How to choose your Salomon hiking shoes: AlpinStore guide 2018

Salomon Hiking Shoes: Practical Guide 2018

Are you looking for reliable Salomon hiking shoes for your mountain outings or multi-day treks? At AlpinStore, we have tested every model in the 2018 collection on the field. Here, we provide a technical overview, tips for choosing, and the accessories not to forget to maximize comfort and grip.

Salomon offers models designed for distinct uses: alpine hiking, light hiking, canyoning, and multi-activities. We discuss support, sole, waterproof membrane, and weight. If you want high-performance outdoor shoes to tackle demanding trails or challenging routes, you are in the right place.

Quest 4D 3

The Quest 4D 3 is a high-end mid-cut shoe designed for long hikes and heavy loads. Its sole has been engineered to evacuate water and mud, and the leather upper provides lasting comfort and a very natural foot roll. The GORE-TEX membrane keeps feet dry even in wet conditions. The self-locking lacing allows you to open the upper part without losing the lower adjustment: practical for a break on the trail.

X Ultra Trek

The X Ultra Trek is a heavyweight in hiking made of leather with a GORE-TEX membrane: waterproof, yet surprisingly lightweight. It offers great flexibility and a good foot roll while remaining protective. It’s the choice for those seeking comfort and performance on mountain routes without wanting a too rigid shoe.

X Ultra 3

The X Ultra 3 is the multifunctional hiking shoe. The Descent Control technology improves control on slopes, and the advanced chassis connected to the sole provides stability and precision underfoot. It features a substantial toe cap to protect during technical passages. The women's model receives a Sensefit adapted to better hold the foot and gain confidence when the slope steepens.

Crossamphibian

The Crossamphibian is ultra-light and foldable at the heel, ideal for canyoning and aquatic outdoor activities. Its flexibility allows it to be used in wet environments or for quick approaches where weight matters. It offers comfortable cushioning and ergonomic support near the foot, perfect for alternating walking and water passages.

Ellipse 2 Aero and Evasion

The Ellipse 2 Aero is designed to give the sensation of gliding over the trail: lightweight and very breathable, it is particularly aimed at women seeking dynamism and comfort on fast hikes. The Evasion 2 Aero is a reliable, lightweight, and breathable shoe that fits well to the shape of the foot for short summer hikes and long outings on simple terrain.

Evasion Cabrio

The Evasion Cabrio mixes the ventilation of a sandal with the support and grip of a hiking shoe. Its amphibious synthetic upper dries quickly, making it perfect for summer walking, crossing streams, or going on summer itineraries with lightweight gear.

How to choose your model?

To properly choose your hiking gear, you must first define the use: multi-day with load, technical hikes in the mountains, light summer outings, or aquatic activities. Next, look at the upper (mid-cut for support, low for lightness), the membrane (GORE-TEX for waterproofing), and the sole (grip and profile). Also consider the weight: over several days, every gram counts.

If you want high-performance hiking shoes for demanding terrains, prioritize support and a rigid sole. For fast and dynamic hiking, favor lightness and flexibility. And don’t forget the fit: the right size and lateral support prevent blisters and fatigue.

Accessories and Maintenance

Accessories significantly improve your experience: we’re talking about adapted inserts, technical insoles, and maintenance tools. To adjust your shoe and enhance comfort, consider hiking insole accessories available in different densities. For trail runners, we recommend essential accessories for your trail shoes such as anti-slip patches or reinforced laces.

• mudguard protection and water-repellent treatment to maintain waterproofing
• ergonomic insoles to adjust support and correct posture
• repair kit for the upper or sole during incidents on the trail

Additionally, at AlpinStore, you will find quality hiking accessories to extend the life of your shoes and improve grip on wet terrain. We also explain how to maintain leather and membranes to avoid premature degradation.

What to wear with your shoes?

The coherence of the equipment matters. Pair your shoes with performance hiking clothing that manages humidity, protects from the cold, and allows good range of motion. The choice of bottoms and technical socks is also crucial: suitable socks reduce friction and improve fit.

Quick Comparison

Our Buying Tips

Before buying, try your shoes with the socks you will use on hikes, walk on various terrains if possible, check the heel support and space for the toes when descending. If you hesitate between two sizes, prefer the larger one for long descents. We also recommend breaking in a pair before a big outing: a few hikes close to home are enough to adapt the fit.

AlpinStore offers you everything for hiking and an expert service to help you choose. We are a team of enthusiasts who test, compare, and select products in the field. Want personalized advice? Contact us, we guide you straightforwardly.