What you're actually getting here
Salomon's X Ultra line has been a reliable name in hiking footwear for years. The 360 Leather version adds a full-grain leather upper to the usual formula, paired with GORE-TEX waterproofing. That combination matters. Leather breathes better than most synthetics over long days, ages decently, and holds its shape after the first few soakings. Add a proper waterproof membrane and you've got something that'll handle a soggy autumn weekend in the Peaks without complaint.
Personally, I've always found Salomon's lacing system one of the better ones out there. Quick to tighten, stays put on descents. That's not nothing when you're scrambling down wet slate at the end of a long day.
Who this is actually for
This is a shoe for someone who walks regularly, on varied terrain, and wants something that'll last more than a season. Not a casual Sunday stroller (a bit over-engineered for that) and not a hardcore mountaineer either. That middle ground: weekend hillwalker, someone who does the odd coastal path or moorland circuit. If that's you, this is spot on.
My one honest reservation: leather shoes need breaking in. Don't wear these straight out of the box for a 15-miler. A few shorter walks first, or you'll know about it.
The price question
At this price point for a Salomon with GORE-TEX and a leather upper, it's not half bad. These typically sit considerably higher. The community heat on this one is real. Sizes are limited though, so if yours is there, don't hang about.
