Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
11 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Sensifit and Quick Lacing System• Quick Drying Breathable Mesh• 3D Chassis keeps the foot stable• Molded EVA shaped footbed• Ortholite Sockliner• Non-marking Premium Wet Traction Contagrip outsole• Injected and compressed EVA for cushioning• Protective Rubber Toe Cap• Asymmetrical Lacing and Friction Free Lace Eyelet
Upper
The upper is made of Quick Drying Breathable Mesh that keeps the shoe ventilated and the foot cool and dry. The Sensifit technology provides a customized fit around the midfoot. The Quick Lacing System, Asymmetrical Lacing and Friction Free Lace Eyelet work together to provide a snug and even fit that can be put on quickly and adjusted in a single pull. Zigzag synthetic overlays provide support and stability and attach to the lacing system for a snug fit. The Protective Rubber Toe Cap prevents bruising. The heel and tongue loop make the fit easy to adjust and help make it faster to put the shoe on and take it off. The heel counter locks in and stabilizes the heel, while padding around the upper provides a snug, supportive fit.
Midsole
The midsole is made of Ortholite and different kinds of EVA. The first layer is injected and compressed EVA. It is lightweight and durable and provides responsive and shock-absorbent cushioning. The second layer is the molded EVA shaped footbed that provides both cushioning and anatomical support. The top layer is the Ortholite Sockliner, which has an EVA heel cup for support and Ortholite foam that keeps the foot cool, dry, odor-free and healthy. The midsole provides moderate arch support and helps stabilize over-pronation, and the drop promotes forward momentum. It has some flexibility to allow the foot to land, transfer energy and take off again.
Outsole
The outsole is made of durable rubber that has excellent grip and is designed to go on any kind of terrain, especially wet terrain. It has five sets of aggressive double lugs in the forefoot and three sets in the heel. There are also six sets of lugs on both sides of the outside edge of the forefoot, and three sets on the outside edge of the heel for traction and durability on abrasive surfaces. It uses Non-marking Premium Wet Traction Contagrip technology that gives excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces without having to worry about slipping or getting dirt stuck in the shoe. There are small grooves for light flexibility to allow the shoe to bend when ascending trails and technical terrain. Between the outsole and midsole is the 3D Chassis, which stabilizes the foot to prevent slipping, sliding and over-pronation, but still allows the foot to move naturally.
Breathability
This shoe has good breathability. The upper is largely Quick Drying Breathable Mesh, which keeps the foot cool, dry and ventilated in different weather conditions and terrains. The Ortholite Sockliner also adds to the breathability, as it allows air to travel under the foot and keeps the bottom of the foot dry, cool, healthy and odor-free. The overlays and heel counter have mesh between them so that the midfoot and heel are also ventilated. The only problem with breathability was during the break-in period when some testers experienced hot spots on the sides of their feet.
Comfort
The Salomon Xa Pro 3D M+ is very comfortable to wear. The toe box is roomy enough for the toes to splay comfortably. The length is true to size (men’s sizes: women should order a size or two down), and the width is wide since this is the M+ edition, although some reviewers noted that the fit around the midfoot is slightly narrow for a wide shoe. The loops in the heel and tongue and the quick lacing system make the shoe very fast and easy to put on and take off. The EVA foam, EVA footbed, and Ortholite sockliner provide comfortable cushioning and a customized fit around the foot, as well as medium to high arch support. The upper uses Sensifit technology for a snug fit around the midfoot, a heel counter for a comfortable fit around the heel, and padding in the tongue, heel, collar, and mesh for comfort around the foot. The shoe does take a couple of runs to break in, and some people experienced hot spots or blisters during this time.
Style
The Salomon Xa Pro 3D M+ has good colors that work well outdoors. The shoe comes in Swamp/Dark Titanium/Seaweed Green, which goes well with camouflage colors, khaki or camping gear, and Black /Magnet/Quiet Shade, which looks solid black. The zigzag overlays, a band around the heel, lacing system and lug pattern give the shoe a nice, unique look. Reviewers liked the outdoorsy look and feel of the shoe.
Durability
This shoe has good durability. The outsole was designed to go over any kind of terrain and can go over abrasive surfaces. The midsole has injected and compressed EVA, which is more durable than standard EVA, an EVA footbed that provides durable support, and an Ortholite Sockliner, which provides durable breathability and support. The upper has durable overlays, a sturdy heel counter, a protective toe cap to improve forefoot durability, and Quick Drying Breathable Mesh that is durable and was designed for any kind of weather.
Protection
The Salomon Xa Pro 3D M+ has great protection. The outsole keeps the foot stable and prevents sliding even on a technical or wet terrain. The 3D Chassis prevents over-pronating as well as slipping or sliding. The midsole absorbs shock and provides good arch support to help protect from over-pronating. The Ortholite Sockliner keeps the foot cool and dry and also has anti-microbial properties to keep the foot healthy and odor-free. The upper has Quick Drying Breathable Mesh to keep the foot dry and ventilated in any weather. The Protective Toe Cap and sole unit protect against bruising. The overlays, heel counter, Sensifit technology, and lacing system keeps the foot locked in to prevent sliding inside the shoe or rolling of the ankle when going over technical terrain.
Responsiveness
The Xa Pro 3D M+ has some responsiveness. The Contagrip technology in the outsole provides good ground feel. The EVA in the midsole smoothly transitions energy from heel to toe, and the drop helps to bounce the foot forward. The upper locks the foot in place while still allowing natural movement, and the roomy toe box allows the toes to splay comfortably during toe-offs.
Support
This shoe has great support, especially in the arches. The molded EVA footbed and Ortholite Sockliner provide moderate arch support, although people with lower arches would have preferred slightly less support in this area. The EVA heel cup provides additional support in the heel. The upper surrounds the foot with support due to its inside padding, overlays, heel counter, and Sensifit technology.
Terrain
The Salomon Xa Pro 3D M+ was designed to go on any type of terrain. It can go on dirt or paved roads, abrasive gravel, paths, light to technical trails, mud, wet terrain, and more. Its durability, Ortholite sockliner, and quick-drying mesh also allow it to be worn in any weather condition in addition to different types of terrain.
Price
The Xa Pro 3D M+ is a little pricey. The initial price was around 30% above average, and current pricing ranges from 47% off to 60% more than the original price. The above average price is because of the stability features, multiple layers of cushioning for comfort and shock absorption, high level of support, and its ability to go on all terrain and in all weather. Most reviewers thought the price was fair, although a few thought it was a little too expensive.
Drop
The heel height is 21mm and the forefoot height is 10mm, which means the drop is 11mm and a standard-range drop. This shoe’s drop means there is more cushioning and support in the heel, which helps with shock absorption, which is good when going over technical terrain or when the wearer is injury-prone or has plantar fasciitis. It also helps bounce the foot forward, which is helpful because of the above-average weight of the shoe but can also be less stable than a lower drop trail shoe.
Stability
The Xa Pro 3D M+ has good stability. The outsole stabilizes takeoffs and landings, especially when going on wet or technical terrain. The 3D Chassis between the outsole and midsole helps prevent sliding and over-pronating. The midsoles cushioning provides good arch support that helps slow over-pronation. The upper’s heel counter, overlays, and Quick Lacing System keep the midfoot and rearfoot stable to prevent rolling, sliding, over-pronating or injuries, while still allowing the forefoot to move freely.
Flexibility
The Salomon Xa Pro 3D M+ is not very flexible, although it does allow the foot to move naturally. The outsole has small grooves that allow the foot to ascend or go over technical terrain. The midsole layers have the slight flexibility to cushion landings, conform to the shape of the foot, and transition energy to create strong toe-offs. A few testers noted that the footbridge was slightly stiff. The upper keeps the foot locked in place but still lets the foot move for toe-offs.
Traction
This shoe has good traction, thanks to the Premium Wet Traction Contagrip technology. The aggressive lugs around the perimeter of the shoe and down the middle of the foot do an excellent job of keeping the foot stable on hard surfaces, hills, mud, and even wet surfaces. Wearers can ascend, descend, and go over technical terrain without having to worry about sliding.
Bottom Line
The Salomon Xa Pro 3D M+ is a good shoe for someone who is looking for stability, support and cushioning. It is comfortable to wear, and the wider M+ width is great for people with medium to wide feet. It has good durability and breathability, and the style gives it an outdoorsy look. It is easy to adjust the fit, put on and take off. It is slightly heavy and slightly pricey, although some retailers offer a reduced price. It has a small amount of flexibility and energy return. It is very protective, supportive and stable and has excellent grip. Overall, this shoe is a great choice for over-pronators or people with medium to high arches who want to be able to go on technical terrain and out in any weather.
