Testing the Salomon X Ultra 360 on a fall colors hike outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Salomon X Ultra 360 Review
I tested and reviewed the mid-cut Salomon X Ulta 360 GTX in 2025 on a range of New Mexico trails that varied from easy (Bear Canyon Arroyo) to moderate (La Luz, Pino Trail, Embudito Trail, Mt Tesuque) to difficult (South Sandia Crest). This mix of foothills, desert, and mountain trails made sense because the X Ultra 360 is made for mixed terrain. To compare the Salomon X Ultra 360 with the original X Ultra 5, I also wore the boots side by side—one on my right foot, the other one my left—on a 7-mile test hike on the Tres Pistoles (3 Guns) trail.
As always, Hiking Feet's reviews are 100% independent (not sponsored posts)- based on my personal experience and professional experience in the outdoor industry. In this case, I'll also add that I've owned at least 7-8 X Ultras over the years and have more than 2000 miles of hiking experience in them.
Testing the Salomon X Ultra 360 on the Embudito Trail
SUPPORT
Like other X Ultras, the X Ultra 360 represents a nice balance between stability and agility. Salomon's advancedCHASSIS adds lateral support to buttress your hiking feet. I have questionable foot and ankle structure, and I trust the X Ultra 360 Mid on moderate to difficult terrain, thanks to its moderately stiff base. At the same time, the boot flexes at the balls of your feet. It's a nice blend of stiffness and flexibility for both casual hikers and more serious hikers who prefer steeper and tougher trails.
Like most lightweight hiking boots, the Salomon X Ultra 360's ankle collars are too short and too soft to provide big-time ankle support. The moderately stiff soles provide some ankle support, but the mid-cut X Ultra 360 hiking boot won't be much more supportive than the low-cut X Ultra 360 hiking shoe due to those shorter, comfort-oriented ankle collars.
The Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid qualifies as a lightweight hiking boot
WEIGHT
The average men's hiking boot weighs 2.5 to 3 lbs per pair. The Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid weighs about two pounds. My pair (men's 12.5) weighed 2lbs 2oz—making it the second lightest hiking boots in my closet (next to the Oboz Katabatic). Like other X Ultras, the X Ultra 360 demonstrates a strong weight: support ratio. Again, it's a lightweight hiking boot that's appropriate for both easy and moderately difficult day hikes.
The Salomon X Ultra 360 is softer around the ankles than its sibling
COMFORT
The Salomon X Ultra 360 reminds me of the old Salomon X Ultra 3 with some subtle comfort tweaks. That is, it seems slightly cushier underfoot and clearly much softer around the ankles than the old X Ultra 3—which was probably the most popular iteration of the X Ultra series. There's still only moderate cushion. But the "all-around" version of the X Ultra feels slightly more approachable than the more performance-oriented X Ultra 3, 4, and 5.
When I wore the X Ultra 5 and X Ultra 360 at the same time, there was little difference, comfortwise. On one hand, the less-expensive X Ultra 360 did feel slightly softer underfoot. I felt rocks and uneven steps more in the X Ultra 5 than in the X Ultra 360. On the other hand, the X Ultra 360 retained more heat and moisture than the X Ultra 5, suggesting it's slightly less breathable. Otherwise, I didn't even notice I was wearing unmatching boots.
Evaluating the X Ultra 360 on the Embudito Trail outside Albuquerque, NM
FIT
The Salomon X Ultra 360 has a standard fit. Unlike the more popular X Ultra 5, it's only available in one width (not a wide).
Since I have moderately wide feet, I sized up a full size (men's 12.5) from my everyday shoe size (men's 11.5) to get enough width in the forefoot. Thankfully, that worked. Surprisingly, the regular-width X Ultra 360 in a 12.5 was wider than the X Ultra 5 in a 12-wide. This suggests the "all around" version of the X Ultra also has a roomier fit than the X Ultra 5 (which historically runs snug in the heel and toe box).
Did you know that waterproof hiking boots breathe better in the desert?
WEATHER PROTECTION
The Salomon X Ultra 360 GTX features GORE-TEX waterproofing (which is what "GTX" means in Salomons and all outdoor brands). As much as some bloggers and social media trolls like to rip on GORE-TEX, it's still the most reliable and breathable waterproofing on the market. Most of my test hikes were dry, but my feet stayed dry in some moderate rain, an easy water crossing, and short stretches of snow at high elevations. GORE-TEX waterproofing is another plus for this hiking boot, especially considering its lower-than-average price.
The X Ultra 360 has aggressive, v-shaped climbing and braking lugs
TRACTION
The Salomon X Ultra 360's soles are some of my favorites for steep trails with loose rocks, gravel, sand, and mud. They feature deep, V-shaped climbing lugs under the forefoot and braking lugs under the heel—plus a deep heel brake—which makes them so good on steep terrain.
On the flipside, that more aggressive tread isn't as good on smooth rock (where you'd need wider, shallower lugs and softer rubber to generate more friction for grip). Surprisingly, the less expensive X Ultra 360 has more aggressive tread than the more-performance oriented X Ultra 5 (which use to have the same soles but now has more balanced, mixed tread).
Overall, this boot has good traction—unless you mostly hike smooth and wet rock.
The Salomon X Ultra 360 is available as a low-cut shoe or mid-cut boot
VALUE
With the prices of hiking footwear skyrocketing in recent years, the Salomon X Ultra 360 represents a strong value. It costs $25 less than the Salomon X Ultra 5 and is a higher quality hiking boot than the Merrell Moab (which is now more expensive). Based on this review, the Salomon X Ultra 360 is my new pick for best hiking boot on a budget.
Click on the buttons below to see current prices and available colorways for the X Ultra 360:
Men's Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid
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Women's Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid
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SALOMON X ULTRA 360: PROS VS CONS
The Salomon X Ultra 360 demonstrated similar pros and cons to the other X Ultras I've tested and reviewed:
SHOULD YOU BUY THE SALOMON X ULTRA 360?
The Salomon X Ultra 360 represents a strong value and versatility: its "all-around" build may be comfortable enough for less serious hikers, yet its foot support, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and aggressive traction are still up for moderate to difficult trails. For long-time Salomon fans who miss the old X Ultra 3, you might also like the X Ultra 360's look and feel. There's not much of a falloff from the best-selling X Ultra 5 to the X Ultra 360—and it's $25 cheaper. For me, this is the best value in hiking boots.
Conclusion
More importantly, what do YOU think about the Salomon X Ultra 360? If you're not sold, feel free to browse my other Salomon recommendations, my Salomon X Ultra 5 review, or my personal picks for the best lightweight hiking boots, and best budget hiking boots.
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Men's Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid
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Women's Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid
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