Fashion & Footwear › Hiking Shoes
X Ultra 5 GTX
Model timeline
Lightweight gore-tex hiking shoes
More about it ↓Mid-range · middle third of hiking shoes
Quick take
In short: what each side says
AI panel · Reviewers · Buyers · Brand claims · The press — each opened up in full further down ↓
Best on Claude (avg #1.0), weakest on AI Mode (#1.5)
Reviewers agree the X Ultra 5 is a durable, comfortable, lightweight hiker with strong traction and waterproofing, improved over its predecessor, though side protection and wet-rock grip remain limited.
Owners love the grip, stability, and waterproofing for serious hikes, but durability is a major divider—many report premature failures in the quicklace system and sole wear within months.
The marketing pitch is honest on waterproofing, stability, and outsole grip—all backed by strong owner and expert consensus. However, the durability claim is materially undermined by a 2.2/5 owner durability score and widespread reports of quicklace and sole failures within months, contradicting the "ultra-durable" positioning. The lightweight claim is also overstated, as reviewers explicitly note a measurable weight increase versus the prior model.
1 of 4 outlets recommend it — a clear editorial consensus.
The juries split — Divided. Check both sides before you commit.
Quick read · who it’s for
Main competitors
Top rivals in Hiking Shoes.
About
What it is.
Salomon positions the X Ultra 5 GTX within its hiking footwear line as a low-cut trail shoe built around a GORE-TEX membrane, Matryx upper, and All-Terrain Contagrip outsole. Advanced Chassis and Active Support technology aim to keep the foot stable on uneven ground while allowing natural movement, with a reinforced toe cap and tailored collar rounding out the protective, ready-to-wear construction.
It's built for hikers and backpackers covering mixed terrain under load, including those carrying heavier packs or seeking sturdier protection than earlier Matryx uppers offered. It suits people who want dependable, out-of-the-box performance from an established name rather than a minimalist, ultralight shoe — and it's not the choice for casual strollers or those working mostly on wet, slick rock.
The verdict
The X Ultra 5 GTX ranks as the top lightweight hiking shoe, with reviewers and buyers broadly agreeing it delivers strong waterproofing, traction, and comfort, though durability divides opinion—some owners report premature sole wear and quicklace failures within months, making it best for hikers prioritizing weather protection over long-term reliability.
Act one
What the machines think.
Several AI models read the category and place this product — model by model, list by list, over time.
Model by model?
How each AI sees it.
Best on Claude (avg #1.0), weakest on AI Mode (#1.5) Averaging across the AI panel, X Ultra 5 GTX sits around #1.1 this snapshot.
Perplexity
#1.0
3 appearances · best #1
Claude
#1.0
2 appearances · best #1
AI Mode
#1.5
2 appearances · best #1
Gemini
—
Didn’t rank X Ultra 5 GTX this snapshot.
GPT
Didn’t rank X Ultra 5 GTX this snapshot.
Footprint?
Every intent it shows up in.
sorted by current rank · weakest: Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes (#1 of 30)
Rank trajectory?
Weeks of movement.
Act two · ★ new
What the people say.
The same product, judged by the owners who bought and filmed it — what they praise, what they knock, who it's for.
Video reviews?
What reviewers actually say.
AI summary of 5 reviews · as of Jul 2026
Reviewers agree the X Ultra 5 is a durable, comfortable, lightweight hiker with strong traction and waterproofing, improved over its predecessor, though side protection and wet-rock grip remain limited.
What they praise
- Woven Matrix upper resists blowouts and improves durability over the prior model
- Comfortable, near-zero break-in period with padded tongue and ankle cuff
- Strong ContGrip traction across gravel, rock, sand, and mixed terrain
- Effective Gore-Tex waterproofing that still breathes well in heat
- Wider toe box and supportive chassis give stable, locked-in fit
What they knock
- Heavier than the previous version due to added durability materials
- Side panels remain a soft spot vulnerable to sharp objects
- Traction and footing get sketchy on slick, wet rock
- Insole arch support may not suit flat-footed hikers
Synthesised from: Ridge & River · Mountaineer Journey · Taunton Leisure · Sun & Ski Sports · Wild Earth Australia
Salomon X Ultra 5 Fixed Everything Wrong About the X Ultra 4
Ridge & River
Salomon X Ultra 5 Is Finally Here - Full Review & Real-World Testing
Mountaineer Journey
The perfect summer hiking shoe? - The all new Salomon X-Ultra 5 GTX
Taunton Leisure
First Steps: Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX Hiking Boots
Sun & Ski Sports
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Hiking Boot Review
Wild Earth Australia
What buyers say?
What Google knows about it.
Beyond the video critics, Google pools 774 buyer ratings of the X Ultra 5 GTX from across retailers — a far wider, if blunter, jury. Here’s the shape of that opinion.
774 ratings · 7 written
across 2 retailers
What owners single out
Buyers' weakest aspect (durability & build quality, 2.2/5) aligns with video reviewers' note that the durability upgrade comes with trade-offs, though buyers focus more on manufacturing defects than weight.
In their words
“I bought these to do the Acatenango volcano hike in Guatemala. It's a challenging, steep overnight hike through farmlands, cloud forest and volcanic material. I was very impressed with the grip and stability they provided, and the gore-tex material kept my feet dry and warm at altitude. I would recommend these for any kind of moderate to challenging hike.”
131north · verified purchase · REI
“These shoes are awful quality. Do not buy them!! The quicklace tore trough the loop after only 300 km’s of use. Now it’s already ripping on the other side too. The lace itself broke as well! The heel is also not looking good. I bought these shoes in an official Salomon job during travelling and now i am not getting any help from Salomon with a guarantee.”
Delphine · verified purchase · salomon.com
as of June 24 · 774 buyer ratings?
Claim check?
Promise vs. proof.
We lifted Salomon’s headline product-page claims and checked each against what owners and expert reviewers actually report.
The marketing pitch is honest on waterproofing, stability, and outsole grip—all backed by strong owner and expert consensus. However, the durability claim is materially undermined by a 2.2/5 owner durability score and widespread reports of quicklace and sole failures within months, contradicting the "ultra-durable" positioning. The lightweight claim is also overstated, as reviewers explicitly note a measurable weight increase versus the prior model.
“Matryx ultra-durable upper”
Quicklace and sole fail within months
Matryx upper durability is heavily contradicted by owner data: durability & build quality scores only 2.2/5, with widespread reports of premature quicklace failures and sole wear within months, despite expert praise for the material itself.
“These shoes are awful quality. Do not buy them!! The quicklace tore trough the loop after only 300 km’s of use. Now it’s already ripping on the other side too. The lace itself broke as well! The heel is also not looking ”
OwnerDelphine
Waterproofing“GORE-TEX waterproofing”Holds up
GORE-TEX waterproofing is confirmed by expert reviewers and owner scores (4.5/5) to perform well in submersion and prolonged wet conditions without overheating.
Grip & Traction“best-in-class grip, traction, and protection in any conditions”Mixed
Grip and traction are strong on most surfaces (4.1/5 owner score, expert praise for rock/sand/mud/gravel), but reviewers document a notable weakness on slick or wet rocks.
“The only place I've found that the boots lose a little bit of confidence is on slick and wet rocks, or if you walk through some water and then onto some dry rocks.”
VideoWild Earth Australia
Stability“Advanced Chassis technology and Active Support”Holds up
Advanced Chassis technology and Active Support are confirmed by expert reviewers and owner scores (4.3/5 fit & ankle support) to provide strong lateral support and stability under load on uneven terrain.
Outsole“All-Terrain Contagrip outsole for outstanding grip and traction on varied surfaces”Holds up
The Contagrip outsole is confirmed by expert reviewers and owner traction scores (4.1/5) to deliver confident grip across rock, sand, mud, and loose gravel on varied surfaces.
Weight & Ruggedness“lightweight yet rugged”Mixed
The boot is lightweight and comfortable with strong terrain performance (4.2/5 comfort score), but reviewers note it is heavier than the previous model, offsetting the lightweight claim.
“It literally feels like I've got a pair of running shoes on right now cuz they're so lightweight.”
VideoSun & Ski Sports
What the press says?
Where the established press lands.
The press agrees
1 of 4 outlets recommend it — a clear editorial consensus.
Tie-breakerThe AI models split on X Ultra 5 GTX. The press tally below breaks the tie.
Across 4 independent outlets · published expert reviews · last 18 months
Act three · ★ new
Do they agree?
Put the machine's rank and the owners' score in one frame, settle it with a verdict, and answer the only question that matters: should you buy it?
The bottom line
So should you buy it?
The AIs’ #1 pick in Hiking Shoes. Owners back it at 4.2 / 5; critics back it at 4.3 / 5 — the durability claim is overstated.
Find your situation?
Made for some — wrong for others.
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
You need a proven, low-risk choice backed by broad consensus.
774 reviews with 4.2/5 rating, mature product line, established brand, and clear reviewer consensus on durability and performance make this a settled, trustworthy pick.
You value a respected outdoor brand with flagship-level gear.
Salomon is an established, prestige outdoor maker; X Ultra is a flagship line with refined design and proven heritage, positioning it as premium-tier hiking footwear.
You want hiking shoes that work straight out of the box.
Reviewers praise near-zero break-in, padded comfort, and locked-in fit; no special setup or tuning needed to get reliable performance on day one.
You want solid hiking performance without overpaying for brand prestige.
Mid-range price ($128–175) with strong 4.2/5 rating and proven durability upgrades deliver good value, though not the cheapest option available for similar terrain coverage.
You love gear that delights beyond specs—design, feel, and sensory appeal matter.
Woven Matrix upper and refined chassis show thoughtful design, and reviewers note comfort and responsive feel, but the product is primarily utilitarian rather than passion-driven.
You demand top-tier performance with no meaningful compromises.
Strong traction and waterproofing, but acknowledged weak points (wet-rock grip, side-panel vulnerability, arch support gaps) and heavier-than-predecessor design prevent top-class standing. Consider Anacapa 2 Low GTX.
Grounded in our buyer-review, reviewer-video, price and successor signals — a poor fit names a closer pick · as of Jul 21.
Frequent rivals?
What it competes against.
- Moab Speed 2 GTXMerrellSalomon leads 3–0 · 3 shared$131–$244Read
- Vectiv Exploris 2 FuturelightThe North FaceSalomon leads 3–0 · 3 sharedRead
- Facet 75 OutDryColumbiaSalomon leads 3–0 · 3 sharedRead
- Spire GTXLa SportivaSalomon leads 3–0 · 3 shared$139–$220Read
- Anacapa 2 Low GTXHokaSalomon leads 3–0 · 3 shared$145–$180Read
- Trail 2650 GTXDannerSalomon leads 3–0 · 3 sharedRead
- Breeze LT NTXVasqueSalomon leads 2–0 · 2 sharedRead
Alternatives by price · Same field?
Same field, less money.
Frequently asked
What buyers want to know.
What is the difference between Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX and X Ultra 4 GTX?
The X Ultra 5 GTX has a new matrix woven upper that is more durable and resistant to abrasion, addressing blowout issues from the prior model. It is heavier as a result of this durability upgrade, but reviewers say the trade-off is worth it for most hikers.
Are Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX good?
Reviewers agree it is a lightweight, comfortable hiking boot with strong waterproofing and traction that requires virtually no break-in. The main catch is that traction becomes unreliable on wet or slick rock, and durability varies—some owners report premature sole wear or quicklace failures within months.
Who is the X Ultra 5 GTX best for?
It suits hikers and backpackers who want a waterproof, durable boot for mixed terrain and who don't mind the extra weight in exchange for protection. It is especially good for anyone who had durability issues with the prior model or who carries a heavy pack.
How is the waterproofing on the X Ultra 5 GTX?
Reviewers found Gore-Tex waterproofing performs well even when submerged or in prolonged wet conditions, without overheating the feet. It handles rain and water crossings without letting moisture in.
Does the X Ultra 5 GTX have good traction?
The Contagrip outsole with deeper, larger lugs delivers confident grip on rock, sand, mud, and loose gravel. However, traction becomes sketchy on slick or wet rocks, especially when transitioning from water to dry stone.
What does GTX mean in Salomon?
GTX refers to Gore-Tex, a waterproof and breathable membrane used in the boot's construction to keep feet dry in wet conditions while allowing airflow.
The recap
Where it stands today.
- PositionBest rank #1 across 3 intents tracked (no change vs last snapshot).
- FootprintStrongest in Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes (#1).
- TraitsMost often described as “waterproof” (5 mentions).
- Closest rivalMoab Speed 2 GTX (3–0 across 3 shared intents).
- MakerBy Salomon — see how it ranks across other intents on its brand profile.
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