Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver: reviews, sizing and how to wear them in 2026

One sneaker for a rainy Tuesday downtown and a muddy Saturday in the mountains? That's the promise of the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver: the waterproof, all-black version of the XT-Pathway, the model Salomon uses to bring the trail look of the XT family to the street. With gorpcore now a fall classic, it fits right into 2026.

The Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver is a unisex sneaker from Salomon's Sportstyle line. It features a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, Quicklace laces, an EnergyCell midsole and a Mud Contagrip outsole with deep lugs. It's built to take you from city to trail without changing shoes, in all black with silver details.

Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver in all black with silver overlays, main view of the trail silhouette — XT silhouette in total black, with the silver details on show.

What is the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX? The XT family, everyday edition

The XT series is the backbone of Salomon trail running. It gave us the XT-6, developed by the S/LAB team for elite athletes and now a streetwear icon. The XT-Pathway was born when the Sportstyle line wanted to grow the family beyond the XT-6 with a model made for everyday wear.

The result is a sneaker with the XT design language (layered overlays, quick lacing, lugged outsole) but geared toward walking, travel and easy hikes. The GTX version adds the membrane that makes it wearable all year round.

Salomon XT-Pathway GTX tech: what's inside

Here's what Salomon's official spec sheet lists and what independent reviews confirm:

GORE-TEX membrane: waterproof and breathable. Specialist reviews such as Coast & Fell's describe it as a PFC-free membrane.
Quicklace: one pull to tighten, and the excess tucks into the tongue pocket.
Sensifit: wraps the midfoot from the midsole to the laces to keep your foot securely locked in.
EnergyCell + agileChassis: cushioning paired with a chassis that adds stability.
Mud Contagrip: deep, sharp lugs that grip on soft, loose or uneven ground.
Details: molded, removable OrthoLite insole, debris-shedding mesh, protective toe cap and mudguard at the base.
Specs: 11 mm drop and around 323 g per shoe, according to Salomon.

Close-up of the Quicklace system and the heat-sealed silver overlays on the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver — Quicklace and heat-sealed overlays: quick fit, no knots.

Black Silver: the contrast that only shows up in the light

In Salomon's code this color is called Black/Black/Ftw Silver. At first glance it looks all black, but the silver overlays and details light up under a camera flash, a streetlight or the winter sun. In photos, that play of reflections is what makes the sneaker stand out.

Another practical perk: black hides mud splashes and wear much better than light shades. For a pair you're going to wear in the rain, it makes a difference.

Layered overlays on mesh: classic XT DNA.

Salomon XT-Pathway GTX reviews: what wearers say

The most common verdict is that it works as an all-rounder: train, rainy city streets and a muddy trail on the weekend without changing shoes. Reviews highlight that it's one of the few lifestyle sneakers with lugs that can actually shed mud. On Salomon's official website it has an average rating above 4 out of 5.

The criticisms are just as clear. In hot weather it can feel a bit warm, which is normal for a sneaker with a waterproof membrane. And the toe box is narrow, something to keep in mind if you have wide feet.

What size Salomon XT-Pathway GTX should you get?

Lengthwise, most wearers agree it fits true to size. The issue is width: Salomon's typical narrow last and the Quicklace leave little room in the forefoot. Some wearers say it runs half a size small.

Regular or narrow feet: your usual size.
Wide feet or thick winter socks: go up half a size.

If you're torn between two sizes, you can check the available sizes at Next Step and take advantage of 14 calendar days to return from delivery.

Top view of the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver with the tongue and Quicklace closure — Top view: snug forefoot fit, key to choosing your size.

Salomon XT-Pathway vs XT-6: which one to choose?

The XT-6 is the archive icon, the one that rules streetwear and comes in the most colors. The XT-Pathway is all about everyday wear: GORE-TEX membrane, Mud Contagrip outsole and a practical city-to-trail approach. Some wearers even find it more comfortable for daily use.

If you want the most recognizable piece, go for the XT-6. If you want a sneaker that can handle winter and rain, the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver is the more logical choice.

Mud Contagrip outsole of the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver with deep lugs for mud and wet asphalt — Mud Contagrip: deep lugs for soft, wet ground.

How to style the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver

Black with silver calls for technical pieces. These are the combos that work best:

Black cargos + windbreaker: a total black gorpcore look for every day.
Dark gray nylon pants + fleece: technical texture that lets the silver details breathe.
Straight-leg jeans + waterproof shell: the urban touch for the weekend.
Total black with a puffer jacket: works for the European winter and looks great in photos.

Where they fit least is with tailored pants: the Quicklace and trail cues steal the whole show.

Heel of the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver with silver details and support structure — Heel with silver details that catch the light.

Where to buy the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver?

At Next Step they're 100% new and authentic, with fast shipping to Spain and all of Europe and 14 calendar days for returns. If this winter you want one sneaker for rain, city and mountains, see all the details and order your pair here. And if you want to compare with other models, check out our Salomon collection.

Pair of Salomon XT-Pathway GTX Black Silver in black and silver, ready for winter — The full pair: all black with silver accents.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX waterproof?+

Yes. The Salomon XT-Pathway GTX has a GORE-TEX membrane that keeps water out and lets vapor escape, so your feet stay dry in rain, puddles and wet trails. Plus, the mudguard at the base protects the area most exposed to splashes and mud.

Does the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX run small?+

Lengthwise it fits true to size, but the toe box is narrow and some wearers find it runs half a size small. If you have wide feet or plan to wear thick winter socks, it's best to go half a size up from your usual.

Is the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX good for hiking?+

Yes, for light hiking and muddy trails: the Mud Contagrip outsole has deep lugs that grip on soft or loose ground, and the agileChassis adds stability. It's designed for city, travel and easy hikes, not technical alpine terrain.

What's the difference between the Salomon XT-Pathway and the XT-6?+

The XT-6 is the archive icon created by S/LAB and the most sought-after XT model in streetwear. The XT-Pathway is a Sportstyle model designed for everyday wear, with a GORE-TEX version and a Mud Contagrip outsole. Both share the XT design language and Quicklace lacing.

Does the Salomon XT-Pathway GTX get hot in summer?+

It can feel a bit warm in very hot weather, like almost any sneaker with a waterproof membrane. It performs best in fall, winter and rainy spring. For peak summer, a non-GORE-TEX version that lets more air through is a better fit.