SALOMON X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX Review: Comfortable hiking shoes with toughness and stability that lightly walk along the ridges of the Alps

Another interesting new release has been released from the X ULTRA series of Salomon's hiking shoes, which are loved by many fans for their exquisite fit, ease of walking on trails, and less fatigue Released this fall and winter season the X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX is an Alpine Adventure-compatible hiking shoe that maintains the comfortable walking experience of the X ULTRA series, while still providing robustness and stable support that can be used on tough terrain.

I immediately walked around the Central Alps this summer with these shoes, so I would like to share with you the features and impressions of actually wearing them.

Main features of SALOMON X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX

The latest model of Salomon's popular X ULTRA , the ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX (hereafter referred to as X ULTRA ALPINE) is a hiking shoe designed to lightly walk not only plain trails but also harsh trails in the Alps. With a robust upper with nubuck leather and rubber reinforcement on the toes, the new chassis structure " Edging Chassis Technology the midsole equipped with EnergyCell™ which has excellent shock absorption power, Alpine Contagrip® , which is made up of Salomon's most sticky rubber compound , the most adhesive rubber compound in Salomon's history, allowing for stable foot movements without shaking, even in slippery, unstable rocks, providing even more fatigue and comfortable support for long walks. tough and technical terrain, as well as those looking for comfortable and agile hiking shoes without sacrificing high support and robustness.

Recommended points

• Outsole with excellent friction and stable grip even on rocky areas
• High support and stability that combines ease of walking and lateral twisting (resistant to injury).
• Nubuck leather and thick rubber reinforcement make it durable against strong impacts and friction
• As always, it has a comfortable fit with excellent fit, hold and cushioning.
• Stable waterproof and breathable permeability due to GORE-TEX

Points that interest me

• The sole is flexible and easy to walk in, but the forefoot (although it is a little stiff) is slightly more prone to flex when standing on rocky areas.

Main Specifications and ratings

I tried traversing the ridges of the Alps using X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX

A more robust upper structure makes it safe for impact and friction

Designed with the aim of being able to accommodate harsh mountain environments X ULTRA ALPINE first brings out the sturdy, sturdy body, which is particularly robust among the XA series. The upper is made of thick synthetic fibers and supple, robust nubuck leather that covers the circumference, and the toes are reinforced with thick rubber, making them the strength against impact and friction not inferior to that of full-scale climbing shoes.

Thick synthetic fibers and nubuck leather for durability and durability

The toes are reinforced with thick rubber, so you can feel safe and pain even if you hit a rock corner.

In fact, this test showed that it was not only a standard trail in the forest, but also a 3,000m-class ridge, and was equipped with excellent protection that would have no damage at all when you hit a sharp corner of the rock, or when you climb a chain area while rubbing your shoes against the rock surface.

As always, it has a comfortable fit and hold to keep it in a comfortable fit

Upper structure that creates the ultimate fit that flows with sensifit™

When it comes to the X ULTRA series, there are probably many people who find it more attractive than anything else, with its fit that sticks to your feet. This model's ideal fit remains in place, and this time the upper structure from SensiFit™, which features the movable wing "Active Support" on the top of the shoelaces on the instep, keeps the high hold that wraps around the entire foot throughout your walk.

Furthermore, when combined with the "quick shoelaces system" that allows for intuitive and quick operation, the entire foot is properly secured with uniform pressure. It was pleasant to feel the natural feeling of landing accurately, step by step without any wavering.

The fit that wraps around your entire foot provides a comfortable fit that is neither too tight nor too loose.

This low-cut model is equipped with the "quick shoelaces system," which is well known for its quick operation and less likely to loosen up.

The "gusset tongue" structure, which combines the tongue and upper, improves the fit and prevents pebbles from entering.

The pads placed around the ankles and the tongue also give the impression that they have a slightly higher cushioning compared to other models. This time I was walking for a long time carrying a slightly heavy load, but I was able to continue without feeling any signs of rubbing or pressure on my suspension.

A plentiful cushioned pads are applied around the ankles, making them comfortable to touch.

The newly developed chassis structure, "Edging Chassis," provides excellent stability even on hard, unstable road surfaces, and also provides smooth stride.

It maintains stability even on unstable terrain with extreme undulations, while at the same time it does not lose its agility and propulsion as a hiking shoe. It's easy to put into words, but I've never seen many shoes in actual shape. Edging Chassis that was installed at the bottom that supports the forefoot this time (photo below).

The "Edging Chassis" functions to increase the propulsion in the vertical direction and to suppress lateral shaking when landing in the horizontal direction.

Edging Chassis Technology Schematic

This is a plate mounted on the forefoot of the midsole, with several slits in the lateral direction in the forefoot, and a vertical front wall on the outside (right image).

This allows for natural rolling from the heel to the toe when flexion of the forefoot (=vertical direction), while increasing torsional rigidity when landing (=lateral direction), the front wall firmly supports the sides, minimizing lateral shaking of the foot due to impact.

In other words, you can safely and securely place your feet against unstable road surfaces in rocky mountainous areas without causing your feet to slip (or twist in more serious cases) when landing, and you can then move without any shaking or lean movement from there.

The midsole is equipped with a flexible EnergyCell™ that combines high rebound and shock absorption, and cushions firmly against strong impacts such as walking, running, and jumping over rocks. I didn't suffer from thrusts on hard roads, and even long periods of action under a small burden didn't cause the cushion to wear down.

However, although this flexibility was perfect in terms of walking, there were some parts that felt a bit lacking in hardness when standing on rocky areas (photo above). Although the sole is a stiff sole for a regular hiking shoe, it is softer than mountaineering boots with a hard plastic shank, so it is important to understand that they are not alpine boots that climb rocky ridges with heavy burden.

Outsole that is "unslip and can be stepped on" even on rocky areas thanks to the most sticky rubber compound in Salomon's history and calculated lug pattern.

X ULTRA ALPINE is designed to be performed on different terrains than before, and the materials and structure used in the outsole are also unique in the series.

First of all, the compound type used here, " Alpine Contagrip® ," was first unveiled at the S/LAB Alpineway, which was released in the spring and summer, and is said to be the most sticky rubber compound in Salomon's history. It is clear that the most important thing is to grip firmly on the smooth rock surface. In fact, I walked through a rocky area for the first time using this sole and was amazed at how high the friction felt as if it sucked onto the rocks.

What's even more interesting is the rug pattern. In four areas, the toes, medial forefoot, lateral forefoot, and hindfoot, respectively

• The toes make it easy to grasp fine holds
• The inside of the forefoot prevents slipping on rocky areas
• The outside of the forefoot makes it easier to transmit force when stepping on to the road surface
• The rear foot makes it easy to control impact when landing

By combining patterns with completely different concepts, the design provides optimal performance for action on a variety of terrains, including rocky areas (photo above). This calculated lug pattern allowed us to naturally prevent slipping when landing, without being particularly conscious of how you put your feet on it, and if you step on it, it kicks you in the ground, allowing you to catch the hold when climbing.

Thanks to this intricately arranged rug pattern, it has never felt that walking, running, climbing and descending trails in alpine areas can be achieved in such a good balance. The unique charm of this shoe is the high level of balance that is unique to Salomon, with the approach-like nature of approach-shoes, such as technical stability on rocky areas, and the hiking shoe-like aspect that moves your feet naturally forward on a variety of off-road roads.

With the GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable function, there is no need to worry about water getting into your shoes even when crossing muddy trails or streams.

Summary: For lightweight climbing and hiking on technical terrain, or for those looking for comfortable, agile hiking shoes without sacrificing stability and robustness.

Hiking in highlands that exceed the forest limits requires stability on uneven and slippery roads such as gravel and rocks. Until now, when trying to improve stability, it tends to become stiff and bulky, and instead, you have to sacrifice the important lightness and flexibility with comfortable walking. In this respect, this shoe is a new charm, and is an Alpine hiking shoe that goes a step further and combines comfort and agility without sacrificing stability and robustness.

In terms of shoes that allow you to walk lightly through technical rocky areas, there is something called "approach shoes," but it is certainly similar to the feeling of these shoes. However, when we think of it as an approach shoe, (as we will also be discussing the structure of the outsole, which I will talk about later), this model has excellent agility and comfort when walking, and I was able to feel the joy and comfort of walking that is unique to Salomon, which is skilled in running shoe technology.

Incidentally, the Central Alps (Senjojiki - Kisokomagatake - Soragidake) that I walked with these shoes this time was a bit challenging at some of the chains to Mt. Hoken, but it was generally the perfect route to walk with these shoes. In particular, the 3,000m wide ridge walk from Mt. Kisokomagatake to Mt. Kisokomaga, which stretches out after climbing Hachozaka is a recommended route that even beginners can enjoy a spectacular view of Alpine. X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX opens the door to the Alps, which was difficult to reach with the traditional X ULTRA series . We've come to believe that these extremely well-finished hiking shoes, suitable for those who want to hike in mountain hiking with unstable scaffolding, to tough hikers who don't want to abandon both their robustness and lightness, will become a new option for light walking across Japan's diverse terrain, from mild low mountains to the steep Alps.

In the X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX also has a mid-cut model, so if you are looking for more support and less likely to get injured or feel safe, we strongly recommend choosing a mid-cut model.

Details and purchase of "SALOMON X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX"

For information on the latest models' arrival information and product details, please check the official online store

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