SALOMON X WARD LEATHER MID GORE-TEX / X BRAZE MID GORE-TEX Review: A new version of the familiar, ultra-comfortable hiking shoe, perfect for your mountaineering debut

A new sibling model joins the popular Salomon trekking shoe series

It's been over 30 years since Salomon, originally a ski gear manufacturer, first entered the trekking shoe market in the early 1990s. During that time, they've produced many classic and classic models. The "X ULTRA" series, ideal for light hiking, has been a particularly popular series since its launch, and is the face of the company's hiking lineup, attracting many fans around the world. I still remember the first time I put my feet in these boots, and the superb fit I felt—something I've never experienced before, even to this day

This series, which offers a unique comfort, has been updated year after year, but due to its high level of perfection, there is still a strong fan base of previous models, which is why it is interesting to see the emergence of a variety of variations, such as the latest model "4" and the "PIONEER" (a model based on the old 3). New this season are two sibling models, the new "X WARD LEATHER MID GORE-TEX" (hereinafter "X WARD") and "X BRAZE MID GORE-TEX" (hereinafter "X BRAZE"), aimed at hikers of a wide range of levels and purposes. Let's take a look at these new hiking boots and review them together

Main features of SALOMON X WARD LEATHER MID GORE-TEX / X BRAZE MID GORE-TEX

Based on the design of Salomon's classic light hiking shoe series, the X ULTRA 3 has been relaunched as X ULTRA PIONEER

The X WARD LEATHER MID GORE-TEX uses the same bottom unit and chassis as the X ULTRA 3 series, but the upper is made of suede leather, which combines a unique texture with excellent durability, creating a classic look. As always, Salomon's SensiFit™ upper, the core of comfort, provides excellent support, while the EnergyCell™+ midsole combines excellent rebound, shock absorption, and durability. The lightweight Advanced Chassis™ provides high stability, and the Mud Contagrip® outsole is resistant to rough terrain, ensuring a comfortable and stable walk.

The X BRAZE MID GORE-TEX is an entry-level model that offers the basic comfort and essential functionality of the X ULTRA 3 series, but at a price that makes it more accessible to beginner hikers. Despite its low price, it delivers high performance for light hikes with a light load.

Both models feature a mid-cut design that supports the ankles and prevents injuries, and the upper is made of GORE-TEX for reliable waterproof and breathable performance, providing high levels of protection and safety

What I like and care about with X WARD LEATHER MID GORE-TEX

Favorite points

• Gently wraps around your feet for an excellent fit, hold, and comfort
• Lightweight yet provides excellent cushioning and stability
• Strong grip even on muddy and rocky terrain
• The unique texture and durability of leather

Points of interest

• Shoelaces that come undone easily
• The sole is not rigid enough for hard mountain climbing with heavy loads such as camping gear for several days

What I like and care about in the X BRAZE MID GORE-TEX

Favorite points

• Low price but high overall quality
• Highly stable grip even on technical terrain
• Supple and flexible upper that fits your foot easily

Points of interest

• (Compared to PIONEER and X WARD) The midsole is heavy and somewhat less stable, and is weak in rebound and impact from the ground
• Shoelaces that come undone easily

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

Look and feel: More variety, but still with the same great feel

In terms of appearance and upper materials, the first thing that catches your eye is the X WARD, which uses classic suede leather (see photo below). The design, which is based on a breathable synthetic mesh and has leather lining from the sides to the surrounding protective parts, exudes a calm elegance, a stark departure from previous high-tech designs

Leather has many advantages, including excellent durability, resistance to deterioration, moisture absorption and release, and the elegance and design potential of natural materials. However, it is generally said to have the disadvantage of being heavier than its derivative fiber counterpart. Surprisingly, however, this model weighs almost the same (as the synthetic PIONEER). Even though it's leather, it's still sufficiently supple and molds to your feet easily from the start, so even if you prefer a classic style, it seems like a great option if you don't have to accept the added weight

On the other hand, the X BRAZE has no significant difference in basic appearance, and while it is priced lower, it still uses synthetic fiber materials that are as light, flexible, and breathable as before. Furthermore, it uses environmentally friendly synthetic fibers, including biomass materials, to meet modern needs (see photo below)

"What if tweaking the design and materials changes the comfort of the shoes?" worries the enthusiastic auntie, but there's no need to worry. Both models feature SensiFit™, a technology inherited from the parent model that provides premium comfort on tough, uneven terrain, so the hold and fit that gently wraps around the entire foot from the sole to the instep remains exceptional (see photo below)

The footbox in the forefoot is not too wide, maintaining a comfortable fit that allows for toes to move freely. This model is a mid-cut that provides more support, but the padding around the ankle is cushioned enough that you won't feel any discomfort while hiking. The cuff is generally higher than other mid-cut boots, but the slight drop in the back is an exquisite design that doesn't restrict mobility. However, this drop can easily trap pebbles and wood chips, so if you're concerned about this, you may need to wear gaiters

Both models also feature thick, sturdy resin reinforcement in the toe area to protect your toes from hitting rocks or tree roots

Ease of walking (stability and fatigue): X WARD is just as easy to walk in as its parent model, while X BRAZE is designed for lighter mountain hiking

The X WARD as its parent model the PIONEER , so it inherits the high performance of providing a flexible and comfortable fit without sacrificing stable, steady steps off-road. Specifically, the midsole combines "EnergyCell™+," which combines excellent rebound, shock absorption, and durability, with the "Advanced Chassis™," a hard resin chassis that provides lightweight yet high stability from the heel to the arch (see photo below).

I actually walked in the shoes while comparing them to the parent model (the one I had on hand was a low-cut model), and while they're not exactly the same, the basic comfort and ride are still as good as ever. The sole is very flexible and can twist back and forth and side to side, and even on uneven, undulating terrain, sharp rock corners don't hit the soles of my feet, my landing doesn't shake, and it even prevents twisting my ankles to some extent. For someone like me who preferred the ease of walking in the previous model, the X WARD was as comfortable as ever.

On the other hand, the cost-effective X BRAZE retains the "EnergyCell™+" but omits the "Advanced Chassis™" (see photo below. The midsole looks almost the same volume, so it seems they've packed in more EVA foam for cushioning). The feeling when walking is that the absence of the rigid chassis results in a more flexible and softer sense of contact with the ground, which gives it a more everyday sneaker-like ride and makes it better suited for on-road and gentle terrain. On the other hand, it's hard to deny the impression that it loses a little of its tenacity on uneven or steep slopes, when carrying a heavy body weight, or over long journeys.

Grip: Contagrip® rubber allows for confident pedaling on both sides

The outsole the X WARD that of its parent model the PIONEER . It uses the Mud Contagrip®, which is renowned for its tenacity on rough terrain. It features wedge-shaped lugs that allow for easy mud shedding, and lateral grooves on the heel that increase stability when landing on downhill slopes, providing stable grip even on slippery terrain such as rocks and mud (see photo below).

The X BRAZE also demonstrated the same high level of grip and stability. The lug pattern uses the same concept, but with a slightly shallower groove depth, and the rubber material is All Terrain Contagrip®, which provides a well-balanced grip on both on-road and off-road terrain, making it tuned for greater comfort on flat ground (see photo below)

I walked on muddy mountain paths after the rain in both Mud Contagrip® and Mud Contagrip®, and they weren't as slippery as I expected.In fact, I got the impression that they were quite strong on wet terrain despite their price range

Waterproof: GORE-TEX liner and integrated tongue provide complete waterproof and breathable protection up to the ankle

In addition, measures to prevent water damage and stuffiness, which are essential for serious hiking boots, are taken care of by the GORE-TEX liner, which is a class apart in terms of reliability and provides high waterproof and breathable properties

What's more, the mid-cut upper (photo below) features a gusseted tongue that integrates the tongue and upper, allowing you to walk comfortably even through puddles, while also preventing gravel and pebbles from getting in

Summary: Two models that bring the classic lightweight hiking shoe closer to you

Although the X WARD the PIONEER and X WARD . As always, it is highly recommended for light day hikes and long-distance routes with overnight stays in huts.

On the other hand, the X BRAZE is inferior to the above in terms of off-road performance, it still offers sufficient comfort, grip security, and above all, an affordable price, making it a highly recommended option for entry-level users who are hiking mountain trails for the first time, a style that has been difficult to reach until now (though it is clear that there are more suitable models in the existing lineup for those who are planning to hike difficult routes). For this reason, these shoes are suitable for walking on boardwalks or day hikes on low mountains with gentle slopes.

Foot gear is an important part of mountaineering, and I personally believe that you should get the best possible quality. However, it's true that most good hiking boots are expensive, and it's not easy to find a perfect model right from the start. In that sense, these two models offer attractive options for those who are just starting out, as well as those who have been reluctant to try hiking until now

For details and purchase information on SALOMON X WARD LEATHER MID GORE-TEX and X BRAZE MID GORE-TEX

For more product details, please also check out the official online stores for X WARD LEATHER MID GORE-TEX (Men's) and X BRAZE MID GORE-TEX (Men's)

   

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