4 Best Salomon Hiking Shoes in 2025

How we test Salomon hiking shoes

How we review Salomon hiking shoes

The best Salomon hiking shoes don’t spring up on their own. We test every pair, both on the trails and in our lab. Here is what our process looks like, step by step:

• We buy all Salomon trail shoes with our own money to stay objective.
• We put every Salomon shoe through rigorous testing in different conditions—both weather-wise and terrain-wise. 
• We test and measure different parameters inside our lab! From lug thickness and traction to breathability and shock absorption. And yes, cutting the shoes in half is a part of the process. 

Salomon has been outfitting outdoor enthusiasts since the 1940s. What started as a small company in the heart of the French Alps has grown into one of the most well-known companies in the outdoor sports industry.

Since its inception, Salomon has continually evolved and enhanced their equipment. Nowadays, Salomon is one of the best options for hiking footwear. So if you are considering a pair of Salomon hiking shoes, you have come to the right place.   

How to decide which Salomon hiking shoe is best for you

We’ve done our absolute best to help you by reviewing and coming up with the best-in-class in various categories.

But what else is important to consider when selecting which Salomon hiking shoe you intend to try?

• Terrain type
• How much weight you carry
• Duration of your hiking efforts 

Terrain type

One of the most important questions you can ask yourself when shopping for Salomon hiking shoes is, “What terrain will I be hiking on the most?”

For example, do you enjoy easy trails, technical trails, or hiking off-trail the most?

• Easy to moderate trails are characterized by stable and relatively even surfaces, like fire roads and well-maintained single-track trails. These trails are typically found in larger open spaces, such as valleys and prairies.
• Technical and advanced trails are characterized by uneven terrain, including rocks, roots, steps, off-camber terrain, and steep hill climbing. These trails are found in mountainous areas with lots of undulating geographies.
• Hiking off-trail is characterized by uneven, unstable, steep, and highly technical terrain. You may need to climb over obstacles, carry out water crossings, and use your hands for scrambling. This adventurous terrain is found deep in the backcountry and away from well-established trail networks.

Lightweight, flexible, comfortable shoes may be your best bet for easy to moderate trails. These shoes prioritize cushioning over stiffness.

Example: Salomon Outpulse

On the other hand, stiffer and more stable shoes may be better for technical terrain. Similarly, shoes with extra reinforcements, like heel protectors and rubber toe caps, enhance the shoe's durability for harsh terrains.

Example: Salomon X Ultra 4

Weight of your load

Another item to consider when selecting a pair of Salomon hiking shoes is the typical weight you carry. For example, do you enjoy carrying a day pack with lots of food and water? Are you buying shoes for a multi-day unsupported backpacking trip? Or is most of the hiking you do light and fast where you only carry your phone and car keys?

Consider a more flexible hiking shoe for lighter loads, so long as the terrain allows it. On the other hand, with heavier loads, you may prefer a stiffer, more stable shoe to give you more ankle stability.  

Duration of the effort 

Deciding if a hike is long or short is somewhat subjective. Your fitness and experience level dictate whether something is short and easy or long and challenging. For example, a one-hour hike on easy terrain may feel long and hard for one person and easy for another.

Nonetheless, these parameters are essential to consider. Typically we recommend a lighter, more flexible shoe for more accessible and shorter efforts and stiffer and more stable shoes for more prolonged efforts.

What’s the deal with Salomon’s waterproof hiking shoes?

Salomon’s waterproof hiking shoes rely on a Gore-Tex membrane sewn into the upper’s interior to keep moisture out of the shoe. In most cases, the hiking shoe will also be treated with a durable water-repellent coating on the exterior.

Gore-Tex has long been heralded for being the best waterproof fabric. It’s made of extended polytetrafluoroethylene, or ePTFE, for short. Gore-Tex’s ePTFE materials are windproof and waterproof, and breathable.

How is that possible? The microporous material consists of small pores to keep moisture out but large enough to let dampness from your feet (sweat) evaporate. So it’s the best of both worlds.

Salomon’s waterproof hiking shoes that utilize Gore-Tex, abbreviated with GTX in the shoe's title, will keep your feet drier than non-waterproof models.

However, it is important to mention one fallback that plagues all hiking shoes, not just Salomon’s hiking shoes– the low-cut cuff.

If the water or mud is deep enough, it may flood over the top of your hiking shoe and soak your feet. Unfortunately, a Gore-Tex membrane cannot protect against this disadvantage. The only way to eliminate this possibility is to avoid terrain and climates that might have deeper water or select one of Salmon’s hiking boots with a high-top cuff.

Quicklace: Salomon’s unique closure system

The Quicklace system functions like a conventional lacing system. However, instead of working with two independent laces and tying a knot, you only have to pull on a single strand to tighten the shoe.

To tighten the Quicklace system:

1. First, starting at the bottom, pull on each arm of the lacing system to get the shoe to fit your foot uniformly. 
2. Pull the single lace at the top of the shoe as tight as you want.
3. Slide the buckle down to your foot.
4. Tuck the excess lace and buckle in the pocket on the shoe's tongue. 

To untie:

1. Remove the excess lace and buckle from the pocket. 
2. Secure the end of the lace, and pull it away from the shoe, so it remains taut.
3. Squeeze the button on the lace and slide the buckle away from the shoe.
4. If necessary, loosen the remaining arms of the lacing system to remove the shoe.

For some, the verdict is still out on the Quicklace system and whether or not it functions as well as a conventional lacing system. For example, we have found the Quicklace system to work perfectly fine with shoes that fit naturally.

However, if you have wider or narrower feet requiring specific adjustments, you might not like the Quicklace closure system because it’s less customizable. 

Trying on Salomon hiking shoes

Trying on hiking shoes is more than just putting on a pair of shoes, lacing them up, and calling it quits. Here are a few pro tips to remember when your new shoes come in the mail, and it’s time to try them on.

1. Try your shoes on with the hiking socks you always wear. This sounds obvious, but if you’re like us, you may get excited when the shoes arrive and put them on the second you see them without changing your socks.
2. You shouldn’t be able to feel any obvious pressure points or hot spots on your feet. If you do, then the shape of the shoe doesn’t match your foot, and breaking them in may never solve the problem.
3. If you can wait, try your Salomon hiking shoes on at the end of the day. The reason is that your feet swell throughout the day, as they would during and after a hike, so it’s best to consider that when trying a shoe.
4. If you fall between sizes, we recommend selecting the bigger size for the same reason– your feet swell. Plus, if the shoe remains too big, you can solve that with a new insole. The other way around is not an easy fix.
5. When buying online, buy multiple pairs of hiking shoes. It’s easier to return the second pair that doesn’t fit than to return and re-order a different size. Double-check the marketplace's return policy to ensure you stick to their guidelines.