Introduction: Lightweight Hiking Boots That Don’t Mess Around!
Looking for hiking boots that can handle Europe’s toughest trails without weighing down your pack? The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots in Navy might just be your new go-to! These lightweight hiking boots are built for technical off-trail adventures, offering stellar support, grip, and a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry. At €183.00, they’re a solid investment for anyone tackling the Alps, Lake District, or Black Forest in 2025. Here at EuroCamp Essentials, we’ve put these boots through the wringer—here’s why they might be the best hiking boots for Europe this year!
Why Good Hiking Boots Matter: European Trails
Europe’s trails are no joke—one minute you’re skipping through wildflowers in the Alps, the next you’re slipping on muddy slopes in the Black Forest or scrambling over rocks in the Lake District. A solid pair of hiking boots isn’t just nice to have; it’s your ticket to staying upright and comfy! You need something lightweight for long treks, grippy for sketchy terrain, and waterproof for those inevitable rain showers. The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots check all those boxes, making them a top pick for your next European adventure. Need more gear tips? Check out our Best Backpacking Gear for Europe guide!
Review: A Deep Dive into the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots
Weight and Fit
Clocking in at just 798 g (1.76 lbs) for a pair (size 11 US), these lightweight hiking boots are a dream for long hikes. They’re so light you’ll forget they’re on—until you realize your legs aren’t screaming after a 10-mile day! The fit is snug and narrow, which is great for stability on technical trails, but might feel a bit tight if you’ve got wider feet. Available in sizes 40 EU to 49 1/3 EU (UK 6 to 14), you’ve got plenty of options to find the right fit. Pro tip: size up half a size if you’re between sizes or like a roomier fit for thicker socks.
Tackling a rocky trail in the Alps with the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX—lightweight and grippy!
Material and Build
These boots are made to take on the trails with a rubber outsole (Gummi) for grip, a leather insole (Leder) for comfort, and a rubber upper with an ankle strap for added support. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps water out while letting your feet breathe—perfect for sweaty hikes! The Navy color gives them a sleek, ready-for-action vibe, whether you’re scrambling in the Alps or trudging through the Black Forest.
Comfort
These boots are comfy enough for all-day hikes, thanks to the leather insole and Ortholite sockliner that feels like a hug for your feet. Sliding them on is a breeze—the gusset opens wide, so you’re not wrestling them like a stubborn pair of skinny jeans. But here’s the catch: the tongue slips down easily because it’s not sewn in, which can let dirt sneak in if you’re not laced up tight. Oh, and the ankle cuff? It’s a bit higher than your average low-top, so it might rub if you’re rocking short socks—think of it as a gentle reminder to pack some taller ones!
Support and Stability
The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots are built for tough terrain, and they deliver! The ADV-C Chassis gives them a stiff, supportive structure—perfect for hauling a heavy pack through boulder fields. Add in the EnergyCell EVA foam midsole, and you’ve got extra cushioning for those long, grueling days. The Active Support side wings and ankle strap wrap around your foot when you lace up, making them feel like an extension of your body. They’re so stable you’ll feel like a mountain goat hopping over rocks in the Alps!
Traction
The rubber Contagrip MA outsole is a beast on all kinds of terrain—think sticky enough to smear on smooth rocks but durable enough to kick into loose dirt. The Chevron lug pattern grips like a champ when you’re charging uphill or braking on steep descents. Mud and snow? Not a big deal—the lugs are spaced out enough to avoid caking up. They’re not the best for pure rock climbing, but for scrambling in the Black Forest or Lake District, they’ll get the job done!
Testing the grippy Contagrip outsole on a muddy trail in the Lake District—no slips here!
Water Resistance
With a Gore-Tex membrane, these boots keep your feet dry through puddles and light rain—perfect for soggy European trails! The flood height is about 3.25 inches, so don’t go wading through deep streams unless you want soggy socks. There’s also a water-repellent coating on the upper to shed water, but the material tends to stay wet longer than expected, so they might feel a bit damp after a rainy hike in the Black Forest.
Ease of Use
The Quicklace system is a love-it-or-hate-it feature. It’s fast, stows away neatly, and keeps laces from tripping you up on the trail—genius! But sometimes the lace lock is a pain to release, or it might loosen on its own mid-hike, which is about as annoying as stepping in a puddle with no Gore-Tex. If the plastic lock breaks, you’re in for a tricky field repair, so maybe pack some spare laces just in case!
Durability
Here’s the trade-off for that lightweight design: durability takes a hit. The mesh, padding, and thin Quicklace cords show wear after rough use—like scrambling over rocks in the Alps. The welded seams (instead of sewn) help hold things together, but don’t expect these boots to last forever. They’re more of a “one epic season” kind of deal, so plan to replace them if you’re a hardcore hiker.
After a muddy trek in the Black Forest—lightweight but showing some wear!
Pros and Cons of the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots
Pros
- Super Lightweight: Only 798 g for a pair—your legs will thank you!
- Great Traction: Contagrip rubber outsole grips like a champ on all terrains.
- Supportive: ADV-C Chassis, Active Support wings, and ankle strap keep you stable.
- Waterproof: Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
- Sleek Design: The Navy color looks ready for any trail adventure!
Cons and Fixes
- Ankle Cuff Rubbing: The high cuff can rub with short socks. Fix: Wear taller socks or add padding.
- Quicklace Glitches: The lace lock can be tricky to release or loosen mid-hike. Fix: Pack spare laces for emergencies.
- Durability Issues: Lightweight materials wear out faster. Fix: Use for shorter trips or replace after a season.
- Narrow Fit: Might feel snug for wide feet. Fix: Size up half a size for more room.
- Material Stays Wet: Upper holds moisture longer than expected. Fix: Let them air dry fully after wet hikes.
Do You Really Need These for Your Hiking Trip?
So, do you really need the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots for your next European adventure? If you’re tackling technical trails—like off-trail boulder fields in the Alps or muddy paths in the Black Forest—these boots are a no-brainer. They’re lightweight (798 g), grippy, and supportive, so you can focus on the views instead of your aching feet. Plus, the Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry through those surprise rain showers that Europe loves to throw at you.
But if you’re just sticking to easy, flat trails or car camping, you might not need them. A cheaper pair of sneakers could do the trick—though you’ll miss out on the stability and waterproofing these boots offer. Without proper hiking boots, you might end up slipping on wet rocks or nursing blisters after a long day. So, if you’re planning a challenging hike in 2025, these boots are worth the €183.00—but if you’re just strolling through a campsite, save your cash for some extra trail snacks!
FAQ: Your Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots Questions Answered
Are these boots really lightweight for hiking in Europe?
Yes! At 798 g for a pair, they’re some of the lightest hiking boots out there—perfect for long treks in the Alps or Lake District!
How’s the traction on muddy trails like the Black Forest?
Awesome! The Contagrip rubber outsole with Chevron lugs grips well on mud, rocks, and steep slopes—though it’s not the best for pure rock climbing.
Will they keep my feet dry in rainy weather?
Definitely! The Gore-Tex membrane handles light rain and puddles (up to 3.25 inches deep)—just don’t go wading through deep streams!
Are they comfy for all-day hikes in the Alps?
Mostly! The leather insole makes them comfy for most of the day, but the high ankle cuff might rub with short socks, and the tongue can slip, letting dirt in.
How durable are they for rough terrain?
They’re lightweight, so they wear out faster than heavier boots. Expect them to last one solid season of tough hikes before needing a replacement.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots?
If you’re after the best hiking boots for Europe that can handle technical trails without weighing you down, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking Boots in Navy are a top contender. At €183.00, they’re a solid pick for spring or summer hikes in the Alps, Black Forest, or Lake District. They’re not perfect for super long-term durability, but for lightweight performance and grip on challenging terrain, these lightweight hiking boots are hard to beat. Ready to hit the trails in 2025? Grab a pair and let us know how they hold up—drop your hiking stories in the comments!
For more gear ideas, check out our Hiking Boots category, Top Hiking Boots for Europe 2025, or Top Camping Tents for 2025. Want help picking the right boots? Check out our guide on choosing hiking boots! Need more trail tips? This guide to hiking in Europe has you covered.
Happy hiking, and may your trails be epic 🌲
—Written by Tom, EuroCamp Essentials Team
