Salomon Winter Footwear – Outline Mid GTX and X Ultra Mid 2 Spikes GTX Hiking Shoes Review
Built for navigating through packed snow, wet slush and slick ice spots, Salomon’s latest men’s shoe line combines everything you need for winter: Comfort, traction, and breathability. With non and carbide tipped spike options, Salmon’s Outline Mid GTX and X Ultra Mid 2 Spikes GTX shoes make getting a grip on the treacherous path ahead an effortless process.
When it comes to the Salomon brand, I’ve been sporting a pair of their ski boots ever since I first joined my high school’s ski team. Over the years, that first pair of boots has refused to quit on me.
After seeing their booth at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market and having a great experience with Salomon gear in the past, I knew I had to give their winter shoes a try on. With a pair of the men’s X Ultra Mid 2 Spikes GTX on my feet and later the Outline Mid GTX, I headed out for the trails in the frigid temps.
Below, you’ll find my review of the two men’s hiking shoes, alongside my impressions of how both faired through the unforgiving winter elements.
Quick Highlights:
Men’s Outline Mid GTX Hiking Shoes
- Available in navy/grey and black/olive green color options.
- Slim, athletic style
- Sneaker-like comfort
- Mid height
- 420-gram weight
- 10mm Midsole toe height
- 19mm midsole heel height
- Textile MCL inlay sole, upper and lining
- Non-marking Contagrip rubber outsole
- Injected EVA midsole
- Protective synethic toe cap
- OrthoLite and DieCut Ortholite sockliner
- Heel strap, precise forefoot fit and tradition lace
- GORE-TEX waterproof bootie lining construction
- Heel foam with welded sensifit upper
- Gusseted tongue
Men’s X Ultra Mid 2 Spikes GTX Winter Hiking Shoes
- Breathable and waterproof full GORE-TEX bootie
- 9 Carbide tipped spikes built into sole lugs
- Sensifit with quicklace and heel strap
- 510-gram weight
- 8mm midsole toe height
- 19mm midsole heel height
- Textile inlay sole
- Non-marking Winter Contagrip rubber outsole
- Waterproof PU coated Leather and water resistant textile upper
- Injected EVA and molded shank midsole
- Protective heel cap, rubber toe cap and mud guard
- EVA shaped footbed with OrthoLite sockliner
- Mid height
- Heel foam upper construction
- Gusseted tongue
- Salomon lightweight advanced chassis
Navy/Grey Men’s Salomon Outline Mid GTX Hiking Shoe Review
When I first saw the Salmon Outline Mid GTX men’s hiking shoes, the sole caught my eye. With an aggressive lug pattern, I knew these were going to be super grippy on and off the trail.
As I leaped from rock to rock and moved across snow, ice, and dirt, my feet felt glued to the ground with plenty of confidence. Not surprisingly, the Salomon contragrip rubber outsole works wonders; even in the colder temperatures.
Beyond traction, the 420-gram weight of these hiking shoes gave them a perfect lightweight feel. Factor in the GORE-TEX waterproof bootie lining construction, heel foam with welded sensifit upper and Ortholite sockliner, and you’ve got plenty of comfort without all the added bulk or weight.
Concerning fit, I’d easily compare the Outline Mid GTX hiking shoe to a sneaker when it comes to snug-fitting, supportive comfort. For days when I want to run up and down the trails regardless of the outdoor conditions, these are the perfect option in my closet.
Black Men’s Salomon X Ultra Mid 2 Spikes GTX Winter Hiking Shoe Review
If the Outline Mid GTX doesn’t offer a high enough level of winter performance for you, then surely the men’s X Ultra Mid 2 Spikes GTX will. After sliding around on a solid ice block with carbide tipped spikes on at OR, I knew how well these worked first hand.
However, Salomon’s approach was different; instead of having to strap on spikes, they managed to integrate 9 of them into the shoe itself. In my opinion, this is incredibly convenient!
During my field test, I concluded that these things are in there rock-solid. From jumps to rocks to landing on solid ice, the built-in sole lug spikes can take a severe beating and still look near new. Of course, the non-marking Winter Contragrip rubber outsole offers plenty of base traction too.
At 510-grams, these men’s hiking boots are surprisingly lightweight for what you get. With every pair you’ll find a breathable and waterproof GORE-TEX bootie, protective heel cap, rubber top cap, and mudguard, EVA shaped footbed with OrthoLite sockliner, water-resistant textile upper, and waterproof PU coated leather. All of which is built on the unique Salomon lightweight advanced chassis.
For comfort, it’s delightful, and I’d closely compare it to a really well-fitting running shoe. With the mid-height profile the X Ultra Mid 2 Spikes GTX hiking shoe offers plenty of foot protection while keeping all the slush and snow out.
When it comes to hiking confidence in the winter, these Salomon men’s boots are a great pick. They remind a lot of my old ski boots, with great functionality, charming comfort and pleasing quality all present.
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