The best Salomon shoes depend on where you will wear them. Choose the XT-6 for everyday wear and sportstyle, the XT-6 GORE-TEX for the same model with a GORE-TEX membrane, the X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX for hiking, and the Speedcross 6 or XA Pro 3D V9 for trail use.
Salomon’s UK range covers hiking, trail running, walking and everyday sportswear, with men’s, women’s and unisex options. The right choice comes down to the model’s intended activity, construction and price.
| Model | Best for | What sets it apart | Listed UK price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon XT-6 | Everyday wear and sportstyle | XT-6 design with black, brown and white colour options | £164.99 |
| Salomon XT-6 GORE-TEX | Everyday wear in wetter conditions | GORE-TEX membrane | £184.99 |
| Salomon X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX | Full-day hiking | GORE-TEX, stable support, high foot protection and All-Terrain Contagrip | £150 |
| Salomon Speedcross 6 | Trail running | Trail-running model for wet, muddy, dry and dusty conditions | £140 |
| Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 | Versatile outdoor use | Listed in Salomon’s trail-running range | £140 |
These are listed UK prices and can differ between models, retailers, colours and sale listings. The XT-6 prices come from Foot Locker UK’s Salomon XT-6 listings. The trail-running prices are listed on Salomon’s UK trail-running range, while the X Ultra 5 price and specifications come from Salomon’s product page.
Choose the standard XT-6 if you mainly want the model’s everyday styling. Choose the XT-6 GORE-TEX if its membrane is important for wetter conditions.
Foot Locker UK lists the standard XT-6 at £164.99 in several colours, including black and brown. Its XT-6 GTX listings are £184.99 for men’s colourways and for a women’s Safari colourway, a £20 difference between the listed standard and GORE-TEX prices.
The XT-6 GORE-TEX is still an XT-6 model, while the X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX is the more directly hiking-focused option. Compare the intended category as well as the membrane when choosing between them.
Salomon’s UK GORE-TEX collection lists 46 products, including the XT-6 GORE-TEX, hiking shoes, trail-running shoes and women’s and men’s models. For hiking, the X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX is described for full-day hikes and rocky, technical or mixed terrain.
The X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX has a GORE-TEX membrane, quickLACE, advancedCHASSIS, an OrthoLite sockliner, EnergyCell midsole foam, an All-Terrain Contagrip outsole and a Matryx upper. Salomon lists it at 380g per shoe, with an 11mm drop, a 22mm forefoot stack, a 33mm heel stack, regular width, stable support and high foot protection.
quickLACE is a one-pull tightening system. The model also includes advancedCHASSIS and All-Terrain Contagrip, as listed by Salomon. The X Ultra 5 collection includes the standard model at £130, the X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX at £150, the Mid GORE-TEX at £165 and the Wide GORE-TEX at £150.
Choose Salomon hiking shoes for longer outings, rocky paths and walking with a pack. Choose trail-running shoes when running movement and trail use are central.
Salomon’s trail range includes the Speedcross 6 at £140, Speedcross 6 GORE-TEX at £160, Ultra Glide 4 at £135, Genesis 2 at £140 and XA Pro 3D V9 at £140. The range is divided into categories including versatile, speed, grip, technical, distance and recovery running. Salomon says these shoes are designed for wet, muddy, dry and dusty conditions and intended to repel water, stones and other debris.
The X Ultra 5 range is more directly hiking-focused. Choose the Mid GORE-TEX for the higher-ankle version or the Wide GORE-TEX for the listed wider fit. The standard X Ultra 5 is the lower-priced option in the collection.
Start with the activity and fit, then use the women’s or men’s filter to find the relevant shape and colour. Salomon’s UK ranges include women’s, men’s and unisex products, so the model’s intended use remains important.
For women considering the XT-6, Foot Locker lists a women’s XT-6 GTX Safari colourway at £184.99 and another women’s GTX colourway reduced to £145.00 from £184.99. For men, the retailer lists a standard XT-6 colourway reduced to £110.00 from £164.99.
Try shoes with the socks you expect to wear and check that your heel stays secure without uncomfortable pressure across the forefoot. For hiking, prioritise the intended terrain and support category before choosing between black, brown, beige or another colour.
Compare the current selling price, the stated original price and the exact colourway before paying. Discounts can be specific to a model, size or colour rather than applying to every shoe in the range.
Salomon covers several types of footwear rather than one single design. Its range includes hiking, trail running, walking and sportstyle shoes, with technologies and specifications that differ by model.
The X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX, for example, combines quickLACE, advancedCHASSIS and All-Terrain Contagrip. The trail-running range includes categories for versatile, speed, grip, technical, distance and recovery running. The choice is therefore strongest when the model’s category matches the activity.
Compare the specific shoes by terrain, cushioning preference, fit, weather protection, support and price rather than ranking one brand above the other.
Salomon has a broad outdoor range that includes hiking shoes, technical trail shoes and GORE-TEX options. A Salomon trail shoe may suit someone looking for a model from that category, while another shoe may be a better fit for a different preference. The useful comparison is model against model and use against use.
Salomon’s current range includes dedicated hiking, trail-running and GORE-TEX models. REI included the Salomon Speedcross 6 among its five tested 2026 trail-running recommendations. The right choice still depends on fit, intended terrain and the individual model.
Some are, and some are not. Look for GORE-TEX in the product name when that feature is a priority. Salomon offers GORE-TEX versions across XT-6, hiking and trail-running categories, so also compare the shoe’s intended use, support and outsole.
They can be, provided the model matches the walk. Choose a hiking model for rocky or mixed terrain and a lighter everyday option for ordinary pavement use. For longer hikes, the X Ultra 5 GORE-TEX is described for full-day hikes and technical or mixed terrain.
