Salomon Extegra Gore-TEX Review: Versatile Yet Imperfect Hiking Companion

So, I got my hands on the Salomon Extegra Gore-TEX hiking shoes, and my first thought was, 'Finally, a hiking shoe that doesn't feel like a brick.' I've tried a few hiking shoes in the past, and most of them are either too bulky or too rigid. These shoes, on the other hand, did seem different at first glance.

The design is inspired by Salomon's outdoor DNA, and they sure don't hide it. The shoes are marketed as lightweight and comfortable, promising an easy wear for those long hikes. I've read a lot about the GORE-TEX membrane before, so I was curious to see if it lived up to the hype in real-world conditions.

After a couple of weeks of wearing these on various hikes, I’ve got some thoughts to share. From the initial unboxing to the first trek, there's a lot to unpack. I'm going to break down my experience with the Salomon Extegra Gore-TEX step-by-step, literally!

Let's dive into the specific aspects of these shoes and see where they stand.

Pricing is always a subjective topic, but I’d say the Salomon Extegra Gore-TEX offers decent value for money. At their price point, they fall into the mid-range category for hiking shoes, and they deliver a lot for what you pay. The combination of lightweight materials, waterproofing, and decent comfort makes them a worthwhile investment for casual hikers.

However, they’re not without competition. Compared to some other brands, they might not offer the same level of durability or grip, but they make up for it in comfort and style. If you're planning to hike occasionally rather than every weekend, these shoes could be a solid choice.

The durability is a bit of a question mark for me. While they held up well during my testing period, I’m not entirely convinced they’ll withstand the toughest conditions over the long term. That said, if you take care of them and don’t push them to their limits too often, they should last you a good while.

In terms of value, if you’re looking for a versatile, comfortable shoe at a reasonable price, these are a good bet. Just don’t expect them to outperform the higher-end models.

The design of the Salomon Extegra Gore-TEX is pretty sleek. The black and grey color scheme, dubbed Asphalt Black Castlerock, looks sharp enough. It’s minimalist but doesn't sacrifice functionality for the sake of aesthetics, which I appreciate. Too often, hiking shoes tend to go overboard with flashy colors, but these keep it simple and understated.

One thing that stood out was the protective toe cap. It gives you that extra bit of security when you're navigating rocky terrain. I did find it useful when I accidentally kicked a few stones along the trail. The overall build seems robust, but without being overly heavy. It strikes a decent balance between sturdiness and comfort, which is crucial for longer hikes.

However, the design isn't without its quirks. The ankle support is good, but the shaft height might not be to everyone's liking. It's an ankle-high design, which is generally okay, but those used to higher boots might find it lacking just a tad in support.

Overall, the design gets the job done, focusing on practicality with a touch of style. It's not going to win any awards for innovation, but it serves its purpose well.

Comfort is a big deal when it comes to hiking shoes, and the Salomon Extegra Gore-TEX does a pretty solid job here. Thanks to the 3D mesh and optiFOAM midsole, these shoes offer a nice balance of cushioning without feeling overly soft. I noticed the bounce in my step, especially during long walks, which was a nice change from some of the other, more rigid hiking shoes I've tried.

The fit is generally good, though I did find the sizing a little off. I usually wear a size 9 UK, which I ordered, but they felt a tad snug. If you're in between sizes or prefer a bit more wiggle room, consider going half a size up.

On the downside, after wearing them for longer periods, I did notice a slight pressure around the sides of my feet. It's not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be mindful of if you have wider feet. Breaking them in does improve this to some extent, but slight discomfort lingered.

Overall, the comfort level is decent. They’re comfortable enough for day hikes, though for multi-day treks, you might want to look elsewhere.

Materials are where the Salomon Extegra Gore-TEX really shines. The outer material is synthetic, which is standard for hiking shoes aiming for a lightweight feel. The inner mesh material does a fantastic job of allowing your feet to breathe, which I found beneficial during longer hikes. It's not perfect, but it does help to reduce that clammy feeling that can set in after a few hours.

The real highlight is the GORE-TEX membrane. It's one of those things that people who love hiking rave about, and I can see why. After testing these shoes in wet conditions, my feet stayed dry, which is a huge plus. I can't stress enough how crucial waterproofing is when you're out in the elements.

However, the synthetic rubber sole, while grippy on dry rocks and dirt, didn't impress me much on wet, slippery surfaces. It's not terrible, but I did experience a few slips that could have been avoided with a more aggressive tread pattern.

In terms of materials, Salomon has chosen wisely for the most part, even if the sole could use a little more bite.

In terms of performance, the Salomon Extegra Gore-TEX handles most terrains competently. The Contagrip outsole is designed to provide traction, and on dry surfaces, it works like a charm. It’s when things get wet and muddy that its performance falters a bit. I found myself losing grip occasionally, particularly on slick rocks or wet leaves, which can be concerning on challenging trails.

These shoes excel in providing stability, thanks to their lateral TPU construction. On uneven terrain, they do a commendable job of keeping your foot secure. I appreciated this feature when tackling rocky paths or steep inclines, where a stable shoe can make a big difference.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the waterproofing. The GORE-TEX membrane doesn’t disappoint, keeping water out effectively. I splashed through several streams and puddles, and my feet stayed dry throughout. This is a huge plus, as wet feet can turn any hike into a miserable experience.

Overall, the performance is good but not without its limitations. It’s a reliable shoe for fair weather hikes, but if you're heading into more demanding conditions, be aware of its limitations.