads.

Don't overconfidence! ? As always, I'm not good at wet rocky areas

As a result of emphasis on all-round performance, such as stable grip and ease of walking on all off-roads, grip on wet rocks is not that great compared to soles that are resistant to situations (such as the brand's Contagrip® Premium Wet Traction and vibram's MEGAGRIP). This is a problem for those who are actively heading towards rocky routes. In any case, on wet rocky areas, if you kick hard with your toes and try to land with force with your heels, you will likely slip, so you will need to flatten your entire sole and walk carefully.

The rocks in the photo are still rough in grain so it wasn't that dangerous, but when the smooth rocks are wet, my steps are tense.

Differences in lineup: Detailed response to diverse needs, foot shapes and genders

A mid-cut model that is great for those with ankles worried

Of course, this model also comes with a low-cut model, as well as a mid-cut model for those who want to further protect their ankles. In the mid-cut model, the structure is almost the same except for the part where the quick shoe is tightened. In exchange for weight, the ankle support is increased, but it basically remains the same in terms of ease of walking.

X ULTRA 3 MID GORE-TEX®

SALOMON

17,820 yen

448g

A wide model newly designed from the Japanese foot shape

has been added to this model, the Type X ULTRA 3 WIDE MID GORE-TEX®, This is actually one of the big highlights of this update. This is because this wide model does not simply have a wider foot shape than a wider one, but rather a shoe craftsman from his home country of France came to Japan and uses the last one created from scratch, just for this purpose, based on Japanese foot shape data. Furthermore, it is said that they are fully incorporated feedback from Japanese testers, so perhaps it would be better for us, as Japanese, to match the size based on this one from the beginning.

X ULTRA 3 WIDE MID GORE-TEX®

SALOMON

17,820 yen

450g

A female model with specially designed parts based on anatomy

The women's models are available in the same lineup as the men's models. In fact, this female model is not just a scale-down, but has been specially designed with each part designed to accommodate the anatomy of women.

X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX® W

SALOMON

16,740 yen

330g

Summary: Recommended for people like this

First of all, I was surprised to see that the fit of the upper has evolved even further. The entire shoe has a balanced increase in flexibility and stability. The design is designed to prevent fatigue from becoming too exhausted over long distances, making it easier to walk and enjoy purely enjoying walking leisurely and sometimes running down comfortably.

If you carry a light luggage and the mountains reach the limit of the forest, they will ensure comfortable walking without any ups and downs. These shoes are perfect for first-time shoes as they can be worn as an extension of everyday shoes.

I'm not good at wet rocky areas, so I need to be careful about that, but it seems to be the perfect pair for all activities that you'll walk for a long time in situations that aren't that hard, such as hiking, camping, or traveling. This time, we recommend that you try out a wide model when fitting.

For product details and inquiries, please also check the SALOMON official website

X ULTRA 3 GORE-TEX®

SALOMON

16,740 yen

380g