In-depth review
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Review (2027)
The Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX pairs a Matryx upper with Gore-Tex sealing and Contagrip grip. Our research-based verdict on the newest technical hiker.
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
The newest X Ultra: a Matryx upper, Gore-Tex sealing and Contagrip traction in a lighter, more agile technical shoe.
Our verdict
The X Ultra 5 GTX is the technical hiking shoe to beat in 2027 for fast, wet and steep trails: a tough Matryx upper, dependable Gore-Tex sealing and Contagrip traction in a shoe that moves more like a trail runner than a boot. The costs are a snug last that wide feet will fight, and cushioning that trails the HOKA and New Balance runners on flat miles. For hikers who prioritise grip and weather protection over softness, those are acceptable costs for the most capable shoe in this guide.
What we like
- Matryx upper resists abrasion from rock and brush while staying lighter than leather builds
- Gore-Tex membrane handles rain, wet grass and shallow crossings without soaking through
- Contagrip outsole bites on both wet and dry surfaces, from granite slabs to forest floor
- Agile, lower-profile build suits quick movement and scrambling better than bulkier hikers
What to watch out for
- Fit runs snug, and wide feet will likely find the toe box restrictive
- Less cushioning than the HOKA and New Balance trail runners for long flat mileage
- Newer model means fewer long-term durability reports than the X Ultra 4 it succeeds
What owners report: Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.
Most praised
- Owners describe the shoe as nimble on rocky trails, with grip that inspires confidence on steep steps
- Wet-weather hikers report the Gore-Tex sealing holds up through rain and boggy sections
- Scramblers like the precise feel, saying the shoe lets them place feet accurately on rock
Common complaints
- Buyers with wider feet say the snug last squeezes the forefoot on longer walks
- Some owners wish for softer cushioning on flat approach miles between technical sections
- A few note the price sits high for a shoe that replaces the already strong X Ultra 4
Who it is for
Fast hikers, scramblers and wet-climate walkers who want technical grip and waterproofing in a light, agile shoe.
Agility is the upgrade
The X Ultra 5 moves differently from bulkier hiking shoes. The Matryx upper holds its shape against rock and brush without the weight of leather, and the lower-profile build lets the foot react to uneven ground instead of ploughing through it. Owners describe placing feet precisely on rocky steps and trusting the shoe on traverses where a stiffer shoe would fight them. That agility is the reason to choose the 5 over the already strong 4: not more grip, but grip delivered faster.
Weather sealing you can trust
Gore-Tex does the quiet work here. Rain, wet grass, boggy sections and shallow crossings all stay outside, and the membrane keeps working across a long wet day rather than fading by afternoon. The trade is warmth: like every membrane shoe, the 5 runs hot in summer, and water over the collar still soaks in from the top. Buy it for wet climates and cold seasons, not for desert heat.
Fit is the filter
The snug Salomon last decides who should buy this shoe. Narrow and medium feet get a locked-in, precise feel that technical hikers love, especially on descents where the Quicklace system holds the midfoot still. Wide feet get a different experience: a squeezed forefoot that only gets worse over miles. Wide-footed buyers should try the KEEN Targhee 4 first, and nobody should buy the 5 without checking the fit on a downhill slope.
Key specifications
- Upper
- Matryx woven upper
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Contagrip rubber
- Closure
- Quicklace one-pull system
- Midsole
- EVA foam cushioning
- Protection
- Reinforced toe and heel caps
Also consider
The proven Gore-Tex all-rounder: Quicklace closure, ADV-C chassis and Contagrip grip for steep, wet and mixed ground.
Why consider it: The proven predecessor with the same Gore-Tex and Contagrip formula and a longer owner history
- Membrane: Gore-Tex
- Chassis: ADV-C advanced chassis
The max-cushion trail runner for hiking: CMEVA foam and Vibram Megagrip in a light shoe that eats flat miles.
Why consider it: Far softer cushioning for runnable trails, giving up waterproofing and technical precision
- Midsole: CMEVA foam
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the X Ultra 5 GTX better than the X Ultra 4 GTX?
For fast, technical hiking, yes: the Matryx upper is tougher and lighter, and the shoe feels more agile on rock. For general trail use, the difference narrows, and the 4 remains a strong, proven choice, often at a lower price. Buyers who already own and like the 4 need no urgent upgrade; buyers choosing fresh should take the 5.
Does the X Ultra 5 GTX fit wide feet?
No, not well. The last runs snug, and wide feet usually find the forefoot restrictive on longer walks. Wide-footed hikers should look at the KEEN Targhee 4 Low Waterproof, which gives similar waterproofing with a much roomier fit, or try the Salomon in a half size up and test on descents first.
Can the X Ultra 5 GTX handle winter hiking?
For cold, wet, low-level winter walking, yes: the Gore-Tex membrane blocks wind and wet, and the Contagrip sole grips on mud and wet rock. For snow, ice and deep cold, it is not enough on its own, and a boot with insulation and a stiffer sole suits those conditions better.
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