Salomon Elixir Mid GTX
Camping and OutdoorsSports and FitnessStyle February 9, 2024
Everyone knows that if you’re going to go off hiking, you’re going to need the right shoes (a lesson learnt hard by this reviewer back in my youth!), especially if the terrain you’re hitting is varied and rugged. One wrongly placed foot or slip and you could do yourself an injury as well as the ever-present problem of blisters with longer-range hikes. These shoes from Salomon have been designed with comfort and flexibility in mind and are ideal for those 1-day hikes when you just want to get a bit closer to nature.
To begin with, the tongue and collar have extra padding so less shifting about of your feet in the boots themselves with a nice, snug fit. This gives you more confidence in foot placement and also helps to cut down on the blisters. Added to this, the mid-sole is constructed from Energy Foam, giving some nice cushioning to your steps and making longer periods of walking far more attainable and appealing. The material used in the construction of these shoes has been subjected to the Gore-Tex charm and also contains a waterproof membrane allowing you to keep your feet comfortable and dry no matter the conditions – seemingly quite contrarily to their look!
The tread is decent at 5mm depth – enough to grip on soft terrain but not so high you lose any kind of feeling of contact with the ground so you can still ‘feel’ the ground beneath you despite the cushioning effect mentioned earlier. It’s also worth mentioning the Sensi-Fit™ design of the entire shoe which basically ensures the whole foot is cradled in what feels like a moulded one-piece bit of footwear, making these shoes one of the most solid and dependable pairs you’ll find out there for hiking. They come in a choice of 3 different colours, black, green or white. RRP £200
- Great cushioning
- Nice, secure fit
- Waterproof
- Look good
- Pricey if you don’t use them for what they’re intended but worth every penny if you do!