Salomon Cross Hike GTX review

Who should buy the Salomon Cross Hike GTX

You are very likely to benefit from this Salomon trail shoe if you need a lightweight and nimble hiking shoe to accompany you on a hike. The Cross Hike GTX, just like most lightweight hiking shoes, is capable of helping you blaze through rough terrain.

It is also a superb option for fall and winter when the weather gets cold and wet.

Who should NOT buy the shoe

If you need extra ankle support to go with your freedom of movement, consider the featured shoe’s older sibling—the Cross Hike Mid GTX.

Lightness in every step

The shoe features a lightweight synthetic upper with ultra-thin protective overlays.

Springy and comfortable cushioning

The Cross Hike GTX comes with an energy-returning midsole which is engineered less blocky at the heel for freer mobility. It is also reported to have an excellent level of impact protection. As one tester shares, she "didn't know it was possible to hike without foot pain" until trying this Salomon shoe.

Rockered forefoot (makes push-offs springier)

There is also an "incredibly cushioned footbed" inside the shoe, as per the reviewers.

Toothy tread

The shoe's outsole features some pretty deep chevron lugs that bite all kinds of trails: rough rocky paths, pebbles, mountain crossings, gravel, mud, slush, snow, etc.

The lugs are also generously spaced apart to shed mud and debris as you go.

An accommodating fit for Salomon

The majority of wearers were glad that the Cross Hike GTX has a non-restricting fit and plenty of room in the toebox. Given how notorious Salomon trail shoes are for their narrow fit, this was a nice change. Thus, if you have a narrower foot or prefer extra form-fitting uppers, consider going half-size down.

The only problematic spot in the upper was the top of the collar near the laces. More than a few people complained that the collar edges came up too high and rubbed their ankles raw.

Salomon Cross Hike GTX keeps the foot dry and warm

Based on the general feedback, the shoe is highly waterproof thanks to the GTX membrane. As one reviewer noted: "they keep my feet just the right temperature."

Even someone who got caught by Hurricane Ida and tackled 4-6 inch deep crossings in the mountains was impressed with the shoe's ability to resist water.

...but they can get stinky

More than a few people mentioned having a problem with the shoe developing an unpleasant odor. For someone, after only two weeks of use, they became "the MOST smelly shoes of any kind that [he has] EVER owned."

Salomon's speed lacing is very handy 

It takes seconds to adjust the fit with the shoe's toggle lacing. In addition, the excess shoestrings can be tucked in a special pocket on the tongue so that they don't get in the way.