Looking for a waterproof hiking shoe that acts like a boot but weighs like a shoe? Then check out the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Shoe. I have been a Salomon fanboy for years, practically living in my older XA Pro mid shoes. So I compared these models side by side. I was truly surprised at the outcome!
Having used the XA Pro shoe for almost every adventure for the last 5 years, I had formed a great respect for Salomon’s build and performance. The X Ultra 3 Mid GTX shoe is very similar to the XA Pro, except for a few things. Namely shoelaces.
The X Ultra 3 Mid GTX is ideal for hiking on rocky terrain that has lots of ups and downs. Thanks to the Descent Control technology. This keeps your foot from sliding forward as much on the downhill. The grip is excellent in all kinds of conditions. I used them in winter during a snowstorm and found the grip was excellent for this. The grip and lugs are made of two different types of rubber to aid in a more intense grip. Contagrip seems to work very well.
The shoes are also waterproof thanks to the Goretex Performance Comfort liner. This is key when hiking in wet conditions. The protective toe cap and mudguard work well. After years of using the XA Pro, I can attest to that. The fit is very nice if you have narrow feet. I have a hard time finding shoes that fit and Salomon always seem to fit very good. Got wide feet? No problem, there is a wide version of this shoe.
Comparing the X Ultra 3 Mid GTX to my old XA Pro
I was assuming that the new shoes would weigh more than my old XA Pro, but I was wrong. The X Ultra also has a thicker tongue and are a bit higher. This gives you even more ankle coverage and is very comfortable on your foot.
Final thoughts on the X Ultra 3 Mid GTX
Other than the long name of these shoes, I can not think of a single negative. The shoes are comfortable right out of the box. They can handle rain and snow with ease. The grip is very good. If they are as long-lasting as my trusted XA Pro, then these boots will treat you well for years to come!
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