On the same outing, the toe cap also began peeling back after just 13 miles on the trail, which makes us think Salomon went a little too far in shaving weight. Moving toward the middle of the spectrum, you have well-rounded options for hiking and backpacking, including the X Ultra and Quest, which nicely balance cushion and support for carrying a heavier pack.

Salomon Womens Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Shoes - OutdoorGB Salomon Womens Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Shoes - OutdoorGB

The synthetic material covering the Upper is designed to fend off and resist the outdoorsy elements, the Sensifit overlay lining high enough around the back of the shoes keeps grazing marks at bay, and the outsole is constructed with a protective toe cap to prevent stubbing. In terms of support and stability, the Outward has a narrow heel that made it feel a bit less planted on the trail than the X Ultra, and traction is a slight step down as well. Stability-wise, several features accommodate tread and steadiness, namely, the outsole’s relatively wide base (wide in comparison to its fit). Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. We often prefer Gore-Tex shoes given our roots in the rainy Pacific Northwest, but waterproof designs do tend to suffer when it comes to breathability.As with weight, cushioning and comfort vary within Salomon’s collection and line up closely with each model’s intended use. Other notable features include a quality Gore-Tex liner, mesh and textile upper for added breathability, and protective toe cap and heel counter for shrugging off direct hits to rocks and roots.

Salomon Hiking Footwear: How to Choose | Switchback Travel Salomon Hiking Footwear: How to Choose | Switchback Travel

No mud can ever hinder your pace since the lugs are well-spaced enough to let the mud come off on its own. In case you're not familiar with the design, it leverages three factors to ensure the best grip possible: Density, Compound, and Geometry. We also found that it felt a little outdated and unpolished along the interior, which is especially noticeable when worn back-to-back with sleeker, bouncier, and more modern designs like the X Raise. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned veteran, everyone could use a good list to make sure they’re prepared when they head out on the trail. The OUTline is another one of Salomon’s running-inspired designs, with a light and decidedly modern build that wears well around town (not something we say often about hiking shoes).The model looks and fits like a sneaker more than a hiking shoe but does it also hold up on rough terrain? With a removable OrthoLite insole cut to the shape of the inner shoe, the OUTline Prism GTX provides superior cushioning which added to the overall sizing and comfort rating of the shoe. I think wearing good hiking socks plays a big part it in as well as how easily your feet heat up and sweat. Backpackers embarking on multi-day trips with a heavy load will likely find little to complain about with the Quest, but it’s decidedly overbuilt for traveling fast and light on easier terrain.

Salomon Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Waterproof Shoes For Women

And for those who still prefer the cushioning and fit of the X Ultra 3, it’s still widely available (and outlined below). All that said, for carrying a heavy pack over technical terrain, the X Ultra falls short of Salomon’s Quest below in a few key areas.With a more streamlined and minimalist look and design than most of the models above, the Outbound combines soft, breathable fabrics and a pre-shaped tongue for comfort with Salomon’s All Terrain Contagrip outsole for off-pavement traction and a Gore-Tex membrane for sealing out moisture. Traction is also well suited for trail use, with relatively deep and generously spaced lugs that gripped well on everything from rocks to light mud.