Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Winter TS CSWP - Women's Review

The X Ultra 4 Mid Winter delivers multi-functional construction made to enhance comfort, stability, and movement during winter trail use. Thanks to a sleek, modern design, the boot can transition between work and play purposes, feeling like it can go anywhere and accomplish anything. Its biggest setback is a low cuff height, meaning less coverage to keep snow out of the ankle area and, therefore, keep your legs warm in colder temps. The boot is also quite thin and provides less warmth than we hoped for. That said, if you're focused on finding a winter hiker that feels more like a running shoe, this is the boot for you.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

With 200g of 3M Thinsulate insulation lining the interior of the X Ultra 4 Mid Winter, the boot keeps you warm when moving. The liner is constructed of 100% polyester faux fur, which traps heat to keep the feet warm. The lining is breathable, and the ClimaSalomon Waterproof membrane maintains dryness during higher-intensity hikes. Salomon's temperature ratings for the boot are as follows: 23°F/-5°C comfort, 14°F/-10°C limit, and 5°F/15°C extreme. Most temperature ratings seem far-fetched, but these particular stats feel fairly accurate based on our experience.

During our 2-hour snow bank coverage test, the boots experienced a 17°F temperature change and a 7.4°F change in our ice bath test. These were higher than average compared to the test group, and during our field tests, we could tell the boot's heat retention wasn't as good as some of the fur-lined boots. This is most noticeable in stationary or low-output activities. If you use this boot for winter hiking or trail running, it's a great option. If you intend to use it for more casual purposes, you may find that it lacks long-term stationary warmth.

Weather Protection

The X Ultra 4 Mid Winter has solid all-around weatherproofing thanks to the ClimaSalomon waterproof layer in the upper. It's more flexible and lightweight than its beefier sister model made with Goretex, yet we have a feeling it offers comparable waterproofness.

The shaft height of this boot measures 4.5 inches at its lowest point and 6 inches at its highest. Our socks and ankles got a bit wet and cold after stomping around in fresh snow. Luckily, the exterior of the shoe is great at shedding moisture, but that didn't keep some snow from clumping up in the cuff. If you will be in deep snow, we highly recommend utilizing gaiters.

Comfort and Fit

The X Ultra 4 is a comfortable, form-fitting, ankle-high hiker. Salomon shoes tend to err on the narrow side, and this boot felt snug yet true to size and roomy enough for thick wool socks. The stock footbed doesn't have much shape or structure, so inserts may be worth buying if you need extra arch support. The interior liner is supported by a 4mm EVA "winter sock liner" foam footbed that is soft and warm to the touch.

For those who enjoy hiking and trail running, the X Ultra 4 Mid Winter will have a familiar feel. The shoe has an energetic and supportive feel from the midsole with a stretchy upper aimed to enhance lateral movement. An Active Support stretch panel is seam-sealed onto the outsole of the boot and attaches to the laces, reinforcing a snug fit around the center of the foot. The drawstring laces offer a nice tight fit, while hooked eyelets keep the laces firmly locked in when tied.

Traction

The X Ultra 4 Contagrip outsole is stiff and sturdy, with a heel base measuring over 1.5 inches thick. The tiered lug pattern performed great on the trail, though it wasn't entirely slip-proof on rocks and inclines. We really like the lugs on the outer rim of the sole that splay out to add stability when the boot is on edge.

The Advanced Chassis (ADV-C) system provides reinforcements directly beneath the arch to enhance stability around the outer foot, improving mobility in uneven terrain. Overall, we felt confident going uphill and downhill in the X Ultra 4. The lugs aren't 100% grippy on icy surfaces or snow-laden rocks, but they helped us crunch through a snowy trail run confidently.

Durability

The X Ultra 4 may be thin and pliable, but it was surprisingly resilient in our durability testing. We smashed and scraped the boots against rocks, trees, ice, and pavement and found minimal damage besides some scrapes along the rubber toe and outsole edges. The upper is made of a mix of leather and "textile," according to Salomon's website, though it was difficult to distinguish the difference between these materials. Regardless, the boot seemed resistant to water damage and harsh conditions. While these materials may weaken over time due to tougher use on winter hiking and trail running trails, the boot remained strong throughout our testing period.

Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Winter TS CSWP?

This is a great option for those who need a work-and-play boot that serves up mobility, breathability, and comfort. It's lightweight and supportive enough to wear throughout the day and performs well on inclined snowy hikes. The price tag feels a bit high when considering the boot's lack of coverage, though that may not matter to you. Additionally, if you live in a colder climate or are looking for a full-coverage option, there are likely better options. But if you want one boot oriented towards work and winter recreation, this is one to consider.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?

If you like the hiker-style snow boot but are looking for something a little beefier or warmer than the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Winter, you may like the UGG Adirondack III or the Keen Revel IV Polar. Both of these boots scored well in our review and fall within a similar price bracket. The Danner Inquire Mid Insulated is another toasty warm hiker-style shoe that can double as an everyday boot.