Short verdict: the Salomon Exvantage Mid Waterproof is a protective mid-cut hiking shoe for wet countryside walks and full-day mixed-terrain routes. Jack’s pair felt secure and comfortable through winter walks, muddy paths and a recorded 15-mile hike. The higher collar adds coverage around the ankle, but it does not make the shoe a mountaineering boot or guarantee protection from a sprain.
This refresh combines first-hand notes from Jack’s Exvantage Mid with Salomon UK’s current men’s and women’s specifications. It removes universal waterproofing, injury-prevention and weight comparisons that the original short review could not support. The current product references may not be identical in every detail to the older tested pair, so observations and manufacturer data are labelled separately.
Zone2 verdict
Buy it for: wet-weather day hikes, dog walking, country paths and mixed terrain when you want more ankle coverage than a low shoe without moving to a rigid mountain boot.
Think twice for: regular running, hot weather, deep water, scrambling, heavy backpacking or anyone who values low weight and free ankle movement above protection.
Main trade-off: the mid collar, waterproof upper and Advanced Chassis create a more enclosed and protective package, but the current references are listed at 400g per shoe and feel more substantial than the low Exvantage.
What is the Salomon Exvantage Mid Waterproof?
Salomon categorises it as a mid-cut hiking and backpacking shoe for full-day hikes on mixed terrain. It sits between a low walking shoe and a stiffer, heavier boot. The current design combines an Adv.DRY waterproof membrane, EnergyCell midsole, Advanced Chassis, Mud Contagrip outsole and a collar that wraps higher around the ankle.
That position is more specific than calling it a lightweight boot for every situation. It is made for hiking, not mountaineering. The product page does not claim compatibility with crampons, a climbing zone, a rigid sole or protection for technical scrambling.
Current Exvantage Mid Waterproof specifications
The table uses Salomon UK information checked on 17 July 2026. The sample size for the listed weight is not stated. Colours, prices and minor details can change, so confirm the article reference before ordering.
| Feature | Men’s reference L47520500 | Women’s reference L47520400 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Hiking and backpacking shoe | Hiking shoe |
| Best use | Full-day hikes; mixed terrain | Single-day routes; mixed terrain |
| Listed weight | 400g per shoe | 14oz, approximately 397g |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 11mm | 11mm |
| Width | Regular | Regular |
| Foot protection | High | Not stated in the compact listing checked |
| Membrane | Adv.DRY | Adv.DRY |
| Midsole | EnergyCell | EnergyCell |
| Chassis | Advanced Chassis | Advanced Chassis |
| Outsole | Mud Contagrip with chevron lugs | Mud Contagrip with chevron lugs |
| Upper | Leather/textile, anti-debris mesh, protective toe cap and SensiFit | Leather/textile, anti-debris mesh, protective toe cap and SensiFit |
| Laces | Regular laces | Regular laces |
The current men’s Exvantage Mid Waterproof page supplies the men’s reference and the women’s product page supplies the women’s reference. Neither should be confused with the lower-cut Exvantage Waterproof.
How Zone2 tested the Exvantage Mid
Jack’s original notes cover winter walks, trail hikes, dog walking and muddy countryside paths. The pair was used in rain, wet grass and shallow puddles. One recorded hike reached about 15 miles without the foot fatigue Jack expected from a more traditional boot.
This was real-world use, not a controlled comparison. There is no laboratory flex measurement, waterproof-pressure result, precise mileage diary or side-by-side weight test against leather boots. The review can describe the tested pair and the routes used; it cannot promise the same comfort or waterproof lifespan for every walker.
Does the mid collar provide ankle support?
The collar extends above the low Exvantage and Salomon says it adds protection around the ankle. Jack found the extra coverage reassuring on rutted tracks and uneven paths. The padded collar did not feel as restrictive as a rigid hiking boot during his ordinary walks.
The old article went further and claimed protection from rolls and twists. That cannot be established from a wear test. A mid collar can change fit, coverage and how the shoe feels, but it does not prevent every ankle injury. Foot placement, fatigue, terrain, load, strength and previous injury all matter.
Use “support” here to mean a more enclosed, structured feel—not a medical or injury-prevention guarantee. If you have an unstable or painful ankle, footwear advice should not replace an appropriate clinical assessment.
Waterproofing and the higher collar
Salomon lists an Adv.DRY membrane and describes the shoe as waterproof. Jack’s pair kept his feet dry during the rain, damp vegetation and shallow-puddle use recorded in the original review. The higher collar reduced the exposed opening compared with the low shoe.
That does not make it suitable for wading. Water can still enter over the top, around a poorly sealed tongue or through damaged materials. A gaiter may reduce debris and splashes but cannot turn the footwear into a tall waterproof boot.
The old page said the membrane performed “identically” to the low Exvantage for 90 minutes. The two test records were not a controlled paired experiment, so this refresh treats them separately. Jack had a positive wet-weather experience with both pairs; Salomon supplies the manufacturer waterproof claim.
Warmth is the compromise. A mid collar and waterproof membrane usually enclose more of the foot than open low footwear. Jack found it best suited to cooler months. Adjust socks and pace, and do not assume internal dampness always proves leakage: sweat and water entering from above can produce a similar result.
Grip on mixed UK terrain
The current Mid uses Mud Contagrip and chevron lugs. Salomon says the lug pattern is intended for multi-directional grip and penetration on loose or soft ground. Jack found the tested outsole reliable on wet and dry mixed paths, including ordinary mud, gravel and uneven countryside tracks.
No outsole is secure everywhere. Wet polished rock, roots, timber, algae, ice and heavily worn tread can still cause a slip. The original review’s broad “reliable grip” wording has therefore been narrowed to the surfaces actually recorded.
For deep bog, steep fell racing or loose technical descents, compare purpose-built footwear and the consequences of a fall. The Exvantage Mid’s hiking classification does not make it a mountaineering product.
Cushioning and comfort over a long walk
The current construction combines an EnergyCell midsole, moulded OrthoLite sockliner and Advanced Chassis. Salomon describes the cushioning as soft and protective on the men’s page. Jack’s notes record comfortable all-day walking and a 15-mile hike without foot fatigue.
That 15-mile experience is useful but personal. Comfort depends on fit, load, pace, socks, terrain and conditioning. It does not create a guaranteed distance rating. Another walker may discover pressure, heel rubbing or toe contact much earlier.
The current men’s and women’s references are roughly 400g per shoe. The old review called the Mid considerably lighter than a traditional leather boot without weighing either product. That comparison has been removed. Four hundred grams can feel light beside some boots and heavy beside many trail shoes; the correct reference is the alternative you would actually wear.
Fit and sizing
Jack’s pair felt secure through the midfoot, and the collar did not cause recorded rubbing after the initial wears. Salomon labels the current model regular width, uses SensiFit around the foot and advises choosing the larger size when you are between two sizes.
The original review called the fit narrow and advised wide-footed buyers to size up. The official listing does not establish that universal rule. Extra length can create heel lift without solving forefoot pressure. Try the shoe with the socks and insoles you intend to use, preferably later in the day when feet may be larger.
On a slope or fitting ramp, check downhill toe clearance, heel movement, collar pressure and whether the laces can secure the midfoot without numbing the toes. If the shape remains wrong, compare a published wide last rather than forcing the regular one.
Break-in and flexibility
Jack’s test pair needed little break-in for ordinary walking, though the waterproof upper and higher collar felt more structured than a mesh trainer. Current construction includes leather/textile material, a chassis and protective toe cap, so some buyers may notice stiffness at first.
Wear new footwear on short local routes before committing to a remote or all-day hike. Increase distance only when the heel, collar and forefoot remain comfortable. “Breaking in” should not mean tolerating sharp pain, numbness or a persistent pressure point.
Exvantage Mid vs low Exvantage Waterproof
| Decision | Low Exvantage Waterproof | Exvantage Mid Waterproof |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s listed weight | 370g | 400g |
| Men’s regular price checked | £125 | £150 |
| Collar | Below the ankle | Wraps higher around the ankle |
| Movement | Less material around the ankle | More enclosed and protective feel |
| Best match | Mixed walking when low-cut freedom matters | Mixed walking when coverage matters more |
The models share the same broad ingredients: Adv.DRY, EnergyCell, Advanced Chassis, Mud Contagrip, chevron lugs and an 11mm drop. Choose the low Exvantage Waterproof for less ankle coverage and a slightly lighter build. Choose the Mid when the collar and extra protection solve a real route or weather need.
Do not use the higher cut as the only proxy for stability. A well-fitting low shoe may feel more controlled than a poorly fitting mid, and neither replaces technique or route judgement.
Can you run in the Exvantage Mid?
It is possible to jog briefly in it, but this is not a running-shoe recommendation. Salomon positions the current product for hiking, and the listed weight, higher collar and chassis are not aimed at regular running cadence.
For fast hiking or occasional run-walk use, fit may make it workable for some people. For routine trail mileage, select a current trail-running shoe for the terrain. That gives you a more relevant specification and avoids buying hiking protection for a job it was not designed to prioritise.
Durability and care
The original review did not preserve a precise mileage log, so no lifespan is claimed. Jack’s pair remained usable through the test period without a recorded early failure. Inspect the current condition instead of relying on a universal replacement number.
Clear mud from the chevron lugs, clean the upper according to Salomon’s instructions and dry the shoes naturally. Direct heat can damage adhesives and materials. Check the flex points, sole bond, heel lining, laces and membrane performance before longer routes.
Price and UK value
On 17 July 2026, Salomon UK showed the men’s reference at a £150 regular price and £105 sale price. The women’s reference showed £140 before any temporary reduction visible in search. Treat these as dated observations; sizes, colours and promotions can change quickly.
The Mid costs more than the low model and adds 30g to the current men’s listing. It is good value only when the collar and protection are useful. Zone2 has no paid placement or affiliate weighting in this guide.
Who should buy it?
- Good match: a walker wanting waterproof mid-cut footwear for mixed UK paths.
- Good match: dog walking, countryside days and wet winter use where ankle coverage is welcome.
- Good match: someone who finds a traditional boot unnecessarily rigid for ordinary day hikes.
- Possible match: fast walking and occasional run-walk use when the fit remains comfortable.
- Poor match: regular running, technical scrambling, mountaineering or deep-water crossings.
- Poor match: someone who prefers maximum breathability, minimal weight or a genuinely wide fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Salomon Exvantage Mid Waterproof actually waterproof?
Salomon lists an Adv.DRY membrane and waterproof protection. Jack’s pair kept his feet dry in the rain, wet grass and shallow puddles recorded. Water can still enter above the collar, and wear or damage can affect an individual pair.
Is the Exvantage Mid a boot or shoe?
Salomon describes it as a mid-cut hiking and backpacking shoe. It covers more of the ankle than the low Exvantage but is not presented as a rigid mountaineering boot.
How much does the Exvantage Mid weigh?
The current men’s reference is listed at 400g per shoe. The women’s page states 14oz, approximately 397g. Salomon does not name the sample size on the pages checked.
Does the Exvantage Mid prevent ankle sprains?
No footwear can make that guarantee. The higher collar adds coverage and a more enclosed feel, while terrain, fit, fatigue, load and previous injury still affect risk.
Is it true to size?
Salomon labels the current model regular width and recommends choosing the larger option only when between sizes. Test downhill toe clearance and heel hold with your intended socks.
Is the Exvantage Mid good for long walks?
It is intended for full-day or single-day hiking, depending on the reference. Jack recorded a comfortable 15-mile hike, but that personal result is not a universal distance guarantee.
Should I buy the low or Mid Exvantage?
Choose the low for less ankle coverage and lower listed weight. Choose the Mid when the higher collar and more protective feel matter more than those trade-offs. Fit-test both if possible.
Final verdict
The Exvantage Mid Waterproof is a credible middle ground for everyday UK hiking: more coverage than a low shoe, less rigidity than many traditional boots, and a current specification built around waterproofing, chassis support and mixed-terrain grip. Jack’s experience supports its comfort on ordinary winter routes and one long day, within the limits of a personal test.
Its higher collar is protection, not armour, and its hiking classification should guide the purchase. Choose it for wet day hikes and walking; choose a running shoe for regular mileage; choose a technical boot when the route and load demand one. Continue with the UK trail and fell running hub or plan your load with the trail pack finder.