It's been about six months since the shock of X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX , which was last updated for the first time in three seasons in the spring of 2021
The fully updated authentic hiking shoes have accumulated the charms of running shoes, the ultimate fit, tenacious grip, and outstanding stability to prevent ankle sprains, and have been greeted with high praise from many hiking enthusiasts as a new classic that covers everything from day hiking to long-term trekking. This fall, when that excitement has not yet subsided, Salomon has released yet another new version from here.
we will be reviewing the new high-end hiking shoes, the SALOMON X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX
table of contents
- Main features of SALOMON X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX
- Main Specifications and ratings
- Detailed review
- Anatomical fit x stretch booties greatly improve fit
- The new "GORE-TEX Footwear Stretch Technology" combines unprecedented flexibility and waterproof and breathable properties.
- Lightweight approaching trail running shoes
- Lightweight and low-cut makes it difficult to shake and not incredibly stable, making it difficult to get injured
- A quick lace system that is uniform and tight, and can be put on and off quickly and easily
- Summary: Comfortable hiking shoes with exquisite tuning to make you go "fast and without injury" on the all-round X ULTRA 4
- Details and purchase of SALOMON X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX
Main features of SALOMON X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX
X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX based on the latest model "4" of X ULTRA , which is suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, and newly adopted, stretchable GORE-TEX bootie and an upper shape that eliminates the tongue, providing an exquisite fit and comfort that looks like you would wear socks, allowing for even higher performance. The completely revamped X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX has remained the appeal of the completely revamped X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX, including the midsole "ADV- C Chassis " and " Active Support that support prevent joint injuries without compromising ankle freedom the Contagrip® MA outsole that provides reliable grip even on tough terrain, and the quick lace system . This pair of shoes combines comfort, lightness, stability and protection in a balanced way, and meets the demands of a wide range of users, from beginners who want to walk safely to healthy legs that run through tough routes.
Recommended points
- Anatomical fit x stretch booties for an outstanding fit
- GORE-TEX Footwear Stretch Technology" that combines flexibility and waterproof and breathable properties
- Lightweight approaching trail running shoes
- Lightweight and low-cut makes it difficult to shake and not incredibly stable, making it difficult to get injured
- Grip power that allows you to land and step on stable steep slopes and wet terrain
- A quick lace system that is uniform and tight, and can be put on and off quickly and easily
Points that interest me
- Protection has been slightly reduced in exchange for lighter weight
- The shoelace pockets are a little too small
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | SALOMON X ULTRA 4 GORE-TEX |
|---|---|
| weight | 341g (27cm per foot measured) |
| drop | 11mm (toe 20.5mm / heel 31.5mm) |
| upper |
|
| Midsole |
|
| Outsole | Contagrip® MA |
| Waterproof and moisture-permeable | GORE-TEX Footwear Stretch Technology |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★★★ |
| Cushioning | ★★★☆☆ |
| protection | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stability | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
Anatomical fit x stretch booties greatly improve fit
When talking about the appeal of these shoes, you don't need unnecessary words. Just try wearing them and feel the comfort of them.
is in newly revamped sock structure upper the previous SensiFit™
We have also mentioned many times on this site that X ULTRA , which has long captivated the feet of hikers around the world SensiFit™ " technology (photo below) has supported this The upper is covered with a palm from the soles of your feet to the instep, giving you a comfortable fit that gently wraps around the entire foot, no matter what shape you are.
In fact, X ULTRA evolved from 3 to 4 this year, the emphasis on ease of movement and lightness was placed on the point of being slightly weaker in fit. As if they knew what users were saying, Salomon quickly achieved the "excellent fit of the traditional without compromising mobility" with X ULTRA PRO
The photo above the X ULTRA 4 X ULTRA PRO, which has been newly released on the right side . The tongue part is removed and the entire upper is shaped like a single knit, which significantly improves the adhesion around the ankles, giving the feeling of integrated foot and shoes as if they were wearing socks (photo below). In addition, we have succeeded in reducing the weight by cutting down unnecessary materials.
Also, as for the smallest detail, the feeling of the edge around the ankle hitting the outer ankle bone that I personally felt with the X ULTRA 4 has been successfully resolved without any discomfort with the new upper. I think everyone can get a fit that feels like they've made it for themselves.
The new " GORE-TEX Footwear Stretch Technology" combines unprecedented flexibility and waterproof and breathable properties
Some people may not think that shoes with sock-type uppers are new. However, what sparkles these shoes are made of GORE-TEX, the most reliable waterproof and breathable material that creates a comfortable fit thanks to the sock structure.
Normally, shoes equipped with GORE-TEX have a structure that looks like non-stretchable GORE-TEX laminate (fabric containing waterproof and breathable membrane) is made into a bootie-like shape and attached to the inside of the shoe. For this reason, no matter how much the surface of the shoe is stretched, the inner booty part will not stretch, making the shoe itself inevitable and difficult to stretch.
However, with this new product, the GORE-TEX laminate that makes up the booty is elastic, making the entire shoe more comfortable to stretch. Not only does it reduce the unnatural feeling of pressure on your feet, but it also eliminates wrinkles and creases when used as a bootie, resulting in an improved fit to your feet. The fabric used for the lining is also comfortable to wear and supple, further enhancing the comfortable fit (photo below).
As if to maximize this effect, the upper surface material this time uses ripstop synthetic fabric with moderate breathability, elasticity, softness, and durability (photo below). how this stretchy fabric gives it a moderate adhesion, but the toes are not compressed inside the shoe, and the toes are even more comfortable than the X ULTRA 4
Of course, GORE-
Lightweight approaching trail running shoes
Just recently, the X ULTRA 4 was happy with the lighter weight, but this X ULTRA PRO has become even lighter from there (photo below. Measured size 27.0). Generally speaking, its lightness is close to a model with GORE-TEX on trail running shoes, and it can be said to be quite heavy for a shoe with the durability required for hiking.
Lightweight and low-cut makes it difficult to shake and not incredibly stable, making it difficult to get injured
In addition to the new enhancements mentioned so far, the X ULTRA series and newly evolved performance in the X ULTRA 4
The ADV-C chassis gives a different level of stability
the ADV-C chassis (photo below) is a product that thoroughly suppresses the ankle sprains while hiking, which many people find trouble, and allows you to land and take a stable step at all times
the mechanism and effectiveness of this part our previous X ULTRA 4 review , but to put it simply, this keeps the freedom and ease of movement of the foot, but despite the low-cut shoes, there is a surprising reduction in the concern of twisting your ankles outward, allowing you to walk consistently and safely even during long hikes (photo below).
Grip power that allows you to land and step on stable steep slopes and wet terrain
Active Support is still in good condition (photo below) that secures the instep of your feet firmly in place to prevent foot shaking or thrust forward when descending (photo below).
The reinforcement, placed on the outside of the shoe like a belt connecting the midsole and shoelaces, secures the feet in the correct position and prevents the feet from rampaging inside the shoe.
High grip , which is compatible with all terrain and does not slip even on rough roads
The X ULTRA PRO , the outsole of the Contagrip® MA which has been clearly improved with the X ULTRA 4, is also used in the same way (photo below).
The left is X ULTRA PRO and the right is X ULTRA 4. The material and rug shape are the same.
You can place your feet without worry, from general off-road roads such as earth, wood, and gravel roads to wet and slippery terrain such as smooth rocky areas and muddy or wet rocks, to extremely difficult terrains that are expected in the outdoors.
A quick lace system that is uniform and tight, and can be put on and off quickly and easily
Of course, the latest model of the Quick Race System, a classic Salomon low-cut shoes, is also equipped with the latest models. It can be intuitively tightened or loosened with very light force, and is not easily loosened. On the other hand, it can also be too tight, so when you're just starting to wear it, the trick to getting along well is to try out different tightnesses and find the right points for your own individuality.
The only disappointment is that the shoelace pocket that holds this part is just too small. It's quite difficult to put everything away.
Protection has been slightly reduced in exchange for lighter weight
If X ULTRA PRO the X ULTRA series, it's unlikely that many people will know that this is a shoe from the same series. In fact, the X ULTRA series has previously been significantly reduced, except for the bare minimum required for this model (top right of the photo below).
The bottom left is X ULTRA 4, and the top right is X ULTRA PRO. Protection is kept in modest detail in many parts, from the upper material to the reinforced material on the toes.
The roughness and robustness of the upper fabric and the reinforced material stretched from the toes to the heel give it a feel that it's about the same as between trekking and trail running shoes. While it is lighter and more flexible (like running shoes), its toughness, like climbing boots, has definitely weakened. It's fine if you're walking on relatively gentle terrain, but those who think that this is a rough alpine mountain with just one pair will have to make careful decisions.
Summary: Comfortable hiking shoes with exquisite tuning to make you go "fast and without injury" on the all-round X ULTRA 4
To put it simply, the new X ULTRA PRO was a pair of shoes that seemed like a mountain boot made for me, packed with all the elements I wanted in hiking shoes.
While the series, which had previously been strong in terms of superior comfort, has now come with a new weapon called "stability," the X ULTRA 4 , which I felt was a bit off in terms of fit and comfort, has returned in another form with its ultimate comfort (and even lighter). Personally, that's how it feels.
More generally, the X ULTRA 4 , and has an exquisite tuned finish that allows hikers who want to do some intense climbing, such as fast packing, to reach its own . I'm sure I wasn't the only one looking for shoes that would allow me to walk long distances without worrying about getting injured, and that were light enough to accommodate trendy activities such as fast packing.
Details and purchase of SALOMON X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX
For product details, please also check the official online shopping sites for each of the X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX (men's) / X ULTRA PRO GORE-TEX (women's)