Best for Waterproof Trail Walking
Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-Tex
$170A lightweight, technical hiking shoe with Gore-Tex waterproofing and reliable Contagrip traction for day hiking and backpacking. Testers praise its balance of protection and agility on varied terrain.
what experts say
- >“I hiked over all sorts of terrain in Alaska, from sticky, clay-like mud to wet boulders, slippery logs, and loose scree. The X Ultra 5 handled it all with ease, allowing me to confidently navigate daily off-trail adventures.”— Switchback Tested
- >“The X Ultra 5 strikes a really nice middle ground: light enough that it's easy to move quickly on the trail but substantial enough to handle technical terrain and long-term use.”— Switchback Tested
pros & cons
[+] what's great
- +Lightweight at 1 lb 6.6 oz for the pair without sacrificing performance
- +Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps feet dry on muddy trails and shallow crossings
- +Contagrip outsole with chevron-shaped lugs grips reliably on mud, wet boulders, and scree
- +Substantial toe bumper and thick upper materials protect against stubbed toes and abrasion
- +Advanced Chassis provides good lateral support and stability on uneven terrain
[-] what's not
- -Felt tight around forefoot and midfoot out of the box, requiring break-in
- -Quicklace system makes it difficult to achieve snug fit throughout the foot
- -EVA midsole is not ultra-plush—firm rather than soft underfoot
- -Low collar limits waterproofing depth; gaiters recommended for deep water crossings
