SALOMON X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX Review: The unique high level of perfection remains the same, but with the added benefit of an excellent fit and lightness

It has been about six months since the impact of `X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX , which was finally updated in spring 2021 for the first time in three seasons

This fully updated, authentic hiking shoe adds to the appeal of its predecessor the lightness of a running shoe, an excellent fit, a tenacious grip, and newly added outstanding stability to prevent ankle sprains. It has been met with high praise from many hiking enthusiasts as a new standard that covers everything from day hikes to long-term treks. This fall, while the excitement is still building, Salomon has released yet another new version

we will be reviewing this new high-end hiking shoe, the SALOMON X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX

Key features of SALOMON X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX

The X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX based on the latest model, the "4," of X ULTRA hiking shoes, designed for a wide range of outdoor activities GORE-TEX bootie and a tongue-less upper design, providing a sock-like fit and comfort, enabling higher performance. The the ADV-C Chassis and Active Support Contagrip® MA outsole, and a quicklace system for reliable grip even on tough terrain . Offering a perfect balance of comfort, lightness, stability, and protection, this shoe caters to a wide range of users, from beginners seeking safety to experienced runners navigating challenging routes.

Recommended points

• Anatomical fit and stretch bootie for an excellent fit
• GORE-TEX Footwear Stretch Technology" that combines flexibility with waterproof and breathable properties
• Lightweight, almost like a trail running shoe
• Lightweight and low-cut, it is hard to shake and has high stability that makes it less likely to cause injury
• Grip strength that allows stable landing and stepping even on steep slopes and wet terrain
• Quicklace system for fast and easy on/off with consistent, secure closure

Points of interest

• Lightweight but with slightly less protection
• The shoelace pocket is a little too small

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Anatomical fit and stretch bootie for a significantly improved fit

There's no need to waste words when talking about the appeal of these shoes, just try them on and feel how comfortable they are

is newly revamped sock-structure upper the existing SensiFit™

We've mentioned many times on this website that the appeal of X ULTRA , which has long captivated the feet of hikers around the world, SensiFit™ technology (see photo below). The upper stretches from the sole to the top of the foot like a palm, providing a comfortable, enveloping fit that gently embraces the entire foot, regardless of its shape.

When X ULTRA evolved from 3 to 4 this year, the emphasis was on mobility and lightness, which honestly made the fit feel a little weaker. As if aware of such user feedback, Salomon quickly realized the "excellent fit without sacrificing mobility" with X ULTRA PRO

The photo above the X ULTRA 4 , which was renewed this season, on the left, and the newly released, latest version, X ULTRA PRO , on the right. By eliminating the tongue and constructing the entire upper as if it were made from a single piece of knit, the fit around the ankle is remarkably improved, creating a feeling of oneness between the foot and the shoe, almost like wearing a sock (see photo below). What's more, by cutting back on unnecessary material, the shoe has also been made lighter.

Also, although it's a minor point, the feeling that the edge around the ankle would slightly touch the outer ankle bone that I personally felt with the X ULTRA 4 has been completely eliminated with the new upper, and there is no discomfort. Everyone will be able to get a fit that feels as if it was made just for them

Newly installed " GORE-TEX Footwear Stretch Technology" combines unprecedented flexibility with waterproof and breathable properties

Some people may think that shoes with a sock-type upper are nothing new, but what makes these shoes stand out is that they combine the comfortable fit of this sock construction with GORE-TEX, the most reliable waterproof and breathable material available

Normally, shoes equipped with GORE-TEX are constructed with a non-stretchable GORE-TEX laminate (a fabric containing a waterproof and breathable membrane) shaped like a bootie and attached to the inside of the shoe. Because of this, no matter how much the surface of the shoe stretches, the inside bootie does not stretch, so the shoe itself is difficult to stretch

However, in this new model, the GORE-TEX laminate that makes up the bootie itself is stretchy, allowing the entire shoe to stretch and contract comfortably. This not only reduces the unnatural feeling of pressure on the foot, but also eliminates wrinkles and creases when worn as a bootie, resulting in an improved fit. The fabric used for the lining is also soft and flexible against the skin, further enhancing the comfortable fit (see photo below)

To maximize this effect, the upper material of this shoe is a ripstop synthetic fabric that is moderately breathable, stretchy, soft, and durable (see photo below). This stretch fabric provides a good fit without compressing your toes inside the shoe, and I also love that the toes can move more comfortably than in the X ULTRA 4

Of course, GORE- TEX footwear is simply reassuring. The shoe has a tongueless design, and the membrane extends all the way to the edge of the shoe, making it even more waterproof, so you can safely walk in puddles unless something extraordinary happens (see photo below).

Lightweight, almost like a trail running shoe

Just recently, we were delighted with the lighter weight of the X ULTRA 4 X ULTRA PRO is even lighter (see photo below. Actual measurements in size 27.0). Generally speaking, its lightness is close to that of trail running shoes equipped with GORE-TEX, and it is a fairly aggressive weight for a shoe with the durability required for hiking.

Lightweight and low-cut, it is hard to shake and has high stability that makes it less likely to cause injury

In addition to the new enhancements mentioned above, the 4 basically inherits the X ULTRA series and the X ULTRA 4

ADV-C chassis provides exceptional stability

ADV-C chassis " (photo below) thoroughly prevents ankle sprains while hiking, a problem that many people suffer from, and allows for stable landing and stepping off at all times

more about the mechanism and effectiveness of this part our previous X ULTRA 4 review , but to put it simply, this allows for freedom of movement and ease of movement of the feet, while dramatically reducing the risk of twisting the ankle outwards, even in low-cut shoes, allowing for stable and safe walking even on long hikes (see photo below).

Grip strength that allows stable landing and stepping even on steep slopes and wet terrain

`Active Support' , firmly securing the instep of the foot and preventing the foot from wobbling or lurching forward when descending (see photo below).

The reinforcement, placed like a band on the outside of the shoe connecting the midsole to the shoelaces, firmly secures the foot in the correct position and prevents it from moving around inside the shoe

Contagrip® MA all-terrain tread provides excellent grip even on rough roads

Contagrip® MA outsole, which has been significantly improved in the X ULTRA 4 , is also used in the X ULTRA PRO

The left is X ULTRA PRO, and the right is X ULTRA 4. The material and lug shape are the same

You can place your feet without worry on even the most difficult terrain you might encounter outdoors, from typical off-road terrain such as dirt, wood, and gravel roads to wet and slippery terrain such as smooth rocks, mud, and wet rocks

Quicklace system for fast and easy on/off with consistent, secure closure

Of course, the latest model also features the standard quicklace system found in Salomon low-cut shoes. It can be tightened or loosened intuitively with very little force, and it doesn't loosen easily. On the other hand, it can be tightened too much, so the trick to getting the most out of your shoes is to try out different tightnesses when you first start wearing them and find the perfect fit for you

The only thing that's disappointing is that the shoelace pocket for storing these parts is just a little too small. It's quite a struggle to store everything

Lightweight but with slightly less protection

If the X ULTRA the X ULTRA PRO , it's unlikely they would realize it's from the same series. In fact, the X ULTRA series has had up until now has been stripped away to the bare essentials in this model (see photo below, top right).

The bottom left is the X ULTRA 4, and the top right is the X ULTRA PRO. From the upper material to the reinforced toe area, protection is modest in many areas

The ruggedness and durability of the upper fabric and the reinforced material running from the toe to the heel give the impression of being somewhere between trekking shoes and trail running shoes. While they're lighter and more flexible (more like running shoes), they're definitely less tough than hiking boots. They're fine for long walks on relatively gentle terrain, but anyone planning to use these shoes for steep, high-altitude hikes should think carefully

Summary: The all-around X ULTRA 4 is a comfortable hiking shoe with exquisite tuning to help you move forward "faster and without injury."

In conclusion, the new X ULTRA PRO is a pair of mountain boots that feels like it was made just for me, with all the elements I want in a hiking shoe.

The X ULTRA 4 , which has always been known for its superior comfort, now has the added bonus of stability, but it also felt a little lackluster in terms of fit and comfort. has now returned with that same supreme comfort in a new form (and now even lighter). That's my impression.

More generally, the X ULTRA 4 , and the X ULTRA PRO is an exquisitely tuned version that hits the sweet spot for hikers who want to do more strenuous mountain climbing, such as fastpacking. I'm sure I'm not the only one looking for a shoe like that that lets me walk long distances without worrying about injury, yet is light enough to handle trendy activities like fastpacking, and yet is also "comfortable."

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

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

   

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