HikingSalomonHiking Boots

Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX hiking boots review: light and nimble all-day comfort

An impressively light, cushioned, waterproof boot that’s superb for UK day hikes.

✓  Best BuySalomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX Weight440 g/bootWaterproofingGORE-TEXPrice£165 The good✓  Featherlight for a mid boot (440 g)
✓  Superb all-day comfort
✓  Excellent GORE-TEX waterproofing
✓  Breathable — no sweaty feet
✓  Secure, dialled-in SensiFit lacing
✓  Cushioned heel absorbs impact
✓  Roomy toe box
✓  Great value at £165
The not-so-good✗  Slips on slick wet rock
✗  Minor under-toe pressure on rocky paths
✗  Not suitable for mountaineering
Check price at Salomon →

At a glance

Buy the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX at Salomon →

Overview

We have not actually tested Salomon hiking boots before here at the Great British Adventure Club, but if you spend your weekends on muddy trails or rocky hills, you will almost certainly know the brand. Born in Annecy in the French Alps back in 1947, Salomon first made its name in alpine skiing before branching out into hiking and trail running — building up decades of expertise in footwear that thrives in mountain environments. Today, Salomon sits under the Amer Sports umbrella (alongside big names like Arc’teryx and Suunto), with a global reputation for crafting clever, performance-driven kit that blends durability with a genuine passion for the outdoors.

The Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX is built for day hikes and rolling terrain, aiming to give you stability, a roomy yet secure fit and dependable grip across typical UK conditions. Each boot tips the scales at just 440 g — firmly at the lighter end of the mid-height hiking boot spectrum. That means less strain on your legs and fresher feet over long days. It is also packed with smart tech: a waterproof GORE-TEX liner, a high-tenacity Kevlar-threaded Matryx upper for abrasion resistance, and an Advanced Chassis for lateral support without the stiffness of a pure mountain boot. At £165, it undercuts many rivals, offering a lot of tech for the money.

We would normally line these up against other lightweight options like the Scarpa Rush TRK GTX (470 g, £180), the Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX (460 g, £145) and the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX (470 g, £185). Among these, the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX is the lightest, with arguably the most forgiving toe box and a noticeably more trainer-like feel underfoot. It sits right at the intersection of low weight, tough build and superb comfort — a rare trifecta in lightweight hiking boots.

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How we tested

To give the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX a thorough British workout, we ran it through three classic tests. First came Welsh farmland: muddy tractor paths, long stretches of wet grass, compacted soil and plenty of awkward stiles — perfect for seeing how it handled slick, uneven ground. Next, we hit a steeper, dust-dry trail that climbed through loose gravel before descending over rocky outcrops — exactly where a boot’s security gets tested. Finally, we walked a narrow ridgeline strewn with loose rocks, demanding constant micro-adjustments to stay upright, before dropping into softer woodland trails. Throughout, we checked traction, breathability, and whether any hot spots crept in after long miles.

Features and performance

Fit and comfort

Slip on the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX and the first thing you will notice is the lack of weight. Despite looking like a solid mid-height boot, it wears more like a supportive trail shoe. At just 440 g per boot, it earns a rare 10/10 from us for weight — meaning you will feel far less fatigue by day’s end.

Comfort is where these boots truly shine. The cushioned heel soaks up jolts from hard-packed ground or gravel, reducing strain on joints. Inside, the fit is beautifully balanced: snug at the heel and midfoot thanks to Salomon’s excellent SensiFit lacing, yet roomy enough up front to keep your toes from feeling cramped after hours on the trail. The thick padded tongue means you can tighten them right up without any sore pressure points. Straight from the box, we racked up miles with zero rubbing or sizing headaches.

“At just 440 g per boot, you will feel far less fatigue by day’s end. That alone sets it apart — we ended long days without blisters, aches or sweaty feet, genuinely excited to lace them up again.”

On the hill

Underfoot, the Contagrip outsole gave us loads of confidence across farmland, dusty inclines and typical woodland tracks. Only on slick, wet rock — polished limestone or damp karst — did it slip more than we would like. That is why we landed on a slightly lower 6/10 for traction. It is not unique to Salomon; most rubber struggles on that terrain, but if you are eyeing routes like Tryfan, Crib Goch or the Lord’s Rake on Scafell Pike after rain, it is worth knowing.

Waterproofing is handled by a lightweight GORE-TEX membrane that passed every stream and puddle test. Water simply beaded off, leaving our socks dry. The Kevlar-threaded Matryx textile also managed heat impressively — we never got clammy, even pushing hard on climbs. That combination of reliable waterproofing with genuine breathability is tricky to master, and the X Ultra 5 MID GTX is among the best we have tested for it.

If there is a slight trade-off, it is under the toes on rocky paths. Smaller stones can sometimes press through, reminding you this is a super-light boot rather than a stiff mountain bruiser. It was never painful, just noticeable enough to adjust your step after a few miles. Given the overall comfort — we would still score it 8/10 — we would happily take that compromise for the low weight and brilliant flex.

Performance on UK trails

All told, the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX was a joy across the typical three-season British ground most of us love. From muddy farmland to dusty slopes, rocky ridgelines and softer woodland, it stayed stable, secure and (most importantly) seriously comfortable. It did not quite grip as well on slick rock, so we would not pick it for notoriously stony routes in the rain, but for everything else — wet grass, forest paths, dry hill tracks — it felt absolutely made for the job. We ended long days without blisters, aches or sweaty feet, genuinely excited to lace them up again.

Buy the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX at Salomon →

Our verdictNear-perfect for three-season UK hiking — and brilliant value at £165.If you are a British walker after a boot that is genuinely light, surprisingly cushioned and keeps your feet dry from April through to October, the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX is tough to beat. It sits beautifully at the intersection of low weight, durable build and all-day comfort, making it near-perfect for three-season adventures across the UK’s varied patchwork of fields, hills and forests. They are not made for lugging heavy multi-day packs or tackling icy Munros, but for moderate terrain they are hard to fault.At £165, they are also a brilliant deal compared to heavier, less comfortable rivals. Just keep in mind the slight under-toe feel on rocky paths and the average grip on slick rock — otherwise, they are about as good as lightweight three-season hiking boots get.Buy the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX →

FAQs

How durable are the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX hiking boots?Very durable for British three-season trails. The Kevlar-threaded Matryx upper shrugs off scratches from rocks, brambles and rough ground, while the Contagrip outsole shows little sign of wear after plenty of miles. Designed for moderate hiking — if you are regularly battering them on scree or heavy scrambles, you might want something stiffer.

How comfortable are the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX hiking boots?Exceptionally comfortable. Plush heel cushioning, a roomy toe box and a secure midfoot fit mean zero hot spots straight out of the box. The only minor caveat is some subtle pressure under the toes on rocky terrain — otherwise, they are spot on for long days on the trail.

How much traction do the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX hiking boots deliver?Excellent across farmland, dry trails and woodland paths. The all-terrain Contagrip outsole is very dependable for most UK conditions. Only on slick wet rock does it falter slightly — worth bearing in mind on routes like Crib Goch or Tryfan after rain.

How waterproof are the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX hiking boots?Brilliantly waterproof for normal British conditions. The GORE-TEX lining kept socks bone dry through puddles and shallow stream crossings, with water beading right off. Exactly what you want for rain showers and wet grass — though like any lightweight boot, prolonged bog trots might eventually push them to their limits.

How breathable are the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX hiking boots?Surprisingly breathable given the waterproof build. The Matryx textile and GORE-TEX membrane combine to let heat and moisture escape well — no sweaty feet, even on long uphill climbs. That balance of keeping water out while letting sweat evaporate is one of this boot’s real highlights.

How warm are the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX hiking boots?Ideal for spring through autumn. Feet stay nicely protected from cool winds and damp ground, but thanks to the breathable Matryx upper, they never run hot. For deep winter or snow days, you would want something beefier — otherwise, they are perfectly balanced for typical UK temperatures.

Are the Salomon X Ultra 5 MID GTX hiking boots worth the money?Absolutely. At £165, they offer superb value — light, comfortable and waterproof. Ideal for day hikes, rolling hills and most British three-season conditions. Unless you are hauling heavy packs or spending all day on slick rocky scrambles, they are hard to beat.