For an extended period, I relied on high hiking boots. Having worn out my previous pairs to the point of being practically threadbare, it became evident that it was time for a change. The badly damaged soles of my shoes had begun to inflict discomfort, particularly in my knees and Achilles tendons.
After spending some time comparing the different models of hiking boots, I set my sights on the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Women model. Thanks to the size guide available, I was able to order the right size pair right away. In this guide, I will determine whether the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX is a suitable choice or not.
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Women’s Shoe Review
Specifications:
- Inlay sole: Textile
- Lining: Textile
- Outsole: Rubber
- Upper: Synthetic / Textile
- Drop: 11 in mm
- Heel stack height: 19 mm
- Forefoot stack height: 8 mm
- Weight: 330 g
- Lacing system: Quicklace®
- Waterproofness: GORE-TEX
Pros
- Super comfortable
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Descent Control Technology
- 100% waterproof
Cons
- No arch support
- Sole on that boot is slippery
I took this pair of shoes with me for my hiking holidays without having had time to test them before. Because I took it a bit at the last moment for the order. However, this is not something I recommend! It is better to buy your shoes in advance and have the time to test them on short walks to see if everything goes well with them. Even if you feel good in a pair of boots, there is no guarantee that this will always be the case after several kilometers of walking.
It is also one of the best solutions for having blisters… Especially since when I received these shoes, my first impression was not very good: I found the liner very rigid and the upper a little high: I feared chafing at the ankle level in the long run… to be sure not to have any problem, I took my trail shoes back-up.
In the end, more fear than harm, since I quickly adapted to my Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX which softened very quickly and proved to be very comfortable. Real slippers!
Design and Construction
The Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX is a pair of low-cut shoes designed for hiking. The outsole is rubber “Contact grip” and its texture allows you to grip the ground well uphill and downhill, which prevents slipping. This model is available in several colors. For my part, I chose an anthracite gray color simply because it was the model available in my size.
The insole uses Ortholite technology which allows shock absorption and provides good cushioning to the shoe. It’s very comfortable. I find that the cushioning of the sole is much more successful than my previous hiking pairs.
The impermeability of the shoe is achieved thanks to a Gore-Tex membrane. I have not yet been able to test the effectiveness of the waterproofing since I had a dream time at my hiking destination. But I will update this paragraph when I have tested the shoes in the rain.
What concerns me more about a low-cut shoe is the potential for rainwater to infiltrate from above into the shoe. I reassure myself with the belief that this is less likely to happen with a higher-cut shoe, as the added height provides better protection, especially when wearing pants. This perspective is based on my own experiences.
Lacing System
The shoes are equipped with the Quicklace lacing system developed by Salomon. This is the first time I’ve tested a pair of shoes with such a system. No need to tie a knot just tighten and loosen it with a small plastic device. It is very fast and effective. This also allows you to never have the lace come undone. I find it very practical and allows you to quickly put on and take off your shoes.
Comfort and Breathability
I took these shoes with me to Yosemite Valley. Again, I could not test their waterproofness. On the other hand, I found them very breathable and very comfortable to walk. I didn’t do any hiking per se on this trip, but I find these shoes are ideal for general travel as they are very comfortable for touring and walking and quite light for a pair of hiking boots.
Personally, I don’t like walking in sneakers intended for running, even over short distances, because I find the sole too soft and it quickly becomes uncomfortable. I prefer to take a pair of hiking shoes with me and I am satisfied with this model which is quite discreet for a sports shoe.
In short, these shoes have successfully passed the test! I recommend them 100% for the practice of day hiking and they will accompany me for a long time on my next hikes!
2022 Update
I’ve been using the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Women hiking boots for a year now and I’m still satisfied with them! They have always been ultra comfortable for me and have accompanied me on all my getaways in 2022, including my 3-day hike in the Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley.
I was able to test their waterproofness and I validated it. On the other hand, as the shoes have a low upper, be careful if you walk in puddles that are not very deep because the skin water enters from above. On the other hand, I may have found them a little light for my itinerant hike in Yosemite Valley. I think that on multi-day hikes with a backpack, I prefer to have a high upper, but that’s just a personal feeling.
2 years later, I can tell you about the lifespan of the product. It seems very satisfactory to me since the shoes are still in very good condition and I think they will be able to accompany me for several more years.
Conclusion
I would like to thank Salomon who offered me the pair of Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Women hiking boots for reviewing, but I remain free of the editorial line. The only downside to these boots is that if you traverse sticky mud, you’ll have to put in some effort to remove the mud from the outsole. This trade-off is the price you pay for the excellent traction provided by the design of the lugs and the rest of the outsole.
What do you think about the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX? Leave a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these boots suitable for flat feet and individuals prone to plantar fasciitis?
Yes, the boots were worn by someone with almost flat feet and a history of plantar fasciitis. The provided orthotic initially caused some discomfort, but after swapping it out for a personal running shoe orthotic, the wearer experienced improved comfort and no issues with plantar fasciitis.
How did the boots perform in wet conditions?
The boots demonstrated excellent water repellency. They were worn in rainy conditions and through puddles, and the feet remained mostly dry. The boots were also praised for their performance in snowy conditions.
What is the traction like on steep and slippery surfaces?
The boots exhibited great grip on steep inclines covered with wet leaves. The lugs and overall outsole design provided confidence and stability during both ascents and descents.
Is there a break-in period required for these boots?
According to my experience, there was no break-in period needed. The boots were comfortable from the start and provided all-around support without causing discomfort.
How do the boots handle thorns and rocky terrains?
The boots effectively resisted thorns from penetrating the inside. While thorns got stuck in the outsole, they did not reach the interior of the boot. The sole remained in great shape despite daily encounters with thorny twigs and rocky surfaces.
Read Also…
- Scarpa Rush TRK GTX Review 2022
- How to Choose the Right Size of Hiking Boots?
- 10 Best Hiking Boots Under $100 (Men & Women)