Salomon Review: The Smart Buys (and What to Skip)
The $150 Speedcross 6 is the Salomon to buy. Here is which hikers earn their price, why the low X Ultra 5 is a pass, and how its returns and two-year warranty work in practice.
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- Skip the upgrade
- Skip the $175 low X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX. For $15 more the Mid version rates higher, and the low shoe’s quickLACE hardware draws repeated breakage complaints.
- Best time to buy
- Watch the Outlet tags in Salomon’s listings, where we saw an X Ultra Tracker GORE-TEX at $135, 25% off $180. Every pick here was full price in late October, with no sitewide sale showing.
Salomon started in the French Alps in 1947 and is now best known in the US for trail shoes: the mud-gripping Speedcross runners, the X Ultra hikers and the XT-6, a trail racer that became a city sneaker. Prices on the US site run from $145 to $200 for the shoes we looked at, and in late October none of our picks was discounted.
The store’s policies are better than most: free returns and exchanges by mail within 45 days of delivery for unused items, and a two-year warranty on footwear. The weak spots are service and some hardware. Many low ratings mention broken lace hooks or worn quickLACE loops, and Trustpilot reviewers describe slow, unhelpful warranty handling. Our pick is the Speedcross 6.
Each model, priced and called
SPEEDCROSS 6
$150 Men’s version; full price on the page we read in late October.
Salomon’s classic mud runner, the best-rated and most reliably sized shoe in this guide.
The Speedcross 6 uses Salomon’s Mud Contagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs, an EnergyCell+ midsole, a ripstop and anti-debris mesh upper and the one-pull quickLACE system. The men’s version weighs 11 oz per shoe with a 10 mm drop. It averages 4.6 from about 1,020 ratings, and 88% of shoppers who left size feedback said it fits true to size.
Its weakness is that it is a specialist. The low-rated reviews include a runner who preferred softer road shoes for daily wear, soles that tore at the front after modest use, and buyers surprised by the large SPEEDCROSS lettering on the upper. Salomon describes it for mud and two to three runs a week, so it is a poor choice for pavement or high mileage on hard ground.
Worth it for
- Highest rating of our picks, from over 1,000 reviews
- 88% of size feedback says true to size
- Deep 5 mm lugs for mud
Watch out for
- Some reviews report sole tears after modest use
- Built for mud, not pavement
The numbers
- Outsole Mud Contagrip, 5 mm lugs
- Drop 10 mm
- Weight 11 oz per shoe (men’s)
- Midsole EnergyCell+
X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX
$190 Men’s version; full price on the page we read in late October.
The ankle-height X Ultra with GORE-TEX and regular laces, rated higher than its low-cut sibling.
The X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX pairs a PU-coated leather and Matryx textile upper with a GORE-TEX membrane, an advancedChassis insert for side-to-side support, an EnergyCell midsole and All-Terrain Contagrip outsole. It uses traditional laces with eyelets, and the men’s version weighs 16 oz per shoe. It averages 4.3 from 410 ratings.
The complaints are about parts, not the concept. Low-rated reviews describe a lace hook shearing off on technical ground, an eyelet breaking on the second wear (Salomon replaced that pair under warranty), traction wearing down after two trips, and an annoying squeak. Some owners of older X Ultras say the new toe protection presses on the little toe. Try them on with hiking socks before taking them on a trip.
Worth it for
- GORE-TEX and ankle coverage for $190
- Regular laces, not the quickLACE system
Watch out for
- Reports of lace hooks and eyelets breaking
- Some find the toe area tighter than the X Ultra 4
The numbers
- Waterproofing GORE-TEX membrane
- Upper PU-coated leather and Matryx textile
- Weight 16 oz per shoe (men’s)
- Outsole All-Terrain Contagrip
SPEEDCROSS 6 GORE-TEX
$170 Men’s version; full price on the page we read in late October.
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane, worth $20 more only if your runs are wet and cool.
This is the Speedcross 6 with a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane: the same Mud Contagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs, EnergyCell+ midsole, quickLACE and 10 mm drop, at 12 oz per shoe in the men’s version. It averages 4.5 from about 1,080 ratings.
Sizing is the first catch. Only 79% of size feedback says true to size, against 88% for the plain shoe, and 11% say it fits small, so consider a half size up for thick socks. The low reviews add a runner whose quickLACE kept slipping out of its pocket, a buyer who found it soaked through in dewy grass after the water repellency wore off, and a longtime fan who says it wears out faster than older Speedcross models.
Worth it for
- Waterproof membrane on the proven Speedcross base
- Over 1,000 reviews averaging 4.5
Watch out for
- 11% of size feedback says it fits small
- Some say it soaks through once the outer repellency fades
The numbers
- Waterproofing GORE-TEX membrane
- Outsole Mud Contagrip, 5 mm lugs
- Drop 10 mm
- Weight 12 oz per shoe (men’s)
XT-6
$185 Unisex sizing; full price on the page we read in late October.
The trail racer turned sneaker; popular and comfortable, but $185 buys a lot of complaints about wear.
The XT-6 has a synthetic and textile upper with an endoFit inner sleeve, a protective toe cap, an agileChassis for stability, a molded OrthoLite sockliner and a Mud Contagrip outsole. It is sold in unisex sizes with a 10 mm drop and weighs 13 oz per shoe. With 3,609 reviews averaging 4.5, it is Salomon’s most-reviewed shoe here.
The recent one-star reviews cluster around durability: mesh tearing within months, toe paint wearing off after two office days, stitching coming loose, soles wearing down in six months and lace toggles snapping. Several say warranty claims were refused as normal wear or offered 20% off a new pair instead. At full price we would wait; it is the kind of shoe that does show up in Salomon’s Outlet section.
Worth it for
- 3,609 reviews averaging 4.5
- Cushioned, stable and grippy for city wear
Watch out for
- Repeated reports of mesh tears and worn soles within months
- Warranty claims often refused as wear and tear
The numbers
- Outsole Mud Contagrip
- Drop 10 mm
- Weight 13 oz per shoe
- Fit unisex sizing, endoFit inner sleeve
X ULTRA 360 EDGE GORE-TEX
$155 Men’s version; full price on the page we read in late October.
The cheapest waterproof Salomon hiker here, comfortable for casual use but with a known lacing weakness.
The X Ultra 360 Edge GORE-TEX has a welded synthetic and textile upper with 49% recycled materials, a GORE-TEX membrane, an advancedChassis, an EnergyCell midsole and an All-Terrain Contagrip outsole. The men’s version weighs 13 oz per shoe and closes with quickLACE. It averages 4.1 from 150 ratings.
The low ratings point to one flaw. Several owners say the quickLACE cord sawed through the fabric lace loops or broke the eyelets within two to six months, one adding that a store salesman called it a recurring problem. Others found the toe box narrow, the sides pressing on the foot, and the cushioning thin on descents. A three-star reviewer called it more trainer than hiking boot. Good for easy trails at a lower price.
Worth it for
- Waterproof GORE-TEX hiker for $155
- Light at 13 oz per shoe
Watch out for
- Several reports of laces sawing through the loops
- Narrow toe box and thin cushioning for descents
The numbers
- Waterproofing GORE-TEX membrane
- Upper welded synthetic and textile, 49% recycled
- Weight 13 oz per shoe (men’s)
- Lacing quickLACE
X ULTRA 5 GORE-TEX
$175 Men’s version; full price on the page we read in late October.
The low-cut X Ultra 5; well built on paper, but its reviews are the weakest of Salomon’s hikers here.
On paper the low X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX is a strong hiker: a Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper, GORE-TEX membrane, advancedChassis, Active Support wings, EnergyCell midsole and All-Terrain Contagrip, at 13 oz per shoe in the men’s version with quickLACE closure.
We pass because of the reviews. It averages 4.1 from 372 ratings, and nearly 18% are one or two stars, the highest share of any pick here. The repeated complaints are toes jammed against a hard toe cap on descents, a left and right shoe that fit differently, and the plastic quickLACE cinch or lace loops breaking, sometimes with a warranty claim refused. The Mid version costs $15 more, uses ordinary laces and rates better.
Worth it for
- Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper
- Lighter than the Mid at 13 oz
Watch out for
- Highest share of one- and two-star ratings of our picks
- Reports of quickLACE parts breaking and cramped toes
The numbers
- Waterproofing GORE-TEX membrane
- Upper Matryx with Kevlar yarn
- Weight 13 oz per shoe (men’s)
- Lacing quickLACE
The whole range on one screen
| Product | Call | Best for | Price | Key spec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPEEDCROSS 6 | Smart buy | Muddy, soft trails | $150 | Outsole: Mud Contagrip, 5 mm lugs |
| X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEX | Good buy | Full-day hikes on rough ground | $190 | Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane |
| SPEEDCROSS 6 GORE-TEX | Good buy | Cold, wet trail runs | $170 | Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane |
| XT-6 | Wait for a sale | Everyday wear with trail grip | $185 | Outsole: Mud Contagrip |
| X ULTRA 360 EDGE GORE-TEX | Wait for a sale | Easy trails and travel | $155 | Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane |
| X ULTRA 5 GORE-TEX | Pass | Fast day hikes | $175 | Waterproofing: GORE-TEX membrane |
Find your model fast
- If you run muddy or soft trailsGet the SPEEDCROSS 6The best-rated, truest-sizing Salomon here at $150.
- If you hike rough ground and want ankle coverGet the X ULTRA 5 MID GORE-TEXGORE-TEX, regular laces and better ratings than the low X Ultra 5.
- If your runs are cold and wetGet the SPEEDCROSS 6 GORE-TEXThe Speedcross with a membrane; consider a half size up.
- If you want a city sneaker with trail gripGet the XT-6Comfortable and popular, but wait for an Outlet price.
What happens after you pay
- Trial
- Not stated; returns must be new and unused
- Returns
- Free returns and exchanges by mail within 45 days of delivery; unused, with original packaging and tags; refunds within 7 days of processing
- Warranty
- Two years on footwear from authorized retailers; excludes normal wear and tear; includes binding arbitration with a 60-day opt-out
- Shipping
- Free ground shipping for S/PLUS members; sign-up is free; no PO or APO boxes
- Support
- Phone +1-833-986-0382; warranty line 1-800-875-2619, weekdays 7am to 7pm Mountain Time
- Financing
- Not stated
Read on Salomon's US site in October 2026.
What customers say
Salomon’s own reviews, which mix US buyers with shoppers in other countries, average 4.1 to 4.6 on our picks. The lowest-rated ones repeat a few patterns. Lacing hardware fails: quickLACE cords sawing through loops, plastic cinches snapping, metal hooks shearing off. Uppers and soles wear out within months, especially on the XT-6. And newer models fit tighter in the toes than the ones they replaced.
Trustpilot rates salomon.com 1.5 out of 5, “Bad”, with many reviews from outside the US. Recent complaints describe warranty claims that dragged on with repeated requests for photos, a chat agent ending a conversation, return rules that differ by country, wrong items shipped and an empty parcel.
Where the 3.5 comes from
| Part | Score | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Product | 4.0 | 35% |
| Value | 3.4 | 30% |
| Policies | 3.7 | 20% |
| Buying experience | 2.3 | 15% |
| Smart Score | 3.5/5 | |
Grippy, well-rated trail shoes with free 45-day returns and a two-year warranty, offset by full prices with little discounting, recurring lacing and durability complaints, and a 1.5 Trustpilot score.
Other brands to check
- Merrell. Choose it instead if you want a cheaper, roomier everyday hiker and can accept a one-year warranty.
- Arc’teryx. Choose it instead if you want premium technical clothing to go with your shoes.
- The North Face. Choose it instead if you are mainly buying jackets and want one store for a whole outfit.
FAQ
What is Salomon’s US return policy?
Salomon’s US returns page allows returns or exchanges of new, unused items within 45 days of receiving the order, with original packaging and tags. Returns and exchanges by mail are free. Exchanges are for the same item in another size or color, subject to stock, and refunds are issued within seven days of the package being received and processed.
How long is the Salomon warranty on shoes?
Two years from the purchase date for footwear bought from an authorized retailer, under Salomon’s US and Canada limited warranty. It excludes normal wear and tear, misuse and poor maintenance, and Salomon may repair, replace or offer a voucher instead. Footwear claims go through customer service on 1-800-875-2619, weekdays from 7am to 7pm Mountain Time.
Does the Salomon warranty include an arbitration clause?
Yes. The US warranty says disputes about the product go to binding individual arbitration with a class action waiver. You can opt out by writing to Salomon’s legal department in Ogden, Utah, within 60 days of purchase, with your name, address, purchase date and a clear opt-out statement. Small claims court remains available.
Does the Speedcross 6 run small?
The plain Speedcross 6 mostly does not: 88% of size feedback on Salomon’s page says true to size. The GORE-TEX version is different, with 79% saying true to size and 11% saying it fits small. If you wear thick socks, order a half size up in the GORE-TEX, and use the free 45-day exchange if needed.
Where this comes from
- Salomon US product pages for the Speedcross 6, Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX, X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX, X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX, X Ultra 360 Edge GORE-TEX and XT-6, read October 2026.
- Salomon’s on-site Bazaarvoice reviews for every pick, lowest rated first, October 2026.
- Salomon US returns page and limited warranty policy, read October 2026.
- Salomon US bestseller and X Ultra collection listings, including Outlet markdowns, October 2026.
- Trustpilot reviews of salomon.com, one and two stars, October 2026.