Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Water-resistant upper• EndoFit sleeve• Wet Traction Contagrip• IMEVA midsole foam
Upper
Generally, when you have a shoe that is as extreme as the Saloman S-Lab Speedcross, the best features are found in the outsole. In this shoe, however, the upper is just as impressive at the outsole. The upper of this shoe is made using a breathable mesh which affords the runner superior airflow to help regulate the internal temperature of the shoe. It is also water repellent and features Salomon’s patented Mud Guard which helps to keep mud off of the shoe. Since Salomon knew the runner who wears this shoe will be attacking some of the toughest terrains, they wanted to include a design element in the upper that helps to lock the foot in place and keep the runner safe from unwanted movement. To achieve this they included their SensiFit synthetic overlays. These overlays cover the upper and help secure the foot in place. Finally, Salomon proved that they didn’t’ just care out the outside of the upper, but also the interior too. The interior of this shoe is made using Salomon’s patented Endofit technology. This is an inner glove material that can be found in the interior of the shoe. It adapts to the unique shape of each individual foot to provide added support and cushioning. Since Salomon didn’t leave any detail overlooked, they included a lacing system that won’t come untied and endanger or annoy the runner. Their QuickLace design doesn’t need to be untied and stores nicely in its own lace pocket.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe runs the entire length of the shoe. Salomon selected and IMEVA midsole foam, which is known to be more springy and lightweight than it’s typical EVA relative. Runners reported that midsole on the Salomon S-Lab SpeedCross provides superior cushioning and responsiveness. Not only can this she handle tough terrain, it does so in a way that is so comfortable that runners can stay out in the elements for longer.
Outsole
The key element to the outsole of this shoe is the added traction that is afforded through the Wet Traction Contrgrip. This outsole material ensures that regardless of the t errain or conditions, this lugged outsole can handle it. The lugs on the underfoot practically cover nearly the entire sole of the shoe.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe is comprised of a breathable mesh. This came in handy since the shoe is great for extreme adventures, and is important to runners that even during long and warm runs, Additionally, since runners love this shoe as a companion for mud runs and other obstacle style running, it was important the shoe be able to dry quickly after sloshing through mud puddles. In the long run, this helped runners stay free of blisters and other irritants. Runners loved the maximum airflow that these shoes provided and were impressed by the lack of blisters and hot spots that they experienced while running in these shoes.
Comfort
This shoe received very high marks for comfort. This is key to a good trail running shoe, especially one that is designed to take the runner on long adventures. The comfort can be attributed to the EndoFit sleeve. This material actually molds to the unique shape of the foot. It provides the foot with a glove-like feeling. It provides added support to the runner as well. Additionally, runners liked the IMEVA midsole foam, which provides just the right amount of cushioning and stability to the runner and allows them to go on longer runs without fatiguing.
Style
This shoe has a very unique look to it, but in terms of fashion, this is not a shoe that you would want to wear as an everyday shoe. It comes in only one color – black – and it is unmistakably an athletic shoe. Runners were happy with the look of this shoe on the trail and especially at the start and finish line, but this is not a shoe that runners were comfortable wearing out unless they were on their way to a hike or a race.
Durability
This shoe provides the runner with superior durability. The outsole is completely lugged out and is designed to protect the rest of the shoe from premature wear and tear. Additionally, the upper features synthetic overlays that provide the runner with additional support, but also helps keep debris from entering the shoe. Runners appreciated that this shoe was very thoughtful in its design and included both large and small elements that helped the shoe keep its shape and look for longer than the average trail running shoe. Overall, runners were pleasantly surprised at the durability provided by this shoe especially because it is so affordable.
Protection
In order for a shoe to be considered a good trail running shoe it has to have some protective elements that keep the runner safe from the unpredictability of the trail. This shoe features a few different protective elements to help keep the runner safe. The lug system found in the outsole is designed to provide superior traction to the runner. This helps the runner feel safe because they know regardless of what the terrain is that they are facing, they will stay on their feet due to the traction. Additionally, the QuickLace system keeps the shoes tied and out of harm’s way by utilizing a bungee system. This might seem like a small detail, but runners know that shoe laces that constantly come untied on the trail can be a nuisance and a hazard.
Responsiveness
Runners were happy with the level of responsiveness that they found in this shoe. This can be attributed to the lower heel drop and the IMEVA midsole foam. This midsole foam provides a good amount of cushioning to the runner and does an excellent job of absorbing shock and returning that energy to the runner. Runner appreciated that they could respond quickly and efficiently to changes in the trail due to the shoes higher level of responsiveness.
Support
This shoe offers support primarily through the upper features of the shoe. The SensiFit technology literally wraps the foot in customized comfort. It helps cradle the foot and keeps it locked in position. The upper synthetic overlays also act in a similar way. They hold the foot snuggly and help reduce the risk of unwanted side to side movement.
Terrain
This shoe can take you through whatever terrain you throw at it. Also, because there is added cushioning found in the midsole, this shoe is ideal for longer trail races like a Spartan Race or Tough Mudder. Runners reported that the obstacles in each of these races were no match for the added grip of the Saloman S-Lab SpeedCross.
Price
Runners were pleasantly surprised by the price. This is a good shoe overall, but considering the more than affordable price tag, runners reported that this is an extremely good deal and value. Since it also is one of the more durable trail shoes in its class, runners couldn’t believe how affordable this shoe is.
Drop
This shoe comes with an 8mm drop. This enables the runner to feel the road below them, but it still provides enough cushioning and stability that runners felt protected on the run.
Stability
Although this shoe doesn’t market itself as a stability shoe, runners were raving about the stability features. The CMEVA midsole foam is lighter weight but is still provides ample cushioning. The footbed of this shoe cradles the foot and provides a solid, safe landing pad for each footfall. The EndoFit sleeve also provides added arch support to the runner because it conforms to fit the unique shape of each runner’s foot.
Flexibility
Flexibility is not a key component to the Saloman S-Lab Speedcross. Runners liked this shoe more for its stability than its flexibility. While the shoe does not hinder the natural movement of the foot, it also doesn’t let the foot move without some structure and stability.
Traction
This shoe received extremely high marks for the traction it provides to the runner. Runners commented that it seemed like the slippery and muddier the trail became, the better traction the shoe provided. This can be attributed to the patented Wet Traction Contagrip along the outsole. The outsole of the shoe is also lined with an aggressive lug system that keeps the runner safe on a variety of terrains in any weather condition.
Bottom Line
The Salomon S-Lab SpeedCross is a shoe for the runner who is serious about off-road adventures and needs a companion that can stand up to a variety of aggressive trails. This shoe features a unique combination of comfort and durability. The comfort comes primarily through the various design elements of the upper. It is lightweight, breathable, water resistant, and includes Salomon’s patented EndoFit which is an inner sleeve that conforms to the shape of each unique foot. This wraps the foot in support and enables the runner to go longer without fatiguing or feeling discomfort. The outsole is where the runner will find the high durability and protection that every good trail running shoe needs to have. The lugs that cover the underfoot provide superior traction. All of this and the shoe comes in under the average price of a trail running shoe in today’s market.
