I just picked up a pair of SALOMON X ULTRA MID GTX for $119.99 on sale at REI. I’ve been wanting another pair of Salomon’s for awhile now and when I came across this deal I couldn’t pass it up.

I’ve read a lot of reviews about these shoes and nearly every one of them is positive so I figure between that and the fact that they are Salomon’s I really can’t go wrong.  I haven’t had a pair of Salomon’s since my Salomon Exit Mid boots about ten years ago but still haven’t forgotten the comfort and fit they had.  I just like to try out different brands so I didn’t stick with Salomon and instead tried, Vasque, Asolo, Garmont and other but now I’m going to give these another shot.

Now considering these are fairly lightweight in construction and aren’t built like typical mid-weight backpacking boots it isn’t a bad idea to get a good pair of insoles to protect the soles of ones feet from rocks and roots as well as the added support.  So the first thing I did when I received them was swap out the Salomon insoles with a set of Superfeet insoles because the stock Salomon insoles are mushy and porous so I’m certain they will soak up water like a sponge.   I’m not knocking the stock insoles because I’m sure they work great for trail running and light hiking but getting these boots to where they can handle a 35 pound pack in my opinion, requires a set of Superfeet insoles.  I’ve walked around in them and they feel like they’re pretty much broken in for the most part and a lot like stepping back into my Exit Mid boots as far as fit and comfort goes but with less padding and a little less weight.  I’m sure an ultralighter could get away without the added support of Superfeet insoles.  But the benefits of underfoot rock/root protection; zero water absorption and a near-zero drying time with the Superfeet Insoles makes them a no-brainer.

I’ll check back in and put my two cents in as to their durability and comfort after I go on a few backpack trips next year.