Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Hiking Boot Review
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Terrain
Moderate
Weight
1 lb. 15 oz.
Waterproof
Yes
Upper
Synthetic
Pros
Cons
Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Boots.
Right out of the box, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX struck a rare balance: cushioned yet responsive, supportive yet agile. My first outing was a four-day, 30-mile trek to Havasupai Falls, with terrain ranging from rocky descents and loose sand to river crossings and steep climbs. The upper delivered a snug, padded fit—no hotspots, no blisters, and no end-of-day soreness. I even wore them for another 20 miles while walking the Las Vegas Strip, and although I noticed some pressure points on the pavement, the overall comfort held up surprisingly well for a hiking boot.
In terms of personality, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is neither overly stiff nor too soft. Its underfoot cushioning feels moderately thick and strikes a nice middle ground: not as plush as a Hoka, but noticeably more forgiving than something like the Lowa Camino Evo. I appreciated the boot’s lateral stability and natural flex, which made it easy to move across uneven ground without feeling like I was wearing bricks on my feet. I did end up swapping in my own insoles for firmer arch support, but that came down to personal preference rather than any shortcoming in the design. All told, the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX offers a standout blend of comfort and support and is a very approachable hiking boot for most hikers and most terrain.
As a disclaimer, I tend to prefer hiking boots with robust ankle support and a relatively stiff chassis—models like the Lowa Camino Evo or even the more flexible Renegade Evo are some of my go-tos for rough terrain and heavy loads. So when I first tried on the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, it immediately struck me as more of a mid-height trail runner than a traditional backpacking boot. That said, it held its own across a wide range of trail conditions during my Havasupai trip.
The X Ultra 5 Mid’s collar hits at mid-ankle and provides just enough support for rocky sections without feeling restrictive. There’s enough structure to reduce the risk of ankle rolling, but it still flexes naturally and doesn’t lock you in. The lacing system plays a big role in the boot’s stability—it wraps the midfoot securely and evenly, and the soft synthetic upper conforms well without creating pressure points. On the descent into Havasupai with a 35-pound pack, I tackled loose gravel, rock slabs, and steep switchbacks without ever feeling off-balance. And during the chain-assisted climb down to Mooney Falls, the boot held my heel firmly in place and prevented my foot from sliding forward.
Compared to other boots I’ve worn, the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX lands squarely in the middle. It offers more support and confidence than ultralight models like the Altra Lone Peak Hiker 3, but doesn’t match the rigidity or underfoot security of full-fledged backpacking boots like the Lowa Camino Evo. It’s a solid choice for moderate pack weights and rugged terrain, as long as you’re not expecting maximum stability under heavy loads.
The X Ultra 5 Mid GTX delivers above-average traction across a wide range of terrain, including rock, snow, mud, and hard-packed dirt. While many hiking boots rely on Vibram outsoles, this boot uses Salomon’s proprietary All Terrain Contagrip, featuring multi-directional lugs that are moderately deep and widely spaced. The rubber strikes a strong balance: soft enough to flex and grip rock slabs, yet firm enough to stay durable and supportive on uneven ground. It’s one of the most versatile outsoles I’ve used, offering consistent performance without feeling overly soft or prone to fast wear.
Across the varied terrain of my Havasupai trip, traction was a clear highlight. On loose gravel and dirt during the descent with a 35-pound pack, the lugs bit in confidently and kept me steady. At Mooney Falls—where slick, mist-covered rocks are a real hazard—the outsole held firm in conditions where I fully expected to slip. Further out toward Beaver Falls, the boot stayed planted across alternating stretches of dry rock and soft sand. After testing it on everything from canyon trails and river crossings to city pavement, I trust the grip completely. It’s not specialized, but it handles mixed terrain better than most generalist hiking boots I’ve worn.
That said, I wouldn’t choose the X Ultra 5 for long scrambling routes where edging and sticky rubber are critical. Contagrip doesn’t offer quite the same precision or slab grip as Vibram Megagrip, and the moderate lug depth can start to clog in thick, wet mud. But for everyday hiking, backpacking, and technical trails with variable terrain, the X Ultra 5’s traction stands out as one of its strongest features.
Right out of the box, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX felt solid and thoughtfully constructed—a clear step up from the X Ultra 4 series. The upper is made from a tightly woven synthetic material reinforced with Kevlar, offering a rare mix of low weight and high abrasion resistance. Stitching is clean and uniform throughout, the toe cap provides excellent front-foot protection, and added reinforcements along the lower upper and heel boost both durability and foot safety. Overall, the fit and finish reflect a boot built to take a beating.
After logging around 70 miles—brushing against canyon walls, pushing through desert brush, and jamming into rocky crevices—the boots are still in excellent condition. The upper shows no signs of fraying or scuffing, the outsole lugs remain sharp, and there’s been zero stitch failure or delamination. For a lightweight synthetic model, that’s impressive longevity.
At around $185 retail, the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX offers strong overall value. It may not match the multi-year toughness of a full-grain leather boot like the Lowa Camino Evo, but it easily outlasts most mesh hiking shoes and trail runners. For backpackers and day hikers who want a protective, waterproof boot that can handle serious trail miles without tipping into full heavy-duty territory, the X Ultra 5 stands out in its class.
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX delivers dependable foot protection without sacrificing agility. A molded rubber toe cap wraps cleanly over the front of the boot, offering solid coverage during rocky encounters while maintaining a lightweight, flexible feel. During the descent into Havasupai and while navigating the shelves toward Beaver Falls, I had a few hard toe strikes—each time, the cap absorbed the impact without transferring that sharp, jarring pain. One particularly forceful kick into a buried rock had me wincing preemptively, but the boot shrugged it off and I kept hiking without issue.
For a midweight hiker, lateral and ankle protection is equally impressive. On narrow canyon sections where my feet scraped against rough rock walls, the reinforced synthetic upper resisted abrasion with zero signs of wear. Streamlined padding around the ankle helped soften bumps and brushes without feeling bulky. Underfoot, the cushioning and structure hit a sweet spot—firm enough to shield against sharp rocks, yet flexible enough to stay connected to the terrain. While not as armored as burlier backpacking boots, the X Ultra 5 Mid handled rough trails and light off-trail travel with ease.
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PFAS-Free DWR
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PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
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Responsible Leather
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
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For a mid-height waterproof boot, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX feels impressively light on foot. At just under 2 pounds for the pair, it strikes an excellent balance between weight and performance—light enough to keep fatigue at bay on long days, yet structured enough to handle rugged terrain without feeling flimsy. Compared to a burlier boot like the Salomon Quest 4 GTX (2 lb. 14 oz.), which offers more stability and protection but adds noticeable bulk, the X Ultra 5 Mid feels nimble. And while lighter options like the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX (1 lb. 12.2 oz.) exist, they trade off notable durability and support for that weight savings.
Throughout my four-day hike to Havasupai Falls, I never felt like the X Ultra 5 Mid’s weight slowed me down. Even with a heavy backpack, I finished long days with fresh legs—far less drained than I typically am in heavier leather models like the Lowa Camino Evo. Compared to other footwear I’ve used, the X Ultra 5 Mid hits a sweet spot between ultralight trail shoes and full-weight backpacking boots. It doesn’t feel airy or run-ready like a trail runner, but it’s far more comfortable for extended hikes than traditional high-cut models. For routes like Havasupai—where you want agility and comfort without compromising too much on stability—it’s a great middle-ground performer.
Waterproof Liner
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX uses a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, offering dependable protection from rain, puddles, and shallow stream crossings while still maintaining decent breathability. Paired with the tightly woven synthetic upper, the boot sheds moisture efficiently and dries reasonably quickly in warm, dry conditions. During my Havasupai trip, the Gore-Tex liner kept my feet dry through splashes, damp trail sections, and creekside puddles, with the upper bouncing back quickly in the desert sun.
As expected with any waterproof boot, full submersion or deeper water crossings eventually allowed moisture to creep in over the collar—no surprise there. For anything knee-deep, I switched to sandals. But in day-to-day trail conditions, the boot handled wet environments confidently and without sogginess.
On the breathability front, the X Ultra 5 performed better than most waterproof mids I’ve worn. Despite 70-plus degree days and extended uphill climbs, my feet stayed comfortable and never overheated. There was some expected warmth and light moisture buildup after full days on trail, but nothing that led to hotspots or discomfort—solid marks for a boot that balances protection and ventilation this well.
Lacing System
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX uses a hybrid lacing system with reinforced fabric loops along the lower and midfoot and open metal hooks at the top for ankle lockdown. This setup let me dial in a secure, comfortable fit through the midfoot, while still allowing for quick, easy adjustments up top. The lacing held well throughout my Havasupai trip—I never had to stop and retighten due to heel slip or loosening at the forefoot. That said, the thick, cushioned tongue does make it harder to get a tight cinch around the collar, which can lead to a slightly looser feel at the ankle compared to more structured boots. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a small trade-off for the comfort-focused design.
Compared to other hiking boots I’ve worn, the X Ultra 5 Mid locks down better than the On Cloudhorizon, which struggled with security on uneven terrain, but it can’t match the precise zonal tensioning of the Lowa Camino Evo’s roller eyelets and locking hooks. Likewise, the Salomon’s padded tongue and flexible collar don’t allow the same ankle lockdown as boots like the Hoka Kaha 3. Still, for a lightweight mid, it performs respectably.
I typically wear a size 13 in hiking boots and often struggle with width—particularly in the forefoot and midfoot—where many standard models feel tight and cause pressure points during longer hikes. Because of this, I usually opt for wide sizing when it’s available to avoid hot spots and ensure all-day comfort.
For the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX, I chose a size 13 Wide, and the fit was impressively well-balanced. Length-wise, the fit felt true to size. The heel locked in securely with zero slippage, which was especially helpful on steep descents like the drop into Havasupai. The midfoot occasionally felt a touch loose, even when I tried to cinch it tighter for more technical terrain, but it never led to instability or foot movement inside the boot. The toe box had just enough space to accommodate swelling without feeling sloppy, and I had no issues with toe bumping, even on extended downhill sections. For hikers who, like me, often need a bit more width, Salomon’s wide version of the X Ultra 5 Mid is a solid choice.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX ($230): The Heavyweight Champ
The X Ultra 5 Mid GTX and Quest 4 GTX both showcase Salomon’s expertise in traction, protection, and waterproofing—but they’re built for very different objectives. The X Ultra 5 is lighter and more agile, ideal for hikers who prioritize a nice balance of comfort and support. The Quest 4, by contrast, is a true mountain boot: It’s nearly a pound heavier, with a high-cut ankle and a burly chassis designed for hauling heavy loads through technical, unforgiving terrain. Its stiffness and added protection shine in mud, rain, and off-trail conditions, but that extra stability comes at the cost of flexibility and out-of-the-box comfort. If you’re heading out on rugged multi-day routes with a full pack, the Quest 4 GTX is the more capable and supportive choice. But for those who want to move fast and stay comfortable (without giving up much in protection), the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX hits a more versatile sweet spot. For more, read our review of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX ($180): Go Even Lighter
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX and Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX both target hikers looking for a lightweight, athletic-feeling boot—but they take slightly different approaches. The Moab Speed 2 is lighter at 1 pound 12.2 ounces and leans closer to a trail runner, with plush cushioning and a soft, flexible upper. That nimble feel comes at a cost: after just 50 miles, we noticed visible wear on the midsole and outsole, and the minimal upper leaves your foot more vulnerable to sharp rocks and trail hazards. By contrast, the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX strikes a stronger balance of weight and durability—its noticeably better foot protection, structure, and long-term toughness make it more suitable for rocky trails and occasional backpacking loads. If you prioritize weight above all else, the Speed 2 is a solid performer. But for those who want lightweight performance with fewer trade-offs, the X Ultra 5 is the more versatile pick. For a deeper dive, read our Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX review.
One of the best all-around boots we've tested, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX delivers impressive support, protection, and durability for its low weight. However, it's not stiff or protective as a true mountain boot, and the thick tongue can make ankle tension harder to dial in.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
For the roughest of terrain, the Quest is a burly and tough hiker with excellent waterproofing to boot. That said, it’s heavy and overkill for most conditions.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Merrell goes modern with the Moab Speed 2, combining lightweight design, plush cushioning, and unexpectedly strong support. You sacrifice some protection and durability, but it’s hard to beat this boot’s comfortable and athletic feel.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Is the X Ultra 5 Mid GTX for You?
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is a top choice for hikers and backpackers who want a lightweight, easy-to-break-in hiking boot that doesn’t skimp on off-trail performance. Its all-around traction, waterproof build, and well-balanced blend of stability and agility shine on routes that include a little bit of everything: rocky descents, dusty trails, light scrambles, and shallow stream crossings. If you want reliable support and protection without the weight and stiffness of a full-on backpacking boot, this one hits the sweet spot. Just note—it’s not the best fit for technical rock routes or deep, muddy slogs, where a burlier boot will serve you better.
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