XA Pro 3D Ultra 2

I love my salomon xa pro 3d, just make sure you get the non GTX (i.e. non goretex) version

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!

I’ve been wearing Salomons for 20ish years at this point so I’m rather bemused to see they’re suddenly trendy - makes life easier for me! I absolutely love how they fit my foot, and I’ve had both breathable and Gore Tex versions for various needs and trips and enjoyed both. These days, for additional cushion due to knee problems I’ve also added a pair of Hoka Bondi’s into my shoe options. But Salomon XA Pros have been my go to travel shoes for decades now!

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!

Not really. Those are in their "Sportstyle" category, which means that they're fashion shoes meant to look like hiking shoes. They will not hold up well. You also don't want anything with Gore-Tex in an environment like that. A better shoe would be the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9. There are also great options from Hoka, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Saucony, Altra, and Topo Athletics. You need to go with what fits best at the end of the day. Here's a bunch of information on footwear to help you out ... >Footwear info thread ... https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/ZsfGFKpZDQ >Fitment info thread ... https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/cuNpzfpL7a >Support info thread ... https://www.reddit.com/r/Hiking_Footwear_Info/s/7IKv2UHuWn

They're often reinvented versions of old models (let's face it, Salomon makes good-looking shoes), but they're designed for urban use and fashion. They don't tend to hold up well or perform well on the trail when compared to models like the XA Pro 3D V9, X Ultra, etc., etc.

Except they're not. The XA Pro 3D V9 is in their hiking and trail running category. The XT-6 is in their Sportstyle lineup. Different categories for different purposes.

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mid II GTX or Salomon X Ultra would be your best bets. The Ultra Raptor is more narrow. The current X Ultra is a bit more generous in its toebox. They are both very light, but you still get some protection from water and debris because of the high(ish) collar. Note that the collar of these boots provides literally 0 ankle support, though that is the case with ***most*** modern synthetic boots. If you want ankle support, you're better off using a brace, or you have to take the weight penalty and go to a more sturdy, tall boot, such as the Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo, Scarpa Kinesis Pro GTX, etc., etc. Since you do trail running, I'm sure you'll be much more content with the Ultra Raptor or X Ultra than a backpacking boot.

Never got the hype got a pair returned them, much prefer alphacross or ultra x

Tried and tested both here and overseas climbs: Salomon X Ultra

Salomon in general is an awesome brand for hiking (if you can’t find X Ultra). Pricey but worth it. Hiking shoes/boots (I use mid cut for more comfort) is something you should invest on if you see yourself hiking/climbing in the mid to long term. I’ve been doing hiking both local and international (Kilimanjaro as the highest so far) for over 10 years already and I can really recommend Salomon for hiking shoes