A Year in the Salomon X Ultra 4: The Boot That Quietly Won
Twelve months, four national parks, and one very honest verdict on the most-recommended day-hiking boot of 2026.
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There is a particular kind of gear that earns its keep without ever asking for attention. The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is that kind of boot.
We pulled them out of the box in March of last year and have worn them, on and off, for the better part of 400 trail miles since — Zion slickrock, Acadia granite, the soaked duff of an Olympic rainforest, and a long, indifferent autumn in the Whites. They have been wet, baked, scuffed, re-laced, and ignored. They keep walking.
What still works
The Contagrip outsole reads wet rock the way a good road tire reads a damp corner — confident, predictable, never grabby. The Quicklace system, which we initially found gimmicky, has not loosened on a single descent. The GORE-TEX bootie still beads water on the toe box.
What we would change
The stock insole is the weak link. Swap it for a Superfeet Green or a Sole Active before your first real hike and you will not look back. The hip-belt-free silhouette also means we still reach for a stiffer boot — the La Sportiva Nucleo II — when packs cross thirty-five pounds.
Who it is for
The X Ultra 4 is the right boot for ninety percent of day hikers and weekend backpackers. It is not the lightest, not the burliest, not the cheapest. It is, however, the boot we hand to friends without a caveat.
<!-- seo-rank-booster:v1 -->Frequently Asked Questions
Are Salomon X Ultra 4 boots waterproof?
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX model features a GORE-TEX bootie that provides reliable waterproof and breathable protection. Our testing confirmed that they keep feet dry in wet conditions, from stream crossings to hiking through soaked rainforests. For drier climates, Salomon also offers a non-GTX version of the boot.
How is the sizing for the Salomon X Ultra 4?
Most users find the Salomon X Ultra 4 fits true to size, consistent with other Salomon footwear. They offer a secure heel lock and a moderately roomy toe box, accommodating a variety of foot shapes. As with any hiking boot, it is always best to try them on with your preferred hiking socks before purchasing.
Is the Salomon X Ultra 4 good for backpacking?
The X Ultra 4 is an excellent choice for day hiking and light-to-midweight weekend backpacking trips. Its flexible design and agile feel are ideal for moving quickly with packs under 35 pounds. For heavier loads or extended trips requiring maximum support and stability, a stiffer, more traditional backpacking boot may be a better option.
Do you need to break in Salomon X Ultra 4 boots?
Thanks to their modern synthetic materials and flexible construction, the Salomon X Ultra 4 requires a minimal break-in period compared to traditional leather boots. While they feel comfortable out of the box, we recommend wearing them for a few short walks to ensure a perfect fit before tackling a long trail.
Related on Bucketlist Field Guide
- Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX — A review of another top-tier lightweight hiking boot, blending classic style with modern performance.
- HOKA Speedgoat 5 — For hikers who prefer the maximum cushion and minimal weight of a trail running shoe.
- Presidential Traverse — A rugged route in the White Mountains, ideal terrain for putting a versatile hiker like the X Ultra 4 to the test.
- Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier — A classic Pacific Northwest hike through a temperate rainforest, perfect for testing the X Ultra 4's waterproofing and grip.