Review: Salomon X-ULTRA 4

Key Information

Price (at time of writing): R2499
Weight: 360g per shoe / 720g per pair
Women’s Version: Yes

Intro

The X-ULTRA 4 is Salomon’s beefed-up trail shoe. While it’s occasionally labelled as a trail running shoe, its main purpose is definitely hiking.

With a slightly stiffer chassis and a rubber compound that balances grip and durability, these shoes are a fantastic option for hikers who prefer the comfort of a trail shoe but still want strong stability and support.

Fit & Comfort

Salomon is famous for its out-of-the-box comfort, and the X-ULTRA 4 is no exception. The day after receiving this pair, I went on a two-day, off-trail hike in the Kouebokkeveld mountains and didn’t feel a single hotspot.

All-day comfort straight out the box — no break-in required.

The OrthoLite insoles mould to your feet for long-lasting comfort and create a cradle-like sensation that keeps the foot stable on uneven terrain. Salomon’s Quicklace system hugs the foot evenly, tucks neatly into a lace pocket, and remains one of the most reliable systems on the market.

The fit suits medium-width feet best, but even my wide feet were perfectly comfortable.

Support

I’ve always preferred boots for support on rough terrain, but during a hike in the Kouebokkeveld mountains carrying a 24 kg pack, the X-ULTRA 4s handled everything with confidence.

The slightly higher ankle collar offers noticeable protection against rolling, while the ADV-C chassis provides a very stable, planted feel. Some might find the collar a touch pronounced, so trying them on before buying is advised — but if they fit, the support is excellent.

Strong chassis and stable ride even with a heavy backpack.

The midsole strikes a perfect balance between ground feel and protection from sharp rocks — even when carrying heavy loads. These are among the most supportive trail shoes on the market.

Grip

Salomon’s Contagrip MA rubber compound offers a great balance between grip and durability, performing impressively on everything short of slick, steep rock slabs.

The deep lugs bite into muddy trails, and the reversed tread pattern on the heel improves braking on descents.

Excellent traction and balanced wear from Salomon’s Contagrip MA sole.

Previous Salomon soles were known to wear quickly, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. After around 200 km of mixed hiking — from heavy backpacking to sandstone scrambles — noticeable wear only started around 120 km.

Breathability

The X-ULTRA 4 shines in warm conditions, providing excellent ventilation. They also dry quickly after river crossings or rain, making them perfect for summer hikes.

The fine mesh allows a bit of dust through but blocks larger debris effectively while keeping airflow high.

Construction

Despite their rugged build, these shoes are surprisingly lightweight at 360 g each. The design is robust but refined.

A reinforced toecap protects from impacts and maintains structure, while the ADV-C chassis wraps around the sides to guard against sharp rocks and sticks.

Durable construction without unnecessary weight.

Cons

There’s little to fault, but the Quicklace system occasionally needs re-tightening on rough ground. Beyond that, it’s hard to criticise these shoes.

Conclusion

Comfortable, lightweight, and robust — the Salomon X-ULTRA 4 offers excellent support, traction, and durability for hikers seeking trail-shoe comfort with near-boot performance. Add great value for money, and you have a winning product.

The Salomon X-ULTRA 4 should definitely be on your shortlist for your next hiking shoes.

These shoes were provided for review by Salomon Sports SA and can be purchased from their online store and Salomon stockists.