Short verdict: the Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX makes most sense as a weatherproof everyday shoe with genuine trail-derived components, not as our default recommendation for a current trail-running rotation. Salomon now lists it as a unisex Sportstyle sneaker and describes it as an icon “reinvented for the city”. That positioning matters: the waterproof upper, stable chassis and grippy outsole are useful in a wet UK winter, but the 357g listed weight is substantial if your main aim is regular running.
This is a specification-based guide, not a wear test. We have checked the current Salomon UK product listing, removed unsupported claims from the old Zone2 article and marked our interpretation as such.
Zone2 verdict
Buy it for: wet-weather everyday wear, commuting, travel and walking where you value a secure upper, easy Quicklace adjustment and a trail-influenced outsole.
Think twice for: a high-mileage road shoe, a lightweight trail racer or a dedicated fell-running shoe. The XT-6 has trail heritage and capable components, but the current GORE-TEX version is sold in Salomon’s Sportstyle range. Runners should choose by the job the shoe does now, not only by the story behind its name.
Main trade-off: weather protection and structure versus weight and ventilation. A waterproof, closed-mesh upper is appealing when pavements and paths are wet; it is less appealing when the weather is mild or your feet run hot.
Verified Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX specifications
| Item | Current manufacturer information | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Unisex Sportstyle sneaker | It is currently positioned for everyday use rather than as a new performance running model. |
| Weight | 357g per unit | Heavy beside many modern running shoes; the manufacturer does not state the reference size on the page checked. |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm | A conventional higher-drop geometry, although drop alone does not determine comfort or suitability. |
| Membrane | GORE-TEX | Designed to prevent external water passing through the upper material. |
| Upper | Synthetic/textile, closed mesh, SensiFit and protective toe cap | A structured, close-wrapping build with added protection from debris. |
| Lacing | Quicklace with lace pocket | Fast one-pull adjustment and somewhere to stow the lace. |
| Chassis | Agile Chassis System with EnergyCell midsole | Salomon’s design combines structure and cushioning underfoot. |
| Outsole | Rubber Mud Contagrip | A trail-derived rubber and lug design intended for loose and uneven surfaces. |
Specifications can vary between colour references or later revisions. Check the exact product code and size on Salomon’s page before buying.
Waterproofing in British weather
Salomon says the GORE-TEX membrane is PFC-free and intended to protect in wet winter conditions. The brand also pairs it with closed mesh and a coated Quicklace to increase coverage. Those are verified construction details; they are not proof that a particular pair will keep every foot dry for a set number of hours.
In practical terms, a waterproof upper is most useful for rain, wet grass and shallow standing water below the collar. Water can still enter through the opening at the ankle, and a more sealed upper normally gives heat and moisture fewer routes to escape. That makes the XT-6 GTX a more logical autumn-to-spring choice than a warm-weather one.
If your normal routes are dry or you mainly wear the shoe indoors, the membrane may add a trade-off without solving a real problem. Choose the GORE-TEX version because you need weather protection, not simply because the label sounds more technical.
Fit and fastening
The XT-6 uses SensiFit, which Salomon says cradles the foot from the midsole to the lacing system. Together with Quicklace, that points to a secure, adjustable hold rather than a relaxed slip-on feel. It does not tell us how the shoe will fit every foot.
Salomon does not identify a wide-fit option on the product listing we checked. If you have a broad forefoot, need orthotics or sit between sizes, try the shoe with the socks you intend to wear and use a retailer with a clear return policy. Do not rely on an old review’s sizing claim when the last, colourway and your foot shape can change the outcome.
Is the XT-6 GORE-TEX good for running?
It can physically be run in, and several components come from trail-running design. That is different from saying it is the best current tool for regular training. Salomon’s own UK page places this edition under Sportstyle, calls it a sneaker and emphasises city use. At a listed 357g per shoe, it also carries more weight than many purpose-built daily trainers and modern trail shoes.
For occasional short runs within a travel or walking trip, the secure upper and Contagrip outsole may be useful. For weekly mileage, long runs or technical fell routes, start with a current performance model designed and fitted for that purpose. Zone2’s shoe matcher ranks current options by terrain, cushioning, guidance and wet-weather needs without pretending that one shoe suits everyone.
Road, trail and everyday use
Road and pavement
The outsole is more rugged than a conventional road sole and the shoe is heavy for faster running. Its case on pavement is weather protection and durability-inspired construction, not an especially light or lively ride.
Canal paths and easy trails
This is the most credible crossover use. The rubber outsole, protective toe cap and closed upper all suit mixed surfaces. We still would not turn those specifications into a grip score without testing the shoe on the exact wet stone, mud or gravel in question.
Technical UK trails and fell running
Choose a current performance trail shoe with an outsole, fit and cushioning package matched to your terrain. “Mud Contagrip” is meaningful, but a product’s full geometry, lug layout, lockdown and intended category matter together. The XT-6 GTX’s current Sportstyle positioning makes it a less direct choice than Salomon’s active trail-running range.
Who should buy it?
- Good match: someone wanting one distinctive, structured shoe for wet commutes, city walking and occasional easy paths.
- Possible match: a traveller who values a waterproof upper and trail-derived grip more than low weight.
- Poor match: a runner choosing a primary daily trainer, speed shoe or lightweight racer.
- Poor match: anyone who dislikes warm, close-fitting waterproof uppers or needs a confirmed wide fit.
Price and availability in the UK
Salomon UK listed the colour reference checked at £185 on 17 July 2026. Prices, colourways and stock can change, so treat that as a dated observation rather than a permanent deal. Zone2 has no paid placement or affiliate link in this guide. Compare the exact product reference, returns policy and total delivered price before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX waterproof?
It has a GORE-TEX membrane and Salomon sells it for waterproof winter protection. That does not seal the ankle opening, and Zone2 has not run an immersion or wear test on this model.
What is the XT-6 GORE-TEX drop and weight?
Salomon’s UK listing states a 10mm drop and 357g weight per unit. The page does not state the reference size for that weight, so use it as a manufacturer comparison point rather than a guarantee for every size.
Is it a trail-running shoe or a lifestyle shoe?
Both descriptions explain part of the product, but the current answer is clearest: it has trail-running heritage and trail-derived components, while Salomon presently sells this GORE-TEX edition as a Sportstyle sneaker reinvented for city use.
Can you hike in the XT-6 GORE-TEX?
Its weatherproof upper, protective toe cap and grippy outsole make it a plausible option for easy paths and light walking. For long, remote or technical hikes, choose footwear after considering fit, load, terrain and ankle preference; this article is not evidence of a hike test.