Control and Confidence on Rugged Ground: Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Hiking Shoe Review

Descending the South Kaibab Trail into the Grand Canyon at sunset is an unforgettable experience. But it’s also a test of nerves, especially when navigating steep, narrow switchbacks with thousands of feet of exposure off one side. I was heading down to meet friends midway through their Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim push, and every step demanded complete focus. 

That’s when the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX truly earned my trust. From the first crunch of loose gravel underfoot, these shoes gave me a planted, stable feel that turned sketchy ledges and loose descents into confident strides. Agile yet secure, they let me move quickly and comfortably through one of the most dramatic trails I’ve ever hiked.

While navigating exposed switchbacks, gritty water crossings, and sun-blasted slabs in the Grand Canyon, I cinched up this shoe and gave it a real-world stress test. The verdict? It’s a trail tool built for agility and control, particularly where balance and precision are crucial.

In short: The women’s Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX ($170) is a waterproof hiking shoe that combines the nimbleness of a trail runner with the rugged protection and grip of a hiking boot. This shoe shines when the trail turns steep, rocky, or downright sketchy. I found it especially confidence-inspiring on loose descents and uneven ridgelines, where its aggressive tread, stable platform, and precise fit helped me stay surefooted. It’s not the most cushioned ride out there — if you’re after pillowy comfort, look elsewhere — but for tackling technical terrain with control and agility, it’s hard to beat. Just a heads-up: Salomon’s Quicklace system isn’t for everyone, so it’s worth trying on before committing.

Compare the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX with the best hiking shoes for women. Like this shoe but want more support? Check out our review of the Salomon X Ultra Mid 5.

Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Review

Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Overview

The fifth-generation X Ultra line builds on a strong legacy. Salomon refined the ADV-C Chassis for improved lateral stability and midfoot support without adding weight or stiffness. Combined with the SensiFit upper construction and a cushioned, locked-in heel, the fit feels snug and secure, perfect for fast-paced hikes over challenging terrain.

The Quicklace system continues to divide opinions, but I found it fast, even, and reliable. It tucks away neatly, creating a sleek profile. Still, there’s no backup if it fails — a carryover concern from the X Ultra 4. If you prefer a traditional lacing system, this might be a drawback.

However, Salomon did improve the collar in this version: it’s softer and stays in place better, making longer wear more comfortable without compromising ankle mobility.

Traction, Fit, and Support

Traction is one of the most noticeable improvements in the X Ultra 5 GTX. The updated Contagrip MA outsole offers increased grip across dry and wet terrain. I was thankful for that update while navigating the Grand Canyon trails. 

With 5mm lugs, the outsole bites well into the trail while remaining smooth enough to walk on pavement sections. The torsional support from the chassis and midsole creates a solid platform without feeling stiff. Even with a 20- to 25-pound daypack, the shoe always felt stable and supportive.

The overall fit of the X Ultra 5 GTX runs true to size. Still, it leans toward a performance-oriented feel, primarily through the midfoot, where it hugs more snugly for added control on uneven terrain. The toe box offers just enough room for my toes to splay naturally, which helps on long hikes when my feet swell in the afternoon heat. 

If you have particularly wide feet or prefer a roomier fit overall, this might fit too snug, especially on warmer days or multi-hour treks. In that case, I’d recommend checking out the Altra Lone Peak 9. They’re designed with wide feet in mind and have a much roomier toe box, making them a more forgiving option for those prioritizing space and comfort over a locked-in fit.

Waterproofing & Breathability

The GORE-TEX lining lives up to its reputation here. I stood in shallow creek water in the canyon for over a minute and stayed completely dry. Snow patches in the Rockies? No problem. Rainy spring trails? Dry socks. These shoes truly hold their own as a reliable adventure companion in wet conditions.

But because of the GTX lining, the breathability suffers a bit. On 80- to 90-degree days in the desert, the shoe ran warm, and the synthetic mesh didn’t dump heat as well as more ventilated models. The non-GTX version might be a better call for hot summer hikes, but the trade-off is worth it in shoulder seasons or wet weather.

Durability That Delivers

Salomon upgraded the upper with more durable overlays, and it shows. Scrambling through scree fields and over downed trees didn’t faze the shoe, even if my heart started pumping. The reinforced build held up to abrasion without a hitch, giving me the confidence to focus on the terrain ahead instead of worrying about my shoes keeping up.

The protective toe cap did its job, shielding my foot from bruising impacts on rocky trails, while the midsole and overlays held up impressively well. Despite several weeks of desert treks and high alpine hikes, signs of wear and tear were minimal, proving that these shoes are built to take a beating.

These shoes are built to take a beating; despite several weeks of desert treks and high alpine hikes, signs of wear and tear were minimal.

Room for Improvement

Though it meets most of the criteria I look for in a rugged hiking shoe, the X Ultra 5 GTX has a few spots for improvement. The Quicklace system, while efficient, lacks a backup in the event of a field failure, which may be a deal-breaker for more traditional hikers or thru-hikers.

Breathability is another drawback. On hot, dry summer hikes, especially in desert environments, the GTX membrane can trap heat, causing the shoe to feel warm over long distances.

Lastly, while the performance fit adds precision, those with wider feet or who prefer a more relaxed toe box may find it a little snug out of the box. Depending on your hiking style and environment, these aren’t deal-breakers, but worth considering.

Conclusion

The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is a women’s hiking shoe with performance, protection, and precision. It’s well-suited for adventurous hikers who move quickly and cover varied terrain, especially in environments where traction and stability are crucial.

The 2025 version improves grip, durability, and comfort while maintaining a sleek and supportive design. The Quicklace system may not appeal to everyone, and breathability suffers in warm weather, but overall, it’s a reliable performer for technical hikes and transitional conditions.

If you’re looking to ditch the bulk of hiking boots without losing the control and confidence on technical terrain, the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX delivers. For long trails, mixed conditions, or alpine loops, it’s a shoe you’ll trust to take you there and back.