Looking for a reliable hiking shoe that can handle serious mileage—whether you’re trekking through the muddy trails of Oak Openings Metropark or planning a thru-hike out west? Today, we’re diving into a side-by-side comparison of two of Salomon’s most popular trail shoes: the X Ultra 4 GTX and the newly released X Ultra 5 GTX.
Zach from Ridge and River is back, breaking down the real-world differences between these two shoes, highlighting what’s been upgraded, and giving you the inside scoop on which version deserves a spot on your gear list this year.
🔍 The Basics: Salomon X Ultra 4 vs. X Ultra 5
At first glance, the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX doesn’t look wildly different from the X Ultra 4 GTX—but under the hood, there are some significant updates that hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate.
Both models are built for comfort over long distances, with the same trusted Salomon chassis and lacing system. But if you’re pushing the limits of your gear, the X Ultra 5 delivers meaningful improvements in durability, traction, and material construction.
🧵 Matrix Upper = Major Durability Upgrade
The biggest upgrade on the X Ultra 5 is the new Matryx® woven upper. This material has a Kevlar-like durabilitythat addresses one of the major weak points in the X Ultra 4—blowouts along the toe cap and sidewalls after heavy mileage.
-
What’s new in the X Ultra 5:
-
Matryx upper for enhanced durability
-
Strategically placed reinforcements
-
Better flex without sacrificing structure
-
“You can see that shiny upper—it’s got that bulletproof structure that prevents blowouts,” Zach explains. “If you’re doing long miles, this upgrade is worth every penny.”
🥾 Deeper Lugs = Better Traction and Longevity
Trail conditions vary wildly—from icy Metropark paths in Toledo to granite and sandstone routes out west. One issue with the X Ultra 4 was that the tread wore out too fast, especially on rocky terrain.
The X Ultra 5 solves that with multi-tiered Chevron lugs that are deeper, more aggressive, and longer lasting.
-
Real-world test: Zach has worn the X Ultra 5 all winter through snow, ice, and wet concrete in northwest Ohio—and the tread still looks solid.
🦶 Chassis & Support: Subtle Tweaks, Same Great Fit
Both shoes feature Salomon’s trusted chassis system, which wraps around the foot for stability and support, especially useful if you have ankle issues or an unsteady gait.
While the X Ultra 5 keeps the core design, there are slight tweaks in lace positioning and sewing patterns that further dial in the fit.
“Unless you’re designing shoes for a living, you probably won’t notice the difference. But trust me—those tweaks matter,” says Zach.
💬 So… Should You Upgrade to the X Ultra 5?
✅ You Should Upgrade If:
-
You’re a long-distance hiker or backpacker
-
You put serious miles on your gear (think: AT, PCT, etc.)
-
You’ve experienced blowouts or tread wear with the X Ultra 4
-
You want the latest tech in durability, support, and comfort
❌ You Don’t Need to Upgrade If:
-
You’re a casual weekend hiker
-
You hit the trails just a few times a month
-
You’re looking to save money while still getting a great shoe
“If you’re just hiking through the Metroparks once a week or heading out west once a year, the X Ultra 4 is still a phenomenal shoe—and it’s going on sale as stock runs out.”
🎯 Final Verdict: Which Shoe Wins?
Both the X Ultra 4 GTX and X Ultra 5 GTX are great options—but the X Ultra 5 is hands-down the better pick if you’re looking for:
-
Stronger construction
-
Improved grip
-
Longer lifespan
-
More comfortable fit over time
“After using the X Ultra 5 for the past couple months, I can confidently say: it’s more comfortable, more durable, and absolutely worth the upgrade.”
👟 Shop the Lineup: Salomon X Ultra GTX Collection
🔥 Just Launched (April 1st!) – Be one of the first to own the X Ultra 5!
🛒 Shop Salomon X Ultra 5:
🛒 Clearance Alert: X Ultra 4 Models (Going Fast!)
🏬 Want to Try Them On? Visit Us in Toledo, Ohio!
Looking to get the perfect fit? Come see us at our Ridge and River retail store in Toledo, Ohio. Our team is here to help you dial in your gear, whether you're lacing up for your first hike or prepping for your next thru-hike.
📍 Visit us in-store: Ridge and River Toledo Location
🎥 Watch the Full Video Breakdown
Want to hear more from Zach and see the shoes up close?
🎬 Watch the full gear review on YouTube
📲 Stay Connected with Ridge and River
-
👉 Follow us on Instagram for gear drops and more
-
👉 Subscribe on YouTube for more reviews and trail-tested tips
