SALOMON X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX Review: A comfortable hiking shoe with durability and stability for effortless hiking along the Alps

X ULTRA series hiking shoes continues to be loved by many fans for its excellent fit, ease of walking on the trail, and fatigue-reducing performance The X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX released this fall /winter season, is a hiking shoe for alpine adventures that retains the comfortable walking feel of the X ULTRA series while providing the durability and stable support needed for tough terrain.

I walked in the Central Alps in these shoes this summer, so I would like to share with you their features and my impressions of wearing them

Key features of SALOMON X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX

The latest model in Salomon's popular X ULTRA series , the X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX (hereafter referred to as X ULTRA ALPINE) , is designed for effortless hiking on both easy trails and the more challenging terrain of the Alps. Featuring a robust upper with nubuck leather and rubber reinforcement at the toe, a new Edging Chassis , a shock-absorbing EnergyCell™ midsole, Alpine Contagrip® made with Salomon's most adhesive rubber compound , these shoes ensure stable footing even on slippery, unstable rocks, providing comfortable support for long walks. They're ideal for mountaineering and hiking in tough, technical terrain, as well as for those seeking comfort and agility without sacrificing support or durability.

Recommended points

• Outsole with excellent friction, providing stable grip and ease of stepping on rocky surfaces
• High support and stability that combines ease of walking with resistance to lateral twisting (injury prevention)
• Nubuck leather and thick rubber reinforcement for durability against strong impacts and abrasions
• As always, excellent fit, support and cushioning provide a comfortable fit
• GORE-TEX provides stable waterproof and breathable performance

Points of interest

• The sole is flexible and easy to walk in, but the forefoot (although somewhat stiff) tends to bend slightly when walking on rocky terrain

Main specifications and evaluation

I tried hiking the Alps ridgeline in X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX

More robust upper structure for peace of mind against impacts and friction

The X ULTRA ALPINE was designed to withstand harsh mountain environments , and the first thing that catches your eye is its particularly robust and rugged body, even among the XA series. The upper is made of thick synthetic fiber and is surrounded by supple yet durable nubuck leather, and the toe area is reinforced with thick rubber, making it resistant to impacts and friction comparable to that of full-fledged mountaineering boots.

Durable upper fabric made of thick synthetic and nubuck leather

The toes are reinforced with thick rubber, so even if you hit a rock corner, you won't feel any pain

In fact, during this test, the boots provided such excellent protection that no damage was observed not only when walking on regular trails in the forest, but also when going out to a ridgeline at an altitude of 3,000m, where my toes hit sharp rock corners, and when climbing up a chain section with my shoes scraping against the rock face

As always, excellent fit and hold for a comfortable feel

Sensifit™ upper construction for an exceptional fit

When it comes to the X ULTRA series, many people say that the most appealing thing about it is the way it clings to your feet. This model still has that ideal fit, and this time the upper structure is derived from SensiFit™ and features Active Support, a movable wing above the shoelaces on the instep, which provides a secure hold that wraps around your entire foot while you walk

Combined with the intuitive and quick-to-operate "Quick Shoelace System," the entire foot is properly secured with uniform pressure. The natural, steady feeling of precise landing with each step was very comfortable

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

This low-cut model is equipped with the "quick shoelace system," which is well-known for its quick operation and resistance to loosening

The "gusseted tongue" structure, in which the shoe tongue and upper are integrated, improves the fit and prevents pebbles from entering

The padding around the ankle and tongue also feels a little more cushioned than other models. I walked for long periods of time carrying a fairly heavy load, but I still didn't feel any chafing or pressure around my feet

There is plenty of cushioned padding around the ankles, which feels good against the skin

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

Maintaining stability even on rough, unstable terrain, while at the same time not losing the agility and propulsion required for hiking shoes. It's easy to say, but I haven't seen many shoes that actually put this into practice. One of Salomon's answers to this is the " Edging Chassis ," which is now installed in the lower part of the shoe to support the forefoot (see photo below).

The "Edging Chassis" increases vertical propulsion and functions to suppress lateral movement when landing

Schematic diagram of Edging Chassis technology

This is a plate mounted on the forefoot of the midsole, which has several horizontal slits and a vertical front wall on the outside (right image)

This allows for natural rolling from heel to toe when the forefoot flexes (vertically), while the increased torsional rigidity allows the front wall to firmly support the sides when the foot sways side to side (laterally) upon landing, minimizing lateral movement of the foot due to impact

This means that when landing on the unstable surfaces of rocky mountainous areas, your feet can be placed safely and securely without slipping (or, in more serious cases, twisting), and you can then move forward with a smooth, unwavering movement

The midsole is equipped with flexible "EnergyCell™" that combines high resilience and shock absorption, and provides excellent cushioning even for strong impacts such as walking, running, and jumping over rocks. I didn't suffer from bumps on hard surfaces, and the cushioning didn't wear out even when I was carrying a slightly heavy load for a long time

However, although this flexibility was perfect for walking, I felt that it was a little lacking in firmness when standing on rocky areas (see photo above). Although the sole is on the stiffer side for regular hiking shoes, it is softer than mountaineering boots with hard plastic shanks, so it is important to understand that these are not alpine boots designed for climbing rocky ridges with heavy loads

The most sticky rubber compound in Salomon history and a calculated lug pattern make for a non-slip outsole that allows you to step on rocky surfaces

The X ULTRA ALPINE is designed to perform on unconventional terrain, and the materials and construction of the outsole are unique within the series.

First of all, the compound type used here, " Alpine Contagrip® ," was first unveiled at the "S/LAB Alpineway" released earlier this spring/summer, and is said to be the most sticky rubber compound in Salomon's history. It's clear that the primary focus was on providing a firm grip on smooth rock surfaces. In fact, when I walked on rocky terrain with this sole for the first time, I was amazed at the high level of friction that seemed to stick to the rocks.

Even more interesting is the lug pattern. Each of the four areas, the toe, inner forefoot, outer forefoot, and rearfoot,

• The toes make it easier to grasp small holds
• The inside of the forefoot prevents slipping on rocky surfaces
• The outer forefoot makes it easier to transfer force to the road when stepping on it
• The rear foot helps control impact when landing

By combining two completely different conceptual patterns, the design provides optimal performance for actions on a variety of terrain, including rocky areas (see photo above). This calculated lug pattern allows you to naturally land without slipping, kick off the ground when you step in, and grip holds when climbing, without having to think about how to place your feet

Thanks to this intricately arranged lug pattern, I've never felt such a perfect balance between walking, running, climbing, and descending safely and comfortably on alpine trails. The high level of balance that only Salomon can offer, combining approach shoe-like stability on technical rocky terrain with hiking shoe-like aspects that allow the foot to move naturally forward on a variety of off-road terrain, is what makes this shoe so unique

With GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable performance, you don't have to worry about water getting into your shoes even when walking on muddy trails or crossing streams

Summary: For lightweight mountaineering and hiking in technical terrain, or anyone looking for a comfortable and agile hiking shoe without sacrificing stability and durability

Hiking at high altitudes above the tree line requires stability on uneven, slippery surfaces such as gravel and rocks. Until now, attempts to increase stability have inevitably led to shoes becoming stiff and bulky, often sacrificing the lightness and flexibility that are important for a comfortable walk. In this regard, these shoes go a step further, combining comfort and agility without sacrificing stability and durability, making them an alpine hiking shoe with a new appeal

There is something called an "approach shoe" that allows you to walk lightly on technical rocky terrain, and it's true that these shoes have a similar feel. However, when considered as an approach shoe (which also applies to the outsole structure, which I'll talk about later), this model offers greater walking agility and comfort, and I was able to experience the joy and comfort of walking that only Salomon, with its expertise in running shoes, can provide

Incidentally, the route I walked in the Central Alps (Senjojiki to Kisokoma to Mt. Kugi) in these shoes this time was a perfect fit, although there were some challenging sections, such as the chain section leading up to Mt. Hoken, and was generally perfect for these shoes. The 3,000m-class ridge walk from the Hacchozaka slope to Mt. Kisokoma is particularly recommended, as even beginners can easily enjoy spectacular alpine views. The X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX ULTRA series. This highly refined hiking shoe is suitable for everyone, from those who enjoy hiking in unstable mountainous terrain to tough hikers who want both durability and lightness. I'm confident that it will become a new option for breezing through Japan's diverse terrain, from mild low mountains to the rugged Alps.

, X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX also comes in a mid-cut model, so if you prioritize support under heavier loads, or if you want greater injury prevention and peace of mind, we strongly recommend choosing the mid-cut model.

For more information and to purchase the SALOMON X ULTRA ALPINE GORE-TEX,

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