Salomon Elixir Activ GORE - TEX Hiking Shoes for Men review: Great, But with a Little Room for Improvement
Hey, fellas who love hitting the trails! If you're on the hunt for a solid pair of hiking shoes, the Salomon Elixir Activ GORE - TEX ones are definitely worth a look. They've got some really cool features, but there's one thing that might give you a bit of a pause.
First off, these shoes have that GORE - TEX waterproof and breathable membrane. It's like having a super - shield for your feet. When you're out in the woods and it's muddy or it starts raining, you don't have to worry about your feet getting soaked. This membrane stops water from getting in, but it also lets air flow through. So, even if you're sweating like crazy on a long hike, your feet stay dry. It's amazing how well it works. You can focus on enjoying the hike without dealing with wet, squishy socks.
The midsole is made of this Fuze Foam composite material, and it's really soft and comfy. It's like walking on a cloud, but with a bit of bounce. Every time you take a step on those uneven trails, the midsole soaks up the shock. You know how sometimes after a long hike, your feet feel beat up? Well, with these shoes, that's not as much of a problem. The Fuze Foam does a great job of protecting your feet from all those bumps and jolts.
But here's the thing. A lot of us have noticed that while the midsole is great for shock absorption and has a nice bounce, the front part of the shoe, the forefoot, is a bit stiff. It's not as cushy as the rest of the midsole. Some of us are wondering if it just needs a little break - in period. Like, maybe after wearing them for a while and really "working" the forefoot, it'll soften up and start feeling as good as the rest of the shoe. Right now, it can feel a bit odd, especially when you're taking those first few steps on a hike.
Overall, though, these Salomon Elixir Activ GORE - TEX hiking shoes are pretty sweet. They're great at keeping your feet dry and the midsole is really good at cushioning. If you don't mind a bit of a stiffer forefoot at first, or if you think it'll get better with use, these shoes could be a really good choice for your next hiking adventure.
