SalomonWomen's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX by SALOMON

Where do I start? Thanks to Amazon's generous return policy, this was my high-end splurge testing this against another hiking boot brand. I'm familiar with Solomon as I am a skier. Other than comfort, there is not much one can test in a hiking boot so a lot of faith is involved. You know that feeling when you slide your foot into a fleece slipper? I felt pretty much that as far as a hiking boot would go : )Then I wore it walking trails during the summer and fall. Sturdy, good grip, neutral foot temperature surprisingly maintained. Next came hiking in the fall at Illinois State parks such as Starved Rock. While not super high-end hiking, it did rough trails, good inclines and declines, rough and smooth rock, and best of all, water that came up over the laces (up to where I knew the limit of where the boot tongue and the boot were sealed). I felt the cold which worried me but that is all that penetrated. No water leak as promised. It's not to say that you might not get all of this from another hiking boot, but I found this to be everything that I needed.It is not designed for very cold weather though the addition of increasingly warmer socks help. Others may fare better than me as I have Raynaud's and have invested in heated socks.

Bought them just one week before a week long hiking trip to the Scottish Highlands. The hiking was relatively strenuous -- long days and steep hills. But the terrain was very wet, muddy, boggy and peaty and the boots, amazingly, kept my feet dry, my ankles stable and me upright.Best boots I have ever owned.

I guess it has been a long time since I bought new mids. My last were leather Patagonias and the difference in sophistication is noticeable. I love these, they are so light and comfy but also feel stable and supportive. No odd spots and very accessible opening. No forcing-on needed. I look forward to exploring amazing places with these on my feet!

The boots seemed fine and grip well. But the laces hook onto the opposing boot. I fell on a sidewalk and may need meniscus surgery. Making that diagnostic appointment tomorrow. I didn't even know what happened, as the sidewalk was smooth and my laces were tied. It felt as though my left foot was held to the ground by an invisible hand. Then it happened again, but I didn't fall that time. However I realized that the laces hooked into the top hook of the opposing boot. I now double around the ankle for the final lacing, and cover with a large sock, but I am going to contact the company. This is a serious design flaw and I am sorry to report it. The pain from my let hip bone has subsided, as had the left elbow, but the pain in my right knee is very persistent and I am going to see an orthopedic surgeon to find out specifically what is injured. My regular practitioner said the inside knee pain could be a meniscus injury.

I am normally a size 7 and this is the size I ordered. To my surprise the shoes are actually too large as described in other reviews and had to return.

I purchased 3 other shoes around the same price point to test them out and decided to get this one at the end.I have slim feet and these gripped my heel firmly and yet provided a roomy toe box. They were also the lightest. Holds up well in rain and also has good traction.

Loved the shoe but returned as one of the hooks to tighten shoelace was broken when I put it on. Ordered a different pair of Salomon shoes so still love the brand.

True to size, comfortable, and good quality!