Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex: fit, price and review

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex is a lightweight hiking boot for people who want waterproof protection and a stable platform without a heavy construction. It is best suited to varied mountain paths, day hikes and trips carrying a moderate pack.

Its lugged outsole, stability chassis and mid-height collar bring it close to a mountain boot; its relatively low weight and flexible forefoot are reminiscent of trail shoes. In exchange, it offers less ventilation and side protection than alternatives designed for hot weather or demanding alpine terrain respectively.

A hiking boot with an agile character

The X Ultra 4 Mid is designed for walking, not as a dedicated trail racing or training shoe. Its relatively light construction may feel familiar to a mountain runner, but the collar, structure and membrane address different needs: coverage and support while hiking.

The men’s version has a stated weight of around 425 grams per boot, according to Salomon. The women’s version is approximately 370 grams per boot; size affects the figure. These are modest weights for a waterproof mid-cut boot, although many low-cut trail shoes are lighter.

The difference becomes especially apparent on outings that alternate fast walking with rocky sections that call for a slower pace. The construction allows movement without the bulk of a traditional boot, while the extra coverage helps against vegetation, loose dirt and minor knocks.

Stability and protection on uneven ground

The ADV-C chassis adds structure around the foot and is designed to improve lateral stability without preventing the forefoot from flexing. On a side slope or a gravel descent, that platform helps keep the foot more controlled than a highly flexible shoe would.

Active Support side panels work with the laces to hold the midfoot. The collar adds coverage around the ankle, while the gusseted tongue helps keep small stones out. A reinforced toe cap protects against everyday knocks from roots and rocks.

The trade-off for a lightweight structure is more limited side protection than robust boots designed for heavy loads or alpine terrain. The collar does not immobilise the ankle or prevent a twist on its own: the design offers support, not a guarantee against injury.

Contagrip outsole and mountain traction

Salomon fits the boot with Contagrip MA, a rubber outsole designed for varied surfaces. Its lugs, approximately 4.5 millimetres deep, provide tread for traction on loose dirt, damp trails and moderate mud, both uphill and when braking on descents.

On a route combining firm tracks, gravel and rock, that pattern is more versatile than an outsole intended only for smooth surfaces. Lug depth also affects performance on soft ground, although the rubber compound and the way the foot is placed matter just as much as the measurement.

The limit comes on particularly slippery surfaces: wet, polished rock can offer little grip, and ice calls for specialist equipment suited to the conditions. A general-purpose hiking outsole is no substitute for winter equipment.

Gore-Tex: where it helps and what it sacrifices

The Gore-Tex membrane blocks water from entering through the waterproof construction while allowing some of the foot’s vapour to escape. Its benefit is most apparent in wet grass, rain, mud and puddles that stay below the boot opening.

Water can enter over the top when crossing a deep stream or when rain runs down from trousers. A compatible gaiter adds coverage in those situations. If the inside does get wet, remove the insoles and allow the boots to air-dry away from intense heat.

The other side of the trade-off is more heat and moisture inside than in a model without a membrane. In the mountains of the Valencian Community, the membrane can be an advantage on a cool, wet day, but a better-ventilated shoe may feel more comfortable on a dry summer hike.

Cushioning, drop and construction differences

The EnergyCell EVA midsole provides moderate cushioning, complemented by an OrthoLite insole. The design prioritises a relatively firm platform over the very soft feel of some boots with bulkier midsoles.

The heel-to-toe drop is 11 millimetres: the heel sits higher than the forefoot. This describes the boot’s geometry; it does not mean the boot propels the wearer forward or suits a particular gait.

The men’s and women’s versions share the mid-cut, membrane and support concept, although they differ in weight and last design. The women’s version has an adapted configuration, including a lower-density structure. The choice should start with how each model fits the foot, not just the label.

Choosing a size and checking the fit

The last provides a relatively precise midfoot fit and a moderately wide toe box. For a wide foot, side pressure can be decisive even when the length seems right. Choosing a longer size does not necessarily solve a width problem.

As a starting point, measure both feet while standing, from heel to longest toe, and compare the longer measurement with Salomon’s size chart for the model. Trying the boots with your usual socks also helps establish how much room your feet occupy inside them.

When trying them on, toes should have room to move and should not strike the front when simulating a descent. The heel should be secure without excessive pressure from the laces. The Mid version uses conventional laces, not the Quicklace fastening found on other models from the brand.

Before a long outing, a few short walks can reveal rubbing or pressure around the ankle. When buying online, checking the returns policy and required condition of the footwear can prevent a late discovery that a mountain test makes the boots ineligible for return.

Durability and care for a lightweight boot

The upper combines textile and synthetic materials with reinforcements; the toe cap and exposed areas are designed to withstand trail use. Even so, a construction that keeps weight down does not provide as much material as a heavier leather boot.

There is no universal mileage at which the boots must be replaced. Abrasive rock, carried weight and frequency of use all affect wear. Watch for rounded lugs, outsole separation or loss of support in the upper, even when the tread still appears usable.

After a muddy outing, removing dirt with water and a soft brush helps preserve the materials. Mud and small particles collected in folds and joins can cause abrasion; storage in a ventilated place completes a simple care routine.

Price and value against newer models

The launch price cited for this boot in Spain was €179.99. It has also been advertised for €143.99 during previous promotions. These are guide prices, not a guarantee of current availability or a discount: size, colour, retailer and season can change the amount.

A later generation can make a pair of the version 4 attractive if the fit is right and the price difference is worthwhile. The total cost of delivery and returns also matters, particularly for international purchases that may incur additional charges.

If the price approaches that of a newer boot, the decision is no longer just about the discount: fit, size availability and the exchange policy carry more weight. For dry, warm routes, an alternative without a membrane is worth comparing; for a heavy pack, a more protective construction may be preferable.

Where a hiking boot fits into a runner’s kit

For mountain runners, this model can complement their usual footwear on hiking days, route reconnaissance or walks carrying a pack. The extra coverage makes sense when the aim is to walk for hours over uneven ground rather than maintain the lightness of a racing shoe.

For regular trail training, however, the weight, collar and reduced ventilation may be unnecessary. Choosing between the two formats depends on the activity as much as the terrain: the same trail can be tackled very differently with a race bib, a hydration vest or equipment for a full day outdoors.

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