Hiking Boot Evaluation: Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX Model

In the realm of trail boots, the Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX has been making waves for its blend of performance, comfort, and style. Let's delve into its features and compare it with some of its competitors.

The Cross Hike Mid GTX, available for both men and women, comes with a unique selling point: the low-cut versions cost $10 less than the boots and are lighter, but they are only offered with Gore-Tex. The women's specific offering, the Salomon Vaya Mid GTX, costs $10 less than the Cross Hike and boasts a traditional lacing design that includes an extra set of eyelets for a more locked-in feel around the ankles. It also sports a SensiFlex synthetic upper, designed to stretch and accommodate natural foot swelling.

The Cross Hike Mid GTX features the Quicklace system, which is easy to operate with one hand and convenient for quick adjustments on the trail. However, it does not allow for as much customization as traditional laces. The women's Cross Hike Mid GTX fits true to size for women's 8.5, offering a slightly roomy fit in both length and width.

The men's Cross Hike Mid GTX retains an identical build and feature set to the women's boot but is sold in different colourways and checks in slightly heavier at 1 pound 11.9 ounces per pair.

One competitor, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX, weighs a little more at 1 pound 11.2 ounces and is slightly less padded. However, it outperforms the Cross Hike across the board. Another contender, the Salomon OUTline Mid GTX, shares the Cross Hike's running shoe-like feel, sleek looks, and ankle-height protection. It costs $20 less, uses traditional laces, has a less aggressive outsole, and isn't as cushioned underfoot.

The Hoka One One Sky Toa GTX, priced at $170, offers excellent comfort and generous padding, feeling like a running shoe but with added coverage and protection. It features Gore-Tex waterproofing and offers a different feel due to its Balanced Cushioning platform, which means that your heel and forefoot are level with the ground.

One notable absence in the discussion is any specific information about who designed the Salomon Cross Hike Mid GTX.

The Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Mid, priced at $170, offers a dramatically different feel than the Cross Hike due to its Balanced Cushioning platform (formerly called ZeroDrop). It features eVent waterproofing but does not offer non-waterproof versions.

Each of these trail boots caters to different preferences and needs, making it essential for hikers to choose the one that best suits their style and the challenges they face on the trail.