REVIEW: Salomon Predict Hike Mid GTX

A hiking shoe designed to stand out from the crowd, the Salomon Predict Hike GORE-TEX ensures a comfy stride on any given path. With Energy Surge technology for long-lasting cushioning, this outdoor all-rounder has GORE-TEX to keep the weather out and a mid-cut collar to hug your feet in and keep your ride cosy, while deep lugs hold ground on any terrain.

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Photo courtesy of Salomon

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Our Sportsshoes.com Running and Hiking Ambassador, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting the new Salomon Predict Hike Mid GTX walking shoes to the test;

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As the popularity of walking and hiking continues to grow, so does the choice of shoes, which are now becoming more practical and fashionable in equal measure. The new Salomon Predict Hike Mid-GTX is a prime example of a shoe which perfectly demonstrates a balance of both and one which I’ve found myself wearing for a wide range of activities. Whether it’s a Sunday stroll with the family, a walk with the dog, a long day on the trail, a trip to the shops, or for a drink in the local pub – the Predict Hike is an extremely versatile, all-purpose everyday boot. Spoken like a true Leeds United fan, they are the Stuart Dallas of walking shoes (apologies to any non-football fans reading this!).

Perhaps the main reason why I like this shoe so much is that fact that it just fits so well and is extremely comfortable to wear. So much so, that I often forget that I’m even wearing hiking boots. Which means that they’re particularly well suited to long-distance walks and for prolonged periods of wear. However, it is worth pointing out that this boot is a small fit in length and somewhere between a narrow and standard fit in terms of width. To put this in perspective, I’m usually a UK 10.5 in Salomon trail shoes and I opted for a UK 11 in this particular model. I could probably even wear a UK 11.5 with thicker socks, so please bear this in mind before buying a pair!

Aside from comfort, I also think they look really cool in terms of design and are available in a range of funky colourways – personally I’m a huge fan of the Black/Aqua Gray/Royal Lilac as they remind me of something that Marty McFly would wear in Back to The Future (I’m showing my age now!). The Predict Hike look great with walking trousers and shorts, but equally good with a pair of jeans! These stylish boots compliment almost every outfit, which is why I wear them almost everyday for just about everything I do. As far as hiking shoes go, you won’t find a pair more versatile. They’re so light and comfortable that you won’t want to take them off. Mine have found a new home in the porch right next to my front door, always ready for their next adventure - whether that’s for a hike in the hills, or a trip round town to the shopping tills!

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Photo courtesy of Salomon

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Staring at the top of the boot, the uppers feel durable and strong. Most of the protection is found at the front and back of the shoe, with thicker pieces of material to protect the toes and heel. There is minimal protection at the sides, but instead these lightweight sections are designed to increase breathability. As the upper features a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, it’s essential that this shoe allows moisture and perspiration to escape from the inside. Something else that’s really handy is the loop at the back of the heel which helps when taking the shoe off.

I like the traditional lacing system and the two extra hooks at the very top of the shoe, which allow for a tighter and more personalised fit. feel that this also helps to improve the stability of the shoe because it pulls the sides closer together, locking your feet in place. The padded tongue sits comfortably against the top of your foot and also features a gusset to repel small stones and debris. Although I like the shape of the tongue, I think that one small improvement would be to extend the length of the gusset, or slightly widen the tongue, as there is a tiny gap at either side (when the laces are tied), which unless covered by the bottom of your trousers, leaves the top of the shoe slightly exposed and more vulnerable to wet weather conditions.

The Predict Hike is an extremely lightweight hybrid version of a trail shoe and a hiking boot. The Energy Surge midsole provides an abundance of cushioning and energy return. The insole has been moulded to match the contours of your foot and it bends and flexes on uneven ground, conforming to your stride and adapting to the terrain. There is plenty of bend and flex in this shoe and particularly on hard surfaces, they are a real joy to wear.

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This hiking shoe has a Contagrip MA outsole, a staple feature of Salomon’s trail shoe range. The lugs are reasonably deep and the grip performs well across a range of surfaces, but I would say this boot is more suited to harder trail surfaces, rather than soft and muddy. Firstly, because I found that the main channel running down the centre of the outsole can often clog with mud and secondly, because I subconsciously wanted to try and keep them clean. Admittedly the latter has nothing to do with the capability of the shoe! In truth, I would wear this boot for just about 95% of my walks and hikes, with the only possible exception of extreme conditions (both weather and terrain) where ultimate grip and protection are the highest priorities.

Overall, I really love the Predict Hike and recommend it to anyone looking for an everyday walking shoe that you can use for a wide-range of purposes. Not only does it look good, it also feels fantastic to wear. Full marks are awarded for versatility, comfort and cushioning!

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SHOP SALOMON PREDICT HIKE MID-GTX WALKING SHOES HERE

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