OutdoorGearLab

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex is the latest update in the X Ultra series. It has some noteworthy changes, including a new fit and new materials, and it has shed significant weight while increasing stability. The toe box is roomier for added comfort, but the uppers provide a snug fit to hold the foot in place, which prevents the shoes from feeling sloppy. The unconventional cinching Quicklace system makes it easy to put these shoes on and pull them off in seconds. Salomon uses a lot of proprietary tech terms to describe why their shoes offer support and comfort. After miles of hiking, we interpret this to mean that the lightweight upper is strategically reinforced with various materials to aid in both flex and stability. The Contagrip soles provided excellent traction on loose scree and wet rocks, and the Gore-Tex liner proved to be fully waterproof in our tests. A fantastic shoe for all manner of technical terrain.
That said, it isn't all roses. We have some concerns about the durability of the X Ultra 4. The Quicklace storage pocket tore almost immediately, and we noted signs of compression in the midsole. The comfort and cushion of the midsole are ultimately a tradeoff for underfoot support and protection, which is why this wouldn't be our go-to shoe for multi-day expeditions that require a heavy pack. However, it shines for light and fast adventures that require agility and speed. This model runs long, and we suggest ordering a half size down from your normal size. Overall, this is an all-around, hard-charging option that experienced and casual hikers alike will appreciate. At a much more moderate price, this is a great alternative to the more expensive La Sportiva Spire GTX.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex hiking shoe is built to chew up even the roughest trails you have your eyes set on. These shoes are made especially for rugged terrain where high-performance ability on various surfaces is required. Built on an AVD-C Chassis, the support offered by these low-top hikers is top-tier, and the combination of SensiFit technology and Quicklace lacing system allows the shoe to conform to your foot. By cinching and uncinching the laces, these shoes are quick to put on and take off, convenient to swiftly shake out any intruding sediment, and easy to manage when getting in and out of a tent. We love how confident our footwork feels thanks to the deep-set lugs on the outsole and what a difference solid waterproofing, thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane, can make to our hiking comfort. For all of these attributes, it is surprising that the X Ultra 4 GTX shoes come in at such a low weight, a measly 1.76 pounds. This new iteration of a well-known and well-regarded classic shaves off nearly a quarter pound per pair. As a bonus, the price tag is moderate compared to the other options available. 
We quite like the convenience of the Quicklace system, although we recognize that it is not everyone's cup of tea. When stowed away in their pouch, they give much less tripping hazard than laces, though we sometimes found ourselves lazily tucking them back into the laces. Over time the tab extending from the ankle of the shoe wears down, and it is a bit annoying to constantly pull it back out once we pull the shoes on. Additionally, the first time we wore these shoes, we noticed that the ankle cuff is slightly higher than on most hikers in our line-up. To reduce ankle rub, we wore thinner socks and then had no further issues. Compared to the top shoes we've tested, though, our testers are convinced that this is the most full-package, low-cut hiker on the market and readily recommend it as the best option available.

The Salomon X Ultra Mid 4 Gore-Tex is one of the lightest hiking boots we have worn. These boots keep the same mid-ankle support that we expect for off-trail travel and excursions with heavy packs while shaving nearly a half-pound from the previous model &mdash; through some kind of black magic, we can only assume. These boots use the same ADV-C Chassis and ActiveSupport technologies as the low-top shoe version of this model, and we find that the support they offer is exceptional, wrapping securely around the foot to create a stable platform that resists rolling. They are waterproof thanks to the Gore-Tex liner, making them perfectly suited for nearly all terrain types and environments.
Think of this boot as a bridge between the lightweight world of trail runners and hiking shoes and the heavy-duty traditional hiking boots. They are at the lightweight end of the boot spectrum, retaining some of the added stability and support that this category is known for, while cutting huge amounts of weight and remaining as flexible and agile as a running shoe. The sole might be thinner than some folks will want in uneven terrain, but that is a trade-off we are fine with on lightweight hikes. These are going to be best for the hiker who really wants the weight savings of the shoe but still needs the support of a boot. 

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex offers excellent traction, a relatively lightweight design, and impressive midfoot stability. With a sleek modern appearance and snug, protective fit paired with a surprisingly solid base, it proves particularly well suited to technical backcountry terrain and mountaintop scrambles. A synthetic welded upper does a great job of locking the forefoot and heel securely into place to stabilize from the bottom up. Meanwhile, the rubber Contagrip sole provides excellent traction for moving through loose scree or up and down wet rocks, and the Gore-Tex liners deliver watertight confidence when needed. The X Ultra 4's toe box is also notably roomier than in previous iterations. But, our testers report this model still runs long and remains uncomfortable for a wider forefoot. So while worthy of serious consideration for hikers with long, slender feet, it isn't for everyone, and we might still suggest ordering a half size down from your normal size.
When it comes to agility and speed on all manner of technical terrain, the X Ultra 4s make a fantastic shoe even if it wouldn't be our go-to for ]multi-day expeditions requiring a heavy pack. But we didn't love all the unconventional design choices that set this model apart. The quick-release cinching drawstring of its Quicklace system sounds good in theory but proves a bit of a nuisance in practice. With no adjustability and a tendency to loosen in motion, instability and heel slippage both become issues. Durability is also a concern. The Quicklace storage pocket tore almost immediately in early tests, and the midsole showed signs of compression even when no substantial pack was involved. Still, these are an all-around, hard-charging option at a moderate price and a great alternative to the more expensive Spire GTX.
Read more: Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex review

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Switchback Travel | Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (Women’s) Review

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Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review [2022 Guide]

Switchback Travel | Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (Women’s) Review

The Columbia Facet 60 OutDry is our favorite footwear for all-day versatility. Whether you are out for a day hike or trail run or need to run some errands in town, these shoes offer a superb combination of support and style that's up to the task. At well under 2 pounds, this pair is light enough to take jogging. We also love its extra-wide base, which adds stability to each step and reduces the likelihood of rolling an ankle on uneven terrain. The Facet 60 is comfortable, and the gusseted tongue makes this shoe easy to slip on from a tailgate or a tent.
There are a few details that kept this model from the very top of the category. We found that the mesh is breathable but also not totally waterproof. Though we didn't run into any issues, multiple users reported issues with durability, primarily around the adhesive between the sole and the upper. All in all, between their comfort and tennis shoe aesthetic, we would recommend this model to anyone looking for a versatile pair that they can use for activities besides just hiking.    
Read Review: Columbia Facet 60 OutDry

The Columbia Facet 60 OutDry is our favorite footwear for all-day versatility without breaking the bank. Whether you are out for a day hike or need to run some errands in town, these shoes offer a superb combination of support and style that's up to the task. And, at well under 2 pounds, the Facet is light enough to take jogging. We also love its extra-wide base, which adds stability to each step and reduces the likelihood of rolling an ankle on uneven terrain. This shoe is comfortable, and the gusseted tongue makes it easy to slip on from a tailgate or a tent.
There are a few details that kept this model from the very top of the class. We found that the mesh is breathable but also not totally waterproof. Though we didn't run into any issues, multiple users reported issues with durability, primarily around the adhesive between the sole and the upper. With all of that considered, this is still a great shoe at a bargain price, and we feel that it provides a lot of value.  
Read more: Columbia Facet 60 OutDry review

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