Salomon X ULTRA 3 MID GTX Hiking Boot Review
I recently decided to upgrade my old hiking boots to some boots that I have been looking at for a long time and have seen countless times around the trails. The Salomon Ultra Mid GTX hiking boot is one of the most popular hiking boots in the lighter weight - waterproof category. I needed a new lightweight waterproof hiker for the 14ers I will be knocking off my list this summer in Colorado. I recently took these on my first 14er of the year - Mount Bierstadt as my first outing with the boots. Typically most heavy-duty boots this would be an awful idea as you should break them in on a few day hikes first, however, with the Ultras I was able to complete the day without any blisters and amazing out of the box comfort.
The Ultras come in at $165 which I think is a pretty fair pricepoint for a Goretex waterproof boot with this many features. I bought them directly from Saloman’s website HERE
SPECS
Features
Gore-Tex® waterproof bootie liners let your feet breathe while protecting them from the elements
Sculpted to hold your feet in place and prevent slippage for more stable descents
Advanced chassis are surrounded by foam cushioning for comfort and connect directly to the soles to stabilize your heels
Soft textile linings wick moisture away from feet
Mid-cut profile adds ankle support and protection, providing all-day comfort on the trail
Tongue gussets block debris from getting inside
Injection-molded EVA midsoles provide excellent cushioning underfoot
Ortholite sock liners combine a specific Ortholite foam and contoured EVA heel cups for enhanced heel support
Mudguards and integrated rubber toe caps provide durable protection from roots and rocks
Unique outsole pattern with a combination of 2 types of rubber helps you grip terrain more aggressively
Specifically placed lines on the outsoles increase the shoes' flexibility, helping decrease foot fatigue
Footwear Height - Over-the-ankle
Footwear Closure - Lace-up
Waterproof - Yes
Upper - Leather
Lining - Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane
Midsole - Injected EVA
Outsole - Contagrip rubber
Weight (Pair) - 1 lb. 15.6 oz
GORETEX WATERPROOF
Gore-Tex® waterproof bootie liners let your feet breathe while protecting them from the elements - I wanted a waterproof hiking boot that was also lightweight but also durable enough for long 14ers that would keep my feet going. I think for almost year around having a waterproof boot is essential. I am testing/using one other boot right now that is not waterproof at all and is vented extremely well which helps on the super warm days or if I know there is no chance that the hike I am doing will get my feet wet. Typically though it is a good idea to just get a waterproof boot for any hikes you do. With the technology out right now most waterproof boots actually do a pretty good job keeping your feet vented and not too hot. The Ultra Mid is no different. I was very glad when wearing this boot on my 14er because of the amount of wet snow and mud towards the top of the trail and they did a great job and keeping my feet dry and comfortable. Never throughout the hike were my feet too warm even with the sun out and it being a beautiful day. I did stand in one 4-5 inch deep stream and made sure to not get the water above the tongue of the boots and they did not let any water in. I have read reviews of Goretex lined boots failing with waterproofness after months or years of use, however, I have not experienced this on any of my Goretex equipment. The tongue on the Ultra is also gusseted which helps with waterproofing and other debris getting into the boot. The picture below is after coming down the trail —
INSOLE + MIDSOLE + OUTSOLE
People tend to mistake hiking boots for climbing shoes a lot I see on online reviews. If you want to scale “slippery rocks” or boulders then you need to invest in an approach shoe or real climbing shoe, these are hiking boots which in my testing have an amazing outsole with matching tread. They are intended to give you great grip on gravel, dirt, snow, mud etc. Not give you the ability to become a mountain goat.
The Insole on the Ultra is a Molded OrthoLite® Molded to match the contours of your foot, this OrthoLite® insole provides superior cushioning, as well as breathability and durability. The insole is definitely an upgrade from many boots I have had in the past, an upgrade from that flimsy insole you would find in any running shoe. The insole that comes in the Ultra is padded well and structured to help keep your feet moving mile after mile.
MIDSOLE
The Midsole is where I think the Ultra truly sets itself apart. I have used many hiking boots in the past that have super sticky and well-structured out-soles..But what I haven’t experienced is a Midsole that makes me feel like I am wearing a pair of my responsive and lightweight running shoes. The Midsole on the Ultra is made by combining these two features - EnergyCell, A high-performance EVA foam that provides shock attenuation and their Advanced Chassis - Placed between the outsole and midsole, this lightweight chassis helps optimize motion control, energy management and protection for an efficient, stable yet responsive ride. It is a boot that made me feel like I wanted to keep hiking and my feet ready to go. It almost felt like I was wearing running shoes with high top ankle support, I think if I was through-hiking or backpacking I would want a bit more support and would go for the Saloman Quest 4D boots but for day trips and 14ers these were perfect.
OUTSOLE
The outsole on the Ultra is Saloman’s Contagrip compound built for maximum traction on mixed terrain and extended durability, Contagrip® TD combines a deep, aggressive lug pattern with their most durable tread. The chevron lug design has deep penetration and multi-directional grip, improving traction on soft surfaces like mud or loose dirt. Besides the larger rocks towards the peak of my hike, I had no slippage whatever during my entire trip. Again wet rocks are not where these boots are supposed to excel. I like to use the racecar/bald tire comparison to that of an offroad tire. These are offroad tire boots, not flat solid rubber tires meant to grip on hard surfaces. On everything else on the trail, these outsoles were amazing.
LACING
The lacing system on most Saloman shoes/boots is amazing from my experience. My time with the Ultras has been no different but is more like most other hiking boots I have had in the past. There is a normal lacing system with a steel eyelet towards the top to allow you to cinch the laces down well against your feet. I noticed that my heel felt extremely locked into place and was amazing going downhill, which is hard to find. On the very front of the Ultras you have a nice light rubber toe cap which helps when you’re on the way down the trail and your legs want to kick every rock you come across.
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Goretex Waterproof
Contagrip Outsole
Molded OrthoLite
Protective mudguard
Protective toecap
Gusseted tongue
EnergyCell
Great Heel Lockdown from Lacing
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Very Limited Colors
Runs Somewhat Narrow
OVERALL
I feel that the Saloman Ultra Mid’s are some of the best lightweight hiking boots I have used. They combine great waterproofing and a complete Midsole/Outsole system that even on my first hike out of the box which was 11 miles my feet felt great. I will continue to use and test these guys over this summer and check back in to update how they hold up. If you want to purchase these boots you can go to Saloman’s website HERE