REVIEWS / HIKING GEAR / OWNER INSIGHTS
🦉 WE READ 53 OWNER COMMENTS
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX: what owners actually say
Owners praise the fit and traction but durability and GTX breathability are recurring frustrations
What owners complain about
- Gore-Tex traps sweat SOME
Multiple owners say the GTX lining locks in sweat, especially for people with sweaty feet, and recommend seeking ventilated alternatives instead
- Durability decline vs older versions SOME
Owners report treads peeling off and outsoles falling apart after as little as 100 km or under 300 miles, with some noting older Salomon versions (2017-era) held up far better
- Poor grip on specific surfaces SOME
Owners specifically call out sliding on steep downhill gravel and losing grip on damp flat stone, with one owner refusing to upgrade from older versions because of a sole material change
- Average comfort vs competitors SOME
Some owners feel these are comfortable enough for all-day wear but still fall short of the Merrell Moab's comfort level, describing them as 'average comfort' on multi-day trips
- Technical fit isn't universal SOME
Owners note Salomons have a specific, more technical fit with a narrower heel and wider toe box that works great for some but rules out others who need different last shapes
What owners love
- Excellent fit for the right foot shape
Owners with narrower heels and wider toe boxes repeatedly praise the fit, with many being repeat buyers who always come back to Salomon after trying other brands
- Lightweight with great traction
Owners specifically highlight the lightweight feel and praise the grip and traction across varied terrain, with one owner loving them over 500+ miles of backpacking
- Balanced water resistance and breathability
One long-distance owner praised them for keeping feet dry in rain, puddles and snow while still drying out reasonably after river crossings
- Versatile beyond hiking
Owners report successfully using them in the gym, for everyday city wear, and as an 'overkill shoe for everyday life' even without hiking
- Loyal repeat buyers
Multiple owners are on their 2nd or 3rd pair, saying they try other brands but always come back to Salomon because the fit works for them
Surprising patterns
- Owners report a clear durability regression: a 2017-era X Ultra still has a perfect outsole while a newer X Ultra 360's sole fell apart after just 3 weeks and ~100 km of moderate trails
- The lacing system is confusing enough that at least one owner needed a video explanation to understand how it works before buying
- Several owners buy half a size up to accommodate foot swelling during hikes, suggesting the sizing runs slightly snug for the target use case
WHO SHOULD SKIP IT
Buyers with sweaty feet or those prioritizing long-term outsole durability over fit and weight should look elsewhere, as GTX breathability and tread longevity are consistent pain points.
Synthesised from 53 real owner comments across 2 platforms. Every point is grounded in the comments — no marketing, no AI guessing. How we do it →