Salomon Women's X-Ultra Hiking Shoes - Lightweight Waterproof Trail Running Shoes for Women - Perfect for Outdoor Adventures, Hiking & Backpacking

While I returned these it was only because they were a bit too large for my skinny heels and when compared to the non waterproof version, not as good a fit. ( I kept the latter.) Finally I may have figured out what all the cushioning is for on so many of the hiking shoes and boots. It must have to do with making it waterproof. As the only difference, other than color, was whether the shoe was water proof or not. This one was way more cushioned and accordingly made my size 11 narrow feet look enormous. (If not for that purpose, someone should change the practice of being pillows all over the sides and tops!)The bright colors which frequently clash, seem to be the style particularly for hiking shoes. Again maybe cute for a size 7, but on an 11 they are clown shoecs. These are thank heavens not so bright and the colors blend together fabulously. While still dark enough to hide trail dust and dirt, they still look like a shoe for a women, not for my brother!,I found all of the Solomon styles to be the most comfortable. Thank goodness Amazon has the try before you buy program because I have a hard foot to fit and in my size there is a lack of product locally. I tried the Merrels which also ran narrow in one style, but ran a bit short. I know leather stretches but wasn't sure if this type of fabrication would pack down with wear, particularly in terms of length.The first photo shows the extra space even when laced tightly. Whereas in the non water proof version, I can only get 1 finger in when laced tightly. The second picture shows the non water proof on my left and this one on the right. You can see how much more padding is is this one on the sides and top. The bottoms, lacing and overall style are otherwise identical.Being a skier I am very familiar with this brand and the quality of product produced. I would defiinitely recommend this shoe to others.I wish they offered Wide options but that is my only complaint. I have several pair and use them for hiking, working my K9s and have a couple nice pair I wear to work. Some fun color options, very supportiveComfortable. I am concerned about the workmanship on one shoe in the pair. Because the stitching is “off” in a couple of places, I deducted one star.I was looking for a replacement shoe for my old Salomon Ellipse GTX hiking shoes which I LOVED! They were fitted for me by my local REI in New Jersey, based on my narrow feet, overpronation, and need for an outdoor work shoe. They absolutely cradled my feet and took me through all sorts of mud, snow and beach exposure. They worked great for me for several years, and I always figured I would buy the same shoe again when/if they wore out.Well, now I live in the US Virgin Islands and am out walking the hilly concrete roads and hiking rocky beaches and park trails. The uppers loosened up a bit, and the heels wore down to the point of slipping on downhills. I'm ready for my new Ellipse GTX - and they don't make them anymore! :>(So the new model is the Salomon Women's X Ultra 3 GTX Hiking Shoe. It took some doing to get them mailed here since there are no decent shoe shops in the VI. The first pair had a high and rigid arch running side to side across the shoe - in only one shoe. If they were the same I might have kept them. I sent them back. When I was back on the mainland I had a new pair sent to me, and I also compared them with a sturdy pair of KEEN hiking shoes I tried at a Bass Pro Shop (I think it was the Targhee III). The KEEN's were way too wide for my narrow feet while digging obnoxiously into my ankle area. Really weird, uncomfortable, and not stable/grippy at my heel.The Solomons gripped my heel and both shoes had the same amount of high arch this time. I decided to keep them.Regarding lacing and comfort: Other reviewers have commented on the lacing system and the fact that they put them on for the first time and ran 9 miles and their feet hurt. Why would you not gently acclimate the shoes and your feet first? You are asking for trouble. It did take several days of walking around in the house with the shoes to decide if I like them and felt comfortable enough to powerwalk on hilly terrain. I finally did.Regarding the quick-pull lacing system: you simply don't have the ability to customize the tightness where you want it/need it - especially if you have oddly shaped feet and need more room over bunions, etc. I have come to terms with a loose cinch for walking on paved surfaces and a tighter cinch for rocky trails and beaches. Bottom line - swap out the laces if you need a custom fit.Overall: I'm happy with the X Ultra 3 for my narrow heel. I do wish the toebox was a bit more generous. I still have my old Ellipse GTX and am tempted to have them retread as a great back-up shoe for sloppy weather.Los recomiendo porque son cómodas, mantienen los pies seguros al correr o caminar dando soporte. No pesan.I don't expect this kind of finishing which is visible on a sneaker that costs over 100 bucks. This is my 4th pair of this brand and the disappointment this time is palpable. They look like they may come apart here. Quality control should be better than this. It's a shame because I really love this brand but if this is the direction you are going, I'll be looking elsewhere for my next pair.The heel is too wide and the lace up mechanism comes loose after walking I’ve bought these before from REI they always sent extra lace up set for the amount they charge for shoes I did not get that from Amazon?Great shoe! I will buy again.I love these shoes! Have worn them across various terrain including dirt tracks & wet pavements & they have been comfortable from the start with no slipping on any surfaces. I bought one size up and am pleased I did. I am usually a size 4 in Dr Martens but I bought the size 5 in these and find them just right. The only thing I would say is be careful when cutting the label off, as without my glasses on I very nearly cut through the very slim quick release laces in error!! The quick release laces - I did need my glasses on the first time to see what I was doing with the toggle but easy to get the hang of after that!!My foot size is 3.5 but I always order 4.5 in Salomon shoes. The foot bed is narrower at the forefoot than the Ultra 2.I love it! The quality is really good and its very comfy. The laces are practical, you just have tu pull and secure, very pleased!Best walking shoes - my second pair the last ones lasted for years.These are my third pair of Salomon Ulta 3 GTX. This model seems to be different. They are good for narrow feet, which I have, but they didn’t seem to fit quite so well. Loose on the heel and hard to get the laces just right so they feel secure, while not cutting off my circulation. I am sure I will get used to them. They are a good all rounder for hiking.