Both models come with an advanced chassis design and provide good lateral support and great cushioning, but the Quest 4 is a better choice if you are adventuring out in bad weather or on a difficult trail.

This hiking boot has a mid-cut design that provides extra support and protection to the ankles, which is crucial when navigating rough terrain. Added to our best hiking boots for beginners guide, these hiking shoes from Salomon are a good choice for non-technical terrain with rougher portions they can handle well. Their Sensifit system with the comfortable Ortholite insole ensures a proper fit and prevents blisters during day hikes. One of the most valuable features of these boots is the Contagrip TD outsole as it combines a deep, aggressive lug pattern with a durable compound for maximum grip and traction on mixed terrain This can be especially noticeable in hot and humid weather conditions or during high-intensity activities. Those with wider feet might find the toe box restrictive (although Salomon sells the X Ultra 3 Mid in wide sizes).This product is a waterproof boot that uses a Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry in snowy or rainy weather. In cold weather, however, the waterproof membrane can be quite reliable in keeping your feet warm and dry. 5. Weight Shaving weight often comes at the sacrifice of on-trail comfort, but that’s not the case with the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. The Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route was an ideal testing ground, starting with an unrelenting descent of over 4,500 feet. By the end of our first 9-mile day, I had only experienced light soreness, and I wasn’t immediately wanting to remove the boots when we finally got to camp, which is very high praise for a new pair of hiking footwear. In addition, there was very little break-in required. The X Ultra 3 felt far less stiff than Salomon’s own Quest 4 out of the box, although I did wear it on a few day hikes before heading into the Canyon. And the rest of the boot’s testing has gone just as smoothly: I haven’t dealt with any hotspots or notable discomfort throughout a year of use.

The boots are well made. The construction is superb, designed to excel in various conditions and environments; the materials are of high quality and have proved durable to survive strenuous hikes and rugged terrain for nearly 1.5 years. We’ve had no durability issues so far which doesn’t mean that there won’t be any in the near future. However, the X Ultra 3 Mid GTX have all the components for long-term durability. To build more lightweight boots, Salomon gave up leather for this model, replacing it with synthetic materials, which also dry faster. The stitching is strong though, and we also expect the GTX lining to preserve the waterproofing for a long time. 2. Traction At about 2 pounds per pair, these hiking shoes go easy on your feet. They are built with lighter materials than traditional leather hiking boots but are still not as light as a trail runner pair. While waterproof as well, it doesn’t feature the GTX membrane, so its waterproofing is considered less reliable.Provide great breathability for waterproof boots. It’s one of the main reasons why these can be worn in much higher temps than most similar hiking boots models and without it causing major discomfort. Don’t be surprised if the recommended size for your feet runs narrow. This is what we found out ourselves and what many others realize once they put on the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. What’s more, the lovers of shoes with ample toe box might be disappointed – the toe box of the ‘regular’ is narrower and more restrictive than the average width. The toe box of the ‘wide’ is more spacious and fits better for someone with average-width feet. One thing I noticed about the waterproofing is that you must make sure the boots are properly laced and tightened. If the boots are too loose, water can seep in from the top, and it will take a lot of time to get the boots dry again. 7. Support These Gore-Tex boots also feature a protective toe cap and mudguard, which add an extra layer of protection against water and help you shed mud before it gets the uppers wet. Easy to clean and maintain in good condition. Proper care is an absolute must if you wish to extend the life of a pair of hiking boots.

The Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof is a more stable hiking boot than the X Ultra 3 GTX. It has a stronger construction and can withstand rough terrain better.Both boot models are waterproof, but the Targhee III Mid Waterproof uses the patented Keen.Dry system. While the GTX is more popular, we noticed no important differences regarding the water resistance level. The Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX have been worn during numerous hiking trips since February 2021 (over the course of almost two years) and we can say that they’re extremely efficient over a variety of terrain and conditions without compromising on comfort. Lighter than most traditional hiking boots and provided with good cushioning, the X Ultra 3 offers good performance on a long hike. Plus, these boots resemble trail runners, so they are not overly stiff and need no break in period. Where Does It Fall Short in Performance? Once wet/soaked, they take a lot of time to dry out (this in part is due to the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane). Still, it doesn’t take as much as some other similar models utilizing Gore-Tex.