Salomon Men's Outbound Prism GTX Shoes

Product Information

The synthetic material covering the Upper is designed to fend off and resist the outdoorsy elements, the Sensifit overlay lining high enough around the back of the shoes keeps grazing marks at bay, and the outsole is constructed with a protective toe cap to prevent stubbing.

Salomon Mens Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Shoes OutdoorGB Salomon Mens Outbound Prism GTX Hiking Shoes OutdoorGB

One of Salomon’s signature features is their single-pull Quicklace system, which is featured on a number of the designs above, including the Cross Hike, X Raise, XA Pro 3D v8, and low-top version of the X Ultra 4 (the Mid uses standard laces). Stability-wise, several features accommodate tread and steadiness, namely, the outsole’s relatively wide base (wide in comparison to its fit). However, stacked up against the X Ultra 4 above, the X Raise is less confidence-inspiring for navigating more technical trails, and it’s not as protective or grippy.

At the time of publishing, their hiking lineup comprises 14 core models—many of which are offered in multiple styles and variations—so there’s a lot to consider. Most notably, the fairly thin padding underfoot can lead to foot soreness when covering longer distances over hard and rough surfaces (the older X Ultra 3 has a bit more cushioning), and the collar sits fairly low for a backpacking boot and can let in trail debris and water more readily.

Salomon Outbound Prism GTX L41271500 - Zboží.cz Salomon Outbound Prism GTX L41271500 - Zboží.cz

On the official Salomon product page, the company doesn't rank this shoe very high in breathability. The main advantage is convenience: It’s easy to get an even cinch with a single pull, and everything tucks away nicely into a stretchy pocket on the tongue. These shoes were extremely comfy from the outset – lightweight, they fitted like a glove, had well-supported arches and flat laces, which I noted stayed tied and reduced pressure points over the instep for a consistent, comfort-focused fit. The Outline GTX comes in two versions: The Salomon Outline Low GTX hiking shoes that I have (both available in waterproof and non-waterproof) and a mid-high version (waterproof only). Backpackers embarking on multi-day trips with a heavy load will likely find little to complain about with the Quest, but it’s decidedly overbuilt for traveling fast and light on easier terrain.Weight correlates closely with each shoe’s intentions: For instance, the synthetic, running shoe-like Outbound Prism is best suited for day hiking on smooth and well-maintained trails, while the more traditional leather Quest is purpose-built for covering rough and rugged terrain under the weight of a fully loaded pack. On the opposite side of the spectrum, I have read some reviews where people said these Salomon travel shoes get uncomfortable when hiking very long distances. Taken together, the OUTpulse looks and feels a lot like a trail running shoe but with noticeably better support and protection. If you're looking for a lightweight, sturdy walking shoe with lots of grip that still looks nice enough to wear around town, I can recommend the Salomon Outline GTX.

Salomon OUTBOUND PRISM GTX - Hiking shoes - black - Zalando UK Salomon OUTBOUND PRISM GTX - Hiking shoes - black - Zalando UK

And finally, the XA Pro is pretty thin at the top, which can lead to abrasion and tears through the fairly minimalist mesh upper. What we don’t: Design is a little dated; we'd opt for the Quest for more technical terrain or heavy loads. One issue is that the shoe’s lugs are on the shallow end and spaced closely together, which means they won’t bite well into thick and soft surfaces like mud.The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable.

Salomon Hiking Footwear: How to Choose | Switchback Travel Salomon Hiking Footwear: How to Choose | Switchback Travel

All told, it's a really stylish and modern-looking shoe with enough of a technical slant for light day hiking.In the end, the Odyssey is a pretty niche design and lacking in performance compared to many other options here, but it has its place for those aiming to cover a lot of easy ground quickly. This shoe is feature and tech heavy, yet combines high performance with modern looks to feel like a well-designed trainer.