Tested by Matt Sutton-Atkins | Photography by Cassie Markham
Last month, I had the chance to test out the brand-new Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX, thanks to our friends at Valhalla Pure Outfitters and Salomon. As someone who’s been wearing various versions of the X Ultras for years—dating back to the 3s and more recently the 4s—this was an exciting upgrade to try out.
These shoes have long been my go-to for short to mid-length hikes, trail days, and bike rides. I even throw them on for lazy afternoons hanging out by the river. They’re versatile, reliable, and built for real-world adventure.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the X Ultra 5 GTX felt lighter than its predecessor. That’s a huge win for me. The heel feels like it sits slightly higher in this version, but it’s still super comfortable, especially during longer outings. One improvement I noticed right away was the reinforced stitching around the toe—a welcome upgrade since previous pairs have seen some wear and tear (read: delamination) in that area after heavy use.
Performance in the Field
We’ve had some classic wet West Coast weather lately, and these handled it beautifully. GORE-TEX construction keeps my feet dry, even on soggy trails and surprise downpours. I also find the waterproofing adds a touch of warmth when biking on windy days—bonus points there.
The Contragrip® MA outsole continues to be one of my favourite features. It grips well on mixed terrain—wet rock, roots, loose gravel—you name it. Whether I’m navigating coastal trails or scrambling around on rockier sections, the traction inspires confidence.
Fit + Feel
I love how easy these are to pull on and off with Salomon’s Quicklace™ system. It’s one of the reasons I often pack these when we travel—no messing around with wet laces or pressure points, just a snug, secure fit in seconds. The protective toe cap and chunky midsole also keep my feet comfortable on long days, with just enough cushion to handle rocky terrain without sacrificing stability.
What’s New in the X Ultra 5 GTX
Compared to the 4s, here’s what stood out:
Lighter overall weight = easier on your legs for long days
More secure heel fit with a slightly higher profile
Added toe durability with reinforced stitching
Same reliable GORE-TEX waterproofing and Contragrip® outsole
- Updated chassis design for a bit more flexibility and better foot support
I’ve only been testing the X Ultra 5s locally for a few weeks, but if past versions are anything to go by, I’m confident these will hold up for the long haul. My older pairs have travelled all over North America, racking up serious mileage on diverse terrain—and I expect nothing less from the 5s.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, waterproof hiking shoe that can do it all—from coastal mud to alpine ridgelines—the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX is worth a spot in your gear closet.
🛒 Shop the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX at VPO.ca
About the Author
Matt Sutton-Atkins is an endurance athlete and longtime gear tester who puts trail shoes to the test on everything from local hikes to mountain ultras.
Photos for this review were captured by Cassie Markham—Valhalla Pure’s Social Media Manager and the storyteller behind the Peak Experiences Blog. Together, Matt and Cassie have logged over 300 hikes and explored 15+ national parks across two continents.
They’re passionate about sharing honest gear reviews and inspiring more families to get outside and explore.
👉 Read more at Peak Experiences Blog