Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Racing
Key Features
• Smaller drop than previous versions• EVA infused foam• Anti-debris mesh• Quicklace system• Sensifit system• Endofit technology• Wet Traction Contagrip outsole
Upper
The shoe features a water resistant upper, so runners need not worry about traversing wetter terrain. It incorporates Salomon’s highly praised Sensifit technology. To elaborate, a synthetic material enwraps the foot and extends from the midsole to the lacing area. Thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, overlays help to reinforce the upper and this ultimately provides greater lock-down. The mesh of the upper is designed in such a way that it allows for an ample flow of air, as well. Salomon in this regard was not shortsighted, though. They made sure that the mesh can serve as an effective barrier against any debris the runner might encounter on the trail. Most avid trail runners know how important this is in preventing detritus from getting lodged in the upper. Interrupting a good run, only to kneel and hand pick every bit of debris from the upper is not most runner’s idea of fun.
Midsole
The midsole of the Speedcross Pro 2 is reminiscent of its predecessor but, in this case, that isn’t a bad thing. The midsole incorporates an EVA infused foam. This foam enhances the shoe by better distributing whatever impact energies a stride might incur. The midsole is also equipped with the lightweight, or LT, muscle cushion. It is positioned in the heel of the shoe so that runners have ample underfoot cushioning while traversing trails.
Outsole
The Speedcross Pro 2 differs from its predecessor in the way the outsole of the shoe is fashioned. Salomon has added to this model a Wet Traction Contagrip outsole. This outsole will allow the wearer to maintain balance on diverse terrains, even if those terrains are wet. For the lugs of this shoe full chevron shapes are used. The use of full chevron shapes is important because the use of partial chevron shapes can lessen the structural integrity of the outsole. This is something that fans of the brand have wanted for quite some time, so it’s great to see Salomon making these upgrades. Salomon also chose to lessen the number of lugs on the bottom of the shoe. Whereas the previous version was equipped with 38 lugs, this version has only 30 lugs. This means that this shoe is lighter than previous models, thankfully though, Salomon has not cut corners on the shoe’s support and stability.
Breathability
The Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 is a very breathable shoe. It incorporates the trademarked Ortholite sock liner. It is the combination of an EVA heel cup and Ortholite foam that makes up the sock liner. The sockliner provides the runner with sufficient ventilation, so they can better stave off sweaty feet. The build-up of odor-causing bacterias is, then, less of a concern for the runner. They need not worry about the shoe filling their homes with any pungent smells. This means that they can spend less time cleaning the shoe, and more time running in it.
Comfort
Thanks to sensfit technology, the shoe is almost sock-like in quality. It surrounds the foot as if it were a custom-made product. The sensifit technology also helps to prevent hot spots and chafing. Anyone who runs avidly will understand the long-term benefits of this. See, small irritants may be manageable on their own, but when they accumulate and work in conjunction, they can feel unbearable. The Speedcross Pro 2 allows runners to circumvent this common discomfort so can stay motivated. The water-resistant upper also works to keep the foot nice and dry. The Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 is a well-cushioned shoe, and its Endofit technology only adds to this. The end of it system is constructed the way many booties are. It is comprised of an elastic sleeve that is positioned right above the midfoot and holds the foot snuggly in place. Many runners have heaped praise upon the shoe for how comfortable it is to wear during races. Its Quicklace technology also provides it wearers with a snug fit.
Style
The shoe has a sleek look that forgoes the gaudiness of some other brands. It is available in a wide range of colors, and that is sure to please even the pickiest of runners. Runners will also be pleased that, despite its protective measures, the shoe does not look too clunky. Its Quicklace system should not understated either. When it comes to aesthetics, the use of bungee laces will always scream athleticism. This is a nice stylistic choice that allows the runner to take greater pride in their investments, both monetary and physical. The shoe is, too, made of wonderful technologies that are not always apparent to the naked eye.
Durability
The Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 is equipped with several features that aid in its durability. The upper, for instance, is constructed of water and mud resistant textiles. It is also equipped with anti-detritus mesh to prevent abrasive materials from getting stuck in the mesh of the upper. The tongue of the shoe features a cover as well, so that debris can not find their way into the shoe through other entryways. The lugs along the bottom of the shoe, when subjected to mile after mile still hold up very well. Those lugs along the perimeter of the outsole will wear away before those in the middle do, but most runners have attested to the fact that, even after extended use, the Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 still feels like new.
Protection
The Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 comes with equipped with a drawcord lace pocket so that the laces can be tucked away. This may not seem to be a big deal, but it safeguards the runner against tripping, and possibly incurring great injury. The outsole does well to prevent jagged rocks and other miscellaneous items from the damaging the sole of the runner’s feet. The shoe is able to accomplish this feat without the heavy stone-guard layering of some other brands. The midsole is also built to lessen the stress that is incurred from running on trails.
Responsiveness
The Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 has a great deal of responsivity as well. The construction of the shoe allows for considerable energy return, so that the work of the runner never seems unrewarded. With this, they are propelled forward in such a way that each step almost feels effortless. It is this kind of responsivity that makes traversing long distances feel like a breeze.
Support
The Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 features a neutral type arch. A shoe with this type of arch support would probably best serve those whose feet have medium or high arches. Extensive TPU overlays and a bungee closure lace system allow the wearer to maintain a secure, and snug fit. This allows the wearer to circumvent those injuries that can occur when a runner’s shoe does not have an adequate lockdown.
Terrain
The shoe is best suited for trail running. Unlike some trail running shoes, this one is imbued with a great deal of versatility. The shoe is suited for traversing packed trails, as is typical of such a shoe. The earlier model was well adapted to handle mud and snow, but this version comes with an added benefit. This shoe was made to work well on wet surfaces. Its equipped to handle soft dirt, and mud, as well. Runners will not have to worry about sacrificing their speed or sure-footing while traversing these terrains. This is great for those runners who hate having to stop their exercise to reconfigure their route. It should be noted though that while its heft is well suited for the trail, the shoe feels too cumbersome to run in when on an asphalt road.
Price
Although the Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 is a wonderful and efficient trail running shoe, some might be turned off by its cost. Its priced a quite a bit higher than the typical trail running shoe.
Drop
The SpeedCross Pro 2 maintains a drop of 8 millimeters. This is two millimeters less than the previous iteration of the shoe.
Stability
A hefty heel counter grants the shoe a great deal of rigidity which, in turn, adds to stability to the shoe. Some were concerned about the shoe’s stack height potentially leading to an imbalanced feel, so the fact that this works to counter that is definitely a plus. A series of overlays at the rear also help to reinforce the shoe. Its chassis system adds to stability as well.
Flexibility
The Speedcross Pro 2 is a very flexible shoe. The injected EVA foam of the midsole grants the shoe some slack so that it never feels too rigid. This design feature is in keeping with the previous model in the Speedcross Pro series. The Contragrip outsole is made of several different compounds of varying density. This means that certain portions of the outsole will be stiffer or softer than others. Along the perimeter of the shoe are the denser compounds. The central column of the outsole, however, is made of compounds that are less dense and this gives the shoe even greater flexibility.
Traction
Thanks to the shoes patented Wet Traction Contragrip outsole the runner is granted a great deal of traction on wet surfaces. It is with this, that one can see how Salomon has improved upon its previous model. The aggressive lug pattern of the outsole of the shoe grips softer terrains, as well. The lugs are positioned directionally with the those in the forefoot being best equipped for climbing, and those in the rear being suited for descending.
Bottom Line
The Salomon SpeedCross Pro 2 is a wonderful trail running shoe that will undoubtedly improve your trail running experience. It offerers the wearer a lot of protection against those elements a trail runner encounters. Salomon, somehow, manages to provide this ample protection without sacrificing comfort. The shoe is equipped to handle a wide range of terrain. Its specialized outsole allows it to function well on packed trails, muddy paths, and slippery terrains. This particular shoe, though, does have a few drawbacks. The price, for example, is higher than the average trail running shoe. Secondly, the shoe is much less efficient on asphalt roads, as many runners have noted. For most, though, the benefits of the Salomon Speedcross Pro 2 will far outweigh its negatives. So grab a pair and skip those circuitous routes. Take on the trail and anything that may come with it. Take on the mud. Take on that waterlogged pathway. Take on the world with the SpeedCross Pro 2.
