Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX Hiking Shoes Review
An in-depth review of a firm, stable, hybrid shoe that blends trail-runner lightness with hiker toughness
October 8th, 2025
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Our verdict
The Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX hiking shoes are for hikers who want a shoe that blurs the line between trail runner and light hiker. It’s protective and sturdy like a hiker, but trimmed down enough to feel quicker on the trail. Dedicated trail runners may find the sole too stiff and structured, but hikers who are curious about adopting a more runner-style feel will appreciate that it brings agility without sacrificing the traditional elements of a trail shoe, like protection and stability.
We tested the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX hiking shoes on rooty and rocky coastal trails, and its standout feature is the firm chassis, which gives more control than most run-based hybrids. It’s great for trails where you want to hike some sections and run others. The tradeoff is comfort, as it’s not as plush as modern cushioned shoes.
The styling isn’t as sleek as some of the streamlined designs out there, but for someone who likes a bit of a throwback look with dependable performance, the XA Pro is a worthy option.
Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX
men's
Women's
Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 specifications
Price: $160
Weight: Men’s: 1 lb 9 oz; Women’s: 1 lb 6 oz (Per pair; Salomon specs)
Cushion level (Light/Medium/Maximum): Medium
Stability (Neutral/Stable): Stable
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 11mm
Stack height (heel/toe mm): 28.7mm/17.3 mm
Upper materials: Synthetic mesh with rubber toe cap
Midsole material: EVA-type foam with Salomon’s 3D Advanced Chassis
Outsole material and lugs: All-Terrain Contagrip; 3-5mm lugs
Waterproof technology: GORE-TEX (non-waterproof version available)
Available sizes and widths: Men’s US 7–14 in regular and wide; Women’s US 5-11
Suitable for vegans: Yes; Salomon lists synthetic materials
Best for
The XA Pro 3D are light for a hiker but sturdier than a runner. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Day hiking and trail running on mixed terrain where protection and stability matter more than a soft, bouncy ride
Hikers who like a secure, locked-in feel and the ease of the Quicklace system
Average and wide-footed hikers (Wide version only available in men’s)
Comparison table
| TRAIL RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | WEIGHT (PAIR) | UPPER MATERIAL | WATERPROOFING? | MIDSOLE | OUTSOLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon XA PRO 3D V9 GORE-TEX Men's Women's |
$160 | 1 lb 9.4 oz (men's), 1 lb 6.2 oz (women's) | Synthetic/ textile | GORE-TEX membrane | EnergyCell+ | All Terrain Contragrip rubber |
| Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Low Men's Women's |
$170 | 1 lb 10.8 oz (men's), 1 lb 6.6 oz (women's) | GORE-TEX | EnergyCell | All Terrain Contragrip rubber | |
| Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Men's Women's |
$170 | 1 lb. 9.7 oz (men's), 1 lb. 5.2 oz (women's) | Nylon ripstop/TPU | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane | FloatPro foam | Vibram TC5+ rubber |
| Danner Trail 2650 Men's Women's |
$170 | 1 lb 11 oz (men's), 1 lb 5 oz (women's) | Suede, textile | N/A (mesh) | Vibram 460 | |
| HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Men's Women's |
$180 | 1 lb 14.7 oz (men's), 1 lb 8.8 oz (women's) | Waterproof Nubuck leather/recycled mesh | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof/breathable laminate | Compression-molded EVA (30% sugarcane) | Vibram Megagrip rubber |
What we liked
GORE-TEX membrane: dry socks through puddles and rain showers. Photo by Laura McIntyre
Stable, supportive, and competitively lightweight for a hiking shoe
Protective toe cap and reinforcements
Quicklace system is fast, tidy, and doesn’t creep loose
Wide option available
What could be better
The design of the Quicklace system created odd pressure points on one tester
The upper feels a bit dated (but one of our testers loved that)
The ride is firm (but that’s precisely what makes the XA an adequate hiking shoe)
The name of the shoe is a mouthful and hard to remember
Wide option is only available in men's
How we tested
The rubber toe cap takes the sting out of rock and root strikes. Photo by Steve Redmond
We tested the men’s and women’s Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX on the trails around Squamish, British Columbia, from late summer into fall. Conditions included a mix of pretty much everything, from 90℉ heat one day to pouring rain the next.
Over multiple day hikes, we repeated many of the same loops we recently used for theGto keep comparisons fair. Given that they’re part trail runner, part hiking shoe, the XA Pro 3D V9 particularly shined on the Four Lakes Loop Trail in Alice Lake Provincial Park, where we hike the ups and run the downs.
As with our other footwear reviews, we evaluated fit, stability, cushioning, traction, waterproofing, and durability, with extra attention on how this older Salomon design stacks up against more modern hybrids.
Performance in the field
The All-Terrain Contagrip outsole with medium lugs keeps things steady on dirt and gravel. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Fit and sizing
The XA Pro 3D V9 GTX hiking shoes fit true to size with no surprises, and both our men’s and women’s testers were happy in their usual size. I tested the women’s version and have higher-volume feet on the wider side; I went with my usual 7.5 instead of sizing up. The fit felt spot-on and comfortable straight out of the box with no real break-in needed. The blow of not having a women’s wide version to choose from was softened by the lace design, which took the pressure off my outer toes.
Our men’s tester, with medium-width, medium-volume feet, wore his standard 11.5 and had plenty of length without heel slip on his first hike. The toe box has just enough space to wiggle without feeling sloppy on downhills, and the structured heel cup kept us locked in.
Salomon offers the men’s model in both standard and wide widths, while the women’s comes only in a standard fit. Our take: stick with your normal size, and if you’re between widths, the men’s wide option is a good call.
Comfort and support
The EnergyCell midsole brings a touch of rebound with firm support. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Comfort in the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX strikes a balance—it leans more toward support and structure than plush cushion. Against softer, high-stack trail shoes like the HOKA Anacapa 2, it feels firm underfoot. But compared to more built-out hikers like the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX or Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX, it actually comes across as a little more forgiving and easier to wear.
Out of the box they were comfortable, especially after some time in the stiffer Oboz Katabatic, and Salomon’s 3D Advanced Chassis (a firm insert sandwiched between the midsole and outsole that adds stability and torsional control) was noticeable on mixed days where we hiked the climbs and jogged the descents, and on overly rocky trails. That extra stability kept us feeling upright and secure on techy terrain, where softer shoes have let our ankles roll in the past.
The EnergyCell midsole is Salomon’s high-rebound foam, giving you a bit of spring in your step while still offering solid cushioning.
Our testers were split on the lacing system: the men’s tester found this particular Quicklace design (which forgoes pulling the laces across the outer toes) created an uncomfortable pressure point across the top of his foot and big toe, while I liked that it relieved pressure over the outer toes (an area where I often feel discomfort). My favorite feature was the very thing that bothered him, which shows how personal comfort can be a factor with any shoe.
Traction and grip
The upper and outsole of the XA Pro 3D V9. Photo by Ebony Roberts
The XA Pro 3D V9 uses Salomon’s All-Terrain Contagrip outsole with medium-depth lugs arranged in a fairly traditional pattern. On dirt and gravel it felt steady and predictable, and they felt trustworthy enough braking on steep, loose sections, but we’d opt for something with more braking power when hiking a trail like the Stawamus Chief.
On slick, wet rock the grip was serviceable but not stellar—you’ll want careful foot placement, especially compared to stickier Vibram Megagrip compounds. In mud, the lugs don’t dig as aggressively as a deeper trail shoe, but they shed mud well enough that the outsole doesn’t cake up. After multiple miles, the rubber still looks nearly new, and based on past Salomon builds we expect the outsole to outlast the upper.
Waterproofing and breathability
The GORE-TEX membrane works as expected, keeping out rain and splashes so long as you don’t overstep into a creek and flood them from the top. In our two-minute river test, the shoes performed well—water beaded off cleanly—but in a heavy downpour the uppers can take on some saturation, and if they get fully drenched they’ll dry a little slower than shoes with sleeker, tighter-knit mesh. While the heat builds more quickly than in a non-GTX model, in Squamish’s mix of rain and sun, we found the trade-off worthwhile for keeping socks dry.
Breathability is above average for a waterproof shoe due to the classic mesh upper, though the material does have the potential to soak up more water than some newer designs.
If you tend to run hot or mostly hike in dry climates, the non-GTX version is the smarter choice. If you plan to hike consistently in wet, muddy conditions, a hiking boot is probably a better fit.
Durability and construction
Testers were divided over whether the Quicklace design created pressure points. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Durability on the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX has been solid so far, with no obvious wear after repeated hikes through Squamish’s mixed weather. The synthetic mesh upper and welded overlays give it that classic Salomon armored feel. The rubber toe bumper has taken a few direct hits on rocks without scuffing through.
We’re still less than 100 miles in on each pair, but the firm midsole hasn’t shown signs of packing out yet, and based on our miles in similar Salomon builds, we’d expect it to hold shape well into the future. That said, the mesh upper does seem prone to snagging if you’re bushwacking or hiking through more overgrown trails, and it feels less durable than the tougher synthetic blends we’ve seen on newer models like the Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX. So while the XA Pro is durable underfoot, the mesh upper feels like the part that might give out first (not as much of a concern if you’re primarily on smooth, groomed trails).
Weight and packability
Salomon lists the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX as weighing about 12.7 oz per shoe for men (size 9) and 11.1 oz for women (size 7). On our scale, a women’s 7.5 hit right at 11.3 oz, while a men’s 11.5 weighed 14.5 oz, which felt consistent with its build.
At these weights, the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX falls on the lighter side of hiking shoes, though it still carries more heft than a true trail runner. That extra weight comes with a planted feel and solid protection underfoot, something we appreciated when the trail turned rooty or rocky.
Within the broader category, the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX lands in a sweet spot: lighter and quicker than traditional hikers, but with more structure than ultralight models. They’re easy enough to stash on a pack, and on foot they strike a balance that works well for tougher day hikes and longer fast-and-light missions.
If you’re curious whether hiking shoes or trail running shoes are the better choice for you, check out our Trail Running Shoes vs. Hiking Shoes guide.
Features
Classic Salomon overlays—protective and unmistakable on the trail. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Quicklace system
Salomon’s one-pull Quicklace setup is fast, stays secure, and tucks neatly into a lace garage. In testing about a dozen pairs of Salomon hiking shoes, I’ve had the lace break once after a ton of trail use, but they’re easily replaceable. The removal of an eyelet over the outer toes relieved pressure for our women’s tester, but the men’s tester found it redistributed pressure across the top of the foot uncomfortably.
Heel cup and collar
The women’s version of the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9. Photo by Ebony Roberts
A structured heel cup and padded collar lock the rearfoot securely in place, which we appreciated on uneven terrain. It feels supportive without being overly rigid, striking a good balance for a shoe in this category.
Toe cap and underfoot protection
A sturdy rubber bumper shields toes from roots and rocks, while the firm sole and rock plate add underfoot protection.
Style and colors
The XA Pro 3D V9 GTX has that classic Salomon look: contrasting overlays that crisscross the upper in that instantly recognizable Salomon style. The colorways are fresh and modern, but they’re layered onto a more traditional silhouette, and the shoe runs a little puffier and less streamlined than newer designs—a performance meets street-style vibe that Salomon leans into.
Sustainability
Salomon really isn’t racking up sustainability points the way some other brands are (like Oboz, for instance). For the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX, Salomon states “materials made from recycled products such as PET bottles or material waste,” but they don’t say how much or what materials.
Similar products
Salomon X Ultra 5 Low GTX
Both the Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX and the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX are waterproof hybrid hiking shoes. The X Ultra 5 leans more toward a traditional hiking shoe with its more generous cushion, refined upper, and a focus on all-day comfort. The XA Pro 3D V9 leans more trail runner, but with a firmer chassis, and more protective build. Spec-wise, they’re close in weight and drop, but the X Ultra 5s feel smoother and more cushioned underfoot, while the XA Pro 3D V9 feels firmer and more planted.
Go for the X Ultra 5 if you want a smoother, more comfortable ride for long miles and varied terrain; go for the XA Pro 3D V9 if you prefer a more controlled feel with extra protection underfoot, and you plan to move quickly without a lot of pack weight.
Like the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Low GTX is available in Men’s Wide.
Salomon X Ultra 5 Low GTX
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX
Against Merrell’s Moab Speed 2, the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX shows its more traditional DNA: firmer midsole, beefier overlays, and a classic Salomon look. The Moab Speed 2 has that more modern style: lighter, more rockered, and noticeably more comfortable right out of the box.
The Moab Speed 2 sits more squarely in the hiking shoe category, borrowing a few elements from trail runners to keep it light and versatile. The XA Pro 3D V9 is the opposite—a trail runner at its core that’s been stiffened with the underfoot stability and protection of a hiker.
Consider the Moab Speed 2 if you want a cushioned, modern hiker with trail-runner agility that you can wear all day on long hikes (and the occasional light backpacking trip). Go for the XA Pro 3D V9 if you prefer a firmer, planted feel that prioritizes control and durability over plush comfort.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX
Who should buy this
Buy if you want a run-hike hybrid that leans more toward light hiking shoes than true trail runners. This is a good pick if you prioritize control over plush cushioning and prefer the traditional stance of a hiking shoe without the weight or height of a boot.
Skip if you hike lots of slick, wet rock and want the stickiest rubber available, or you want plush, modern cushion for long trail days.
men's
Women's
Where to buy
You can find the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX at the usual suspects (like Salomon, REI, and Backcountry). If you’re buying online, it’s a good idea to check a few retailers because you can sometimes find your preferred colorway at one but not another. We only recommend purchasing from online retailers with good return policies. The advantage of purchasing in-store is that you can try on multiple sizes, or the GORE and non-GORE version, and walk around in them. Fit is true to size; men’s wide exists if you need more space.
REI
With REI’s 100% satisfaction policy, Co-op members can return most items—including worn or gently used shoes—for up to one year with proof of purchase. Plus, REI has a lenient return system and in-store try-on options. They also offer a 10% dividend for members.
You can also purchase the men's wide version from the same page as the standard sizing.
Women's and Men's and Men’s Wide
Backcountry
Backcountry also has a generous return policy, frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, and an excellent Gearhead customer service chat.
Women's and Men's and Men’s Wide
Zappos
Zappos has a 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program.
You can also purchase the men's wide version from the same page as the standard sizing at Zappos
Salomon (directly)
You can sometimes find more color or sizing options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Salomon offers free returns and full refunds on new, unused items within 45 days of delivery.
Women's and Men's and Men’s Wide
Why you should trust us / About the Author
I’ve spent nearly a decade testing and reviewing outdoor gear for leading publications including Treeline Review, The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Outside Magazine, The Wall Street Journal Buy Side, REI Co-op, and Forbes Vetted.
I’ve interviewed dozens of industry experts over the years, and hiked in 50+ pairs of hiking shoes and boots, logging plenty of trail miles in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. I understand that there’s no one best pair of hiking shoes for everybody, but there is the best pair for you, and I’m here to help you find it. I'm also the author of Treeline Review's Best Men's Hiking Shoes and Best Women's Hiking Shoes guide and have tested dozens of pairs of shoes over the years for those articles.
You can see all of my Treeline Review stories on my author page.
