Men's X Ultra 4 Gore tex Hiking Shoes Review: Solid Grip for Every Trail

If you're like me and enjoy hitting the trails on weekends, you know that a good pair of hiking shoes can make or break your adventure. Recently, I got my hands on the Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 Gore tex Hiking Shoes in Magnet/Black/Monument size 10, and I've taken them for a spin over the last couple of weeks.

My initial impression was positive, especially considering the brand's reputation for crafting reliable outdoor gear. I've used Salomon before, and they've yet to let me down. These shoes promised stability and grip, and I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.

In the following sections, I'll dive into the specifics of these hiking shoes, from their design to durability, to give you a better idea of whether these are the right fit for your next adventure.

Let's get into it and see if they hold up to their claims.

The design of the Salomon Men's X Ultra 4 is straightforward, leaning more towards function than fashion, which is what you'd expect from a hiking shoe. The Magnet/Black/Monument color scheme is pretty neutral, which I appreciated. It doesn't scream for attention, which is a plus in my book.

One thing I noticed right off the bat was the shoe's build. The combination of mesh and synthetic materials gives it a rugged appearance while promising durability. The lace-up closure is standard, but it feels secure, which is crucial when you're on uneven terrain. I didn't experience any snagging or loosening during my hikes, which is a relief because nothing ruins a hike faster than stopping every few minutes to retie your shoes.

Another design element worth mentioning is the low-cut profile, offering agility similar to a trail running shoe. However, it still maintains the necessary support for hiking, which is a nice balance. After a few hikes, I noticed the shoes remained in good shape, indicating a promising level of durability.

Overall, the design is practical and gets the job done without unnecessary frills, which is exactly what I was looking for.

Comfort is a big deal for any hiking shoe, and the X Ultra 4 doesn't disappoint in this department. Right out of the box, the shoes felt comfortable with minimal break-in time needed. I wore them on a 5-mile hike on day one, and I didn't experience any blisters or discomfort, which is a testament to their design.

The shoe's interior is padded well, especially around the ankle and heel areas, providing support without feeling overly bulky. For someone like me who tends to have sensitive feet, the cushioning is just right. It provides enough support without feeling like I'm sinking into it.

Another comfort feature is the agility of these shoes. They feel more like a trail running shoe, offering flexibility and allowing for natural movement. This is great for technical hikes where balance and agility are essential. The shoes aren't heavy, which means less fatigue over long distances.

Overall, in terms of comfort, the Salomon X Ultra 4 does a great job balancing support and freedom of movement. If comfort is a priority for your hiking gear, these shoes are a solid choice.

The materials used in the Salomon X Ultra 4 are primarily mesh and rubber. The mesh upper is a common choice for hiking shoes as it allows for breathability while maintaining a lightweight feel. During my hikes, I didn't feel like my feet were overheating, which is a big plus, especially when you're covering long distances.

The rubber sole provides the all-terrain grip that Salomon promises. I tested these shoes on a range of surfaces from wet rocks to loose gravel, and the grip was pretty solid. I didn't feel like I was slipping or losing control, which speaks volumes about the Contagrip MA outsole. It’s reassuring to know that these shoes are designed to handle different terrains.

The waterproof Gore-Tex element is another significant feature. I crossed a few shallow streams, and my feet stayed dry throughout. While I haven't trudged through torrential rains yet, the initial waterproofing seems adequate.

In terms of materials, these shoes seem to strike a good balance between durability and comfort, making them a reliable option for various hiking conditions.

Durability is a crucial factor for hiking shoes, and the Salomon X Ultra 4 seems to be built to last. After a couple of weeks of testing on different terrains, the shoes show minimal signs of wear. The materials have held up well, with no noticeable damage to the seams or the sole.

The mesh upper, while breathable, is also robust enough to resist abrasions and punctures. I’ve accidentally kicked a few rocks and snagged on branches, yet the shoe remains intact, which speaks to its tough construction.

The rubber sole, a key component of the shoe's durability, hasn't worn down much either. Given that I traversed both rocky and smooth paths, it's good to see the outsole maintaining its integrity. This suggests that these shoes could go the distance on many more hikes without needing a replacement soon.

Overall, if you're looking for a pair of hiking shoes that can withstand the rigors of the trail, the Salomon X Ultra 4 appears to be a durable choice that will serve you well over time.

Performance-wise, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore tex shoes are designed to handle a variety of terrains, and they live up to this expectation. I took them on several trails, each with different challenges, and they performed consistently well.

One of the standout features is the grip. The Contagrip MA outsole worked wonders, providing stability even on slippery terrain. You can feel the grip bite into the ground, which gives a sense of confidence when navigating tricky paths. This was particularly noticeable when hiking on wet rocks and muddy trails. The shoes didn't skid or slide, and I felt secure with every step.

The new chassis design also adds to the stability by protecting sensitive articulations without compromising movement. This feature minimizes fatigue, especially on long hikes, as I noticed my knees didn't ache as much compared to other shoes I've worn.

In terms of performance, these shoes are built for the trail, delivering on their promise of stability and grip. If you're planning to tackle varied terrains, these might be the right fit for you.