Review of Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex Women's Hiking Shoe
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex has made a name for itself as a reliable and robust hiking shoe, suitable for navigating technical terrain with ease. This lightweight and sturdy footwear offers a range of features designed to cater to the needs of avid hikers.
The in-house Contagrip rubber on the outsole of the X Ultra 5 provides well-rounded traction, handling most surfaces with ease. This reliable and easy-to-trust outsole ensures that hikers can confidently tackle various terrains, whether it's rocky paths or muddy trails.
The X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex is competitively stable and supportive for a lightweight, low-top hiker, with a solid, planted feel and good lateral support. This agile and athletic shoe offers a comfortable experience, with good padding along the tongue and collar, and a decent shock absorption provided by the EVA foam midsole.
However, it's worth noting that the fit can be initially tight around the forefoot and midfoot, leading to discomfort during the first few days of wear. This tightness tends to loosen up over time, providing comfort for long hikes.
The X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex is a little heavier for the men's model compared to the women's version. But, the shoe weighs 1 pound 6.6 ounces for the pair, making it competitively lightweight for the level of performance it offers.
The shoe has substantial protection against direct hits, snags, and abrasion, and emerged unscathed after eight days of off-trail hiking in Alaska. The proven Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing, while limited due to the shoe's low collar, offers protection from the elements. However, the shoes will take a while to dry if submerged.
The X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex is a lightweight and sturdy hiking shoe suitable for technical terrain. It's important to note that it's not expected to be a standout breather, as Gore-Tex shoes tend to run on the warm side. For hiking in dry and warm environments, a non-waterproof version of the X Ultra 5 is available, featuring a more breathable mesh upper.
In comparison to the Danner Trail 2650 GTX, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex stands out for its lightweight and athletic build, designed for fast, technical hikes with a focus on stability and grip. The Danner Trail 2650 GTX, on the other hand, offers a more versatile option with enhanced cushioning and support for longer hikes across diverse terrains.
Salomon offers the X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex in dedicated wide sizes for men but not for women. Additionally, a mid-height version of the X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex is available for added protection and stability. However, the Quicklaces system in the X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex feels flimsy and susceptible to breakage or failure over time.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex is a high-quality hiking shoe that has proven to be durable and reliable, holding up flawlessly with no scuffs, scrapes, or damage after extensive use in Alaska. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, agile shoe for technical hikes.
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex, with its trail running shoes-like agility, is ideal for travelers planning backpacking trips, offering support and durability on diverse terrains. For those who enjoy trail running, this shoe's snug fit and Quicklaces system make it suitable for such sports activities as well.
