Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
5/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• EndoFit internal sleeve improves feedback and foot-wrapping stability• Water Resistant mesh means no more humidity problems in foot chamber• Anti-Debris Mesh keeps the foot clear from debris• Injected EVA cushioning and stability in midsole delivered with a lightweight material• Molded EVA provides cushioning support and stability• Quicklace System offers a simple and quick lacing system• Lace pockets keep the laces safe during running• Sensifit provides a precise fit for added stability and comfort feel• Mud Guard offers a protective base against abrasive materials• Tenacious 6mm lugs• Chevron-style outsole design for increased trail running traction
Upper
The upper of the SpeedCross Pro contains the most updates from previous models of this line, such as the SpeedCross 3. The upper mesh is anti-debris and waterproof, which reflects Salomon’s commitment to keeping the runner’s foot both safe and dry. The SensiFit technology improves the overall fit, with the upper hugging the foot after lace-up for a precise and comfortable fit.;Another technology used in the upper is the quick-lacing system, which offers a simple, one-pull lacing solution. The shoe also comes with lacing pockets to keep the laces out of the way while running and increasing safet y. In addition, the upper features the EndoFit sleeve that connects the tongue to the shoe for an improved fit.
Midsole
The midsole of the SpeedCross Pro is characterized by its molded EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate). This technology offers great cushioning with anatomical support that is lightweight and springy. It manages to absorb shock from impact while still delivering a responsive, prompt feel. EVA is widely used in the shoe industry for midsoles it is rubber-like, soft, and flexible.
Outsole
The outsole of the SpeedCross Pro features the Mud & Snow Non-Marking CONTAGRIP that provides great grip on a wide variety of surfaces during a run. Its lugs are aggressive and deliver reliable traction but are design to last on soft surfaces.;The design of the outsole features an aggressive chevron pattern, similar to the type of pattern found on tires. This provides superior grip and it really shines at shedding mud, as it’s almost self-clearing. This is part of the Speedcross Contagrip technology, which excels at providing great traction even when traversing difficult, soft terrain.
Breathability
The upper mesh of the shoe allows for some level of breathability. However, there is no special ventilation technology in the midsole to help keep the shoe well-ventilated. Runners have reported an average breathability for the SpeedCross Pro, if not a certain lack of breathability. This can be a drawback for long distance runners or to those who run in hot environments.
Comfort
The SpeedCross Pro features a substantial amount of comfortability. This can be attributed to the specific technologies used to achieve this comfort, and they include injected EVA in the midsole and the textile construction of the mesh. The injected EVA offers support and cushioning in the midsole without sacrificing stability and while staying relatively lightweight. The textile construction of the seamless upper mesh is breathable and abrasion-free while retaining the flexible, lightweight feeling that makes it so comfortable after lace-up. The only comfort drawback to the SpeedCross Pro is the relatively limited breathability of the upper. Runners can expect a decent comfort level with a session of up to a few hours and not in a hot climate.
Style
One of the major pros of the Salomon SpeedCross Pro is its style. There is no way a runner can pass by unnoticed while wearing this shoe. In certain aspects, the shoe reminds one of older, classic models in its retro look but it also includes modern aesthetic elements, such as its fused overlays.;The tongue and lace technology easily stand out, giving a sleek look to the shoe. The design of the outsole also has a major visual impact, with the more vibrant color combinations coming across like some hip fashion from the 1980’s. It may not be everyone’s style, but for the inner hipster who likes a little flair and fashion in their trail running shoe—not normally known for their fashion-forward designs—the SpeedCross Pro is surprisingly flashy for a straightforward, rugged trail running shoe.
Durability
The SpeedCross Pro comes with above average durability. This is mainly due to the specific technologies used in the outsole and in the upper. The outsole features the Speedcross Contagrip technology, which has a chevron tread pattern and features deep lugs made from a single density soft rubber compound.;The upper’s durability is due to its abrasion-resistant mesh for added durability. The lacing system features a finger-like design that connects to the shoe through the overlay system. Many manufacturers have adopted this technology both for style and increased durability. The lacing pockets also ensure the laces are safely tucked and thus free from sustaining any heavy damage.
Protection
There has been some debate over the overall protection of the SpeedCross Pro, but one thing is sure: the upper is way above industry standards. The mesh protects the foot from water and is abrasion-resistant. The tongue system also protects the midfoot. Under these circumstances, the shoe is ideal for the fall-winter seasons. The outsole performs well on snow and truly supports the protective qualities of the upper. Its 6mm lugs also keep the foot away from potential hazards such as sharp rock edges and other hazards that can be found on the trail.
Responsiveness
From the start, it needs to be said that the responsiveness of the shoe is above the average in its class. That being said, some runners have reported softness in the heel. While this is not a problem for most runners, it can quickly become one, especially on technical downhills. There is a tendency of the heel to over-compress and this is accentuated on downhills. But barring that, the overall responsiveness of the SpeedCross Pro—from its traction-heavy lugs to its thin but springy EVA midsole—will impress most trail runners.
Support
The support in the SpeedCross Pro is also above average in its class. Salomon used the Lightweight Muscle Midsole technology for long-lasting cushioning and rebound. Molded and injected EVA also contributes to the overall positive support of the shoe. It offers lightweight support, cushioning, and stability. The anatomical insole support offered by the EVA technology, together with the anti-debris mesh that’s given structure by its overlays and embedded lacing system, work great to support the foot. However, this is a neutral support shoe, so those with over- or under-pronation may need to find an insole or arch post that addresses these problems.
Terrain
The outsole of the Salomon SpeedCross Pro is what will make the difference in terrain tackling. The lugs are so big that they will limit the runner`s ability to take the shoe off trails. On flat and hard terrain, such as pavement or asphalt, the shoe feels bulky. But the SpeedCross Pro is not meant for technical abilities and agility on traditional hard running surfaces–they are rather a tool for powering through difficult terrains and conditions.
Price
For a trail running shoe, the SpeedCross Pro is average. However, its price may lead to some sticker shock for those not used to the somewhat above-average pricing of trail runners. This shoe features some great technologies, and although the price may be a little higher than some runners would prefer, this is a workhorse shoe specifically made for uneven and tricky trails.
Drop
With a drop of 10mm, the SpeedCross Pro ranks close to similar options on the market. There are two main benefits of this drop: one is the EVA technology, which offers full-length molded underfoot cushioning. The second is the lightweight muscle cushioning which absorbs impact during landing. Runners used to the standard drop most running shoes have will not experience any difficulty with the drop on this trail runner.
Stability
The SensiFit technology and the EVA technology offer a good, basic, stability. SensiFit wraps the foot for a precise and safe fit. Overall comfort is enhanced by the cradling of the midfoot from the base to the laces. The EndoFit technology in the SpeedCross Pro also works great to deliver increased stability in the shoe. This Salomon-specific technology is basically an internal sleeve that hugs the forefoot that improves foot wrapping and feedback in the forefoot.
Flexibility
Runners have welcomed the overall flexibility of the SpeedCross Pro. Its injected and molded EVA technology is known for its flexibility capabilities and the SpeedCross Pro delivers exceptional results in its outsole and midsole flexibility. But there is a drawback with the upper’s flexibility: although the tongue and lacing offer strong and flexible holds, the waterproof mesh has under the average flexibility in the trail-running niche.
Traction
When it comes to traction, this is where the SpeedCross Pro truly shines. Its hardy, sticky 6mm lugs provide above-average traction. The outsole works great with the TPU-fused overlays of the upper, allowing for better traction results due to the increased security in the midfoot. Some runners have even reported that the tight space in the forefoot has proved to be an advantage when it comes to traction when running with a more determined stride.
Bottom Line
The Salomon SpeedCross Pro is definitely a shoe to consider for your next trail running shoe. Matching a strong visual impact with great trail traction and a shoe that protects and keeps the foot safe, this is a stylish, high-performance trail running shoe. Its lacing systems and chevron-style lugs that it will be nearly impossible to forget, while the technologies that comprise the shoe are impressive improvements to Salomon’s already stellar line of shoes.;Its aggressive and sticky outsole proves to work on nearly any surface and an overall comfort and great fit that many runners will be surprised to find in a trail running shoe, the Salomon SpeedCross Pro is a standout trail runner. There are many technologies used in the shoe, but what’s impressive is how these technologies come together to create an aggressive trail runner that’s ready to take on the difficult trails runners may have been eyeing but aren’t sure they have the right sneaker for the job.
