3 Best Salomon Hiking Boots in 2026
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If the best hiking boots are what you demand, we give you our tried-and-tested top picks from a brand that needs no introduction—Salomon.
The kicks that await you here are the crème de la crème under Salomon’s fantastic roster of magnificent boots. We know this for sure because we realized this ourselves during our long and excruciating process of testing. Whether you’re looking for a pair that can give you a burst of speed both on and off the trail, or you require something quite well-rounded, we set up this corner for you.
How we test Salomon hiking boots
Here at RunRepeat, we do our best to deliver honest and professionally written reviews. Our means to that end are as follows:
- We buy Salomon hiking boots with our funds. This ensures our reviews come out as unbiased as possible.
- We put every model to the test, taking a closer look at each one’s level of comfort, setting-specific performance, and longevity, among other parameters. To achieve this, we take these boots to our actual hikes, exposing them to different environments and conditions.
- We tear the shoes into pieces and we measure all 30+ of their properties. This includes durability which we gauge by applying abrasive force to the upper, outsole, and sock liner using our Dremel tool. We even insert attachments like a wire brush or a steel hole saw to see how the shoe holds.
Best Salomon hiking boots overall
What makes it the best?
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX offers a grounded and natural experience through its low profile, high flexibility, and light build. We felt in control during our treks, especially since our lab shows the boot features the reliable Contagrip outsole. Undeniably, it’s our best Salomon hiking boot in our roster.
We found it easy to adapt to various surfaces since the boot offers a trail-connected sensation. Our caliper shows a below-average stack of 32.5/19.8 mm, offering enough underfoot protection without losing our sense of the ground.
Because of its minimal cushion, the boot weighs 17.7% lighter than average at 15.4 oz (437g). The slimmer foam also results in a more malleable forefoot, proven by its 34.3% higher flexibility score than average in our bend test. At this rate, it’s easier to maneuver through mixed terrain and climb rocky paths because the boot flows with our foot movement.
Underfoot, we confirmed the Contagrip’s reliable traction with a solid 0.48 score in our wet-condition test. With moderate 3.5 mm lugs, we could handle mixed terrain effortlessly. However, we don’t recommend using this boot for deep mud because this type of surface requires deeper and toothier lugs.
Pros
- Stable and grounded platform
- Flexible forefoot adds maneuverability
- Great grip on wet terrain and rocks
- Surefooted on mixed and hilly trails
- Much lighter than average
- Excellent Gore-Tex waterproofing
- Tough and durable upper
- Good insulation
Cons
- Limited cushioning and shock absorption
- Not for deep mud
- Not very breathable
Best Salomon hiking boots for backpacking
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fantastic stability for technical terrain
- Excellent grip on various surfaces
- Flexible forefoot for a backpacking boot
- Highly secure lockdown and containment
- Durable materials and construction
- Stays warm in cold weather
- Effective waterproofing
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Poor breathability
Best Salomon hiking boots for speed hiking
What makes it the best?
Agility is the game of the Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX, which is why on our hikes, we felt all our strides and movements optimized. This hiking boot is so gentle on our feet but when it comes to performance, it is hella fierce.
We can’t help but draw comparisons with the Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX to sneakers because of its super light build. At 13.6 oz (380g), it can easily be mistaken for a sneaker, especially since it is 20.6% lighter than the usual weight of hiking boots. Moreover, the in-shoe feeling it provides in our treks is somewhat similar to the feeling when we are just cruising the streets. Using our durometer, we found out that its midsole is softer than the average by 27.1%.
While it overflows in comfort, this hiking boot supports our feet very well. We don’t mind wandering in this pair for the whole day, as it keeps our arches from falling. We found that the torsional rigidity of this boot, which we rated 4/5, also helped in resisting twisting. The support around the ankle is not up to par, though. We only gave the stiffness of the heel counter a 3/5. So, if you want a better fit, we suggest searching for other hiking boots that securely wrap around the ankles.
Pros
- Astonishingly light
- Comfy like a sneaker
- Excellent waterproofing
- Very durable build
- Decent impact protection for its low stack
- Low-to-the-ground platform
- Remains soft and flexible in cold weather
Cons
- Loose collar fit
- Not for technical terrain
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