Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX Review: A Great Lightweight Option

Having a lower price compared to the Quest 4D 3, which is also from Salomon - one of the Best Rated Hiking Boots , the X Ultra 3 is one of the most popular lightweight hiking boots.

But what features makes it so great for light hikes? Let's find out by comparing it with other heavier hiking boots.

Comfort

When sliding your feet into the Salomon X Ultra 3, you may feel like a supportive version of a pair of trail running shoes.

It's moderately flexible and lightweight. With nice padding in the tongue and collar, the insole now provides enough support and cushion. You will have a "right feel" out of the box.

Compared to other typical hiking boots such as the Keen Targhee III or the Merrell Moab 2, it's thinner underfoot. But this doesn't mean a bad thing.

You won't feel the need of higher isolation from the ground even when you walk through rough terrain with heavy loads.

For lightweight backpacking and day hiking, the X Ultra 3 is a perfect choice as it has all the features needed to give you enough protection and comfort. It does all those things while still making you feel like you're wearing a pair of trail running shoes.

Traction

You won't see many similarities between this version's outsoles and those of previous models since Salomon has completely redesigned them to improve the downhill traction.

To see this by your own eyes, just look at the heel.

Salomon has removed the old solid rubber and replace it with gill-like cutouts to make the X Ultra 3 bite more into the ground. Even if you don't feel the old X Ultra 3 needs an upgrade in this department, this is nevertheless a nice improvement.

Now you can go through hardpack dirt, soft mud, and short trips on snow without any trouble.

The best thing about this new rubber compound is that it doesn't get chipped away or deteriorated even when you go hiking on rocky terrain like granite, making one of the Top Rated Hiking Boots  for men.

Support and Stability

While it may not be able to replace your pair of mountaineering or technical off-trail hiking boots in your closet, the Salomon X Ultra 3 provides support for any lightweight backpacking or day hiking trips.

Underfoot it's very flexible, but the stable platform and low-profile midsole will enable you to enjoy rocky trails.

Like its predecessors, this version also supports you well under moderate loads without causing any rolled ankles. But for heavier loads or extended climbs, you may prefer stiffer boots such as the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX.

Breathability

You can freely choose between the Gore-Tex and Aero (non-Gore-Tex) versions, with the latter having greater breathability. In cold weather, the differences between them aren't noticeable. Both of them will provide a great amount of protection and insulation in snow.

But the story changes completely in warm conditions.

After many hours under the sun, your feet may feel hot and uncomfortable in the waterproof version. This may not be a big issue for most of the times since the X Ultra 3 does a better job in ventilation than hiking boots with cheap waterproofing membranes. But you may wish for hiking boots with a better trade-off between waterproofing and breathability.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• One of the best lightweight hiking boots.
• Nimble and aggressive while still having good durability, traction, and trail comfort.
• Good underfoot, heel, and toe protection for rough and rocky trips.

Cons:

• The waterproofing version (Gore-Tex) runs warm pretty fast.
• Just average lacing system.

Our Verdict

While you may want a more protective and substantial pair of hiking boots for technical terrain with heavy loads, the Salomon X Ultra 3 is still one of the  Best Rated Hiking Boots - Best Backpacking Boots you can choose.