The women’s Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the day-hiking boot I recommend most often when a friend asks for a fast, lightweight three-season hiker. After five months and 130 hours of trail time across the southern Greens and the Catskills, my conclusion is that the women’s last is genuinely better for narrower heels than the unisex version, and the boot continues to be one of the best lightweight day-hiking mids on the market.
Why you should trust this review
I bought this pair at retail in fall 2025 through a regional outfitter. Salomon had no editorial input and provided no sample. I have rotated through five women’s hiking mids in the last four years, including the previous X Ultra 3 Mid GTX, so the generational comparison here is real.
How we tested the women’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
- 130 hours across 22 trail outings between October 2025 and April 2026.
- Pack weights from 8 to 22 pounds.
- 10 stream and bog crossings to gauge Gore-Tex.
- Heel-lockdown comparison vs. the unisex X Ultra 4 on the same foot.
- Outsole grip check on wet rock and roots.
- Cold-weather testing at 30-45 degrees with mid-weight wool socks.
Our broader testing approach is on our methodology page.
Who should buy the women’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Buy if you have a narrower heel (most women do), you do day hikes and light overnighters, you want a fast lightweight boot, and you value Gore-Tex. Skip if your foot is wide (the women’s Targhee III or Moab 3 Wide is better), you carry over 25 pounds regularly, or your terrain is technical scrambling.
Heel lockdown: the women’s-last advantage
On the same foot the women’s X Ultra 4 holds the heel noticeably tighter than the unisex version. On a steep descent in the Catskills, my heel lifted in the unisex but stayed locked in the women’s. For runners and hikers prone to heel slip, this fit difference is meaningful.
Weight and pace
At 820 g per pair, the women’s X Ultra 4 is one of the lightest waterproof mids on the market. On a 12-mile day my legs felt fresher than in heavier women’s boots. The trade-off is real: this boot is not built for 30-pound packs.
Traction and waterproofing
The Contagrip MA outsole grips well on dry rock and roots, and adequately on wet rock. The Gore-Tex liner held through 10 crossings without leaks. Both performed identically to the unisex boot in my testing.
Comfort out of the box
The boot felt broken in from the first 5-mile shakedown. No hot spots, no pressure points, no need for extra padding. For hikers who want to skip break-in, this is the practical headline feature.
Durability: 130 hours and still strong
The upper shows expected creasing at the flex point but no delamination. The Contagrip MA lugs are wearing evenly. The Quicklace is functional and the tongue gusset has settled in. Expected lifespan is 500-700 miles for the EVA midsole.
Value verdict
At $165 the women’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the right tool for women doing day hikes and light overnighters on graded trail. The women’s-specific last makes a real fit difference, and the price is fair for the category. For wide feet or heavier loads, look at the women’s Targhee III or Quest 4 GTX.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (Women's) vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Last | Best for | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (W) | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Women's | Day hikes, faster pace | $165 | Top Pick |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (W) | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | Women's | Beginners, wide feet | $145 | Best Budget |
| Keen Targhee III Waterproof Mid (W) | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | Women's, roomy | Wide feet | $175 | Recommended |
| Generic women's discount mid | ★★★☆☆ 2.5 | Generic | Light walks | $80 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Upper | Synthetic + textile |
| Liner | Gore-Tex |
| Midsole | EnergyCell+ EVA |
| Outsole | Contagrip MA |
| Lug depth | 4.5 mm |
| Drop | 11 mm |
| Weight (US W7.5 pair) | 820 g |
| Cuff | Mid |
| Closure | Quicklace |
| Last | Women's-specific, narrower heel |
Should you buy the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (Women's)?
The women's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the day-hiking boot I recommend most often to women looking for a fast, lightweight three-season hiker. The women's last narrows the heel and shortens the boot, the Gore-Tex liner held through 10 wet crossings, and the Contagrip MA outsole grips well on graded trail. The trade-offs match the men's version: limited support under heavy packs and an EVA midsole that compresses faster than backpacking shanks.
Frequently asked questions
Is the women's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX worth $165 in 2026?+
For day hikers and light overnighters, yes. The women's last is genuinely better for narrower heels than a unisex boot. For heavier loads, step up to the women's Quest 4 GTX.
Women's X Ultra 4 vs women's Moab 3 Mid: which should I buy?+
The Salomon is lighter, faster, and grippier on wet rock. The Merrell is roomier, cheaper, and friendlier to wide or high-volume feet. Pick by foot shape and pace.
How does the women's last differ from the men's?+
Narrower heel, lower volume forefoot, and shorter overall length for the same nominal size. The women's last is not just the men's boot in pink, it is genuinely re-shaped.
Should I size up?+
True to size on length. The women's last fits most narrow-to-medium feet without sizing changes.
Are these good for backpacking?+
Up to about 22 pounds, yes. Above that, the women's Quest 4 GTX is the better tool.
📅 Update log
- Apr 24, 2026Updated long-term wear notes after 5 months.
- Oct 9, 2025Initial review published.
