Salomon Daintree Mid GTX Nik/Black/Antique

Product Information

So if you’re not expecting to venture far from pavements and you’re not used to wearing walking boots, opt instead for a pair of light walking boots that offer good grip, weatherproofing and ankle support, but don’t make your feet feel weighed down. They won’t last as long as hiking boots, but they’ll be more comfortable and flexible. READ NEXT: The best hiking boots for the great outdoors The best dog walking boots to buy 1. Keen Steens Leather Waterproof Boot: Best all-around dog walking boots

Shaving weight often comes at the sacrifice of on-trail comfort, but that’s not the case with the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX. The Grand Canyon’s Escalante Route was an ideal testing ground, starting with an unrelenting descent of over 4,500 feet. By the end of our first 9-mile day, I had only experienced light soreness, and I wasn’t immediately wanting to remove the boots when we finally got to camp, which is very high praise for a new pair of hiking footwear. In addition, there was very little break-in required. The X Ultra 3 felt far less stiff than Salomon’s own Quest 4 out of the box, although I did wear it on a few day hikes before heading into the Canyon. And the rest of the boot’s testing has gone just as smoothly: I haven’t dealt with any hotspots or notable discomfort throughout a year of use. It’s the midsole of the Elixir’s that will raise the most eyebrows, though, because they are massive – a lot like hiking and running hoofs from Hoka– those pioneers of the maxi sole. Absolutely loaded with ‘Energy Foam’, the Elixir’s midsoles are designed to supply super amounts of cushioning and rebound momentum. Early Spring of 2021 brought many changes to Salomons signature boots, all surrounding performance. This newest model may not look much different from earlier quests, but there is a whole lot going on underneath the hood that redefines the shoe. Keen’s leather walking boots are the closest you’ll get to your very own built-in paws. The waterproof full-grain leather uppers are cut and shaped to provide ample flexibility along with protection, so there’s no wearing-in or plasters needed: they’re good to go out of the box. The addition of a breathable waterproof membrane and mesh liner help to keep the water out while also staving off any clamminess or smelly feet, whatever the weather. They’re also designed to be as easy as possible to clean.But, that freedom of choice isn’t without consequence. The online market is so big and vast and confusing; where should you even start? Durability: A pair of trainers or cheap wellies will barely get you through a few long walks, even on the least punishing surfaces. Good dog walking boots are made of tougher stuff. They’re arguably the most important part of your dog walking kit, and therefore an important part of your daily life for years to come. So invest in a really well-made pair of rubber or full-grain leather walking boots.

Regardless of where you’re hiking, or how long you plan on getting out there, these boots will keep your legs moving and get you deeper into the stoke one step at a time. In many ways, the Elixir are a bit of enigma, and they’re certainly a departure from what we would usually expect from Salomon, who seem to have been influenced by the success of some Hoka footwear that has long featured the kind of maxi midsoles seen on these boots. With the incredibly chunky midsole, I found myself several centimeters taller than usual, which literally affected my spatial awareness, so that I would brush my head against trees branches I usually walk under. I also unintentionally scuffed my feet occasionally while walking in the Elixirs, due to the extra height of the midsole.We’ll start with the good news. There are more great hiking shoes now than ever before. Everyone from flat-footed, bow-legged hobblers to arched amblers can find a shoe that perfectly fits their feet and pushes them to get outside more.

Those with wider feet might find the toe box restrictive (although Salomon sells the X Ultra 3 Mid in wide sizes).We can’t help but draw comparisons with the Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX to sneakers because of its super light build. At 13.6 oz (380g), it can easily be mistaken for a sneaker, especially since it is 20.6% lighter than the usual weight of hiking boots. Moreover, the in-shoe feeling it provides in our treks is somewhat similar to the feeling when we are just cruising the streets. Using our durometer, we found out that its midsole is 18.8 HA soft, which is softer than the average by 27.1%. Salomon hiking boots and walking shoes are the ultimate companions for hikers seeking unbeatable performance and comfort. Engineered with advanced features such as Gore-Tex technology, these boots offer waterproof protection while allowing your feet to breathe, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable throughout your outdoor adventures. Elevate your athletic performance with Salomon trainers. Designed for those who demand the best, these trainers combine functionality and style seamlessly. Whether you're a dedicated runner, a fitness enthusiast, or a sports enthusiast, these trainers provide the perfect blend of support, comfort, and responsiveness. When we put these on the scales, we could hardly believe our eyes. At 13.8 oz (390g), these boots are an unbelievable 29% lighter than the average for the waterproof hiking boots we have tested! We could really tell the difference after long days on the hill, and our feet still had energy to spare! For especially technical terrain or carrying a heavy load, we’d recommend stepping up to a taller, sturdier, more protective boot like Salomon’s own Quest 4D 3 GTX.