Salomon Men’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot
Last updated: June 5, 2020
We looked at the top Hiking Boots and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Hiking Boot you should buy.
Product Details
In our analysis of 85 expert reviews, the Salomon Men's X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boot placed 8th when we looked at the top 11 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.From The Manufacturer
A best seller, the x ultra mid 3 gtx has evolved into an even more effective hiking shoe thanks to descent control technology that efficiently tackles technical hikes and really shines during tough descents. Wear this pair and head downhill with a spring in your step, even in wet conditions.
Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
A true standout. Despite its lightweight build, the boot nicely balances comfort, durability, and rock-solid traction. Has one of the most well-rounded tread designs I’ve tested to date. The boot has confidently climbed 4th-class terrain, descended a steep rockslide, easily handled a few inches of fresh snow, and trekked through mud, rock, and loose dirt without any notable issues.
If you are a backpacker who wants the comfort of a light trail runner within the structure of a supportive boot, then the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX is the perfect compromise for you. Built on the same Advanced Chassis as other boots we've loved from Salomon, the X Ultra Mid 3 wraps around your foot and ankle with the same performance fit and padded comfort, but delivers additional support in a mid-top height.
But after three long days on and off trails, I’m a believer that Salomon nailed it with a heck of a good boot. A very comfortable, fairly light, waterproof boot that fit my foot well right out of the box. My time wearing them on and off trail left me looking forward to more miles in these boots.
The excellent trail performance of the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX gained commendations from its users. Support, comfort, and waterproofing were packed in a light build. A good choice for those who want a light yet supportive gear.
Work well with folks who need a wide toe box but a narrower heel. They don’t require any break-in and are ready to go right out of the box. The soft textile lining wicks moisture away from your feet and the breathable mesh dries quickly if you get the boots wet.
It’s cushioned and comfortable, yet stable and protective for just about any condition. Switchback Travel ranks the X Ultra 3 GTX as the #1 lightweight hiking shoe of the year, recommending it “for day hikes, quick summits, and even lightweight backpacking.”
The standout quality of the X Ultra is its fit and support. This doesn't feel like a bare-bones, stripped-down shoe—it has a pleasing sense of structure and comfort. Salomon gives us a generous toe box, making for a roomy feel overall. Combine this with the shoe's solid level of support, and we get a light mid that proves well-capable of handling ultra-class adventures.
Ideal for hiking on rocky terrain that has lots of ups and downs. Thanks to the Descent Control technology. This keeps your foot from sliding forward as much on the downhill. The grip is excellent in all kinds of conditions. I used them in winter during a snowstorm and found the grip was excellent for this. The grip and lugs are made of two different types of rubber to aid in a more intense grip. Contagrip seems to work very well.
What reviewers didn't like
For especially technical terrain or heavy loads, we’d step up to a burlier boot.
Could be more breathable; not great traction on smooth rock. Has a Contagrip sole that does feel thin on rocky trails, this allowed us to observe more of the sharp rocks underfoot and resulted in more foot soreness by the end of a long day.
It looks modest, with muted colors and styling that’s been around for a decade.
A small group of testers had to give it a low rating in durability. The material used in the upper of the X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is less resistant to abrasion. Its lack of cushioning underfoot has dismayed plenty of owners.
Sizes run small and narrow.
The shoe's heel angles aggressively outward, creating a scoop that flips up dirt, sand, and pebbles—right into the cuff of the shoe, which doesn't seal tightly. On especially loose ground, this all but necessitates combining the X Ultra with scree gaiters. Out-of-the-box, I found the cuff a little grabby at the heel (hopefully this will soften as the boots wear).
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