I Hiked 9 Miles Through Joshua Tree With Zero Foot Pain in These Salomon Shoes—Plus 5 More Top-rated Styles

Travel + Leisure

14-05-2025

As a New York City resident, I don't get to spend much time in the great outdoors, so when I recently got an opportunity to travel to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park, I was ecstatic. In high school, I was able to visit a handful of national and state parks across the U.S., but it had been years since I had gotten to go on a similar trip. And while I was confident that my time in Joshua Tree was going to be an amazing experience, I was feeling much less certain about my feet's ability to handle the uneven and often unpredictable desert landscape.
Even though I can manage 20,000 steps a day in the city, I knew taking on a nine-mile hike through desert terrain was going to be a totally different beast to tackle. In preparation, I was able to snag a pair of Salomon X Ultra 5 Gore-tex Low Hiking Shoes, the newest style to join its fan-favorite lineup, just in time for my trip, and I'm so glad that I did. Now, having completed the trek successfully, I can safely say that it was the perfect choice for the occasion. $170 at REI $170 at Zappos
While researching reliable hiking shoe recommendations, I came across several Salomon reviews, where hikers repeatedly called some of the brand's similar styles 'well-made' and 'durable' enough for even the most adventurous of outdoor enthusiasts. Taking these glowing reviews in stride, I decided to try them out for myself. I opted for the low-top X Ultra 5s in the Burlwood colorway, and not only was I impressed by how stylish these shoes were, but also by how comfortable they were leading up to and during my hike.
Before setting out on my trip, I did a test run around the city to break them in, but to my surprise, they were incredibly lightweight and comfortable from the moment that I put them on. While in Joshua Tree, I hiked across sand, dirt, and rocks, and after nine miles, I felt no foot pain. As much as I'd love to pretend that it's because I'm some kind of invincible athlete who can take on any adventure that lies ahead, I know that the lack of pain was largely due to how well these hiking shoes were constructed. $170 at REI $170 at Zappos
The X Ultra 5 hiking shoe is made with Salomon's patented Contagrip outsole that allows for grip and traction in every step. If you prefer a low-top hiking shoe like I do, you'll find that this design delivers enough ankle support to keep you stable during your hike. This style is also an amazing option if you plan on hiking through a variety of different elements. The combination of Gore-tex waterproofing and the brand's durable yet breathable Matryx fabric will give your feet the ultimate protection against rain, rocks, and mud.
Suffice to say, I loved these shoes and they've certainly helped me get back into exploring the outdoors—and as it turns out, I'm not the only one who feels this way. One REI shopper wrote that the stability of these hiking shoes made them 'feel like a younger person,' adding that it ' [was] a wonderful feeling [to be] completely confident on the trail today. I appreciate the excellent craftsmanship, and they look great, too.' $170 at REI $170 at Zappos
Whether you're searching for your first pair of hiking shoes or are an experienced hiker in need of a footwear upgrade, the Salomon x Ultra 5 Gore-tex shoes are built for even the longest of trails. However, if you're looking for a few more options to suit your style or price point, I've got you covered. Keep scrolling for other highly rated, best-selling hiking boots and shoes ahead.
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