Salomon’s X Ultra hasn’t changed much over the years. And why should it?! This hiking shoe has been extremely popular with experienced hikers and outdoor industry pros for a long time. So it’s kind of a big deal (for shoe geeks, at least) that Salomon has rolled out the new X Ultra 4s, giving its best hiking shoe a 2021 makeover. Do you want the early scoop on the new X Ultra 4s? Check out this Salomon X Ultra 4 Low review for a hot take on the new version of these perennial best sellers.
Salomon X Ultra 3 vs. X Ultra 4
The X Ultra is Salomon’s best hiking shoe. Salomon’s secret sauce is a chassis that somehow combines the agility of a trail running shoe with the stability of a hiking boot. That’s made Salomon hiking shoes lighter than most brands, but also more stable, supportive, and durable. (Learn more with my Salomon brand review.) That’s what sets the X Ultra 4 Low apart from most hiking shoes on the market.
I’ve owned several pairs of the X Ultra series over the years. And the X Ultra 3 was the easiest shoe for me to sell at Appalachian Outdoors–for men and women. So I was stoked to grab a pair of the new X Ultra 4s as soon as they came out in spring 2021.
What’s new? For starters, Salomon clearly updated the X Ultra’s look:
The X Ultra 4 has a sturdier, more tactical look than the popular X Ultra 3. This new design stems from some technical tweaks:
- Salomon has updated the X Ultra’s Advanced Chassis with the new ADV-C Chassis, which supposedly improves ankle stability and flexibility in the foot.
- a new “active support” band–a TPU-coated leather wing that wraps around the outside of the foot to lock it into place and add some ankle support.
- a taller ankle collar with more padding than older versions of the shoe
Even with those additions, the X Ultra 4 is slightly lighter than the X Ultra 3. (What?!)
It’s a solid choice for both men and women because Salomon X Ultra 4s have gender-specific fits. The women’s style is built around a women-specific last and features a lower density chassis and softer collar and heel. Overall, though, the men’s and women’s shoes look pretty similar:
Salomon’s best hiking shoe has changed a bit in 2021. But not too much. For a quick take on its support, fit, and more, here’s my review of the Salomon X Ultra 4 Low.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Low: Review
support
This X Ultra 4 Low continues Salomon’s strong tradition of stable and supportive hiking shoes. This shoe is stiff underfoot with a flex-point at the ball of the foot. That’s exactly what you want in a hiking shoe if you’re after stability and agility.
average ankle support
This is a low-cut shoe–not a mid-cut hiking boot. That obviously limits how much ankle support you’ll get.
That being said, Salomon’s sculpted heel cups and advanced chassis should lock your heels and ankles into place and frame them with firm TPU plastic supports. Its stiff soles also have good torsional rigidity (resistance to side to side twisting) that’s capable of preventing some rolled ankles. On top of that, the new “active support” band wraps around the outside of the foot for added ankle stability. That’s more ankle support than most hiking shoes–and probably some mid-cut hiking boots.
solid foot support
The shoe’s chassis and stiff outsoles should keep your feet from over-flexing on gnarly terrain. The shoe’s toe caps and reinforced rands also protect your feet from rocks, sharp vegetation, and trail debris.
Not everyone loves this shoe’s quick-lace system. But I do. It’s fast, durable, and (in my experience) holds the shoe around your foot better than most shoelace systems.
The weak link is this shoe’s insoles. Like most brands (other than Oboz), Salomon skimps on its insoles to cut cost and weight. No problem: I swapped those crappy insoles for some Superfeet for more arch support (and cushion).
Overall, this foot and ankle protection is excellent for a hiking shoe–and slaughters the support of trail running shoes. At the same time, X Ultras are still lighter than the average hiking shoe?! That’s just sick–and why this shoe is such a popular pick among experienced hikers and outdoor industry pros.
weight
The X Ultra 4 delivers that above average support with below average weight for hiking shoes. Most of the best hiking shoes for men and women weigh 2+ pounds per pair. The X Ultra 4 Low weighs less than two pounds: 1 pound 15 ounces for men (size 11) and 1 pound 12 ounces for women.
Honestly, that weight savings may not translate into much energy savings for the average hiker. (It’s a myth than weight on your feet is five times worse than weight on your back.) However, fast hikers and long distance hikers may save some energy in lightweight hiking shoes like the X Ultra 4. And you may feel fast hiking in it (whether your pace is faster or not).
As long as it fits you (see below), the X Ultra 4 Low is probably your best pick for a lightweight hiking shoe. It’s not much heavier than a trail running shoe, but it crushes trail runners in stability and support.
comfort
Comfort isn’t only a matter of personal preference. Each of our bodies is different. Our feet are unique. And we live and hike in different places and prefer different kinds of hikes. That means our physical needs and comfort preferences may be quite different.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Low has a firm feel and snug fit accomplished by its sculpted heels, quick-draw lacing system, and synthetic uppers that wrap around your feet. That adds up to secure, performance fit that really locks your heels and midfoot into place. (Pro tip: If you’ve had trouble with heel slippage in other brands, you should try Salomons.) Overall, many experienced hikers love Salomon’s superior fit, technical feel, and stiff and supportive ride.
At the same time, the X Ultra 4 feels firmer underfoot than many hiking shoes. If you prefer plenty of cushioning, you may want to target another brand, such as Hoka, Keen, or Oboz. Many beginners also prefer softer, more flexible soles with less of a performance feel than Salomons.
One last caution: As you try these on, pay attention to where this shoe hits your ankles. The X Ultra 4’s ankle collar hits higher than the X Ultra 3, which means it could rub against your ankle bone and cause blisters. (Some long-time Salomon fans have complained about this…) I didn’t have this problem after my first break-in hike (and after adding Superfeet insoles for more cushioning and support).
water resistance
Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Low comes in a non-waterproof version and in GORE TEX.
Low-cut hiking shoes don’t provide as much water resistance as mid- or high-cut hiking boots. At most, you’ll get 3 inches of water protection in the X Ultra 4 GTX Low. That might keep your feet dry in mowed grass or a shallow puddle–but not much else. (Pro tip: You can save $30 a pair if you buy the non-waterproof X Ultra 4.)
At the same time, GORE-TEX is still the king of waterproof-breathable membranes. Gore Tex is a thin sheet of Teflon (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) with 9 billion microscopic pores per square inch. Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a single water droplet. At the same time, these microscopic pores are 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule. That’s how Gore TEX’s waterproof-breathable membranes keep liquid from seeping in to your feet (“waterproof”) and also release evaporated moisture vapor into the outside air (“breathable”).
Overall, the X Ultra 4 GTX has more reliable waterproofing and better breathability than most waterproof hiking shoes. At the same time, the waterproof X Ultra 4 GTX will wear warmer than the X Ultra 4 (non-waterproof) and cost $30 more.
traction
The X Ultra 4 Low features Salomon’s aggressive Contragrip outsoles. The X Ultra 4 features angular lugs that are custom-made for steep ascents and descents on soft and shifting surfaces, such as scree, dirt, gravel, snow, and mud. So far, that tread has excelled for me on some sketchy slopes with slippery scree and gravel, wet leaves, and lichen-covered rocks.
You’ll notice the v-shaped (chevron) lugs face different directions. The chevrons in the forefoot and toes are climbing lugs for good uphill grip. The chevrons in the heel face the opposite direction: those are braking lugs that dig hard on steep descents (where most dangerous falls occur).
Contragrip is not as good on wet rock. However, the X Ultra 4 has softer rubber than the X Ultra 3 to improve its grip on wet rock. That may cost this shoe some durability, but the wet traction was on point for me yesterday–including some wet rocks and roots on steep sidehill trails soaked by a spring thunderstorm.
In short, traction is yet another selling point for this shoe.
quality & durability
Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 4 has average durability for a hiking shoe (and better durability than the average trail running shoe).
Salomon’s build quality is excellent. In most cases, the tread will wear out before the rest of the shoe. With Salomon opting for a softer rubber in the X Ultra 4 (to improve traction on wet rock), this shoe’s soles may wear down a little quicker than the X Ultra 3. (Pro Tip: You can prolong the life of these shoes if you keep them off sidewalks and concrete–and keep them on the trail.)
My pair has worn like I expected after a few hundred miles of mostly moderate trails. The exterior of the shoe is still in good shape. Traction-wise, the most important lugs (ball of the boot) have started to wear down while the rest of the tread remains in good shape. Mine still have plenty of miles left, but they’re not as durable as heavier hiking shoes I’ve owned.
For me, this shoe is excellent value. For $120 (non-waterproof) or $150 (GTX), you can pick up a premium hiking shoe with excellent support, light weight, best in class waterproofing, good durability, and excellent traction.
fit
This shoe has several plusses, but you shouldn’t buy it unless it fits your unique feet.
The X Ultra 4 fits snug in the heel with a standard fit in the forefoot with a tapered toe box that doesn’t leave a ton of room for your toes. Overall, Salomons run slightly narrow. That makes them a better fit for narrow for standard feet. (Hikers with standard feet may want to size up to get more room in the toe box.)
There’s good news, though, if you’re a hiker with wide feet (like me). In 2020, Salomon started offering these in wide. Their wides aren’t crazy wide, but they offer more room in the forefoot and toe box. I stopped wearing Salomons 4-5 years ago (because of their narrow toe boxes), but their new wide sizes now work for my wide feet.
One last fitting tip (that I noted above): watch how this shoe hits your ankles as you try them on. This shoe’s ankle collar hits higher than the X Ultra 3. Make sure it doesn’t dig into your ankle bone in an awkward place that may cause blisters. That’s been an early complaint about the X Ultra 4 from outdoor industry pros. My pair works for me, but our ankles are all built different (and ankle blisters suck).
price
For me, the X Ultra 4 is a good buy at $120 (non-water proof) and $150 (Gore Tex). Merrell Moabs may be cheaper, but the X Ultra 4 provides much better foot and ankle support, weight savings, waterproofing, breathability, traction, and durability for just a few bucks more. It also costs $40 less than La Sportiva’s Spire GTX, which is similar to Salomon in quality. Most hikers should get their money’s worth with the Salomon X Ultra 4 Low.
men’s options & prices
women’s options & prices
Salomon X Ultra 4 Recommendations
So, what’s the conclusion of my Salomon X Ultra 4 Low review?
There’s a good chance that Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Low will continue the X Ultra’s long run as one of the world’s best hiking shoes. If it doesn’t fit your feet well, you should definitely pass. If it does fit, though, this shoe demonstrates excellent weight to performance with more reliable and breathable waterproofing and more aggressive traction that most hiking shoes. This shoe just has a ton of selling points.
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Happy Hiking!
