I have 5,000 miles of personal experience hiking in Salomon hiking boots and hiking shoes. Since 2012, I've owned at least 17 different Salomons—from its best backpacking boot (the Quest 5) to its most comfortable trail running shoe for hikers (the Ultra Glide 4). Plus, I managed hiking footwear at Appalachian Outdoors. So I know which Salomons make the most sense for men and women based on their feet and hiking styles. My first-hand guide will help you find the best Salomon hiking boots and best Salomon hiking shoes for your hikes.
Testing the Salomon Quest 5 hiking boot in 2026
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Best Salomon Hiking Boots
From most supportive to lightest, the best Salomon hiking boots are the Salomon Quest 5, X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, X Ultra 360 GTX, and Genesis Mid GTX. I personally own each of these 2026 Salomon models.
SALOMON QUEST 5 GTX
Best Salomon Hiking Boot for Backpackers
Main Benefits:
I've owned four pairs of the Salomon Quest over the past 12 years. Refreshed in 2026, the Salomon Quest 5 is an iconic backpacking boot that's dominated award lists for years. The Quest is built on a chassis that feels like a trail running shoe, but it nearly matches the stability and support of much heavier backpacking boots. In other words, it's a ton of boot that doesn't weigh a ton. This boot also features excellent ankle protection, waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX, a locking shoelace system, and versatile outsoles for traction that works on most trails. I've worn this hiking boot to hike the Grand Canyon and several of Australia's signature hiking trails. It's my go-to backpacking boot.
best fit
standard feet (not as narrow in the toes as most Salomons)
best match
backpackers,
off-trail hikers
Men's Salomon Quest 5 GTX
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Women's Salomon Quest 5 GTX
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SALOMON X ULTRA 5 MID GTX
Best Salomon Hiking Boot for Day Hikers
Main Benefits:
Updated in 2025, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid is Salomon's best hiking boot for day hikers. It's much lighter than the Quest but still has good torsional rigidity (for some ankle support), aggressive traction for steeper trails, and waterproof-breathable GORE-TEX for wet trails and iffy weather. More than anything, though, it's the exceptional weight to performance that makes the X Ultra 5 stand out as one of the best hiking boots. I've owned several pairs—this is the rare hiking boot that's athletic enough for fast hikers and tough enough for hardcore hikers. Available in standard and wide sizes, this is one of the best overall hiking boots I've personally tested and reviewed.
For more, see my full X Ultra 5 Mid review
best fit
standard to slightly narrow feet, available in wide
best match
day hikers,
lightweight backpackers
Men's Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
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Women's Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
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SALOMON X ULTRA 360 MID GTX
Best Value Salomon Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
The Salomon X Ultra 360 is less expensive than the X Ultra 5 (above) and made for more all-around use. When I tested it, I appreciated its aggressive traction and didn't notice much of a performance fall-off compared with its more expensive Salomon siblings. It's other key selling point is that it costs $20 less than the X Ultra 5, which makes it one of the best hiking boots on a budget. It's not available in a wide. If it fits you, however, the Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid—or more edgy looking X Ultra 360 Edge—is the best Salomon hiking boot if you're looking to save a few bucks without much drop off in performance.
best fit
standard to narrow feet
best match
day hikers, budget shoppers
Men's Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid
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Women's Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid
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Men's Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid
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Women's Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid
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SALOMON GENESIS MID GTX
Lightweight Salomon Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
The mid-cut version of a Salomon trail runner I've reviewed, the Genesis Mid is the lightest Salomon hiking boot—and the cushiest. A boot this light doesn't provide much ankle protection, but the midcut adds weather protection and keeps more sand and stones out of your shoes. I also like it better than the old Salomon Cross-Hike. If you're a fast hiker or prefer a lightweight hiking boot to a supportive one, the new Genesis Mid GTX is the best Salomon hiking boot for you.
best fit
standard feet
best match
light hiking, speed hiking
Men's Salomon Genesis Mid GTX
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Women's Salomon Genesis Mid GTX
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Best Salomon Hiking Shoes
SALOMON X ULTRA 5 LOW
Best Salomon Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
The low-cut X Ultra 5 is the latest version of Salomon’s signature hiking shoe. The X Ultra 5 Low is even lighter than the mid-cut (above) with much better support and durability than trail running shoes that weigh just a couple ounces less. This premium hiking shoe crushes the weight-to-performance of popular hiking shoes and matches or beats most hiking shoes in support, torsional rigidity, waterproofing, traction, and durability. I've personally owned several pairs over the years. If you're looking for a hiking shoe that cuts weight without losing support, there's a good chance the X Ultra 5 is the best hiking shoe for you.
best fit
standard to slightly narrow feet, available in wide
best match
average day hikers, serious hikers, travelers
Men's Salomon X Ultra 5 Low GTX
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Women's Salomon X Ultra 5 Low GTX
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Best Salomon Trail Running Shoes for Hikers
SALOMON XA PRO
Traditional Salomon Trail Running Shoe for Hiking
Main Benefits:
Salomon's XA Pro is the brand's traditional trail running shoe for hikers. The XA Pro is a moderately stiff and supportive shoe that's stacked with sturdy soles, optional GORE-TEX waterproofing, and a Quicklace system that I like (but it's not for everybody). This shoe runs heavier than most trail runners, but that means it can handle harder terrain and heavier packs than most trail running shoes, too. Plus, as a trail runner, it's still lighter than a true hiking shoe. This iconic trail running shoe has been one of Salomon's best sellers since it debuted in 2005. I've personally owned several pairs for travel, urban hikes, and trail-to-town use.
best fit
standard to slightly narrow feet, wides available (men)
best match
day hikers, hikers who prefer more support to less weight
Men's Salomon XA Pro
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Women's Salomon XA Pro
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SALOMON ULTRA GLIDE 4
Most Comfortable Salomon Trail Running Shoe
Main Benefits:
If you're looking for an ultralight trail runner with maximum cushioning, the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 is one of the lightest and softest shoes I've owned. It's cushier than the HOKA Speedgoat, for example, and one of the lightest trail runners I own. The Ultra Glide 4 is the 2026 update to the Ultra Glide—and a big upgrade. It's ultra-cushy and ultra-athletic: a good trail-running shoe for fast-and-light hikers, thru-hikers, max cushion fans, casual hikers, and day hikers.
best fit
standard to wide feet, also available in wide
best match
long-distance hikers, fast hikers, casual hikers
Men's Salomon Ultra Glide 4
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Women's Salomon Ultra Glide 4
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Salomon Brand Review
Salomon was founded in the French Alps in 1947. The brand first made its mark in the ski industry before establishing itself as an innovator in hiking footwear, too. It's a leading European brand that's now part of Amer Sports— an international sporting goods company (based in Ogden, Utah) that specializes in premium outdoor brands.
What's so good about Salomon hiking boots and shoes?
Salomon is a great brand for men and women who want hiking footwear that's both lightweight and supportive. Many of its models are great, all-around options—from the average day hiker and weekend warrior to fast packers and serious day hikers and backpackers. With so many stellar Salomon options, the key is choosing the best Salomon hiking boots and shoes for your feet and your hikining style.
Salomon stands out for balancing agility and stability better than other brands. Salomon hiking boot give hikers just enough support—and no more. And just enough cushioning—and no more. This adds up to light yet supportive hiking footwear.
But that's just the first of many Salomon selling points:
Lightweight support
Hikers usually need to choose something lightweight OR supportive. The best Salomon hiking boots and shoes are BOTH lightweight AND supportive, thanks to Salomon' light but supportive chassis.
Fit
Salomons run narrow in the heel to prevent slippage and more standard fit in the midfoot. Plus, the brand's Sensifit uppers wrap around your feet to hold its boots/ shoes in place. Thankfully, it also offers its best sellers in wide.
High Quality
Salomon is known for its build quality and high quality materials. It uses GORE-TEX, which remains the industry standard for waterproof-breathable membranes. Hikers can trust Salomon's quality and know that their boots/shoes will be worth the price.
Are Salomon hiking boots and shoes for YOU?
Salomon is one of the best brands for hiking footwear. However, Salomons may or may not fit your feet, and they may or may not match your hiking style. That's why hikers and backpackers should weigh Salomon's pros and cons before buying a pair of Salomon hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail running shoes:
Overall recommendation:
My official position on Hiking Feet is that there is no such thing as "the best brand"— because your best brand depends on what fits you best and what best matches your hiking style. That being said, if forced to vote for the best overall brand for hiking boots and hiking shoes, I'd probably pick Salomon. Hikers generally need to choose either lightweight OR supportive footwear. With Salomon, you can get lightweight AND supportive hiking boots and shoes. That suits many styles of hiking. They also fit a wide range of feet now that Salomon offers their best-sellers in wide sizes, too.
That's why outdoor industry pros can recommend Salomon to a wide range of hikers. Personally, I've sold more Salomon hiking boots and shoes than any other brand—and often recommend them to friends and family members who hike.
Testing the New Salomon X Ultra 5 Hiking Shoe at New Mexico's Mt Taylor
Buying Salomon hiking boots and shoes
Thanks for checking out my Salomon brand review and pro picks for the best Salomon hiking boots and shoes.
Have you decided to hike in some Salomons? If so, please consider purchasing your next pair through the affiliate links above. That doesn't cost you anything. However, the retailers may slip Hiking Feet a few bucks in commissions if you click on those links and make a qualifying purchase. If this site hooked you up, please consider hooking me up, too, so I can continue to provide free content to help men and women pick out the best hiking boots, hiking shoes, and trail runners for their hikes.
If Salomon doesn't seem like your best match, no problem. No brand works for everybody. Feel free to check out my other brand recommendations and my other brand reviews. You can also scroll down the Hiking Feet homepage for curated lists of the best hiking boots, best hiking shoes, and best trail running shoes for hiking. There's a good chance that you'll find your next hiking boot or hiking shoe at hikingfeet.com.
