Salomon X Ultra 4 vs 5: Hiking Shoe Comparison

The Salomon X Ultra is one of the most popular hiking shoe lines on the trail, and the jump from the X Ultra 4 to the X Ultra 5 is the question every returning fan asks before they buy. Both are low-cut, fast-and-light hiking shoes built around Salomon's Contagrip outsole and a supportive midfoot chassis. So is the newer model worth the higher price, or is the outgoing version the smarter buy now that it is discounted? This head-to-head breaks down the real, practical differences so you can pick the right pair for your feet and your terrain.

Salomon X Ultra 4 vs 5: the short answer

If you want the most refined fit and the latest outsole compound, the X Ultra 5 is the better shoe. If you already know the X Ultra 4 fits your foot and you can find it on sale, it remains an excellent value and loses very little to its successor on the trail. Neither is a bad choice; the decision usually comes down to fit, price, and whether you need the small updates Salomon made in the fifth generation.

What stays the same

Both shoes share the DNA that made the X Ultra line a long-distance favourite:

• Contagrip outsole. Aggressive, multi-directional lugs that bite on loose dirt, wet rock and scree. Grip has always been a strength of this line and remains so in both generations.
• Supportive midfoot chassis. Salomon's 4D Advanced Chassis sits between the midsole and outsole to stabilise your foot on uneven ground and reduce fatigue on long descents. This is the feature that makes the X Ultra feel more planted than a typical trail runner.
• Quicklace system. A single pull cinches the lace; the excess tucks into a pocket on the tongue. No double knots, no laces snagging on brush.
• GORE-TEX option. Each generation ships in both a non-waterproof (breathable mesh) version and a waterproof GORE-TEX version, so you can match the shoe to a wet or dry climate.
• Low-cut, lightweight build. These are shoes, not boots — built for hikers who prioritise agility and breathability over the ankle coverage of a heavy boot.

What changed in the X Ultra 5

Salomon's updates to the fifth generation are evolutionary rather than radical, which is exactly what you want from a proven platform:

• Refined chassis tuning. The stabilising chassis was reworked to feel a little more natural underfoot while keeping the lateral support that defines the line. The result is a shoe that flexes slightly more comfortably out of the box.
• Updated upper and fit. The X Ultra 5 uses a redesigned upper aimed at a more secure, less bulky midfoot hold. Many hikers find the toe box and heel lock feel a touch more dialled in than the 4.
• Outsole refresh. The Contagrip outsole was updated with the goal of better durability and traction on mixed terrain, though both shoes grip very well in practice.
• Cushioning feel. The midsole was tweaked for a slightly more comfortable ride on hard-packed trail and pavement approaches, useful if your hikes start with a road or gravel section.

None of these are night-and-day differences. If you put the two side by side on the same trail, the X Ultra 5 feels like a polished version of the 4 rather than a different shoe.

Spec and feature comparison

Weights vary by size, gender and whether you choose the GORE-TEX version, and prices change constantly as retailers clear the older model. Always confirm the current weight and price for your exact size on the manufacturer's official page — see Salomon's hiking shoe range — before you buy. The non-waterproof versions are lighter and more breathable than the GTX builds in both generations.

Fit: the most important factor

For any hiking shoe, fit beats spec sheets. The X Ultra line runs slightly narrow through the midfoot, which is part of why it feels so secure on side-hilling and rocky traverses — but hikers with wide feet sometimes size up or look elsewhere. The X Ultra 5's redesigned upper aims to hold the foot a little more comfortably, but if your foot is happy in the X Ultra 4, that is a strong reason to stick with it. Try both on with the socks you actually hike in, and walk a decline if the store allows it; that is where a hiking shoe's heel hold and toe box room reveal themselves.

Performance on the trail

On steep, technical terrain both shoes shine. The chassis keeps your foot stable when you are picking a line down loose rock, and the Contagrip outsole grips confidently on wet roots and granite slabs. If you are heading somewhere with relentless climbing and descending — think a leg-burner like the Mailbox Peak Trail with over 1,200 m of ascent in under 5 km — the midfoot support is exactly what keeps your feet from getting hammered. On exposed rocky ridgelines such as the Franconia Ridge Trail, the precise fit and sticky outsole pay off on every scramble.

For most day hikes and even lighter multi-day trips, either generation will serve you well. The X Ultra 5 has a slight edge in out-of-the-box comfort and the newest outsole, while the X Ultra 4 delivers nearly the same performance at a lower price once it is discounted.

Which should you buy?

Buy the X Ultra 5 if: you want the latest fit refinements and outsole, you are buying your first pair, or the price difference is small. The improvements are real, even if subtle.

Buy the X Ultra 4 if: you already know it fits, you want to save money, or you want to stock a second pair of a shoe you trust. As retailers clear stock, the 4 is often the best value in the line.

Whatever you choose, remember that footwear is only one part of a comfortable hike. Carrying a lighter pack reduces the load on your feet and joints far more than any shoe upgrade — run your kit through our backpacking base weight calculator to see where you can shed grams before you spend on new shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Salomon X Ultra 5 worth the upgrade over the X Ultra 4?

If you are buying new and the price difference is small, yes — the X Ultra 5 has a slightly more comfortable fit and refreshed outsole. But if you already own and like the X Ultra 4, the upgrade is not essential; the two perform very similarly on the trail.

Do the X Ultra 4 and 5 fit the same?

They are close, but the X Ultra 5 has a redesigned upper aimed at a more secure midfoot hold. Both run on the slightly narrower side. If you have wide feet, try them on before buying or consider sizing options carefully.

Should I get the GORE-TEX or non-waterproof version?

Choose GORE-TEX (GTX) if you hike in wet, cold or boggy conditions where keeping water out matters. Choose the non-waterproof mesh version for hot, dry climates and faster drying — it is lighter and far more breathable. This applies to both the X Ultra 4 and 5.

Are the X Ultra shoes good for backpacking?

They handle light to moderate multi-day loads well thanks to the supportive chassis, but for heavy packs many hikers prefer a mid-cut or boot for extra ankle support. Keep your base weight low and the low-cut X Ultra works for a surprising range of trips.

How long do Salomon X Ultra shoes last?

Most hikers get several hundred kilometres out of a pair before the outsole and cushioning wear down, depending on terrain and body weight. Rocky, abrasive trails wear them faster than smooth dirt. The X Ultra 5's outsole was updated with durability in mind.