SALOMON is a mega brand with passionate fans all over the world, boasting a reputation that is so well-known in the world of off-road running and racing that it is probably known by everyone in Japan, from adventure racing in the past to trail running today
On the other hand, surprisingly few people know that this brand also makes hiking shoes and serious mountaineering boots. This site the X ULTRA 2 MID in a comparative review of hiking boots . While I absolutely loved the comfort, I honestly felt that they lacked the strength to be used in more challenging conditions like my own mountaineering boots.
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SALOMON's hiking shoes have evolved dramatically without us even realizing it! We asked them directly about the reason
Apparently, SALOMON has recently developed a truly revolutionary hiking shoe. Having heard so much, I couldn't resist trying them out. I immediately tried out the new OUTpath GORE-TEX® (hereafter referred to as OUTpath ) that was released this fall, and it was beyond my imagination. The more I wore them, the more comfortable they became, and I've grown to like them so much that they've become an essential part of my everyday life, as well as my regular hiking routines.
So, let's get started by reviewing this versatile, latest lightweight hiking shoe from multiple angles
This review includes impressions from actually trying the shoes out in the field, as well as suggestions for the best usage scenarios for each shoe after comparing them with the company's hiking shoe lineup.With the cooperation of not only the author but also SALOMON product managers, we provide detailed explanations from both the manufacturer and user perspectives
If you've been interested in these shoes, or if you're currently looking for recommended hiking shoes, be sure to check this out
General features
This next-generation hiking shoe combines lightness, grip, and durability to meet the demands of a wide range of outdoor activities. Made with a seamless, lightweight, and abrasion-resistant material, it weighs less than 350g per shoe, making it one of the lightest hiking shoes available. It gives you the freedom to move effortlessly across the trail. Its sophisticated design is packed with the latest technology for a wide range of outdoor activities, including the SENSIFIT™ upper construction for a perfect fit, Contagrip® Premium Wet Traction for superior grip even on wet rocks, and toe and heel protection that maintains lightness, flexibility, and protection without compromising performance. This shoe will expand your outdoor possibilities to the fullest
Recommended points
- A sophisticated design that doesn't look like hiking boots
- The upper provides a snug fit and hold
- Lightest hiking shoe yet still provides ample protection
- Sole with excellent shock absorption and grip
- Quick lace for one-touch fastening and detachment
Points that interest me
- Hardness of the upper fabric (the fabric will soften and become more comfortable with use)
- Quicklace storage (solved)
Item appearance
Main Specifications and OGZ Original Review
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| weight | 337g (US8.5, one foot actual measurement) |
| Upper fabric | Using our unique crimping technology, we have a seamless upper formation with no seams. |
| Outsole | It uses Premium Wet Traction, which adjusts the compound mix ratio to further improve grip in wetlands |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Overall score | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
A sophisticated design that doesn't look like hiking boots
At first glance, the simple yet sophisticated design catches your eye, making you wonder, in a good way, if these are hiking boots. I've shown these shoes to many people, including myself, but I've yet to meet anyone who recognized them as hiking boots at first sight. The sharp silhouette, elegant texture, seamless minimalist surface, and vibrant colors that exude a sense of luxury are qualities that could only have been born in 2017, when the boundaries between outdoor wear and everyday wear are becoming increasingly blurred. The sophisticated design blends in with any scene, whether in the city or in the field. Incidentally, for now, these shoes stand out among specialty hiking shoe stores
I asked the person in charge about the secret!
Stylish design that blends in with both the city and the field
Originally, SALOMON's design concept was based on the idea of emphasizing "functional beauty," which means expressing functionality in a way that is easily recognizable. Even now, the fundamental principle of presenting functionality in a beautiful way remains unchanged, but recent models, including the OUTpath, have adopted a new concept that combines functional beauty for active scenes with a design that stands out in more relaxed settings, with a new user in mind who enjoys both urban and outdoor activities
An excellent fit that gently wraps around your feet without any gaps
the exquisite fit of SALOMON hiking shoes the X ULTRA . I remember it being far superior to shoes from other manufacturers. This is due to the unique upper technology "SENSIFIT™," which works in conjunction with the shoelaces to tighten the entire foot from the sole, achieving an outstanding fit.
That outstanding sense of unity is still alive and well in this model. The otherworldly fit that spreads from the moment you put your foot in, and the comfort of having your entire foot wrapped snugly when you tighten the laces, felt even better than the XA and X ULTRA
I asked the person in charge about the secret!
"SENSIFIT™" is the basic concept behind all of SALOMON's shoes
SENSIFIT™ is the technology that forms the foundation of SALOMON's shoemaking, and all models, from ski boots and snowboards to hiking shoes, are built around this concept. It is designed to keep your foot in its most natural fit (like being wrapped by hand, as shown in the photo) and follow any movement during any activity
In addition, the OUTpath is wrapped in textile only using a bonding technique without using thread, which allows for a certain degree of stretch in the fabric, improving the fit. Furthermore, the shoelace pattern the XA , lacing from the base of the big toe. This increases the manufacturing process, but this structure was chosen specifically for this shoe, as we are extremely particular about the fit.
If you feel that the fit of the OUTpath
However, the tightness of the upper fabric was a bit of a concern
One thing I noticed was that, despite the perfect fit achieved by the entire laminated fabric, the instep feels a little tight compared to the other XA and X ULTRA models. Those with extremely wide feet or high insteps should be cautious. Also, while the fine upper fabric is stretchy, it's a little stiffer than other models. The creases in the fabric that occur when bending the toes can be a bit uncomfortable, which may be a concern for some people.
Lightest hiking shoe yet still provides ample protection
When hiking lightly, such as with fastpacking, lightweight shoes are essential for a more comfortable walk. At just 335g (27cm), these shoes are among the lightest waterproof hiking shoes available, and naturally, they offer excellent comfort and ease of running. Even when running through trails as easily as with trail running shoes, there was no unnecessary fatigue
Of course, hiking and other mountaineering shoes don't just need to be light. Hiking boots are used on a variety of terrain, including not only paved roads but also gravel roads, rocky areas, mud, trees, and moss, so they need protection to protect your feet from sharp objects and impacts. This is a big difference from speed-focused activities like trail running
The OUTpath has not missed a beat in this regard either. At first glance, the outer periphery appears clean and simple, but the toe and heel are reinforced using advanced crimping technology. It is the XA or X ULTRA , but it has an incredible rigidity for a shoe this light, and it is surprising in a sense that it provides protection close to that of a regular hiking boot.
Of course, it's made with GORE-TEX®, so it's waterproof. The integrated tongue structure also makes it difficult for gravel to get in
I asked the person in charge about the secret!
To realize the concept of these shoes, "versatile and easy to use," we paid particular attention to lightness. SALOMON has excellent crimping technology, which has been cultivated through the development of skis and ski boots. Making the most of this technology, we were able to eliminate waste to the utmost extent, which has greatly contributed to the lightweight design
the XA and X ULTRA are tougher, as they have thick TPU material placed throughout the shoe for protection. However, the OUTpath is not as strong as these two, it is designed to provide the maximum protection possible through the use of only textile lamination.
Sole with excellent shock absorption and grip
An addictive fluffy texture!
One of the biggest reasons why these shoes are too good to just be used for hiking, and in fact make you want to wear them every day, is the luxurious feel they provide thanks to their high shock absorption
At first glance, they don't give the impression of having a so-called "thick sole," but when you put them on, you can feel the comfortable cushioning as if you were standing on a cushion, and you can take each step firmly. However, they're not too soft, so your landing or step won't be unstable. They combine just the right amount of flexibility and shock absorption, not only supporting your step, but also providing solid protection from the impact of the ground, even on downhill slopes with many sharp rocks and pebbles. Thanks to this, damage to the soles of my feet was kept to a minimum, even after a full day of walking
It's not slippery even on wet rocks!
What's even more surprising is the excellent grip of these shoes. This was the biggest factor that completely changed my image of SALOMON. The Contagrip® Premium Wet Traction outsole used in this model is designed to provide stable grip even on wet rocky ridges
When viewed from an angle, you can see that the lug pattern is deeper and more widely spaced overall compared to other models
This further improves grip on wet rocky surfaces, making them less slippery. This is a much-needed feature for Japan's fields, where walking through wet terrain, such as wet forests and fording streams, is relatively common
I asked the person in charge about the secret!
*Reference: Overall structure of XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX® sole
Shoes designed primarily for mountainous regions, such as the XA and X ULTRA, the OUTpath does not have this . This makes the shoe lighter, allows for more flexible movement, and makes it easier to feel the pressure (sensation) of the soles of your feet more sensitively. This is a feature of the OUTpath, which was designed to be used for a variety of purposes other than trails, such as when walking, climbing, or descending, and for placing your feet on a bike or in wet places .
So, does this mean that it is less resistant to twisting and impacts than the other two models? To compensate, the midsole makes the most of trail running technology and has revised the EVA (cushioning) composition, so that it is designed to disperse impacts from below
"Contagrip® Premium Wet Traction" is an outer sole used in SALOMON's high-end models, maximizing grip on wet rocky surfaces. The lug pattern is an original design developed with a V-shaped pattern on the outside of the forefoot to capture not only walking but also vertical and lateral movements. Furthermore, the lack of a shank allows the lugs to be deeper without compromising the sensitivity of the sole of the foot, which ultimately leads to the impression of being strong on rough terrain
Quick lace for one-touch fastening and detachment
This model also features quicklaces, a staple of SALOMON shoes. It's been around for a while now, and its convenience has been widely discussed, but it's easy to both tighten and loosen. What's great about mountain climbing is that you often need to adjust the laces for ascents and descents, so the ability to quickly adjust them is a major advantage. What's more, it's also great that you can easily tighten them even while wearing gloves, especially in early spring or early winter. Recent models feature a pocket on the tongue, allowing you to store your laces neatly and securely without them dangling around while you're out and about
However, after tightening the quick laces, it is a bit of a hassle to tuck all the laces into the pocket. Are there any tips for storing them?
I asked the person in charge about the secret!
So I was taught how to quickly set up the quicklace
1. Pull the middle part to tighten the front half. This step is not necessary, but it is especially difficult for people with high arches to tighten the shoe evenly, so it is a good idea to do this (the whole shoe will become more comfortable once you start walking)
2. Pull the tip to tighten the entire cord and secure it with the cord lock
3. Push the handle part of the string into the pocket first (it doesn't have to be all the way in at this point)
4. Push the cord lock into the pocket
5. FINISH. The string has two loops, but this is just right because you don't have to worry about it getting caught and it actually makes it easier to pull out of your pocket
Summary: These are the situations in which you'll want to use the three SALOMON hiking shoes!
OUTpath GORE-TEX®: For everyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors comfortably and stylishly
Ultra-lightweight yet offering excellent grip, comfort, and stability for a variety of terrains and movements, these versatile and highly user-friendly outdoor shoes have potential beyond the scope of hiking shoes. With just one pair, you can easily head out the door and into the great outdoors without a second thought, from light hikes to multi-day fastpacking, as well as biking, cross-country skiing, parasailing, packrafting, and more, as long as the snow isn't too heavy. Their light walking comfort and sophisticated design also make them ideal for trips that seamlessly transition between cities, historical sites, and nature. However, while comparing three models, the excellent fit and slim, minimalist design may feel too tight for some. Naturally, foot shapes and preferences vary, so be sure to try them on to see for yourself
For more product details and inquiries, please also check the SALOMON official website
Of course, it's important to remember that for long-distance, extended activities involving heavy loads, a more robust hiking boot would be advantageous. In that case, we recommend the OUTpath PRO GORE-TEX® . It offers even higher levels of support and is suitable for more serious activities. According to an insider, this ankle support not only provides protection, but also stimulates the ankle muscles, increasing muscle response and improving hold.
XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX®: For those who want to walk safely on even the toughest terrain
The XA , released about 15 years ago and a hugely popular model inspired by adventure races covering a variety of terrains, is the OUTpath . Its tough construction provides peace of mind in a wide range of situations, including more challenging ones, its grip on rough terrain is strong, and its sole is stable enough to withstand heavier loads. Its long history of popularity among professional racers and mountain rescuers proves this. Compared to the OUTpath , the XA excels in longer distances and heavier loads, being designed for a variety of activities with high durability. In that sense, it's a model that's more comfortable and safe for everyone.
X ULTRA 2 GORE-TEX®: For those who want to continue walking comfortably on mild terrain
As I felt in last year's comparison test, the upper's snug fit and soft comfort were outstanding this time as well. Designed for the long Tour du Mont Blanc, incorporating trail running shoe technology, the upper's flexibility and high cushioning make for a fatigue-free ride, allowing for lighter foot movement and pure enjoyment of walking. On the downside, the grip on wet terrain was weaker than the other three, and I felt they were a bit weaker on hard terrain and with changes in elevation. While they were the weakest of the three on tougher terrain, they were the most comfortable shoes to walk, run in, and relax in all day
"SALOMON HIKE+ STATION Iiyama" is open for a limited time!
SALOMON HIKE+ STATION Iiyama, the first SALOMON rental store that offers outdoor shoes, mainly outdoor shoes, has opened at the Shinetsu Narago Activity Center, an outdoor base based at Iiyama Station.
Iiyama is Nagano's representative outdoor field. Iiyama is rich in nature, home to the Shinetsu Trail, a long trail that represents Japan, and the Chikuma River (Shinano River), the largest river in Japan. Not only can you enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, but you can also enjoy hot springs and gourmet food, this area is a great location not only for hiking but also for the plush elements. The Hokuriku Shinkansen has opened, making it possible to get there from Tokyo in less than two hours, and access has been significantly improved.
Shinetsu Nature Village Activity Center offers rentals of trekking wear, backpacks, mountain bikes, and more, making it an outdoor base facility that allows you to enjoy activities easily without having to carry large luggage. you can rent SALOMON hiking and trail running shoes, including the OUTpath introduced this time, for a limited time period until October 22nd,
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out the latest shoes while enjoying the refreshing nature of autumn. This fall, I'll be playing around with Iiyama wearing SALOMON shoes.
- OUTpath GORE-TEX®
- XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX®
- X ULTRA 2 GORE-TEX®
- SENSE PRO MAX
SALOMON HIKE + STATION Iiyama
- Address: 772-6 Iiyama, Iiyama, Nagano Prefecture, 389-2253, Iiyama Station, 1F, Shinetsu Nature Village Activity Center
- Time: 8:30am-6:00pm
- Phone: 0269-62-7001
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