The X Ultra 360 Edge Mid GTX walking boot is the latest addition to Salomon’s popular X Ultra range – and this time with a more eco-friendly design.
The upper is made from 49% recycled materials, while the nicely cushioned midsole is constructed from 8% recycled electric cables. Features include a moulded TPU toe cap, Gore-Tex liner, Contagrip All-Terrain outsole with deep chevron-shaped lugs, and Salomon’s SensiFit technology for a comfy, wraparound fit. Salomon says the advanced chassis in the midsole delivers added stability and control on trickier terrain too.
Similar to rivals like the Oboz Katabatic Mid Waterproof, the X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex is a lightweight boot with an added bit of toughness in the uppers and some extra stability and protection in the midsole. This makes the X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex about 40g heavier per boot than truly minimalist, super-light pairs. But it still retains the comfort levels of a light hiker. For many hikers this will prove an excellent compromise.
LFTOwww.salomon.com
Pros
- Uses some recycled materials
- Competitive price
- Comfortable
- Good underfoot protection
Cons
- Not exceptionally technical
- Some rivals are even lighter
Upper
The upper of the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex is made from recycled synthetic materials, including textile mesh and reinforced TPU overlays. The total recycled content of the upper is 49%, ensuring improved eco credentials compared to many other brands.
The upper’s construction is light and flexible, with tightly-woven mesh across the forefoot. Across areas prone to wear and tear, such as the toe, heel, and wrapping around the base of the shoe, reinforced overlays are added for extra robustness.
Meanwhile the ankle cuff and tongue are comfy and well-padded. The tongue has a bellows style with a decent ‘flood level’ (the point at which water will enter the top of the boot), courtesy of the stitching approach. The tongue’s material is knitted into (and thus connected to) the top of the boot’s upper.
All in all, the recycled upper strikes a nice balance between lightness, flexibility, and strength. It feels both comfy and soft, yet tough enough for mountain use.
Midsole
The midsole of the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex is made from EVA foam. It has a comfy, cushioned underfoot sensation, and feels relatively springy and fast without being overly spongy.
The X Ultra 360 Edge has lots of flex at the forefoot, with even more at the top of the toes. This allows for a natural gait and comfy ride with each step. There is a lot more rigidity in the back two-thirds of the boot, providing a touch of underfoot stability and firmness. This enables the boot to feel more technically capable over rugged mountainous ground.
Outsole
The rubber outsole of the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid GTX is a Contagrip All-Terrain rubber unit. It has a pattern of deep, chevron-shaped lugs, as well as a special tread at the toe and heel for precise footwork and braking respectively.
Salomon's Contragrip outsoles are invariably reliable, and it's the same story here. The X Ultra 360 Edge Mid GTX's outsole delivers plenty of traction and bite over mixed terrain, with performance comparable to many other first-rate outsoles.
Features
Each boot has a Gore-Tex waterproof-breathable membrane to both keep water out and allow your feet to breathe when they get sweaty and hot. We've used this setup on many lightweight hiking boots, and the levels of breathability and waterproofing are all much the same.
Other features include a comfy Salomon Ortholite insole and regular laces rather than Salomon's Quicklaces. There is a single metal eyelet on each side at the top of the laces, which enables you to tighten the boot securely around your ankle for a snug, stable fit.
In terms of the fit, there is perhaps slightly more room than average in the toebox, thus reducing the chance of your toes being compressed or restricted. But more striking is the underfoot sensation towards the rear and arch of the foot. Your foot feels held and locked in place by the shape of the boot.
The Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex is available in both men’s and women’s versions. Mid height models have Gore-Tex, but low versions can be had without, if you wish (and also cost less).
Price and performance
We found all-round performance is pretty solid. The Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex strikes a nice balance between comfort, protection, weatherproofing, and stability.
As with all lighter footwear, long-term durability will not match that of heavier-duty boots, but that’s to be expected, and in general the X Ultra seems like a safe bet. Comfort levels are certainly very high.
Costing £155 at the time of writing, we think that's a pretty standard price for a boot of this type these days, even slightly more competitive than some rivals such as the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX.
Verdict
The Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex is a light, comfortable, cushioned, mid-height hiking boot with recycled materials – but struggles to standout in a hugely competitve market.
How we tested
The Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge Mid Gore-Tex boots were tested and reviewed by James Forrest. James is one of our long-time freelance gear testers, a prolific peak bagger, and long-distance walker who’s one of the most high-profile outdoor writers in the UK.