With a reliable GORE-TEX membrane and comfortable, lightweight design, the Salomon X Ultra could be a mid-rise boot for all seasons.

From its inception in the late forties, Salomon has prided itself on making high quality products for the outdoor enthusiast. Its reputation is so strong, the UK Police Force has even issued the brand’s boots to its Authorised Firearms Officers. It’s no surprise then that Salomon’s footwear is the jewel in the company’s crown. For the hikers among us, Salomon has another diamond in the rough in the X Ultra 360 Mid GORE-TEX. But is it up there with the best hiking boots for men?

Men’s Fitness verdict

With impressive grip and reliable GORE-TEX protection, the X Ultra 360 will cope with the worst the weather can throw at it, and look good while doing so.
Pros
  • Lightweight but sturdy
  • Easy to clean
  • Reliable waterproofing
  • Great ankle support
  • Made with recycled materials
Cons
  • Securing lace caused clasp to break off

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The Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid GORE-TEX is a boot that’s made for multi-terrain hikes. At first glance, it has a sleek, elegant design when compared to previous models. With splashes of burnt henna or moss green, Salomon has tried to break away from the traditional grey, squat design of a hiking boot and opt for a more modern look. 

I have a pair of Salomon X Ward Leather Mid boots, which are a more conventional-looking hiking boot. The X Ultra 360 is a little heavier but it really doesn’t feel like it. 

Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid GORE-TEX design

The Salomon X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX shoe made it into our buyers guide so I had high hopes for this mid-top boot. Like the shoe, I was impressed with its lightweight feel. Weighing in at 393g / 13.9oz, my main concern was that a lighter boot would mean less protection for my foot, but it really doesn’t. I’ve worn Salomon products before and always found them to be tough, but on the rigid side. The same can’t be said for these boots. They’re flexible, yet strong. Slip them on and they’ll feel like a running shoe. 

Their mid-rise design gives your ankles plenty of support, while the toecap offers great protection up front. On the soles, the ContraGRIP All-Terrain outsole with its chevron lugs allows the boot to dig into the ground, minimising the chance of rolling your ankles and maximising balance.  

The laces are well made and are long enough to wrap around the ankle for extra tightness. They’re secured in place with eight fabric eyelets; four either side running down the front, with two metal clasps at ankle height for the lace to hook around. The tongue is thickly padded and provides a degree of extra comfort and protection for the mid-foot.  

So they look good and feel good. They’re light enough. They’re comfortable. But are they actually any good in the great outdoors? 

Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid GORE-TEX performance

I tested the boots across a variety of terrain, and in a range of weather and trail conditions – from dry and dusty to slippery and rocky, as well as deep mud and washed-out trails . I wanted to see if the GORE-TEX membrane would keep my feet dry and whether the boot was strong enough to withstand the rigours of a full day’s hiking. Plus I wanted to know whether they were actually comfortable throughout the whole day. There’s no point in having a boot that offers great protection but is uncomfortable enough to grind away the enjoyment of the day. 

Firstly, they fit really well. They’re snug without stifling your feet. I could wiggle my toes freely, yet my foot felt really secure. There were no pinch points and I couldn’t find any obvious issues with the overall design. 

I trudged up and down the South Downs in them midway through a downpour. A sharp descent from the ridge into a deep, dark wooded basin could’ve caused problems, but the boot performed really well. The grip dug into the soft mud and at no point did I feel as though I’d go over.   

My countryside hikes often took me along trails ankle deep in water. With every step I expected a sudden influx of cold liquid to swamp the boots. Yet the reliable GORE-TEX membrane never failed to keep my feet dry.  

The insoles are excellent at cushioning each stride, absorbing every vibration from walking over uneven paths and trails. They’re thick enough that you don’t feel any discomfort, yet allow you to retain the feeling of the trail under foot.  

Potential issues

The only downside was one of the metal clasps pinged off into the undergrowth as I was trying to hook the lace around it. Maybe I was pulling the lace too hard, maybe it was a flaw with this particular boot. While it was annoying that it happened on a brand new pair of boots, it didn’t affect the comfort levels or how secure my foot felt. 

Like most of the Salomon family of hiking boots, there’s a handy strap on the heel so you can hang muddy and wet boots out of harm’s way. It’s a neat feature that just makes the boots that little bit easier to store. 

Thanks to the rubber outsole and GORE-TEX membrane, the boots are easy to wipe down or wash. Salomon is committed to sustainability, too, with the uppers made from 49% recycled materials and the midsole using 8% recycled electric cables.  

The men’s boot comes in three colorways (I particularly liked my olive night, slate green and southern moss version). They’re available in UK sizes from 6.5 to 13.5 too. At £155 they might seem a little steep, but their robust design and a two-year warranty suggest they’ll last a long time and their hybrid design means you can wear them for much more than just hiking.

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