This low-cut shoe offers incredible stability. A review of the new SALOMON X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX, a classic hiking shoe that combines unparalleled comfort with injury prevention

SALOMON 's best-selling hiking shoes, the X ULTRA have many fans thanks to their excellent fit that wraps around the foot and their comfortable feel even when walking for long periods of time. Since their introduction in 2012, they have been updated every few years.

This spring, we're introducing the " X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX," . When I reviewed the previous model, I was impressed by its exceptional comfort and high level of perfection as a hiking shoe . After wearing this fourth-generation model for about a month, I was impressed by the fact that it retains the appeal of its predecessor while incorporating a smarter, more refined design and packed with innovative features and appeal never before experienced. This is the birth of "another standard" based on a new concept.

This time, I would like to review the new SALOMON X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX and share my impressions after wearing it extensively for hiking and everyday life.

Key features of SALOMON X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX

The SALOMON X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX features a significantly revamped look from its predecessor . While building on the X ULTRA ADV-C Chassis and Active Support combination support the joint without sacrificing ankle freedom, reducing the risk of injury and enabling stable footing on rugged, technical trails. The deep-lug Contagrip® MA outsole also improves grip on slippery terrain like mud and wet rocks, providing a stable landing and takeoff on any outdoor terrain.

Despite being a lightweight and agile low-cut shoe SALOMON X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX , making it an important choice for a wide range of hikers who are aware of the risk of injury in the mountains, including not only hikers with foot concerns, but also those taking on more challenging and longer routes, and beginners who are not accustomed to walking off-road.

Recommended points

• High stability that makes it hard to shake and less likely to cause injury, unlike low-cut shoes
• Grip strength that allows stable landing and stepping even on steep slopes and wet terrain
• Lightweight despite its structure that prioritizes stability
• Quicklace system for quick and easy on and off
• Solid protection for the toes and surrounding area from sharp obstacles
• GORE-TEX provides stable waterproof and breathable performance
• Stylish appearance

Points of interest

• The fit of the upper is relatively light
• The feeling that the edge around the ankle touches the outer ankle bone
• The shoe tongue dangles, making it a little difficult to put on

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Simple and sleek new design

The first thing that catches your eye is the major design update: a simpler, cleaner color palette and a sleeker, smarter look that's easier to pair with today's muted color palettes

As can be said for all of Salomon's recent new products, the designs and colors have become increasingly sophisticated, which is great. Up until now, no matter how comfortable a shoe was, I never felt like wearing it on a daily basis, but with these, I'll want to wear them 24 hours a day, whether I'm on or off duty

A renewed fit based on the excellent comfort shared by the series

the X Ultra series is the unparalleled comfort of its SensiFit™ , which provides a comfortable fit that feels like it's sticking to your foot and wraps around your foot from the sole to the top of your foot . That outstanding fit is still as good as ever, so if you liked the fit of the previous model, you 'll probably find the fit of the X Ultra 4

Sensifit™ provides an exquisitely even, snug, and even hold when you tighten the laces

However, if you are looking for the same snug fit as the previous model, including myself, you should be a little careful, as you may feel a bit of discomfort the moment you put your feet in

This is due to the fact that the number of eyelets has been reduced by one ( the X Ultra 2 ), making the toe box wider than the previous model (see photo below). While this makes it easier to move around the toes, the resulting space feels a little lacking.

However, the shoe as a whole provides a firm hold, including around the heel, so you won't feel any wobble or your foot moving around inside the shoe, and as a result, you'll get used to the discomfort as you wear it, so there's no need to worry. On the other hand, the toe area is roomier and more comfortable than the previous model, making it easier to flexibly accommodate more active movements, which many hikers will find positive

Additionally, the emphasis on freedom of movement and mobility has made the overall volume of the upper feel a little less. This isn't something that bothers me personally, so I think it's a matter of personal preference, but for those who liked the luxurious, snug fit of the previous model, this may be a disappointing change

More than that, I personally found the edge around the ankle to slightly touch the lateral malleolus bone to be a bit of a concern. Overall, the area from the heel to the ankle feels slightly deep, perhaps due to the emphasis on stability. Also, the new tongue structure, which works in conjunction with the GORE-TEX membrane and contributes to the reduction in weight, improved fit, and less chance of stones and sand getting in, can be difficult to put on when you're not used to it, and I was concerned that it might bend at the back. I'm looking forward to future improvements in this area

The biggest surprise about these shoes is the high stability I've never felt before in a low-cut shoe!

the new X Ultra 4 is the dramatic improvement in stability that helps prevent lateral sprains, the most common ankle injury while hiking.

I myself have experienced this type of sprain many times since my days in high school (handball club), and as a result have developed a habit of spraining my ankle. Even when hiking, I would almost sprain my ankle about once a day while descending, so I have been plagued by sprains to the point that I have made up my mind not to wear low-cut shoes when carrying a load of more than 10kg

I was amazed that these shoes erased the worries that had been with me for so many years, and that I had almost given up on. The secret to this is, of course, the ADV-C chassis

If you are wearing low-cut sneakers, including hiking shoes, you should be able to bend your ankle outward relatively easily. If this happens suddenly while weight is being applied, you will end up with a sprain

At SALOMON, we have conducted extensive research into the mechanism behind these sprains, and have discovered that the joints located at the top of the arch of the foot (the Lisfranc joint and the Chopart joint) are deeply involved in causing sprains. Therefore, in order to support and support these joints, reducing the risk of injury and providing stability when walking, we developed the " ADV-C Chassis ," a hard resin part that supports and covers the aforementioned joints from the sole of the foot (see photo below).

The effect of this part, that is, the difference from conventional shoes, was so clear that it could be felt immediately the moment you put them on

I try bending my ankle outward (see photo below). While the foot in traditional hiking shoes (right) bends relatively easily, the X Ultra 4 (left) is surprisingly difficult to bend. At first glance, it looks like nothing more than a soft low-cut sneaker, but you can easily feel the firm support on the outside of your foot, as if there were a hard wall—in other words, just the outside was a mid-cut trekking boot. Despite being low-cut shoes, I had to use a fair amount of force to bend them, and this was the first time I'd ever experienced such a sensation.

Of course, just because they are difficult to flex outward doesn't mean they are difficult to walk in. As I mentioned earlier, SALOMON doesn't restrict joint movement, but rather uses the chassis to support it. In fact, there is no feeling of restraint or awkwardness while walking, and rather it feels like they are assisting you to walk comfortably on uneven off-road terrain. Perhaps it's fair to say that they combine the good points of low-cut and mid-(high) cut in a well-balanced way

The perfect balance of agility, cushioning and support makes downhill riding even more formidable

The ADV-C chassis Active Support" that is quietly installed in the shadows is also quite shocking.

The reinforcement, which is placed like a band on the outside of the shoe connecting the midsole and shoelaces, firmly secures the foot in the correct position and prevents it from moving around inside the shoe (see photo below). Furthermore, because it is tightened just before the highest point of the instep, it prevents the toes from digging into the tip of the shoe when descending, so I was able to stay comfortable even when I was going down a steep slope at high speed

Furthermore, the midsole continues to feature EnergyCell, which provides high resilience and cushioning, providing solid support, even more comfort and security when descending than the previous model. Of course, even when walking for long periods with a heavy load, the shoes still absorb the impact and shock from the ground just as well, making them less tiring, a common appeal of the series

By the way, X Ultra 4 compared to X Ultra 3 , but in reality, it doesn't seem to have changed so much that you can actually feel the volume just because it's thicker (see photo below. In fact, the 3 may feel even softer).

In terms of specifications, the new model (top) has a sole thickness that is about 5mm thicker than the previous model (bottom), but there isn't much difference in appearance or the feeling when walking in them, and both are still as comfortable as ever

High grip thanks to the use of tougher rubber, improving stability on rough roads

Another change that clearly shows that improved stability is the theme of this update is the newly tuned outsole

The basic lug pattern (the uneven shape of the sole) is the same, but the rubber material used for the outsole is Contagrip® MA

This also improves slip resistance on wet terrain such as slippery rocks, mud, and wet rocks. This tenacious rubber and multi-directional lug pattern provide excellent traction (for stepping and braking) on ​​a wide range of terrain expected in outdoor activities, from mild trails to rough roads

The heel of this model has also been improved, with a slightly protruding heel and a diagonal groove for braking. The design makes it easier to land firmly on the heel, and it seems to be a subtle adjustment that allows even those who are not particularly strong walkers to continue walking for long periods with less strain

High level of protection that can withstand hard mountain climbing

The synthetic material used for the upper fabric is a taut synthetic ripstop fabric, which, apart from its durability, provides enough protection that you won't have to worry about carrying a load on most of Japan's hiking trails

The toe is lined with thick TPU to protect against damage from kicks

The reinforcement that runs from the toe to the heel is still at a level that trail running or lightweight hiking shoes can't match. The pressure-bonded reinforcement (see photo below) is lightweight, sturdy, and stylish, and absorbs impacts from rocks, tree branches, roots, etc., providing excellent protection for your feet

Despite the generous support, it remains light enough to move nimbly

As explained above, the new X Ultra 4 offers increased support compared to its predecessor, yet remains light and nimble with almost no change in weight (365g, measured in size 27.0).

While these figures may seem a little heavy compared to the ultra-lightweight trekking shoes for fastpacking that are popular these days, they are no match for them in terms of protection and durability. For general mountaineering use, from weekend day hikes to multi-day treks, the X Ultra 4 is extremely lightweight for reliable performance.

Advanced quick lace system for fast and secure installation

The latest version of the Quicklace® system, currently used in many Salomon shoes, is now featured for the first time in this model

As I've written many times before, the latest system has evolved to make tightening and loosening the laces incredibly intuitive, and can be done instantly with very little force. The plastic parts and excess laces can be stored in the shoelace garage on the tongue, so there's no need to worry about them getting caught

In addition to a women's model that has been redesigned based on the skeletal shape, there is a wide variety of options to choose the most suitable model

Another notable development in the X Ultra 4

The differences between men's and women's shoes are generally limited to sizing, or at most, the width of the last, but this model goes beyond that and has been re-examined from the skeletal level of a woman's foot, adjusting not only the shape of the last but also the rigidity of the chassis. Furthermore, for areas that experience friction and stress, such as the ankle and tongue, the materials and shapes have been optimized to provide the most comfortable feeling for women

Of course, just like the previous model, the lineup also includes a mid-cut model with greater stability and a wide size model for people with wider feet. Everyone is ready to find a shoe that suits them

Summary: A new all-around hiking shoe that has everything you need to walk the trail with confidence

I had always known that low-cut hiking shoes were easy to walk in, but I had always been hesitant to buy them because of the risk of spraining my ankle. To be honest, these were the first pairs of shoes that made me think, "I want to wear these!" Low-cut shoes are definitely easier to walk in. I never thought I'd be able to enjoy such lightness without worrying about injury, and now I truly enjoy light hiking in the X Ultra 4

It's true that fans of the previous X Ultra series may find the slightly bland feel a little strange at first, but the overall comfort you feel from these shoes remains the same. In that sense, the update from "3 to 4" is not simply an evolution, but could be considered the birth of a new sibling within the X Ultra

the X Ultra 3 thankfully continue to be sold in parallel. I personally recommend the 3 for those who love the exceptional fit, those who prioritize comfort over injury, or those who are not good at physical activity and are starting mountain climbing for the first time, while the 4 is recommended for those who are attracted to the new element of stable comfort that continues even when walking for longer periods of time and over longer distances , based on the excellent comfort of the X Ultra

For more information and to purchase SALOMON X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX

For more product details, please also check out the official online stores for X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX (Men's) and X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX (Women's)

   

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