Solomon XA Ultra and XA Pro
Hiking Shoes and Hiking Boots
Find the right fit for your hiking shoes
Happy hiking starts with happy feet. And happy feet depend on a well-fitting hiking boot or hiking shoe. My feet are surprisingly average–not too wide, not too narrow, no unusual toes, size 9. Even so, I’m pretty fussy about the right fit and the amount of cushion to stability. For me, Solomon XA low-top hiking shoes and high-top hiking boots check all the boxes for best footwear.
What makes these hiking shoes a good fit…
Three critical parts make the Solomon XA style a great women’s hiking shoe and boot. First, the heel cup is narrow and the toe box is wide. Both those aspects help prevent blisters — between the toes and back of the heel–which would bring your hike into the misery zone.
Second, the sole truly is the grippiest material I’ve experienced in a hiking shoe. Downhill on wet rocks is no problem. I appreciate the quick lacing on the shoe, which is easy to snug up before starting downhill.
Finally, they both feel super light while hiking, which makes a difference on any long trail slog. The boots soles are stiffer and thicker, and more support helps when carrying a pack.
The boots are mostly puddleproof, but on my last hike to TidbitMountain, I learned they’re not foolproof. The lush trailside plants dripped so much dew onto my legs that my socks wicked the moisture down into my boots–totally squishy inside!
What could be better…
One suggestion is a change on the hooks of the Solomon XA boots. Here’s why: the loops of the tied laces on one foot can get snagged in the ankle hoot of the other shoe as you walk, which sends you face down on the trail!
Like any hiking footwear, they don’t last forever. After a few seasons of use, the soles do start breaking down and you feel the gravel underfoot. A stiffer soled boot may last longer, but the comfort is worth it to me.
I brought both the boots and the shoes on the Tour de Mont Blanc, and alternated days. My feet were tired every day, but not a single blister or sore spot.