SALOMON X ULTRA 360 GORE-TEX Review: From city wear to trails. Hiking shoes worn 24/7 by an outdoor writer

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I first encountered SALOMON's popular hiking shoe, the X ULTRA series X ULTRA series has become an essential part of my daily work shoes (walking shoes), as well as for low mountain hikes. Over that time, the series has continued to evolve and differentiate, steadily captivating many hikers, and it continues to grow as a staple of Salomon hiking shoes.

I'll be reviewing the latest updated model in Salomon's X ULTRA series a signature and long- . I'll share my impressions after wearing them for about a month, from hiking to everyday use.

Key features of SALOMON X ULTRA 360 GORE-TEX

The latest model in Salomon's popular X ULTRA series, developed with the concept of enabling hikers to complete the Tour de Mont Blanc, a legendary long trail in the European Alps, from their doorstep to the peak, is the X ULTRA 360 GORE-TEX . This hiking shoe offers a balanced mix of features focused on ensuring safe, comfortable, and fatigue-free hiking on long trails. Features include SensiFit with Active Support™ and Quicklace™ for a secure fit and hold, EnergyCell™ for superior shock absorption, Advanced Chassis™ for enhanced ankle stability, abrasion-resistant mesh upper with toe protection, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and an All Terrain Contagrip® outsole for stability on rough, muddy, and rocky terrain. The updated upper features a new, lighter recycled fabric, reducing the overall weight of the shoe. The chassis and lug pattern have also been slightly tweaked.

Recommended points

• An exquisite fit and a comfortable, enveloping hold
• Excellent stability to reduce lateral movement without restricting freedom of movement
• Solid protection for the toes and surrounding area from sharp obstacles
• Moderate cushioning
• Quicklace system for quick and easy on and off
• GORE-TEX provides stable waterproof and breathable performance
• Provides excellent grip on both dry and wet surfaces, and stable grip on muddy and rocky terrain

Points of interest

• It's not impossible to run in, but it's not suitable for fastpacking or other active hiking
• The sole is too soft for hiking with a heavy load of over 10 kg

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Comfort, durability, and weight: The shoe provides an excellent fit and hold that gently wraps around the entire foot, as well as an excellent balance of lightness and strength

Words are not needed to appreciate the appeal of these shoes. Their soft, almost-skin-touch feel and SensiFit™ technology, which envelops the foot from the sole to the instep, provide a unique fit and hold that has been a favorite of climbers worldwide for over a decade. This latest model offers unparalleled comfort. Furthermore, the X ULTRA series' SensiFit technology, combined with Active Support, a wing-like support on the instep that prevents lateral movement, helps hold the foot in the correct position, providing even greater stability.

SensiFit™ wraps around the entire foot from the bottom, providing the ultimate comfort

The upper material is now more sustainable and lightweight

This latest update uses 49% new recycled materials in the upper (the midsole uses 8% recycled electrical cable), making it more environmentally friendly, while still maintaining flexibility and moderate breathability, and succeeding in reducing weight, which is a major improvement. At 372g (GORE-TEX model, US size 8), it's not the lightest, but it still falls into the lightweight category for general hiking shoes. In fact, it felt even lighter than the previous model

Thinner, lighter and more sustainable upper fabric while maintaining durability and breathability

Provides ample protection for your feet

The upper has thick reinforcement in areas prone to wear, such as the toes, heels, and around the soles of the shoes, which cushions impacts from rocks, tree branches, roots, etc., providing sufficient protection that you don't need to worry at all when walking on regular hiking trails

Reinforcement is placed all around the toe area, providing ample protection for a full-fledged outdoor shoe

On the other hand, there is plenty of soft padding around the ankle and shoe tongue, so it is very comfortable and does not rub or press down when walking. The shoe tongue is also woven into the upper part of the boot, which helps prevent the intrusion of gravel and water

The padding around the ankle and tongue remains generous

The low-cut model uses a quick shoelace system. Switching between tightening and loosening can be done quickly and intuitively, allowing for effortless fine-tuning of the tightness when going uphill or downhill. The shoelace garage, which stores excess laces, is also just the right size, allowing for hassle-free storage

Quick shoelace system allows for instant tightening and loosening with intuitive operation

Overall, the improved upper strikes a great balance between being light, flexible and durable enough for mountain use, while still maintaining a comfortable, soft feel

Stability, cushioning, and grip: an exquisite sole unit that turns any uneven road into a comfortable trail

A stable midsole that allows for comfortable landings even on downhill slopes

No one dislikes lighter shoes, but that doesn't mean that the stability and support of the shoe can be sacrificed. the X Ultra 360 , there were no major changes to the sole unit aside from the upper, and the impression of a comfortable ride remained almost unchanged.

I tried walking with the new model on my left foot and the old model on my right foot, and there was almost no difference in comfort

The EVA foam "EnergyCell™" in the midsole combines high resilience and cushioning, and even when walking for long periods of time, it doesn't lose performance (wear down), providing a comfortable rebound all the time. The shoes' reliable cushioning and comfortable fit were especially helpful when hiking all day, but more personally, at large-scale exhibitions where I had to walk tens of thousands of steps on hard ground all day while carrying a large amount of materials

Additionally, the "Advanced Chassis™" installed at the bottom of the midsole firmly supports the sides of the shoe, minimizing sideways movement of the foot caused by weight when landing. The "Descent Control" structure, which integrates each part of these upper and sole, effectively absorbs shock when landing and controls twisting, providing a pleasant sense of stability, especially on downhills. I was able to walk comfortably for long periods of time, even on uneven and up-and-down trails

The Advanced Chassis™ has a hard resin that surrounds the heel, reducing lateral movement when landing

As a result, the forefoot is flexible and has sufficient flex, allowing you to feel the sensation of your soles firmly, without your ankles giving way when you land, allowing you to place your feet safely and comfortably on any slope. Of course, even if you walk for a long time with a heavy load, the shoes will still absorb some of the impact from sharp stones and the ground, preventing damage to the soles of your feet, which is just as appealing as ever

All Terrain Contagrip® Compound

The X ULTRA 360 uses the All Terrain Contagrip® outsole, a versatile shoe often used on shoes that are suitable for a wide range of surfaces, from paved roads to off-road terrain. It offers all-around grip, handling both hard ground and muddy terrain with ease. From the paved approach road to the gravel-mixed forest road, dirt, tree roots, rocky areas, and remaining snow, the shoes gave me confidence on a variety of surfaces.

The chevron lug outsole, which has been used for generations, enhances stability by gripping not only the front and rear but also the lateral direction, and the pattern makes it easy to remove mud in muddy conditions

Looking at the lug pattern on the outsole, each point has a wedge-shaped "chevron lug" shape, designed to provide grip in multiple directions as well as forward stepping and traction

The size of each point is slightly larger than the previous model, giving the impression of greater stability

Compared to previous models, each point is slightly larger and the grooves are narrower, giving the impression of increased stability on flat ground. However, the pattern remains the same, designed to allow for mud to be easily removed, so you can expect stable grip even on slippery, muddy terrain. The toe and heel areas have a robust structure that takes into account stepping and braking, making it suitable for a more active pace

The heel and toe have lugs to enhance grip

Also, even when I had to cross puddles or streams along the trail, the reliable waterproof and breathable function of GORE-TEX prevented water from seeping into my shoes, even when the water reached up to my ankles, and I was able to move around safely

GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable material keeps water out

Summary: I once again realized the unrivaled ability to "walk comfortably"

Now, nearly 10 years after I first wore this series, I've tried out the new model and once again realized that it's one of the most comfortable hiking shoes I've ever worn

What I like most about these shoes, which prioritize basic comfort, is their versatility, allowing me to confidently take them out into any field. With an excellent fit and hold, a lightweight yet durable and breathable upper, and a walkable and reliable sole, the X ULTRA 360 GORE-TEX is both an outdoor shoe for long, serious hikes and a comfortable walking boot that reduces everyday stress. My days begin when I put these shoes on and open the door. Rain or snow, these shoes are perfect for the city.

However, every shoe has its limits. No matter how well-made a shoe is, its comfort can only be achieved up to the point where you're carrying a load of luggage that requires an overnight stay in a hut. If your load weighs more than 10kg, you'll need a more robust sole with a shank. The heavy upper also doesn't make it a shoe that's particularly suitable for running (though you can certainly run in them), and the flexibility of the sole and the depth of the lugs mean it's not suited to technical terrain with lots of rocky terrain and vertical movement. These shoes are best suited to situations like hiking in low to medium-level mountains where rocky terrain occurs less than 50% of the time, staying overnight in huts, and carrying around 30 liters of luggage. Alternatively, I recommend wearing them out as everyday walking shoes, like I did

The X ULTRA series is rich in variety. How should you wear each one?

The popular X ULTRA series is available in a wide variety of variations, including the "360" introduced here. In particular, the newly released " X ULTRA 360 EDGE GORE-TEX " has almost the same specifications as the "360" but literally has an edgier design and coloring, so it's nice to be able to choose one that suits your style.

The 360 ​​is available in a lighter, non-waterproof model without GORE-TEX, while both the 360 ​​and 360 EDGE are available in low-cut and mid-cut styles. If you're looking to do more strenuous mountain climbing or have concerns about your ankles and need ample protection, we recommend choosing the mid-cut

Furthermore, the "X ULTRA 4," which was released in the 2021 season, remains popular and is also being sold alongside the "X ULTRA 4." The "X ULTRA 4" is characterized by its extremely stable chassis, which prevents ankle sprains. Personally, I think that those who like the fit of the previous model or those starting mountain climbing for the first time should start with the "360." However, if you are clearly looking for increased support for carrying heavier loads or active activities to ensure safe mountain climbing, I recommend choosing the "X ULTRA 4."

For more information and to purchase the SALOMON X ULTRA 360 GORE-TEX, please click here

Please check the official online store for information on the latest model arrivals and product details

   

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