Short verdict: the low-cut Salomon Exvantage Waterproof is a comfortable, protective hiking shoe for mixed UK paths, wet grass and everyday walking. Jack’s pair kept his feet dry during the damp autumn and winter outings recorded in the original review, while its secure fit and cushioned feel worked well over road-to-trail routes. It is heavier and more hiking-focused than a running shoe, and the low collar cannot stop water entering from above.
This is a mixed-method review. Zone2 has retained Jack’s first-hand notes from several months in an Exvantage Waterproof pair, then checked the current men’s and women’s product references against Salomon UK. The current specification is not presented as a measurement of the older test pair, and a successful waterproofing experience with one pair is not a guarantee for every shoe.
Zone2 verdict
Buy it for: day hikes, countryside walks, wet commutes, dog walking and mixed paths where a low-cut waterproof hiking shoe is more useful than a boot.
Think twice for: regular running, hot summer conditions, deep crossings, highly technical mountain terrain or anyone who wants a light and flexible trail-running shoe.
Main trade-off: the waterproof upper, Advanced Chassis and protective construction bring reassurance on ordinary hikes, but the current men’s reference weighs 370g per shoe and feels more substantial than a normal road trainer.
Is the Exvantage a running shoe or hiking shoe?
Salomon currently categorises the Exvantage Waterproof as a hiking and backpacking shoe, intended for full-day hikes on mixed terrain. That corrects the old Zone2 introduction, which treated it primarily as a winter running shoe.
You can jog briefly in almost any secure shoe, and Jack’s mixed-use notes include running. That does not make the Exvantage the best tool for regular mileage. Its 11mm drop, chassis, protective upper and 370g listed men’s weight are aimed at walking support and underfoot protection rather than fast turnover. For routine trail training, use the running shoe matcher to compare models designed for running.
Current Salomon Exvantage Waterproof specifications
The figures below apply to the current UK product references checked on 17 July 2026. Salomon does not identify the sample size used for each weight, and specifications can differ between men’s and women’s versions.
| Feature | Men’s reference L47520600 | Women’s reference L47520800 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Hiking and backpacking shoe | Hiking and backpacking shoe |
| Best use | Full-day hikes; mixed terrain | Full-day hikes; mixed terrain |
| Listed weight | 370g per shoe | 331g per shoe |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 11mm | 11mm |
| Stack | 32mm heel / 21mm forefoot | 32mm heel / 21mm forefoot |
| Width | Regular | Regular |
| Height | Low | Low |
| 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 with protective toe cap and SensiFit | Leather/textile with protective toe cap and SensiFit |
| Laces | Regular laces | Regular laces |
Salomon’s current men’s Exvantage Waterproof page provides the detailed men’s specification. The women’s Exvantage Waterproof page lists the lighter women’s reference. Check the exact product code rather than assuming one weight or colour applies to every version.
How Zone2 tested the low-cut Exvantage
Jack used his pair through autumn and winter on the kind of mixed terrain common in Britain: wet pavements, park paths, packed earth, gravel, damp grass and puddled sections. The notes cover several months rather than one staged walk. Some outings included easy running, though this was not a structured running-shoe test.
The waterproof observation came from ordinary use. During steady rain and damp trail outings lasting up to about 90 minutes, the tested pair kept Jack’s socks dry. Shallow puddles and wet grass did not cause a recorded leak. Water entering over the low collar remained the obvious limit.
There was no hydrostatic-pressure test, controlled immersion, measured breathability score or laboratory grip assessment. The review therefore distinguishes what happened to one pair from Salomon’s product specification and from advice that can be applied generally.
Waterproofing in British weather
Salomon lists an Adv.DRY membrane and describes the current shoe as having waterproof protection. Jack’s experience was consistent with that purpose during the test period. Rain, wet vegetation and shallow standing water were the conditions it handled best.
“Waterproof” does not mean submersible. Step into water above the tongue or collar and it can run inside. A membrane can also be affected by abrasion, contamination, flexing, damaged seams and poor maintenance. Keep the upper clean, follow Salomon’s care instructions and treat a developing leak as a product condition to investigate rather than normal performance.
The trade-off was warmth. Jack found the waterproof upper noticeably hotter than open mesh in milder conditions. That makes the Exvantage more convincing for cool, wet months than warm summer walks. Sock thickness and pace also affect how damp a foot feels; internal moisture is not always water passing through the membrane.
Grip and terrain
The current shoe uses Mud Contagrip and chevron lugs. Salomon positions that combination for loose, soft, rugged and uneven surfaces, with multi-directional grip. Jack found his pair dependable on wet pavements, packed trails and gravel. It felt more secure than a normal road shoe when the route moved onto damp paths.
The original review said the outsole lacked the depth for serious mud. That was a subjective observation, not a measured lug comparison, and the current manufacturer specification explicitly uses a mud-focused outsole. The useful conclusion is narrower: the tested pair suited ordinary mixed paths, but Zone2 did not assess it against dedicated fell shoes in deep clay, bog or steep race conditions.
Contagrip branding cannot guarantee traction on every surface. Polished stone, wet timber, ice, algae and worn rubber can still be slippery. Shorten your stride, keep the tread clear and use route-appropriate footwear when a slip would have serious consequences.
Cushioning, chassis and underfoot feel
The current Exvantage combines an EnergyCell midsole, moulded OrthoLite sockliner and Advanced Chassis. Salomon says the chassis is a moulded insert intended to provide lateral support and protection while retaining mobility. Jack described the tested pair as moderately cushioned and secure through the heel and midfoot.
That combination worked for mixed walking and easy outings, but did not feel like a soft modern road-running shoe. The old article compared it with the HOKA Clifton and imposed a ten-mile comfort limit. Those statements have been removed: the shoes serve different categories, and one outing cannot define a universal distance threshold.
The current men’s 370g listing confirms that this is substantial low footwear rather than a lightweight trainer. The 11mm drop creates a 32mm heel and 21mm forefoot stack. Geometry alone cannot predict comfort, stability or injury risk; fit and the way you move in the shoe matter more than one number.
Fit and sizing
Jack’s test pair felt snug and secure through the midfoot with good heel hold. Salomon labels the current model regular width and uses SensiFit to wrap the foot from the midsole towards the laces. The men’s and women’s UK pages advise choosing the larger size only when you fall between two sizes.
That is more precise than the old “typical narrow Salomon fit” shorthand. Start with your measured size, follow the between-size instruction when relevant and try the shoe with hiking socks. Check downhill toe clearance, heel lift, pressure over the instep and whether the forefoot can spread without touching the sides.
Sizing up is not a reliable fix for a shape mismatch. Extra length can create heel movement while leaving the same pressure point. If the regular-width last does not suit you, compare a genuine wide option instead.
Durability and care
The original article claimed several hundred miles without premature wear, but no mileage log or wear photographs were preserved. The refreshed verdict is limited to what the record supports: Jack’s pair remained usable throughout the several-month test period without a noted early failure.
Inspect the outsole for worn lugs, the upper for creasing or abrasion, the heel lining for damage and the membrane for leaks. Remove loose mud with a soft brush, clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions and dry naturally away from direct heat. A radiator can damage adhesives and materials.
Low Exvantage or Exvantage Mid?
The low shoe is the better match when you value easier ankle movement, a lower collar and slightly less weight. The Exvantage Mid Waterproof extends the upper around the ankle for more coverage and protection. The current men’s Mid is listed at 400g, versus 370g for the low.
The higher collar may reduce the chance of shallow splashes entering from above, but it does not make the boot suitable for wading. Nor should ankle height be treated as proof that sprains cannot happen. Choose from fit, terrain, weather, load and how much movement you want around the ankle.
Price and UK value
Salomon UK showed a £125 regular price and an £87.50 sale price for the men’s reference when checked on 17 July 2026. Prices, stock and promotions change, so use the regular figure for comparison and verify today’s listing.
Value comes from getting the right category and fit, not the size of the discount. A walker using the waterproofing and chassis regularly may get more value than a runner buying it as a compromise training shoe. Zone2 has no paid placement or affiliate weighting in this guide.
Who should buy it?
- Good match: walkers using mixed countryside paths in cool or wet conditions.
- Good match: commuters, dog walkers and travellers wanting one protective low-cut shoe.
- Good match: someone who dislikes a boot collar but still wants a waterproof membrane and hiking outsole.
- Possible match: occasional short run-walk use where walking remains the main purpose.
- Poor match: regular road or trail running, speed sessions or race-day use.
- Poor match: deep water, hot-weather priority or technical mountaineering.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Salomon Exvantage Waterproof actually waterproof?
Salomon specifies an Adv.DRY membrane and waterproof protection. Jack’s pair kept his feet dry during the wet outings recorded, including steady rain and shallow puddles. Water can still enter over the low collar, and individual products can wear or fail.
Can you run in the Salomon Exvantage?
You can use it for occasional easy run-walk outings, as Jack did, but Salomon categorises it for hiking and full-day routes. A dedicated running shoe is a better starting point for regular mileage.
How much does the Exvantage Waterproof weigh?
Salomon lists 370g per shoe for the current men’s reference and 331g for the women’s reference. Sample sizes are not stated, so your pair’s weight will vary with size.
What is the Exvantage heel-to-toe drop?
The current low-cut shoe has an 11mm drop, with a 32mm heel and 21mm forefoot stack.
Is the Exvantage good for mud?
It uses Mud Contagrip and chevron lugs, and Jack found it secure on ordinary damp mixed paths. Zone2 has not compared it with specialist fell shoes in deep bog or heavy clay.
Is the Exvantage true to size?
Salomon labels it regular width and recommends the larger size if you are between sizes. Jack’s pair matched his normal Salomon size, but a loaded downhill try-on is more useful than a universal sizing claim.
Final verdict
The Salomon Exvantage Waterproof makes most sense when it is judged as Salomon intends: a low-cut, waterproof hiking shoe for full-day mixed-terrain use. Jack’s experience supports its comfort, weather protection and ordinary-path grip, while the current specification adds a clear 11mm drop, protective chassis and Mud Contagrip outsole.
It is not a hidden road-to-trail running bargain. Choose it for walking protection without a boot collar; choose the Mid for more ankle coverage; choose a current performance shoe when running is the main job. Continue with the UK trail and fell running hub or compare carrying options in the trail pack finder.