Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Speedcross 4 GTX
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Speedcross 3 GTX• Breathable mesh upper that blocks out debris• Sensifit technology for a snug fit• Protective toe cap• Moisture wicking nylon lining• Antimicrobial Ortholite insole• Dual density EVA foam midsole• Gore-Tex upper• Contagrip rubber outsole provides excellent traction and enhanced durability
Upper
This upper is great at locking in the foot and making the fit feel very secure. The anti-debris mesh is designed to keep trail debris out while also being highly durable. In this case the anti-debris mesh is made with Gore-tex technology and it does a great job of keeping moisture out and keeping your foot dry and comfortable for the entire run.;This is great for wet muddy conditions, colder climates or ultra distances where moisture related blisters are a concern. The synthetic leather overlays work well with the mesh upper to increase durability where it’s needed most, there is also extra material near the toe box for more protection. The quick lace system and the sensifit design do a good job of giving the shoe a customizable feeling which is quickly adjustable.
Midsole
The midsole is built with minimal dual density EVA cushioning. This makes for a highly flexible shoe, combine that with the shock absorbing outsole design and this is a comfortable shoe with lots of support, while still being highly flexible and lightweight. The cushioning in the midsole unit is strategically placed so that the design minimizes pronating.;There is also the Ortholite insole that Salomon uses in a lot of their shoe designs, which minimizes odor using antimicrobial technology and also provides additional shock absorption. Overall the midsole is built for comfort and control, in a minimalist design.
Outsole
This edition of the Speedcross features the same Contigrip rubber outsole but this time they’ve really mixed it up with fun colors, I especially love the introduction of the bright white outsole with the fun purple color for the women’s shoe.;The outsole is built of one solid rubber piece, which gives it great durability. The design of the outsole also helps provide impact protection so the midsole cushion can be minimal, giving this shoe the best of both worlds. The multidirectional lugs are big and there is lots of space between them, meaning they can really dig into soft terrain. The outsole also appears to attach seamlessly to the upper unit. Because of this unique outsole, the shoe can have minimal cushioning and still retain it’s excellent flexibility. This is an outsole that’s built to take on some tough terrain.
Breathability
Even with the Gore-tex membrane this is a very breathable shoe. The upper mesh really hugs your foot and lets air pass throughout the shoe making it a great all weather shoe. Pair with some thicker socks for cold weather conditions or thinner socks for warmer conditions and this is a great all weather shoe.
Comfort
This is a lightweight feeling shoe with good flexibility. Even though the cushion was pretty much minimal, the comfort throughout the stride was excellent. The shoe is also built to get you on your toes for toe off. The outsole and contigrip is great for impact protection and the midsole cushion is just enough t ogive you a comfortable ride. The Gore-tex mesh certainly helps in keeping your foot dry and comfortable even during long runs.
Style
There are certainly less color options for the Gore-tex version then for the regular version but they are very flashy. The combination of purple, blue and a white outsole for the women’s design is very eye catching and flashy. The outsole and the design of the shoe in general shows that it’s built for rugged trails. Large lugs look aggressive and the shoe looks ready to perform on difficult trail.
Durability
Salomon always makes a very durable shoe and this shoe is no exception. The midsole and the upper are great at keeping debris out of the shoe. The way that the outsole is connected to the upper using the synthetic leather overlay is especially good at securing the build of this shoe. Some runners have found that the outsole wears down quite easily and some runners have even reported some lugs breaking off. I haven’t had any trouble with the durability of this shoe and I think the premature wearing of the outsole is the result of wearing the shoe on road sections and pavement. In my experience this shoe holds up very well to all types of trail terrain.
Protection
This is a great shoe for protection for runners who are new to the trails. The Salomon Speedcross 3 GTX keeps your feet dry and warm, great for colder or wetter weather. There is some extra synthetic leather overlays near the toe box and strategically placed throughout the shoe to protect your foot from rocks and other trail debris. The way this shoe pushes you up on your feet and gives you a powerful toe off, great for promoting good form. The stack height also gives you good distance between your feet and the ground.
Responsiveness
This is built to be a responsive yet cushioned shoe, the minimal cushion and the outsole that absorbs shock makes it perfect for a shoe that is cushioned yet responsive on difficult trail. There is also tons of flexibility, if you are a forefoot striker, this is great for a responsive toe off. The way this shoe you’re your feet is also great for making it feels responsive, wherever you direct your foot, the shoe will go, without hesitation.
Support
There is minimal cushioning but it is strategically placed throughout the midsole to give you a good cushioned ride within all elements of your stride. The heel does a great job of cushioning the heel strike, while the midsole does a good job of preventing pronating and getting you on your forefoot. The outsole does a great job of digging into any terrain that you encounter. It also has some support features which help runners with a strong toe off, essential for speed.
Terrain
This shoe digs into any soft terrain. With the Contigrip outsole, this shoe also does a good job of hugging even hard terrain. Overall this is a shoe built for rugged trail terrain. While it will keep you upright on some road terrain, this will have some serious damage to the outsole which best performs as a strictly trail shoe, great for mud and snow.
Price
This shoe is currently offered at a discounted price by online retailers. The Speedcross 4 has recently come out after years of research. Salomon really did it’s research when they built the original Speedcross 2, so you can feel comfortable running in the older editions, knowing that it has most of the same qualities and is a good shoe that is meant to last a long time.
Drop
This shoe features a 12 mm drop from heel to toe, a heel to toe offset that is usually reserved for motion control shoe. But in this strategically built shoe it is great for giving you the cushion you need in the heel to feel secure on the trails while also giving you lots of freedom to adjust your stride. This is the perfect shoe for long distance runners looking for support gnarly terrain as well as someone who is new to the trails looking for a little extra support.
Stability
This shoe is great at sticking to your feet and to the trails, making for a highly stable shoe. The added benefit of the cushioning that dissuades runners from overpronating makes for a surprisingly stable shoe given the minimal feeling of this shoe. Use this shoe as a shoe that will make you feel stable n even the most unstable terrains. Great for new trail runners and long time trail runners looking for a 50km personal record.
Flexibility
Even with the dual density cushioning throughout this shoe is still offers great stability, this is primarily because of the impact absorbing qualities of the outsole and the strategically placed lugs, this makes for a shoe with really great flexibility, especially for a shoe that has some stability shoes. The flexibility in this shoe make it great for people who are new to the trails or ultra runners with strong foot flexibility.
Traction
This is a great shoe for terrains that provide very little traction. This shoe tears deep without an issue, offering great stability where other shoes usually falter. Take this shoe on muddy, slippery, wet trails and and you expect it to hold up to the competition. Because of the Contigrip outsole it also usually gives good traction on harder surfaces such as pavement of cement, but extended use on harder trails is not recommended.
Bottom Line
This is a great shoe. Built for a variety for runners, from those looking for some support on difficult long distance terrain and those looking for a shoe to help them deal with uneven difficult terrain on their first few trail runs. The support and flexibility is great and I especially love how they were able to incorporate some fun colors into this Gore-tex version of the shoe, they are fun, bright, ready to hit the trails and perfect for standing out and hitting those tough technical trails.
