Head to head
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX vs HOKA Speedgoat 6 (2027)
X Ultra 5 GTX against Speedgoat 6: technical precision and waterproofing versus maximum cushion for fast hiking, compared for 2027 buyers.
The newest X Ultra: a Matryx upper, Gore-Tex sealing and Contagrip traction in a lighter, more agile technical shoe.
- Upper: Matryx woven upper
- Membrane: Gore-Tex
The max-cushion trail runner for hiking: CMEVA foam and Vibram Megagrip in a light shoe that eats flat miles.
- Midsole: CMEVA foam
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip rubber
What owners report
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
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners rave about the cushioning, saying knees and feet feel fresher after long days than in firmer shoes
- Trail runners praise the grip, reporting confident footing on loose descents and dry rock
- Walkers like the light feel, saying the shoe disappears on the foot over many miles
Common complaints
- Buyers caught in rain say the non-waterproof mesh soaks fast and stays wet
- Some owners find the tall cushion unstable on uneven side slopes
- A few report the soft midsole wears down faster under heavy daily use
Our recommendation
Choose by the trail, not by the brand. The X Ultra 5 GTX wins on steep, wet and technical ground, where its Matryx upper, Gore-Tex sealing and Contagrip grip protect and hold the foot precisely. The Speedgoat 6 wins on runnable, dry trails and long flat miles, where its CMEVA cushioning saves legs and its light build keeps the pace up. Hikers who do both kinds of trail honestly need both kinds of shoe, and this comparison says which one to buy first for the trails they walk most.
Weather protection
Gore-Tex sealing gives the X Ultra 5 a decisive advantage in rain, mud and wet grass, keeping feet dry across long wet days. The Speedgoat's breathable mesh soaks through fast in the same conditions and dries slowly afterwards. For wet climates, the Salomon is the only sensible pick of the two; for dry climates, the HOKA's breathability becomes an advantage instead.
Cushioning and comfort
CMEVA foam gives the Speedgoat the softest ride in this guide, and owners with tired knees notice the difference by mile ten. The X Ultra 5 cushions adequately with EVA foam but prioritises precision over softness, feeling firmer underfoot on flat miles. Long, runnable days belong to the HOKA; short, steep days barely notice the difference.
Fit, stability and terrain
The X Ultra 5 locks the foot down with a snug last and Quicklace closure, giving precise control on traverses, scree and steep steps. The Speedgoat's tall, soft stack feels less stable on side slopes and sharp ground, though it rolls smoothly on maintained paths. Technical terrain demands the Salomon; runnable terrain rewards the HOKA.
Choose Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX if…
- You hike steep, wet or technical trails regularly
- You need Gore-Tex waterproofing for your climate
- You want precise foot placement on rock and traverses
- You prefer a snug, locked-in fit over soft cushioning
Choose HOKA Speedgoat 6 if…
- You hike runnable, maintained trails and day-hike routes
- You want maximum cushioning for long miles and tired knees
- You move fast and value a light shoe that keeps pace
- Your trails are mostly dry, so breathability beats sealing
Questions, answered
Can the Speedgoat 6 handle rain at all?
Light rain and damp trails, yes, briefly: the mesh sheds light moisture and dries reasonably fast. Sustained rain, mud and stream crossings soak it through, and it stays wet longer than a membrane shoe. For a hiking trip with real rain in the forecast, take the X Ultra 5 GTX instead.
Is the X Ultra 5 GTX comfortable for long days?
Yes, for technical long days, where its support and grip matter more than softness. For long, flat, runnable days, the firmer ride tires feet sooner than the Speedgoat's cushioning, and most hikers would choose the HOKA for that specific day.
Which shoe should a beginner buy?
It depends on the beginner's trails. For easy, dry park and forest trails, the Speedgoat 6 is friendlier and more forgiving. For wet, hilly, rocky trails, the X Ultra 5 GTX protects better and grips more securely. Beginners unsure of their terrain should start with the Moab 3 Waterproof, which splits the difference.
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