Short verdict: the Salomon X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX is a low-cut waterproof hiking shoe with an 11mm drop, Quicklace system, Advanced Chassis and All Terrain Contagrip outsole. It remains a sensible old-stock buy when the fit is right and the discount is meaningful, but it is no longer the current UK model. Most buyers starting from scratch should compare the X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX first because it has current availability, a Matryx upper and clearer after-sales support.
This is a researched review, not a wear test. Zone2 has not hiked in the X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX. The original Salomon specification was checked against archived official men’s and women’s product records; current status and successor details were checked against Salomon UK on 17 July 2026. Manufacturer grip, durability and comfort language is not presented as an independent finding.
Salomon X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX review: key facts
| Specification | Men’s X Ultra 4 GTX | Women’s X Ultra 4 GTX |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Superseded; absent from Salomon UK’s current hiking-shoe range when checked | |
| Intended use | Full-day hikes; mixed and alpine terrain | |
| Weight per shoe | 14oz, approximately 397g | 11oz, approximately 312g |
| Drop | 11mm | 11mm |
| Width label | Regular | Regular |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX membrane | |
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip rubber with chevron lugs | |
| Support construction | Advanced Chassis, SensiFit and Active Support | |
| Fastening | Quicklace with lace pocket |
Salomon does not publish lug depth or comparable laboratory traction results on the checked records. The product is waterproof hiking footwear, not an insulated winter boot and not a trail-running shoe.
Who should still consider the X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX?
Consider it if you want a low waterproof hiking shoe, already know the X Ultra 4 fits you and can buy legitimate old stock with a useful return policy. Its specification suits full-day walking on mixed paths, rougher trails and wet ground where a low collar is preferable to a boot.
Skip it if the price is close to the current X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX, if you cannot return an uncertain size, or if you need a mid-height boot. The low collar keeps weight and bulk below the ankle but cannot prevent rain, puddle water or debris entering from above.
It is also a poor choice for someone looking for a normal running shoe. Salomon classifies the X Ultra 4 as hiking and backpacking footwear. The men’s version is about 397g per shoe and uses a supportive hiking chassis; trail-inspired design language does not change its intended category.
How Zone2 assessed an older shoe
The previous Zone2 articles claimed trail testing, durability, universal fit and a $300 price without evidence. They also contradicted the official women’s weight and treated manufacturer grip claims as measured results. This rebuild uses a narrower method:
- Recover the original specification. Archived Salomon records establish the purpose, weight, drop, width, materials and construction for men’s and women’s versions.
- Check current status. The standard X Ultra 4 was absent from Salomon UK’s current hiking range; the X Ultra 5 is the current numbered successor.
- Separate specification from experience. Zone2 explains what each component is intended to do but does not invent comfort, grip or durability test results.
- Judge value as old stock. The decision depends on fit, condition, returns, warranty and the price gap to the current model—not an outdated recommended retail price.
Upper, fit and Quicklace
The X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX uses a synthetic and textile upper, gusseted tongue, protective toe cap and mudguard. SensiFit wraps from the midsole towards the lacing system, while Active Support wings are intended to hold the foot as it moves. The Quicklace cord tightens with a slider and stores in a tongue pocket.
Both standard versions are officially labelled regular width. That is the only fit conclusion that can be made from the specification. The old article’s combination of “narrow midfoot”, “spacious toe box” and universal snug-fit advice was not sourced, and foot shape can make those descriptions contradictory.
Try the shoe with the socks used for hiking. Check heel lift on an incline, pressure across the instep after tightening Quicklace, toe clearance on a descent and whether the chassis presses the outside of the foot. Release and retighten the cord rather than pulling it excessively tight to solve movement elsewhere.
The X Ultra 4 Wide GORE-TEX is a separate product, not proof that the regular version stretches to every wide foot. Keep the existing X Ultra 4 Wide guide separate when comparing old stock. The current men’s X Ultra 5 also has an official wide version.
Weight and underfoot construction
Salomon lists the men’s X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX at 14oz per shoe, approximately 397g, and the women’s at 11oz, approximately 312g. Those figures are version-specific manufacturer references, not Zone2 measurements, and the listed sample size is not stated on the retrieved records.
The midsole uses EnergyCell EVA and a moulded OrthoLite sockliner. An Advanced Chassis insert is embedded in the outsole to provide lateral support while preserving mobility. Salomon labels the cushioning soft and protective, support stable and foot protection high.
Do not turn those labels into promises of injury prevention, all-day comfort or load-carrying capacity. A low hiking shoe can feel more agile than a traditional boot while still being substantially heavier and firmer than many trail-running shoes.
Grip: what the specification does and does not prove
The outsole is All Terrain Contagrip rubber with chevron lugs. Salomon says this compound and pattern are intended for wet, dry, hard and loose surfaces, with multi-directional penetration on mud or loose ground.
That supports a mixed-terrain hiking use case. It does not establish a universal “exceptional grip” result, a wet-rock coefficient or an exact mud depth. Rubber grip changes with rock type, contamination, temperature, tread wear and foot placement. Deep mud, polished wet stone and ice deserve specific caution regardless of the product name.
Inspect old stock before relying on it: check that the tread has not hardened or worn flat, the outsole is bonded around the whole perimeter and the forefoot flexes without separation. A discounted pair that has been stored badly can be worse value than a current shoe.
Waterproofing and breathability
The X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX contains a GORE-TEX membrane, so “water-resistant” understates the construction. The membrane is intended as waterproof protection, while the gusseted tongue helps close the entry around the laces.
Water can still enter over the low collar, and a waterproof membrane cannot prevent sweat. Socks, pace, temperature and drying time affect how the shoe feels inside. The X Ultra 4 is not insulated, so waterproofing alone does not make it a winter boot or provide grip on ice.
When buying used or old stock, inspect the upper flex points and internal lining for damage. A product family’s original waterproof specification does not prove that a particular second-hand pair remains intact.
Salomon X Ultra 4 vs X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX
| Difference | X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX | Current X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX |
|---|---|---|
| UK status | Superseded / old stock | Current at £150 when checked |
| Men’s weight | 14oz, about 397g | 380g |
| Women’s weight | 11oz, about 312g | 320g |
| Drop | 11mm | 11mm |
| Upper | Synthetic and textile | Matryx textile with coated high-tenacity yarn |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX | GORE-TEX |
| Core platform | Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell, All Terrain Contagrip, Quicklace | Advanced Chassis, EnergyCell, All Terrain Contagrip, Quicklace |
The X Ultra 5 is not simply lighter for everyone. Relative to Salomon’s archived figures, the current men’s model is about 17g lighter while the women’s model is about 8g heavier. Both retain the 11mm drop. The clear material update is the Matryx upper, which Salomon describes as abrasion-resistant, light and breathable through individually coated high-tenacity yarn.
The current women’s page publishes a 33mm heel and 22mm forefoot stack. Zone2 could not verify equivalent stack figures for the archived X Ultra 4 records, so this guide does not invent a direct stack comparison.
Buy the X Ultra 5 when the price gap is small, you want current sizing and returns, or you prefer the newer upper. Buy the X Ultra 4 only when its familiar fit or a genuine discount outweighs the uncertainty of old stock. Review the current men’s X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX and women’s X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX specifications before deciding.
X Ultra 4 low vs Mid
The low X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX uses Quicklace and finishes below the ankle. The X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX is a separate boot with a higher collar, traditional laces and a different upper specification. Salomon’s archived men’s Mid record lists 15oz per shoe, compared with 14oz for the low.
Choose low for less bulk and easier ankle movement on ordinary full-day paths. Choose Mid when a higher collar better matches the route, debris, weather and personal preference. Do not claim the Mid prevents ankle injuries; collar height alone does not prove that outcome.
Old-stock buying checklist
- Identity: match the exact name, article reference, gender version and width. X Ultra 4, Wide and Mid are different products.
- Return terms: preserve enough time to test both shoes indoors with hiking socks and on an incline.
- Upper: inspect flex points, welded overlays, collar lining and the gusseted tongue for damage or brittle material.
- Quicklace: check the cord, slider and tongue pocket. Replacement parts may add cost.
- Outsole: look for hardened rubber, worn lugs or separation around the edge.
- Waterproof expectation: do not assume an old or used pair retains its original membrane integrity.
- Price: compare the final delivered cost with the current X Ultra 5, not with an invented $300 benchmark.
Cleaning and care
GORE-TEX advises removing the laces and, where possible, the insole; shaking out debris; brushing away loose dirt; and cleaning with lukewarm water plus a small amount of liquid detergent. Do not use bleach or a washing machine. Dry naturally at moderate temperature and avoid direct heat.
When water no longer beads from the outer, GORE-TEX recommends a water-based pump-spray DWR restorative. It warns against waterproofing waxes or greases because they can affect breathability. Follow Salomon’s shoe-specific instructions where they differ.
Alternatives in the current Salomon range
The X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX is the direct numbered successor. The X Ultra 360 GORE-TEX is another current low hiking option and should remain a separate review because its platform and product intent are distinct.
For a more everyday waterproof hiking shoe, compare the tested Salomon Exvantage Waterproof. If you want a higher collar, the Exvantage Mid Waterproof review explains the low-versus-Mid decision with explicit test limits.
For running rather than hiking, start again with a product classified for trail running. The UK trail and fell running hub separates route, kit and shoe decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Salomon X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX waterproof?
It contains a GORE-TEX membrane and is specified as waterproof hiking footwear. Water can still enter over the low collar, and damage or age can affect an individual pair.
How much does the X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX weigh?
Salomon’s archived records list 14oz per men’s shoe, approximately 397g, and 11oz per women’s shoe, approximately 312g. The retrieved records do not state the sample size, so compare those figures as manufacturer references rather than universal weights.
Does the X Ultra 4 run narrow?
Salomon labels the standard men’s and women’s versions regular width. Fit is individual, and a separate Wide model exists. Try the exact version rather than relying on a blanket narrow or wide claim.
Is the X Ultra 4 good for winter?
It offers waterproof hiking construction but no insulation claim. It can suit wet cold-weather walks with appropriate socks and conditions, but it is not an ice-grip product or insulated winter boot.
Can you run in the X Ultra 4?
It is hiking footwear, not a trail-running shoe. Salomon describes trail-inspired agility, but the supportive construction and roughly 397g men’s weight point to hiking as the intended use.
Should I buy X Ultra 4 or X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX?
Choose the current X Ultra 5 for easier UK availability, current returns and its Matryx upper. Choose X Ultra 4 only if you know the fit and old stock is meaningfully cheaper, in good condition and returnable.
Zone2 verdict
The X Ultra 4 GORE-TEX has a coherent technical-hiking specification: GORE-TEX, Advanced Chassis, All Terrain Contagrip, Quicklace and an 11mm drop. That makes it worth considering as correctly priced old stock, not a current universal best buy.
The X Ultra 5 is the safer starting point for a new purchase. Whichever version you choose, verify the exact gender, width and height, test the fit indoors and judge the actual pair rather than relying on unsupported promises about perfect grip, durability or comfort.