The lace hooks located at the top of the boots have the potential to catch on pants, microspikes, or other objects In the case of the X Ultra 3, the regular width shoe is much too tight, and while the Wide model is somewhat better, it is also much too snug, to the point of still being uncomfortable. Also, the skin covering the Achilles on my left foot was rubbed raw after just a few miles.

The market of hiking boots is full of models and designs touted as “the next big thing”. But “all that glitters is not gold” as the saying goes. For the first part of the hike, this great boot was airy enough, allowing perspiration to go through its membrane pretty well. Top-notch build quality: The X Ultra 3 Mid is showing very little wear after well over a year of consistent use. Shaving weight often comes at the sacrifice of on-trail comfort, but that’s not the case with the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. The Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route was an ideal testing ground, starting with an unrelenting descent of over 4,500 feet. By the end of our first 9-mile day, I had only experienced light soreness, and I wasn’t immediately wanting to remove the boots when we finally got to camp, which is very high praise for a new pair of hiking footwear. In addition, there was very little break-in required. The X Ultra 3 felt far less stiff than Salomon’s own Quest 4 out of the box, although I did wear it on a few day hikes before heading into the Canyon. And the rest of the boot’s testing has gone just as smoothly: I haven’t dealt with any hotspots or notable discomfort throughout a year of use.Extremely comfortable and reliable boots, they hold up well on a combination of surfaces in various conditions. Reliable for technical, wet, and muddy hikes they provide great traction on slippery surfaces. Can also be used as everyday wear year-round. No or short break-in time depending on travel distances, trail conditions, the experience of the user, etc. And yet, we recommend that you begin with shorter trips so that your feet could get used to the boots. The Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof is a more stable hiking boot than the X Ultra 3 GTX. It has a stronger construction and can withstand rough terrain better. The stitching is strong though, and we also expect the GTX lining to preserve the waterproofing for a long time. 2. Traction The padded collar is comfortable, although, on slippery surfaces and more technical terrain, we felt that this great boot is not as supportive as a high-cut model.

Once wet/soaked, they take a lot of time to dry out (this in part is due to the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane). Still, it doesn’t take as much as some other similar models utilizing Gore-Tex. What’s really amazing is that we’ve been through snow and sun, various altitudes, terrains, and temps including: The boots are well made. The construction is superb, designed to excel in various conditions and environments; the materials are of high quality and have proved durable to survive strenuous hikes and rugged terrain for nearly 1.5 years. We’ve had no durability issues so far which doesn’t mean that there won’t be any in the near future. However, the X Ultra 3 Mid GTX have all the components for long-term durability. The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX have been worn during numerous hiking trips since February 2021 (over the course of almost two years) and we can say that they’re extremely efficient over a variety of terrain and conditions without compromising on comfort. Don’t be surprised if the recommended size for your feet runs narrow. This is what we found out ourselves and what many others realize once they put on the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. What’s more, the lovers of shoes with ample toe box might be disappointed – the toe box of the ‘regular’ is narrower and more restrictive than the average width. The toe box of the ‘wide’ is more spacious and fits better for someone with average-width feet.The shoe feels comfortable out of the box, with good ankle support and a soft tongue, designed to keep debris away. This product is a waterproof boot that uses a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry in snowy or rainy weather. However, if you have flat feet or high arches, you may need to add an additional insole for more support. How It Evolved? Easy to clean and maintain in good condition. Proper care is an absolute must if you wish to extend the life of a pair of hiking boots.

Geographical regions (elevation from 150 to 2600+ m a.s.l.) with a multitude of terrains from urban through hilly, forested landscape to rugged mountainous terrain with diverse vegetation Lighter than most traditional hiking boots and provided with good cushioning, the X Ultra 3 offers good performance on a long hike. Plus, these boots resemble trail runners, so they are not overly stiff and need no break in period. Where Does It Fall Short in Performance?Additionally, the Moab 2 Mid WP’s Vibram outsole is made from a more rigid and durable compound and has deeper lugs, so this model is a better choice for muddy roads. As it is more breathable, it keeps feet cool in warm weather and cosy in chillier conditions, unlike other waterproof walking boots which do not provide ventilation. Despite a few criticisms about the sizing, this pair can still be worn by those with broader feet as it is available in a wide width for both men and women. Overall, it comes highly recommended by hikers and walkers of all levels. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Features We also found the toe box to have just the right width – not too narrow to make your feet scream after half an hour of hiking, but also not too wide to give you blisters. Elevate your athletic performance with Salomon trainers. Designed for those who demand the best, these trainers combine functionality and style seamlessly. Whether you're a dedicated runner, a fitness enthusiast, or a sports enthusiast, these trainers provide the perfect blend of support, comfort, and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX hiking boot is lighter than the Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof, so it is more comfortable to wear for extended periods, as it puts less strain on your feet.

Both boot models are waterproof, but the Targhee III Mid Waterproof uses the patented Keen.Dry system. While the GTX is more popular, we noticed no important differences regarding the water resistance level. The X Ultra 3 Mid GTX hiking boot is the newer version of the X Ultra 2 Mid GTX, and it comes with small but noticeable upgrades.The X Ultra 3 has a more durable outsole, which provides better traction on slippery surfaces. It also has an improved heel design, which gives better stability and support. These boots have endured over a dozen mountain hikes, and remarkably, their soles are still like new. This doesn’t happen often. Still, tread life is hard to predict but if you want to prolong its lifespan, avoid pavement. While these boots are undeniably comfortable for city strolls, they are specifically designed for hiking. The soles and lugs are optimized for technical ascents, descents, and general trail usage, rather than pavement. Mud, gravel or loose dirt – the lug pattern is engineered to keep you stable on mixed terrain (early spring; 650-700 m a.s.l.) Weight and versatility Waterproof breathable Gore-Tex membrane inside is intended to keep the feet of the wearer dry from the outside and from the inside The weight of the shoes is an important factor to consider as it has a noticeable impact on comfort. The weight of 1039 g (2 lbs 4.7 oz) for a pair of US 12 EE (EUR 46 2/3 or UK 11.5) means that they are not super lightweight like the Speedcross 6, but they’re still lighter than most of the other major models (cause of the lightweight synthetic materials). Remarkably, the guys from Salomon have achieved this without sacrificing quality, durability, performance, protection or cushioning. The lighter weight is great for comfort, with the added bonus of helping to conserve energy and reducing foot fatigue.