I’m looking for new hiking shoes, and I’m considering the Salomon X Ultra 360 Edge GTX. I’ve never tried Gore-Tex shoes, so I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone with experience, especially in tropical climates.
My main concern is water getting trapped inside the shoes while hiking near streams or waterfalls. I’ll be hiking in Indonesia and Malaysia, where there’s a good chance of rain. If water gets inside, it’d be tough to have soaked feet without proper ventilation.
Any thoughts on these for tropical use? I’d also love suggestions for alternatives if anyone has them.
I wouldn’t recommend Gore-Tex if you’re only bringing one pair of shoes.
I took my Salomon XT-6 Gore-Tex for a hike up Mt. Fuji and other uses, and it was a nightmare when they got soaked from rain and fog. It took days to fully dry, and the smell stuck around. Had to constantly stuff them with hotel towels and blow-dry them just to get them somewhat dry.
For tropical weather, I’d suggest a quick-drying shoe. Gore-Tex might handle light city rain, but it’s not great for full outdoor, wet conditions. Just my two cents!
Those shoes have a Gore-Tex membrane, so they’ll trap heat and sweat inside. Look for something without a membrane; it’ll dry faster and be more comfortable in the heat.
I hike a lot in Malaysian jungles and recently did some volcano hikes in Indonesia. Gore-Tex is not suitable here. Most experienced hikers prefer non-waterproof trail runners for better breathability.
Keaton said:
I hike a lot in Malaysian jungles and recently did some volcano hikes in Indonesia. Gore-Tex is not suitable here. Most experienced hikers prefer non-waterproof trail runners for better breathability.
Thanks for the insight! Got any favorite trails in Malaysia?
@Spence
Definitely! Chemerong Berembun Langsir (CBL) Trail in Terengganu is fantastic—can be done as a day trip or stretched over a few days with camping. Another big one is the Gunung 7 Peaks Challenge, summiting the seven highest peaks in Peninsular Malaysia. It’s intense but worth it, with permits and guides needed. For a closer option, Gunung Lambak in Johor is popular and easy to access.
Avoid Gore-Tex. It’ll trap either sweat or rainwater, and they’ll stay wet for ages. Non-waterproof shoes will dry faster and breathe better in those conditions.
In Southeast Asia, you’re better off with the lightest, most breathable shoes you can find with great grip. Forget waterproofing—your feet will get wet anyway, and they’ll dry faster if you skip Gore-Tex.
Grip is critical here; trails can get super slippery with moss and moisture. Many people underestimate this and end up slipping and falling. I’d recommend the Adidas Terrex line—grippy, light, and they dry quickly. I used them in monsoon rains in India and Sri Lanka, and they held up great.
A common issue with Gore-Tex is that if water gets in, it stays trapped, which is uncomfortable in humid conditions. In a tropical setting, breathability is key, and Gore-Tex isn’t as breathable as non-waterproof shoes.
I’d suggest looking at models like the La Sportiva Spire Low GTX. They perform decently in wet conditions, but also check out the 20 Best Boots for Hiking and Backpacking for more options. And remember, always break in your shoes before the big hike!
I’d go for lightweight trail runners and avoid waterproof shoes unless you’re hiking in snow or really cold conditions. Altra Lone Peaks or Hoka Speed Goats are great choices.
Mika said:
I’d go for lightweight trail runners and avoid waterproof shoes unless you’re hiking in snow or really cold conditions. Altra Lone Peaks or Hoka Speed Goats are great choices.