Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes Review: Our Verdict After Miles on the Trail

There’s a specific kind of dread every serious hiker knows. It’s the feeling of a damp sock halfway through a rainy ascent, the subtle but persistent hotspot on your heel that signals an impending blister, or the terrifying slip of a sole on a slick, moss-covered rock. I’ve been there. I recall a particularly gruelling trek in the Peak District where my supposedly “waterproof” boots gave up after the first hour of persistent drizzle, turning a beautiful day into a squelching, miserable slog. These moments don’t just ruin a hike; they can be dangerous. This is why the search for the perfect hiking shoe isn’t about luxury—it’s about reliability, safety, and the freedom to focus on the trail ahead, not on your feet. It’s the quest for a shoe that feels like an extension of your body, one that instils confidence with every single step, which is precisely what led me to rigorously test the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes.

What to Consider Before Investing in High-Performance Hiking Footwear

A pair of men’s hiking shoes is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for navigating the unpredictable challenges of the great outdoors. It’s your primary point of contact with the earth, responsible for providing stability on treacherous terrain, protecting you from the elements, and preventing fatigue and injury over long distances. The main benefits extend beyond simple comfort; a great hiking shoe offers superior grip to prevent falls, robust ankle support to guard against sprains, and reliable waterproofing to keep your feet dry, warm, and blister-free. Choosing the right pair transforms a challenging hike into an enjoyable adventure, empowering you to push your limits with confidence.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who regularly ventures onto varied trails, from muddy forest paths and rocky scrambles to multi-day treks in changing weather conditions. They value performance, durability, and technical features over minimalist design. However, a high-spec shoe like this might not be suitable for those who primarily engage in casual park walks or urban exploration. For them, a lighter, more flexible walking shoe or trainer might be a more practical and cost-effective choice. Similarly, extreme mountaineers requiring crampon compatibility would need to look towards more specialized, rigid mountaineering boots.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. Your hiking shoes should be snug but not tight, with enough room to wiggle your toes. Remember that feet swell during long hikes, so consider trying them on at the end of the day with your usual hiking socks. Poor fit is the number one cause of blisters and discomfort on the trail.
• Performance & Traction: The outsole determines the shoe’s grip. Look for deep, aggressive lugs for traction in mud and on loose surfaces. The material compound is also key; Salomon’s Contagrip, for instance, is designed to balance durability with stickiness on wet surfaces. Consider the type of terrain you’ll frequent most when evaluating the shoe’s sole.
• Materials & Durability: Hiking shoes come in a variety of materials. Full-grain leather, like that featured in the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes, offers excellent durability and water resistance, while synthetics are often lighter and require less break-in time. A GORE-TEX (or similar) waterproof membrane is essential for all-weather hiking, but ensure it’s also breathable to prevent your feet from sweating excessively.
• Support & Stability: The shoe’s internal structure, often called a “chassis,” provides torsional rigidity and protects your foot from sharp objects underfoot. Ankle height is another consideration; mid-cut shoes, like the ones reviewed here, offer a great balance of support and flexibility, helping to prevent ankle rolls without being overly restrictive.

Making the right choice requires balancing these factors against your personal needs and the demands of your favourite trails.

While the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex

The Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes arrived in a standard, no-fuss Salomon shoebox. Upon opening it, there was no overpowering chemical smell, just the faint, reassuring scent of new leather and textiles. The first thing I noticed was the build quality. Holding the shoe, it feels substantial yet surprisingly light for a leather mid-cut model. One user noted they weigh just 445g, and that lightness is immediately apparent. The combination of the dark leather panels with the synthetic upper gives it a modern, athletic look that is visually appealing without being overly flashy. The stitching appeared clean and tight upon initial inspection, and the Contagrip outsole looked aggressive and ready for business. Compared to previous Salomon models I’ve tested, the leather integration feels like a deliberate move towards enhanced durability and a more classic aesthetic, a welcome evolution of the popular X Ultra line. Sliding my foot in for the first time, the fit felt secure and well-cushioned around the ankle and tongue, hinting at the comfort that was to come. You can see its full feature set and detailed images online, but in hand, the quality feels palpable.

A Deep Dive into the Salomon X Ultra 360’s On-Trail Performance

A hiking shoe’s true character is only revealed under pressure—on steep, muddy inclines, across slippery creek beds, and over miles of unforgiving, rocky terrain. To truly understand the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes, we took them through a comprehensive series of tests, from local woodland trails after a downpour to more demanding scrambles in the hills. We wanted to see if the technology on the spec sheet translated into tangible confidence and comfort on the trail. Here’s our detailed breakdown.

All-Terrain Dominance: The Advanced Chassis and Contagrip Sole in Action

Salomon’s reputation is built on stability and grip, and the X Ultra 360 is a testament to this legacy. The core of its performance lies in the combination of the Advanced Chassis and the All Terrain Contagrip outsole. The chassis isn’t just a rigid plate; it’s designed to articulate, providing lateral support to prevent your foot from rolling while still allowing for a natural, fluid stride. On a particularly challenging section of trail littered with loose rocks and uneven roots, this technology was a game-changer. We could feel the chassis actively stabilizing our footing, allowing us to move faster and with more confidence than we might in a more flexible shoe. This experience directly confirms user reports praising its “ausgezeichnete Stabilität” (excellent stability) and “sichern und festen Halt” (secure and firm hold).

The Contagrip outsole is the other half of this dynamic duo. The deep, multi-directional lugs bite into soft ground like mud and gravel with incredible tenacity. But the real test is always on wet surfaces. We deliberately sought out smooth, water-slicked rocks during a stream crossing, a scenario where many other boots have failed us. The Contagrip compound held its ground remarkably well, providing a sense of adhesion that was genuinely confidence-inspiring. This blend of stability and grip means the shoe excels across the widest possible range of conditions, making it a true all-rounder. For hikers who tackle diverse and unpredictable terrain, this level of reliable traction is a major selling point.

Weathering the Storm: GORE-TEX Waterproofing and Durability Examined

No all-weather hiking shoe is complete without a reliable waterproof membrane, and the GORE-TEX lining in the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes performs exactly as you’d expect from the industry leader. We stood in shallow streams and trudged through miles of wet grass, and our feet remained perfectly dry from the outside elements. Just as importantly, the membrane proved to be highly breathable. Even during strenuous uphill sections on a mild day, we didn’t experience the excessive sweat build-up that can plague lesser waterproof boots, which is crucial for preventing blisters. The combination of leather and a full-foot mudguard also adds a significant layer of physical protection against rocks and debris.

However, we must address the elephant in the room: durability concerns raised by a small but vocal group of users. Reports from Germany and Japan mention issues with seams coming undone after relatively few uses. One user stated, “Nähte lösen sich leicht, sodass der Schuh nach wenigen Kilometern kaputt ist” (Seams come loose easily, so the shoe is broken after a few kilometers). During our own extensive testing period, which involved significant stress on all seams and flex points, we did not experience any such failures. The construction felt robust. It’s possible that there was an initial batch with quality control issues or that these failures occur under very specific, long-term stress conditions. While our personal experience was overwhelmingly positive, and the vast majority of feedback is glowing, it would be remiss not to acknowledge these reports. We recommend a thorough inspection upon purchase and keeping an eye on high-stress areas, especially if you plan on putting in exceptionally high mileage.

From Box to Trail: All-Day Comfort and Fit

Technical performance is meaningless if a shoe is painful to wear. Thankfully, this is where the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes truly excels. Echoing one Spanish-speaking user who called them “excelentes, súper cómodas” (excellent, super comfortable), we found the comfort to be first-class right out of the box. The break-in period was virtually non-existent. The padding around the ankle collar and tongue is generous, locking the heel in place securely without any uncomfortable rubbing or pressure points. The overall last seems to be a medium width, accommodating most foot shapes well.

One important note on sizing: several users suggest ordering a size up, and we would concur with this advice. We went a half-size up from our usual, and with a mid-weight hiking sock, the fit was perfect. This little bit of extra room is crucial to prevent your toes from slamming into the front of the shoe on steep descents. Another excellent feature, highlighted by a user who wears orthotics, is the easily removable insole. This makes it simple to swap in custom insoles for personalized support. The shoe’s light weight, combined with its cushioned yet responsive midsole, makes it a joy to wear on long days. We finished a 12-mile hike with significantly less foot fatigue than we’ve experienced in heavier, clunkier boots, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for rugged performance. You can check the latest sizing options and availability here.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from a wide range of hikers, a clear picture emerges. The overwhelming majority of users are extremely satisfied, frequently praising the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes for its immediate comfort, lightweight feel, and superb grip. Comments like “excellent, very light hiking shoe” and “the sole provides very good grip” are common themes. Many appreciate the secure ankle support and effective waterproofing, confirming our own findings that it’s a high-performing, reliable boot for most conditions.

However, the negative feedback, though less frequent, centres on a consistent theme: durability of the seams. One user in Japan reported a torn seam after only a few uses, and another in Germany had a similar experience. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they are significant enough to warrant consideration for those planning extremely rigorous use. Other minor issues noted include a rare quality control slip-up where a customer received two left insoles, and one instance of a “crinkling” noise from the GORE-TEX liner. Overall, the sentiment is strongly positive, but the recurring durability questions suggest a potential area for improvement in Salomon’s quality control process.

How Does the Salomon X Ultra 360 Compare to the Alternatives?

No shoe exists in a vacuum. The hiking footwear market is fiercely competitive, with several legendary models vying for the top spot. To give you the full picture, here’s how the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes stacks up against three of its main rivals.

1. Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe

The Merrell Moab is often called the “Mother Of All Boots” for a reason—it’s known for its incredible out-of-the-box comfort and a more generous, wider fit than many Salomon models. If you have wider feet or have found Salomon shoes to be too narrow in the past, the Moab 3 is an excellent alternative. It offers fantastic comfort for day hikes and light backpacking. However, compared to the X Ultra 360, it lacks the sophisticated Advanced Chassis, meaning it feels less stable and precise on highly technical, uneven terrain. The Salomon offers superior ankle lockdown and torsional rigidity for more demanding hikers.

2. Salomon Quest Element GTX Men’s Outdoor Shoes

For those who need even more support and durability, the Salomon Quest Element GTX is a step up in robustness from the X Ultra 360. It’s essentially a lighter, more agile version of a full-on backpacking boot. It offers a higher ankle cut and a stiffer chassis, making it better suited for carrying heavy packs over long distances. The trade-off is that it’s heavier and less nimble than the X Ultra 360. If your adventures lean more towards multi-day backpacking than fast-and-light day hikes, the Quest Element is likely the better choice within the Salomon family.

3. Columbia Fairbanks Omni-Heat Hiking Shoe

The Columbia Fairbanks brings a different focus to the table: warmth. With its Omni-Heat thermal-reflective lining, this shoe is specifically designed for cold-weather hiking. While it is waterproof and has a capable sole, its primary advantage is insulation. The Salomon X Ultra 360 is a more versatile three-season shoe, offering better breathability for warmer conditions. If you frequently hike in snow or consistently cold environments, the Fairbanks is a compelling alternative, but for all-around performance from spring through autumn, the Salomon X Ultra 360 is the more balanced option.

Final Verdict: Is the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Worth It?

After many miles of rigorous testing, our conclusion is clear: the Salomon X Ultra 360 Leather Gore-tex Men’s Hiking Shoes is a phenomenal piece of footwear that masterfully balances agility, stability, and all-weather protection. Its out-of-the-box comfort is exceptional, the grip from the Contagrip sole is utterly reliable, and the stability provided by the Advanced Chassis inspires confidence on the most challenging terrain. It is an ideal choice for the avid day hiker and weekend trekker who demands high performance across a wide variety of conditions.

While we acknowledge the isolated user reports regarding seam durability, our own experience revealed a robust and well-constructed shoe that withstood everything we threw at it. For the vast majority of hikers, this shoe will be a trusted companion on the trail for many seasons. If you’re seeking a lightweight, waterproof, and incredibly stable hiking shoe that feels as agile as a trail runner but as supportive as a boot, your search may very well be over. We wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and find your perfect size right here.