Salomon

X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Hiking Shoe - Men's

Disappointing

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

These seem to run a tad narrow or my right has gotten wider as these are the first boots I've struggled with width. Anything longer than a 3 mile hike would cause increasing discomfort, so I only wore them on shorter hikes. I can understand sizing issues as each person's foot is different, but after less than six months using these for only shorter hikes, lugs have come off and I've worn through the sole in those spots. What's happened to Salomon quality?

Sizing/Fitment An Issue

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Build quality seems excellent. Soles a tad thin though, think aggressive tennis shoe instead of light boot. Sizing is a little small. Not as short as say the Scarpa Rush GTX, which runs a full size too short, but perhaps 1/2 size too small. A bit narrow too, lets call it a "C", and the toe box is similarly a bit narrow. I'm a 13 regular/D in most boots, and these, allegedly an EU 48, are just that little bit too small in length, width, and toe. Summer socks only maybe, but that's stretching things. Arch is a tad high for me, and I'm a medium arch. It's also a tad too far to the heel. All in all in this brand/model it would seem a would do better in an EU49 wide, but one doesn't seem to be offered. For those trying to figure things out, some more feedback for you: * The Keen Targee II fits me spot on in a 13 regular. * All Columbia's I've tried in 13 regular are dead on length wise, a bit loose width wise, perhaps a E. * The Oboz I've tried are a tiny bit narrow, but very very close. They are EU 47's and an EU 48 would be dead on. Given that the EU's sizes seem to be a tiny bit more granular, I suppose I'd encourage folks to know your EU size as a baseline.

Comfortable from the start

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Bought with the intentions of using them a lot for a trip to Ireland. They were very comfortable and supportive for all the walking and hiking I did. Good amount of space in the toe area. Might have been how I was tying my laces but I found that a few times my laces fell out of the hook eyelets which prompted me to have to retie my boots.

Feels Terrible

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Received pair and tried on immediately. Walked 5 meters in the shoes in my house and both feet hurt. Shoe first flex point was directly over toes and the firm flex point dug into top of big toe knuckle on both feet. Bad design...and worse - why would they have such a high rating!!! This is not what I expect from Salomon. Also - worse yet - I get charged for shipping back. Thanks for nothing Backcountry. I will shop elsewhere with that policy.

How Did They Do It?

I finally wore out the outsoles on my 3's and to be honest the lugs are only half down, the rest of the shoe is in great condition no surprise from Salomon. I just slipped these 4's on my feet, not only lighter than the 3's but still built Salomon tough, this wide is better than the width on my wide 3's, they look great and feel roomy and super comfy, of course that Contagrip is SUPERB and to this day my favorite compound. On top of that this is my 1st (and not last) order with Backcountry, these folks made it easy and shipped them right away. Gonna hike and go to work using these and beat the daylights outta them while taking good care of them at the same time. Love it!!

decent lightweight hiker to depend on

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I have had these for a month or so… clocked some long days in them in muddy, wet hiking conditions in Scotland. I used them side-by-side with a hoka speedgoat gtx mid (which I viewed as a direct competitor). I had read some negative reviews about this boot on Reddit and I was skeptical when I bought them, but they exceeded my expectations and will stay in the stable of hikers I use regularly. The headline says it all. This is a decent, lightweight hiker you can depend on. It felt stable, dry, and warm. The sole had more grip than I was anticipating—a pleasant surprise. The sole/shank seemingly had more support and stability than the hoka, but less cushion. There are three things I might flag as a potential issue: first, I wish there was an extra speed hook at the top, which might provide an option for more ankle stability. Second, I will likely add a different insole for just a touch more cushion. The Hoka SGs I alternated these with, started outpacing these (in terms of comfort) around mile 10+. Third, because of the waterproofing, they are warm—I will take warm dry any day but for some that may be an issue. These weren’t any less breathable or more warm than any (of the many) competitors with similar specs that I have worn. Bottom line, I would recommend it for shorter mileage days on tough terrain.

Comfortable

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Bought these in a wide because frankly they were cheaper than the normal ones. I don’t consider myself to have wide feet but these still fit fine. I would say they are very comfortable, wore them for an 8 hour hike and my feet didn’t really hurt until 6 hours in, the terrain was also very unlevel. I tested the waterproofing as well and they held up very nicely, feet stayed dried. My only concern is with the durability. These are sturdy but there’s just something about them that makes me feel as if you can’t beat them up too much.

Salomon delivers on a fantastic product

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I have been roughing it with some timberland hiking boots for about 5 years. They have more miles on them than I can count and it was time for an upgrade. These boots are MUCH LIGHTER than what I am used to. They also feel like walking on a cloud. I can't say enough about how amazing these are. Can't wait to hit some gnarly backpacking trips with these. The fit is perfect and true to size. I wear a 13 in Nike, a 12.5-13 in Adidas, 12 in Chaco, and the 13 Salomon's fit like a glove. Just enough space to hike comfortably and have no contact for the toes. I have relatively skinny feet feet. The quality of everything about these boots are superior to anything I have used thus far.

Salomon Fan

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

I purchase the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, a very nice light weight hiking boot. I have worn Salomons for a long time and I like the build of the shoe and the tacky Contragrip out sole. The toe box is a little more roomy than the X Ultra 3's , but the shoe fits well going by your normal shoe size. ( If you are wearing wool mid weight socks or less. If you are a thick wool sock wearer then you will need to bump up 1/2 size.) Quality control has been suspect lately depending where they are made Vietnam, China, or India. Unfortunately, my right boot toe cap was not aligned like the left boot's toe cap and something was rubbing my toe in the right shoe. I was disappointed and had to return the boots without ever taking the tags off or wearing them outside on the trail. I plan to buy another pair soon! BTW, I've had X ultra 1, 2 and 3. In my opinion, the 4 is really nice in that it is a lighter boot with less padding around the collar and close up properly without gaps on each side of the tongue at the top! I don't need my boots feeling like a box of tissues...

Was ok........for a while

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Initial impression was extremely light and comfortable. One of the things I really did not like from the beginning was that no matter what I tried I could not keep the upper part of the tongue inside the shoe so it served as a funnel to direct water into the shoe. It also provided little to no ankle support for me. Time has led to bigger issues. I may be hard on shoes and boots, but I truly expect them to last more than 6-7 months before they start that separation of soles and uppers that leads to water leakage and more. I truly expected better