Salomon – Pulpconnection

January 26 2025

Salomon X Ultra 4

Gee Why Life, Passion fireisice2025, kicks, Salomon, shoes, sneakers, waterproof 0

I’ve never tried on a pair of Salomon shoes of any type, but these Salomon X Ultra 4 received too many good reviews online to ignore. So I bought a pair from Zappos with its generous return policy, and spoiler alert, yes, I did return them.

The shoes actually fit well right off the start like many reviews mentioned. Although they look narrow compared to other shoes, the fit was just right without any break-in period. But for me, the X Ultra 4 just seemed too technical for my needs. Sure, they would do the job, but it just seemed like these shoes could do more than what I needed. It kinda felt that I was pretending to be a serious hiker or something I’m not.

My only small gripe is the Quicklace system. I’m just not a big fan of these speed lacing setups, especially with the noodle-thin laces. I think it’s having to tuck in/secure the laces after tightening that I don’t like.

Anyways, a solid shoe at a solid price that can seemingly do more than I need.

Details

Salomon X Ultra 4
Size 10 (true to size)
Quiet Shade/Black/Quiet Shade
$140

January 4 2025

Researching Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Gee Why Life, Passion fireisice2025, hiking, hoka, kicks, new balance, Salomon, shoes, sneakers, waterproof 0

My hunt begins to find a workable pair of waterproof hiking shoes (or boots) for a future trip. The main criteria are waterproofness and comfort for shorter walks and hikes. I don’t imagine walking for miles while hauling gear, mainly a camera and water in a backpack. Of course, like my other shoes, these will have to have some visual appeal to them, but that’s not the primary focus.

Not knowing any better and after reading a few reviews along with doing a little bit of research, here’s my starting list to test:

The Salomon X Ultra 4 has received many positive reviews across the Internet as the best all around waterproof hiking shoe, but I’ve never owned a Salomon so would like to try out the fit foremost. Another consideration for the shoes are possible wearability in the Hawaii weather. While these are hiking shoes, I don’t need them to necessarily look like hiking shoes while wearing them out and about.

New Balance has been my recent go to brand of late because of its comfort and looks, especially unique collaborations. Currently, NB’s outdoor offerings consist mainly of the Hierro line, in low, mid, and high top form factors. The high top version seems to make the most sense to keep water out but then again, the high top looks more like a hiking shoe.

And then we have Hokas… I’ve had a single pair of Hokas in the past, and I still pause when seeing the massive cushioned outsoles of most Hokas. But despite my poor experience looking for waterproof Hokas at the new-ish Ala Moana location, they do have Gore-Tex protected shoes that could fit my needs.

I’ll continue to research other options and find reviews of (and ideally try on) the above mentioned shoes.