Salomon X Braze Review: Reliable Shoes for Every Adventure

The Salomon X Braze Men's Outdoor Shoes aim to be your all-in-one solution for outdoor adventures. With a promise of versatility, they seem like a solid choice for both weekend hikes and everyday wear. But do they deliver? That's what I set out to find.

After picking these up, the first impression was that they seemed durable. The brand Salomon is well-known in the outdoor gear world, so expectations were naturally high. The shoes boast a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and a grippy Contagrip outsole, both of which are appealing features for anyone planning to hit the trails.

What piqued my interest was their claim to be inspired by best-selling products. This suggests that they might have taken the best elements from other models and combined them into the X Braze. That said, it was time to put them to the test and see how they actually held up in real-world conditions.

There's a lot to cover here, so let's dive into specific aspects of these shoes to see if they measure up to the hype.

The design of the Salomon X Braze is clearly geared towards practicality, but it doesn't entirely sacrifice style. The color scheme—Black Black Phantom—keeps it simple and versatile, which is great for those who prefer understated footwear. They take cues from trail running shoes, which is evident in their sleek lines and modern look.

One thing I appreciated was the ankle-height shaft. It provides a bit of extra support compared to low-cut shoes, which is helpful when navigating rocky or uneven terrain. The design also includes a heel and toe cap, which adds a layer of protection that I found essential during more challenging hikes.

On a day-to-day basis, the shoes fit in well with casual outfits. They don't scream 'hiking boots', which makes them a decent option for general use, especially if you're working with limited packing space for a trip. However, they might not be the flashiest choice for those who prefer more eye-catching designs in their outdoor gear.

Overall, the design is practical and aligns well with the shoe's intended use. If you're after function over form, the X Braze has you covered.

Comfort is crucial for any pair of shoes, especially when you're on your feet for hours. The Salomon X Braze does okay in this department, but it's not without its issues. The initial fit is snug, which is good for support, but it might be a bit too tight for wider feet.

After breaking them in over a couple of weeks, they became more comfortable. The cushioning is adequate, providing enough support for moderate hikes and long walks. However, if you're planning on going for extended treks, you might want to consider additional insoles for extra comfort.

One thing I did like was the ankle support. The ankle-height design gives a reassuring level of stability on uneven terrain. However, because the shoes are on the snug side, make sure you try them with the socks you plan to hike in to ensure a comfortable fit.

In summary, they're decent for short to medium hikes, but if comfort is your top priority, there might be better options out there.

The X Braze uses synthetic and textile materials for the outer part, which is pretty standard for shoes aiming to be both durable and lightweight. The combination seems to work well here. Even after several hikes, I didn't notice any premature wear or tear. The Gore-Tex membrane is a big plus—it actually holds up to its waterproof claim, keeping my feet dry during a light rain.

The sole material is rubber, which provides decent traction. The Contagrip outsole does a good job at preventing slips. I took these shoes through wet rocks and muddy paths, and they handled it all with minimal skidding. It's a relief to find that the materials live up to their promises, especially in less-than-ideal conditions.

What I did find lacking was breathability. While the waterproof design is great, it does make the shoes a bit stuffy in warmer weather. My feet got noticeably warm after a few hours on a sunny day, so keep that in mind if you plan on using them in hot climates.

Overall, the materials are solid for most conditions, but might not be the best choice for very warm weather.

Performance was one of the main reasons I decided to test the Salomon X Braze. After taking them on several hikes, I can say they perform well enough but aren't without drawbacks. The grip is a definite highlight, thanks to the Contagrip outsole. I didn't experience any major slips, even on wet surfaces.

The waterproof feature is another strong point. It held up well during a surprise rain shower, which is a real plus for unpredictable weather conditions. However, this waterproofing does come at the expense of breathability, which might be a trade-off not everyone is willing to make.

Durability seems promising. After two weeks of use, including some rough trails, the shoes show minimal signs of wear. Yet, only time will tell how they stand up in the long run. If you're looking for shoes that can take you from the city to the trails without a hitch, they do the job, but they're not flawless.

Overall, the performance is solid for most outdoor activities, but if you're planning long, strenuous hikes, you might want something with a bit more cushioning.