Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX Review

Lightweight Stability for Wet Trails

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX sits somewhere between a hiking shoe and a traditional hiking boot.

You get a mid-height upper, waterproof membrane, protective outsole and strong lateral stability, but the boot remains relatively light and flexible. That makes it appealing to hikers who want more protection than a trail shoe without the heavy feel of an old-school leather boot.

The X Ultra line has always emphasized agility. Salomon uses its Advanced Chassis to stabilize the foot on uneven surfaces while allowing the front of the boot to flex as you walk.

That combination works particularly well on rocky trails, roots, gravel, hills and wet ground.

It is less convincing on long stretches of pavement. The cushioning is relatively firm, and the boot is designed to help you control your footing rather than provide a soft, running-shoe-like ride.

For the right terrain, that is exactly what makes it good.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX specs

The X Ultra 5 Mid combines a relatively light construction with features normally associated with heavier hiking boots.

The 11 mm drop gives the boot a conventional heel-to-toe feel that should be familiar to people coming from mainstream walking or running shoes.

The roughly 440 g weight is also important. It puts the X Ultra 5 Mid toward the lighter end of serious waterproof hiking boots. That can make a noticeable difference late in a hike because every step requires less effort than it would in a heavier leather boot.

The trade-off is that Salomon has not filled the sole with thick, soft foam. The boot feels more controlled and connected to the trail than plush.

What changed with the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid?

The fifth-generation X Ultra is more than a cosmetic refresh. One of the major changes is the upper. Salomon uses Matryx, a technical textile reinforced with high-strength fibres. The goal is to provide abrasion resistance and structure without relying on thick layers of leather or synthetic material.

The ankle collar has also become more substantial. It gives the Mid more of a true hiking-boot feel while still allowing the ankle to move naturally.

Under the foot, Salomon keeps the basic X Ultra formula. The Advanced Chassis sits between the foot and outsole and helps resist excessive twisting and sideways movement. That becomes important when your foot lands partly on a rock, root or angled section of trail.

The Mid also uses conventional laces rather than the Quicklace system found on some low-cut Salomon models.

That is a good decision for this type of boot. Traditional laces allow you to adjust tension separately around the forefoot, midfoot and ankle.

The overall result is still recognizably an X Ultra. It feels more like an athletic hiking shoe with additional protection than a heavy hiking boot.

Who should buy the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX?

The X Ultra 5 Mid is best for hikers and trail walkers who want a secure boot without excessive weight.

It works especially well on mixed terrain. Dirt trails, gravel, rocks, roots, hills and wet forest paths all give the Advanced Chassis and Contagrip outsole something useful to do.

It is also a good choice for hikers who tend to move quickly. The boot bends more naturally than many traditional mids, so your stride does not feel restricted.

Wet-weather hikers are another obvious audience. The GORE-TEX membrane, gusseted tongue and mid-height upper provide substantially more protection from puddles, wet grass and shallow water than a low hiking shoe.

The secure heel and midfoot can also help on descents, where your foot is more likely to slide forward inside a loose-fitting boot.

Men with wider feet have the option of a dedicated wide version. That makes the X Ultra 5 more accessible than older Salomon footwear, which developed a reputation for fitting relatively narrow feet. Check men’s sizes and prices on Amazon

Who should skip the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid?

The biggest reason to skip this boot is cushioning. The EnergyCell midsole feels relatively firm compared with the thick foam found in many modern trail-running and hiking shoes.

That firmness is useful on uneven ground because your foot does not sink deeply into the midsole when you land on the edge of a rock or angled surface. It gives the boot a stable, predictable feel.

The downside appears when the terrain becomes flat and hard. If most of your walking takes place on pavement, sidewalks or concrete, you are carrying the weight and structure of a hiking boot without benefiting much from its stability system or aggressive outsole.

People who strongly prefer soft cushioning may also find it too firm.

Hot-weather hikers should consider the waterproofing trade-off as well. GORE-TEX helps keep external water away from your foot, but a waterproof boot generally traps more heat than a ventilated hiking shoe.

Very wide feet are another consideration. Salomon offers a men’s wide model, but people who want an especially broad toe box may still prefer something from KEEN or Merrell.

How does the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid fit?

The X Ultra 5 Mid has a secure rather than roomy fit. Salomon’s SensiFit construction wraps around the foot from the midsole toward the laces. Active Support components further help hold the foot over the platform. That creates a snug feeling through the heel and midfoot, which is helpful on uneven ground and descents.

The toe box is not exceptionally narrow, but it is not shaped like the broad front of a KEEN Targhee either.

People with average-width feet can generally start with their normal hiking-shoe size. Make sure there is enough room in front of your longest toe for downhill walking and the normal swelling that occurs during longer hikes.

Try the boots with the hiking socks you expect to wear rather than thin everyday socks.

Men who normally buy wide footwear should consider the dedicated wide version instead of simply sizing up. Going longer to gain width can create excessive movement at the heel and make downhill walking less secure.

Women should pay particular attention to forefoot fit because the selection of dedicated wide versions may be more limited.

Check women’s sizes and prices on Amazon

Is the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid comfortable for walking?

Yes, when you use it for the type of walking it was designed to handle.

On trails, the X Ultra 5 Mid strikes a useful balance between flexibility and support. The front of the boot bends as you push off, while the chassis helps keep the middle of the shoe from twisting excessively.

That makes walking feel more natural than it does in many stiff hiking boots.

The relatively low weight helps as well. A few ounces per foot may not sound significant, but over thousands of steps it can contribute to fatigue.

The cushioning is where the definition of comfort becomes important.

This is not a plush shoe. The EnergyCell midsole is relatively firm, which provides a stable platform and good ground control. It makes sense when you are stepping across rocks and roots.

It makes less sense if your idea of walking is six miles of smooth pavement.

For trail walking, the balance works well. For urban walking, travel or jobs that require standing on concrete all day, choose a dedicated walking shoe instead.

How stable is the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid?

Stability is arguably the strongest reason to buy this boot.

Salomon’s Advanced Chassis is designed to reduce unwanted lateral movement without stopping the foot from flexing forward.

That distinction matters.

Some boots create stability simply by being stiff. They prevent movement in almost every direction. That can feel secure but can also make walking tiring.

The X Ultra takes a more targeted approach. It provides structure where your foot is more likely to move sideways while retaining useful flexibility through the forefoot.

Active Support components around the upper add another layer of control by helping hold the foot over the sole.

This becomes particularly noticeable on sloped trails and descents. When the surface under your foot is uneven, the boot does not feel as though it is folding or rolling away from you.

The X Ultra is not a medical stability shoe and should not be treated as one. Its stability features are designed to help with terrain rather than correct overpronation or treat a foot condition. For hiking, however, the system works.

How good is the traction?

The All Terrain Contagrip outsole is designed for versatility rather than extreme mud.

The rubber and tread pattern work across packed dirt, gravel, wet rocks, roots and moderate mud. This makes the X Ultra particularly useful for hikers who encounter several surfaces during the same trip.

The lugs are approximately 3.5 mm deep.

That is enough to provide meaningful bite on normal hiking trails without turning the boot into a specialized mud shoe.

For most day hikers, that is probably the better compromise.

Very deep lugs can feel awkward and noisy on rock or pavement. Shallower lugs can struggle when the ground becomes soft. The X Ultra sits in the middle.

The heel portion of the outsole is also shaped to provide braking traction when walking downhill.

That is an underrated feature. Descending puts considerable force through your legs, and maintaining traction while braking can be more important than maximum grip while climbing.

If your hiking frequently involves rock, gravel, roots and mixed forest trails, traction is one of this boot’s strongest features.

How waterproof is the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX?

The Mid uses a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane inside the upper. Combined with the gusseted tongue and higher collar, it gives you much more protection from wet conditions than the low-cut version. It works well for wet grass, puddles, shallow water crossings, rain and muddy trails.

There is still a limit. If water reaches above the collar, it can enter the boot from the top. Once that happens, waterproof footwear often takes longer to dry because the same membrane that helps keep water out can also slow moisture escaping.

Waterproofing also comes with a warmth penalty.

A GORE-TEX boot normally feels hotter than an otherwise similar ventilated hiking shoe. If you mostly hike in dry summer weather, you may prefer the non-waterproof version or a lighter trail shoe.

For spring, fall, wet climates and unpredictable mountain weather, however, the waterproof Mid makes much more sense.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid vs. Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid and Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof are both popular hiking boots, but they suit different feet and walking styles.

Choose the Salomon if you value low weight, lateral stability and a close fit.

Choose the Moab if you prefer more room around the toes or want a less performance-oriented hiking boot.

The Merrell can also be easier for people whose feet swell during long walks.

Neither is automatically better. Fit should be one of the deciding factors.

See our complete Merrell Moab 3 review.

Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid vs. KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof

The biggest difference between these boots is shape.

KEEN has traditionally built the Targhee with a broad forefoot and substantial toe protection. That makes it attractive to people who regularly find hiking boots tight around the toes.

The Salomon feels more fitted.

Its heel and midfoot are held more closely, and the chassis makes it feel particularly controlled on technical terrain.

Choose the Salomon if you want a lighter, more athletic boot with a precise feel.

Choose the KEEN if toe space is one of your highest priorities.

The availability of a men’s wide X Ultra 5 narrows the difference somewhat, but hikers with very broad or naturally spreading forefeet may still feel more comfortable in the KEEN.

This is one comparison where trying both shapes can tell you more than studying the specifications.

Best alternatives to the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid

The X Ultra 5 Mid is not the right boot for everyone. These alternatives cover the main reasons you might choose something else.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof

Choose the Moab if you want more toe room and a traditional hiking-boot feel. It is particularly useful for hikers who find Salomon’s secure fit too restrictive.

Read our Merrell Moab 3 review.

KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof

Choose the Targhee if you prioritize forefoot room and toe protection. It is one of the more obvious alternatives for people with wider feet.

Hoka Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX

Choose the Hoka if cushioning is a bigger priority than ground feel. Its softer underfoot experience may suit walkers who find the Salomon too firm.

Read our review.

Salomon X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX

Choose the low-cut X Ultra if you like the Salomon platform but do not need the extra ankle-height coverage. It is lighter and may feel cooler and less restrictive.

Is the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid worth the price?

At a launch/list price of around $190, the X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX is not a budget hiking boot. What you are paying for is a combination of low weight, GORE-TEX waterproofing, strong lateral stability and a technically designed outsole.

That combination makes sense if you actually hike on terrain where those features matter.

Someone walking forest trails, rocky routes and wet hills every weekend may get substantial value from the boot.

Someone walking paved park paths probably will not.

Price also varies significantly by size, colour and season. Hiking footwear often gets discounted when retailers rotate colours or inventory, which is another reason to compare the current price rather than judging it only by MSRP. Check current Amazon price and available sizes

Final verdict

The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX is best for hikers and trail walkers who want a lightweight waterproof boot with strong stability on uneven ground.

Its biggest strengths are its secure fit, relatively low weight, flexible forefoot, Contagrip outsole and effective waterproof construction.

Its biggest weakness is cushioning.

The firm midsole makes sense on technical terrain but is less appealing for long distances on hard, flat surfaces.

If you regularly hike on rocky, wet or uneven trails and dislike heavy boots, the X Ultra 5 Mid deserves serious consideration.

If you want a roomy toe box, look first at the KEEN Targhee IV or Merrell Moab 3 Mid.

Frequently asked questions

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