Sports & Outdoors

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Men's Hiking Shoes (Gore-Tex Waterproof)

Name: Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Men's Hiking Shoes (Gore-Tex Waterproof)
Rating: 9 (1 reviews)

Trail Running Shoes

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX (ASIN B097BZLLB7) is available on Amazon.ca for $249 CAD — waterproof GORE-TEX hiking shoes with Salomon's Contagrip MA multi-terrain outsole, reinforced toe cap and heel counter, and Quicklace one-pull lacing. Built for the mixed wet and dry conditions that define three-season hiking in Canada.

ClearPick Score

9 / 10

Excellent

GTX Waterproofing

9.5

Grip

9.5

Support

9.0

Breathability

8.0

Durability

9.0

Full Specs

Waterproofing	GORE-TEX lining — waterproof yet breathable
Outsole	Contagrip MA outsole — multi-directional lugs for traction on wet and dry terrain
Midsole	EnergyCell+ midsole foam for cushioning and rebound
Upper	Reinforced toe cap and heel counter for technical trail use
Lacing	Quicklace system — one pull lacing for quick, even tightening
Weight	380g / 13.4 oz (size 10.5)
Drop	11mm heel-to-toe drop

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🏆 Trail Running Shoes

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Men's Hiking Shoes (Gore-Tex Waterproof)

~$249 CAD est. on Amazon.ca

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✅ Ships to Canada

✅ Prime eligible (most orders)

✅ 30-day Amazon returns

✅ No extra cost to you

📖 See our guideBest Running Shoes in Canada: Ranked by What Runners Actually Report (2025)

✅ What Works

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX solves the most common problem Canadian hikers face: year-round trail conditions that oscillate between wet rock, muddy approaches, stream crossings, and dry dusty trails — sometimes all in the same day. The GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry through shallow stream crossings, dewy morning grass, and sustained rain in a way that non-waterproofed hiking shoes can't. For three-season hiking in BC, Ontario, and Quebec, where trail conditions are rarely fully dry until mid-summer, this waterproofing is not optional equipment.
Salomon's Contagrip MA outsole is the most trusted all-terrain hiking outsole in the category. The multi-directional lug pattern bites into wet rock, soft dirt, and packed trail with equal confidence — a rarity in hiking footwear where most outsoles excel in one condition and compromise in others. The MA compound specifically is tuned for mixed conditions rather than pure mud (XT) or rock (XT-Wings), which makes it the right outsole for the varied terrain most day hikers encounter.
The Quicklace system is polarizing among hikers, but it's genuinely faster than traditional lacing for technical terrain where you're frequently adjusting fit — cinch once and the tension distributes evenly across the entire foot. The lace garage tucks excess lace away so it doesn't catch on brush or debris. For hikers who've never tried it, there's a brief adaptation period, after which most never go back to traditional laces for trail use.
The reinforced toe cap and heel counter provide protection and structure that low-cut trail runners lack. On talus and rocky terrain, a reinforced toe cap meaningfully reduces the impact of kicks and stubs. The heel counter keeps the foot correctly positioned during lateral moves on uneven terrain, which contributes to the ankle support that makes the X Ultra 4 GTX suitable for day hiking even for hikers who've had ankle instability in the past.

⚠️ Worth Knowing

The GORE-TEX membrane that makes this shoe waterproof also reduces breathability compared to non-GTX versions. In hot, dry summer conditions, feet will run warmer in GTX than in a ventilated mesh shoe. For summer hiking above the treeline in consistently dry weather, the non-GTX X Ultra 4 is more comfortable. The GTX version is the right choice for three-season use in genuinely wet conditions.
The Quicklace system uses a single proprietary lace cord that eventually wears and needs replacement. Salomon sells replacement Quicklaces at reasonable cost, but the replacement process is specific to the Quicklace system rather than standard lacing. Hikers who are hard on their footwear should stock one set of replacement laces.
At 11mm drop, the X Ultra 4 GTX sits in the traditional hiking shoe drop range. Runners and hikers who've adapted to lower-drop shoes (4-6mm) may experience initial calf tightness when transitioning to this higher heel. Most adapt within 5-10 hours of hiking.
This is a men's sizing and last. The women's X Ultra 4 GTX is a separate product with different last geometry suited to women's foot anatomy. The fit profiles are meaningfully different — women should not purchase the men's version expecting an adequate fit.

What Real Buyers Are Saying

What buyers love

"Hiked 600km in the Rockies over two summers in these. GORE-TEX never failed — stream crossings to the ankle, sustained rain, morning dew grass. Zero wet feet."
Source: Amazon reviewer

"The grip on wet rock is incredible. Hiked a scramble route in BC after a night of rain that would have been sketchy in any other shoe. Contagrip bites into granite like it's dry."
Source: Amazon reviewer

"Quicklace took one hike to get used to. Now I can't go back to traditional lacing — the cinch takes 2 seconds and the tension is perfectly even."
Source: Reddit

"Recommend going half a size up. I normally take 11, the 11.5 fits perfectly with hiking socks. True to size was uncomfortably tight in the toe box."
Source: Amazon reviewer

Common complaints

GTX reduces breathability in heat

Feet run significantly warmer in the waterproof version than in the non-GTX variant on hot summer days. Several buyers wish they'd bought the non-GTX for their primarily dry-season hiking.

Source: Amazon reviewer

Quicklace requires proprietary replacement

When the Quicklace cord wears, it can't be replaced with standard lace cord. Salomon's replacement Quicklaces work well, but the dependency on a proprietary part bothers some buyers.

Source: Reddit

Not a trail runner

At 380g, these are hiking shoes, not trail running shoes. Buyers expecting to run in them find them heavier than dedicated trail runners. Salomon's Speedcross or Ultra series is the right choice for running.

Source: Amazon reviewer

Break-in period notable

The midsole and upper take 8-12 hours of hiking to fully break in. Several reviewers note mild discomfort in the first 2-3 hikes before the shoe conformed to their foot.

Source: Amazon reviewer

ClearPick Verdict

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is the best three-season day hiking shoe for Canadian conditions — the Contagrip MA outsole handles mixed wet and dry terrain better than most competitors, and the GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry through the extended wet seasons that Pacific and Atlantic Canada hikers navigate regularly. It's heavier and warmer than a trail runner and requires a brief break-in, but for day hiking in varied conditions, it's the benchmark at this price.

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Men's Hiking Shoes (Gore-Tex Waterproof)

✅ What Works

⚠️ Worth Knowing

What Real Buyers Are Saying

What buyers love

Common complaints

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