Jul 10
29
We take a look at the technology behind Salomon’s best selling walking boot, the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX.
Having been reviews on Channel Five’s The Gadget Show by none other than Brian Blessed, the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX has become the ultimate walking boot of choice for outdoor enthusiasts across the globe.
And when it costs over £140 it had better be! Poeple are able to pick up a pair of entry level walking boots for around £40 and even less, so wy should someone spend an extra £100 on a pair of top of the line Salomon walking boots?
More importantly, beyond it’s good looks and Brian Blessed’s roaring praise, what makes the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX walking boot so special?
When it comes to outdoor footwear you get what you pay for. So if an entry level walking boot will offer essential cushioning, grip and water resistance, imagine what a high end walking boot will provide.
So in the case of the Salomon Cosmic it’s the sheer volume of technology, treatments and materials which makes them infinitely more comfortable, supportive and better fitting than a cheaper alternative. Not to mentioned being extremely lightweight, hard wearing and breathable. But enough about how comfy they are, let’s focus on the tech.
Long ago, Brasher boots made a name for themselves by taking the lightweight performance and cushioning of a running trainer and applying it to their rugged brown leather walking boots.
Today Salomon has done exactly the same, borrowing the technologies from their own range of lightweight, high speed trail running shoes. The end result is a walking boot that fits like trainer, feels light a trainer, but offers all the support and protection of a walking boot.
Ballistic Nylon Upper
Ballistic nylon is a thick, tough, synthetic nylon fabric originally intended to protect WWII airmen from flying debris and fragmentation caused by bullet or artillery shell impacts. Today it’s a touch material that’s difficult to cut or tear, making it an ideal material for walking boots.
Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Footwear Membrane
There are many different versions of the Gore-Tex breathable, waterproof membrane on the market. Although GTX and XCR are the best known types. The Salomon Cosmic boot features the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort Footwear Membrane that surrounds the foot in order to draw excess heat and moisture away from the skin to keep your feet cool and dry while providing complete waterproof protection from the outside.
Sensifit
Commonly used in high performance trainers, a Sensifit system system envelopes the foot providing a precise and secure fit, which in turn makes the boot or shoe more comfortable and responsive. You can see the Sensifit zig zagging down the sides of the Salomon Cosmic boots.
4D Advanced Chassis
The biggest selling point behind the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX is Salomon’s 4D advanced chassis. This is a 4 level combination of dynamic cushioining, 4D stability and an all-mountain traction outsole for complete protection, support and grip.
The top level is an EVA midsole with added heel foam cushioning.
The next level is the 4D Chassis which adds rigid strength and minimises forefoot flex for superior comfort and performance on tough mountain terrain.
Below that is a layer of extra firm cushioning to protect against rocks and other sharp objects causing pain through through the sole of the boot.
Finally, the ContaGrip all mountain traction outsole offers multidirectional grip for ascending, descending and even side ways movement to keep your feet in complete control.
Lightweight
Weighing just 630g, the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX is far lighter than comparable walking boots.
With outdoor gear getting progressively lighter all of the time, saving even the smallest amount of weight can have a big impact on a long journey.
As a technical sport brands, Salomon are forever at the forefront of the outdoor footwear market when it comes to performance. In this instance, they’ve created a top of the range backpacking boot that’s incredibly comfortable to wear, providing excellent flexibility and support, all while being light, breathable and completely waterproof.
“The best boots I’ve put on in years!” Roared Brian Blessed, having reviewed the Salomon Cosmic before adding that he could easily walk up Kilimanjaro in them simple because they were so lightweight.
The Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX is the must have boot for serious walkers seeking an all-weather walking boot..until Salomon release their next top end walking boot of course!
To find out how this excellent walking boot performs in the great outdoors, we recommend reading the Salomon Cosmic 4D GTX review by Sean at Striding Edge.