Just go hike in the x ultra 5?
It comes on a wide if you needed it, or try the x ultra 360s which are marginally wider. Both are Infinitely better than the xt6
Salomon X Ultra 4 is my absolute go-to. They look good enough for casual wear, have amazing grip (Contagrip is no joke), and the Gore-Tex version is reliably waterproof. Super comfortable right out of the box too. I wear mine almost daily.
>*seems the market forces divergence to one or the other.*
Understood and agreed: Running companies generally don’t want to be known for “hiking shoes,” and vice versa (though to a lesser extent).
I used to love the Salomon Ultra X 3s. The 4s shifted more toward the hiking shoe side of things. I tried them and found them mediocre. Not terrible, just… *“meh.”*
*EDIT - Looks like Ultra X 5s came out. In GTX only! Jeeezus...*
[*https://www.salomon.com/en-us/c/shoes/icons/x-ultra*](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/c/shoes/icons/x-ultra)
Of course, the benchmark for the type of shoe you’re talking about was the classic Montrail Hardrock. Many people swore by that “heavier running shoe,” but it got discontinued shortly after Columbia bought the brand. Now it’s just a fond memory for many.
Behind a paywall, but the opening paragraph tells the tale:
[https://backpackinglight.com/montrail\_hardrock\_trail\_shoe\_spotlite\_review/](https://backpackinglight.com/montrail_hardrock_trail_shoe_spotlite_review/)
>
>***Designed for the grueling Hardrock 100 endurance race – and that’s no exaggeration!***
>*"Montrail makes a number of lightweight trail running shoes that are well suited for ultralight backpacking, and one of the most popular is the Hardrock. For good reason. They come in the classical “Montrail fit” (wide toe box, snug heel cup), as well as a wide version (EE width). I tested the wide version. The Hardrock may not be the absolute lightest trail shoe out there, but it’s an excellent balance of light weight, fit, comfort, support, and durability.*
The market for this niche type of shoe is small, and that doesn’t help.
FWIW, once my Salomon X 3 stash dried up, I’ve been using the Topo Terraventure 4s and have liked them.
Still… I miss the Hardrocks.
I do lots of hiking and would look into Salomon x ultra 360 if you like the look and Salomon fit. They look very, very similar. Granted, they are not proper hiking boots but will be perfect for your requirements. Definitely no need for heavy footwear on Acatenango.
For what it's worth, Salomon x ultra we're my travel shoes to Guatemala a few months back and I did hike Acatenango+ Fuego and did a couple of other hikes in them, no issues.
Goretex or not is up to you, The shoes exist in both variants. I like goretex but people who tend to get sweaty feet usually don't. But in low tops I usually don't have the sweaty foot issue like I have in proper mountain boots, so I like goretex.
Also want to clarify, that hiking that the Guatemala highlands do not have a hot climate. It's temperate to cool up there.
You can look at Salomon they have this kind of design, like trail/hiking shoes.
But maybe I am not very objective because it is my favorite brand.
Just bought a pair of 5 X ultra GTX and they are really great.
Not notably so? As models have come and gone, I’ve noticed some variation in which fits my foot best - for example, I went looking for a new pair in the last month and tried a bunch on. I love love love the XA Pros, which remain consistently good for me at probably 3+ pairs now, and the X Ultras are pretty good as well (though I hate the current look and style tbh). I tried the X Ultra 360 Edge, which is supposedly the same as the X Ultras just updated style, but the arch hit different and I returned them. So, mostly good for me over time!
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Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
CasuallyMisinformed
