Ladies’s Salomon X Extremely 4 Low Assessment

Bottom Line

We fell in love with the Salomon X Ultra 4 Low hiking shoes during testing. These shoes provide light to moderate support that hugs the contours of your foot without feeling tight or restricting. The ankles and tongue have extra padding for additional comfort. The traction is unparalleled and we felt confident on steep uphills and downhills, as well as rock hopping across creeks. 

While the materials of the Salomons don’t feel quite as robust as the leather uppers on some of our other favorite women’s hiking shoe picks, they still feel durable enough to handle the wear and tear of the trail for several seasons of use. Although these shoes are not waterproof, they impressed us with their weather resistance when rock hopping along a creek.

With their lightweight materials and streamlined look, we also love how the shoes required no break-in time and immediately felt like a natural fit.

How We Tested

We hiked in Sonoma Valley, California over miles and miles of uneven, steep terrain which at times required the use of a handline. We took them through water crossings and trekked through both dry rocky terrain and over slick, wet surfaces.

Comfort

These shoes are undeniably comfortable. They require no break-in time, offer the perfect balance of weight and support, and include extra padding around the ankle and tongue. Even after miles of hiking on varied and uneven terrain, we didn’t have any soreness, hotspots, or aching arches. However, the Salomons do tend to run large and we had to size down a full shoe size to get the right fit.

This pair feels nimble and athletic with a design that hugs the midsole to provide a customized fit around your foot. Their molded insert provides extra lateral support, mobility, and flexibility to adapt to the terrain. Further, the textile lining provides unparalleled breathability to allow sweat to evaporate. 

Compared to other shoes in our lineup, the Salomons did not feel stiff right out of the box. While they have a firmer cushion, they are still very responsible and provide more energy return with each step.

While the quick-lace system can appear a bit clunky, we actually enjoyed its simplicity and security – it never loosened on the trail and we appreciate the top pocket to tuck away the laces. This one-pull tightening method provided a snug fit that kept her feet from sliding around in the shoe.

Traction

Boasting Contragrip chevron lugs, the X Ultra 4 Lows are prepared to handle a wide variety of terrain from wet and dry to hard and loose surfaces. From testing these shoes in the field, we can confirm that the Salomon’s traction is highly competitive and dependable. 

When rock hopping, hiking down steep slopes, or scrambling uphill, we never felt unstable. They feel nimble and lightweight and offer precision on technical terrain so they are an excellent shoe for alpine environments. 

Weight

The X Ultra 4 Lows are one of the lighter options in our lineup. These shoes are lightweight, making you feel agile on any type of terrain. They are excellent for those looking to shed ounces on trail.

However, the lighter weight is a bit of a trade-off with durability; while the Salomons are still a high-quality hiking shoe, they do not rank as high in this metric as other shoes in our lineup with thicker, more robust uppers. 

Durability

Compared to many other shoe models on the market, the X Ultra 4 Lows are well-made, reliable, long-lasting, and won’t disappoint the daily hiker. However, if you are planning on intense bushwacking or carrying heavy loads while backpacking, you may want a burlier shoe.

Salomon includes an anti-debris mesh feature to help prevent debris from getting trapped inside the shoes while hiking. They also designed them with a protective mudguard that wraps around the circumference of the shoe.

Weather Resistance

Although we tested the Salomon X Ultra 4s in their non-GORE-TEX model, we were pleasantly surprised by their water resistance and ability to withstand moisture even without waterproofing. When hopping across creeks, our feet stayed dry and comfortable.

When holding the shoe under a stream of water for almost 30 seconds, the shoes repelled the moisture and only left our socks slightly damp from the water that snuck in over the ankle. Luckily, the Salomons are incredibly fast-drying.

We also appreciate their top-notch breathability. The material allows air to flow in and out, limiting hotspots from overheated feet. During testing, our feet stayed at a comfortable temperature even when hiking hard uphill.

Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 4 Low?

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Low is an excellent pick for those who prioritize light weight, comfort, traction, and breathability in their footwear. It excels on technical terrain with its nimble feel and snug, secure fit. We like it as a daily hiker for all types of terrain. However, if you’re planning on intense backpacking expeditions while carrying heavy loads, these shoes may not provide the support you need. Ultralight backpackers can still appreciate these shoes for their low weight and agility.

What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If there are things you like about these shoes but aren’t totally sold, there are other similar options to consider from our guide to the best women’s hiking shoes:

La Sportiva Spire GTX Review: The La Sportiva Spire GTX is an excellent option if you are looking for a shoe with a similar shape and firm cushioning as the Salomon X Ultra 4 Low. The La Sportivas come at a higher price point, yet also come with increased durability and waterproofing (that is also highly breathable). However, these shoes are much stiffer, require more of a break-in time and lack the same ground feel as the Salomons. 

Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: The Sauconys weigh a bit less than the Salomons and are an excellent crossover option for those hikers who also love to trail run or go fastpacking in the mountains. However, they are not as suitable to folks with wider feet, while the Salomons can better accommodate a wider range of foot shapes.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review: The Speedgoat 6 is another shoe that can be used for both hiking or trail running, while the Salomon X Ultra 4 lows are not designed for this purpose. It is significantly wider than the Salomons and not as comfortable around the ankles due to a higher cut and lack of padding.