Salomon Outbound Prism GTX review

Who should buy the Salomon Outbound Prism GTX

You are likely to appreciate the streamlined Outbound Prism GTX from Salomon if:

• you need a waterproof shoe for wet conditions
• you prefer hiking shoes that are light on the feet
• you want an all-in-one option for traveling, hiking, and casual wear
• you do light-to-moderate hikes
• you don't want to shell out (the shoe costs $58 cheaper than GTX shoes on average)

Who should NOT buy the shoe

If your light hikes turn for the rough occasionally, consider the more rugged OUTbound GTX version. And for a breathable option for summer, see the non-GTX iteration of the Outbound Prism.

One-to-one fit

People with narrow-to-average feet are elated with the fit of the Outbound Prism GTX. They say "it feels like I'm wearing gloves," "stable and secure with these on my feet," and "fit is spot on." They also agree that the shoe is comfortable out of the box and needs no breaking in.

However, it's not as accommodating for wide-footers.

Extra eyelet doesn't help with heel slips

Despite having an extra pair of eyelets at the top, the Outbound Prism GTX still received some complaints about heel slippage. The wearers believe that a double eyelet would help to secure the fit much better.

Traction is solid but doesn't last long

Hikers consider the toothy tread on the Prism GTX as efficient when it comes to rough and loose terrain. According to them, the grip is excellent.

On the downside, it is reported to hast only a few months before it wears down. In one of the cases "after four months of moderate use hiking, the sole has worn down considerably." After that, the shoe loses a good deal of traction capacity and becomes more slippery.

Top-notch waterproofing

A lot of positive feedback came regarding the shoe's waterproofing ability:

• "major storm and my feet were completely dry"
• "stuck my shoe in the creek and my foot stayed dry"
• "working fine after several outings in the rain"

Even someone who frequently does a light pressure washdown reports that the shoe passed the pressure washer test.

Toe protection

The rubber extends from the outsole upfront, creating a protective toe bumper. So, if you happen to stumble or stub your toe on a rocky trail, the toecap will keep you guarded.

Lightweight, even for a Gore-Tex shoe!

The average weight of hiking shoes with a GTX membrane is 14 oz (398 g). But the Outbound Prism GTX appears to be on the lighter side of the spectrum at 10.4 oz (295 g) per shoe. As one of the wearers puts it: "the lightest I can ever remember wearing."

Easy on-and-off

The backrest of Outbound Prism GTX’s collar is noticeably raised. This design serves as the shoe’s pull tab, which makes getting into the shoe relatively easier.