Salomon’s range of lightweight walking boots seems to be growing exponentially and slightly confusingly they do tend to look pretty similar. The Comet 3D GTX is their latest take on a classic lightweight walking and trekking boot with subtle differences from other models.
In this case, they’re slightly lower than either the excellent butu expensive Wings Sky GTX or the Quest – not by a huge amount, but enough to make a difference. Visually you can see they have just one lace hook above the instep rather than two.
Tech Stuff
All you really need to know is that Salomon is a dab hand at taking technology from its excellent trail-running range of footwear and applying it to its boots for a light and precise feel. The 3D chassis uses an internal plate for good stiffness laterally and a light, efficient EVA mid-sole for lots of cushioning. A nice touch is that the heel bit is externally reinforced with a techy-looking transparent plastic to stop the cushioning there being trashed by rock abrasion.
Performance
Essentially the Comet is a slightly lower take on our long-time faves, the Quest 4D GTX, but are about an inch shorter around the ankle, which you’ll either like or not. We’re all in favour as it gives a little more ankle mobility and we often leave the top hooks of taller boots unlaced anyway.
They also do the typical Salomon thing of feeling instantly comfortable thanks to quality foam internal padding, but with a reassuringly close fit for our typical British feet, that’s ‘close’ not ‘tight’ thoughy it will obviously depend on your personal foot shape.
In use they just feel right. Light, comfortable – use the locking instep hook to customise the lacing tension to suit – and with enough underfoot cushioning to cope with harder ground. The forefoot bends nicely for walking comfort, but there’s plenty of resistance to twist, so uneven ground is dealt with quite happily too.
The Contragrip sole unit is decent enough too and toothier than the one on the Wings Sky. Good on everything short of proper super sloppy mud. Rubber toe and heel reinforcements promise decent durability too, though as always, we’d tend to choose leather for persistent scree-bashing.
The Gore-Tex liner works for us in wet conditions, though in really hot weather, many users find it a tad warm, so if you’re off to the tropics, maybe look for an unlined or hot weather specific alternative.
Verdict
Another excellent lightweight hiking boot from Salomon with great fit, grip and comfort. The slightly lower ankle cuff makes these a great choice for anyone looking for a half-way house between genuine mids and higher-cut boots – you get good ankle protection, but a feeling of mobility too.
As always, fit is paramount, but the Salomon last seem to work well with UK feet and for us gives a great mix of comfort and precision. At £135 they’re not cheap, but you are getting a very nice boot for the money.
