Lighter than most traditional hiking boots and provided with good cushioning, the X Ultra 3 offers good performance on a long hike. Plus, these boots resemble trail runners, so they are not overly stiff and need no break in period. Where Does It Fall Short in Performance? Additionally, the Moab 2 Mid WP’s Vibram outsole is made from a more rigid and durable compound and has deeper lugs, so this model is a better choice for muddy roads. In practice, there was definitely a noticeable level of control through the ankle. This is the main reason I would still recommend these for longer hikes and you’re less likely to roll your ankle thanks to this. Salomon lacing that works well if it works for you One area where it falls short in performance is breathability. The Gore-Tex membrane, although excellent at keeping water out, can also trap heat and perspiration inside the boot, leading to discomfort and foot odor. This product is a waterproof boot that uses a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry in snowy or rainy weather.

I will say, 48 lugs is a pretty large amount of lugs, with mud likely to get caked in between in particularly bad conditions. The stitching is strong though, and we also expect the GTX lining to preserve the waterproofing for a long time. 2. Traction This hiking boot has a mid-cut design that provides extra support and protection to the ankles, which is crucial when navigating rough terrain. One thing I noticed about the waterproofing is that you must make sure the boots are properly laced and tightened. If the boots are too loose, water can seep in from the top, and it will take a lot of time to get the boots dry again. 7. SupportMy main reason is that water has a funny way of getting into your shoe over time anyway (see canyons, riverbeds, climate change). Either through wet grass and bushes, deeper puddles or just consistent rain, more often than not you’re still going to get wet feet and if your shoes aren’t breathable then you’re keeping wet feet. Conclusion Two different types of rubber are strategically placed on the sole, resulting in a more intense grip. A special patterned area on the heel grabs terrain more aggressively, giving you more control when you’re moving along at a healthy clip. Features For especially technical terrain or carrying a heavy load, we’d recommend stepping up to a taller, sturdier, more protective boot like Salomon’s own Quest 4D 3 GTX.

I’d love there to be a bit more thought to breathability and weight, but these are small things in comparison to what this shoe gets right. Complete lab-specs overview However, if you have flat feet or high arches, you may need to add an additional insole for more support. How It Evolved?From our experience, all waterproof boots with GTX lose a part of their breathability, and this model isn’t an exception. Another area where the boot may not perform ideally is durability. While the boot is built with good synthetic materials that make it super light, it wears out faster than leather. Do We Recommend Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX for Hiking? The cushioning on the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX is highly effective in reducing impact and providing support to the feet. Those with wider feet might find the toe box restrictive (although Salomon sells the X Ultra 3 Mid in wide sizes). The Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX weighs in at 13.4oz (380g) in US Men's 10. This is pretty average for hiking shoes, but much lighter than boots. A comfortable, controlled midsole