Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Aggressive tread with 15 carbide spikes• Wet Traction Contagrip rubber outsole provides excellent traction• EVA midsole• Waterproof ClimaShield forefoot covering• MudGuard wrap keeps moisture out and dirt away from upper• Reflective mesh upper design• Anti-debris construction• Water resistant upper• Sensifit snug construction• Quicklace system• Protective toe bumper• Low-drop for extra stability (6mm)• Unisex construction
Upper
The Speedspike CS’s upper is made of reflective mesh and features a debris shield to keep rubble out of the shoe. The upper material is also water resistant so that in wet snow your foot shouldn’t become sopping wet. Around the forefoot, there’s a ClimaShield wrap that’s waterproof to protect the toes from excess moisture. The upper also features Sensifit technology for a tight foot-hugging fit that’s comfortable and supportive. At the tip of the shoe, a toe bumper protects your feet from getting smashed on hard trail obstacles. For lacing, the Speedspike CS features a Quicklace system that’s convenient and easy to use.;Reviewers liked the shoe’s nice wide toe box and appreciated the true to size fit of the CS. Remember, you might choose to wear different socks for winter training so sizing may vary depending on the thickness of socks you decide to wear for the majority of your training runs.;Reviewers really liked the Quicklace system, which made winter runs a little easier to deal with. While in general, it takes a bit of extra time to get ready for cold weather training runs, so a lacing system that requires no tieing of laces makes things a little bit simpler. Reviewers found the upper fit snugly and liked the well-padded ankle collar and tongue. Users also liked that the upper was capable of keeping their feet quite dry for the most part, even in wetter conditions. Some reviewers pointed out that the only improvement they saw that might be useful would be an added built-in gaiter for extra protection against water infiltration.
Midsole
The Speedspike’s midsole is made up of EVA foam. It’s a moderately cushioned trail shoe. Just underneath is a protective MudGuard wrap that sticks out to protect the rest of the shoe from getting dirty or wet when running through shallow puddles or muddy trails. Reviewers found the Salomon shoe comfortable and appreciated the firm and responsive cushioning. The cushioning feels equally comfortable on the snow and on dry pavement.
Outsole
The Speedspike features an aggressive tread that’s ready for literally any kind of winter running experience. A total of 15 carbide spikes dot the outsole of each shoe to provide the best grip possible. The outsole is composed of a Wet Traction Contagrip upper that’s both resistant and grippy. Just above the outsole is a MudGuard wrap that protects the upper from getting dirty in muddy conditions and getting too wet in snowy or slushy weather.;Reviewers said that the Salomon shoe offered great traction on a variety of terrain in different weather conditions. Reviewers also noted that the shoe worked well for muddy runs too. Users appreciated the grippy spikes and found that they worked well even when the weather cleared up. On dry ground, they don’t get in the way and don’t compromise traction. Users also liked the moisture protection provided by the shoe’s MudGuard wrap.
Breathability
The Salomon shoe is not totally waterproof so that means there’s room to allow air to circulate. The shoe’s anti-debris upper design and water resistant mesh material help keep moisture and dirt out but don’t significantly impact breathability. Even the forefoot’s waterproof ClimaShield covering still allows for air circulation inside the shoe thanks to a wide fitting toe box.;Reviewers didn’t have anything negative to point out about the shoe’s ability to ventilate but did mention they loved that the upper felt durable and was great at keeping their feet dry and comfortable.
Comfort
Reviewers found the Speespike quite comfortable. What makes the CS a comfortable shoe? Its spiked outsole doesn’t feel jarring to run on and provides a comfortable grippy platform. The shoe’s moderately cushioned EVA midsole offers a firm but energy-filled ride. The anti-debris upper keeps the shoe free from trail debris so you don’t have to worry about getting rocks in your shoes. The upper is also water resistant and features a waterproof ClimaShield toe box to keep your toes dry. The MudGuard blocks moisture from creeping up further into the upper and Sensifit technology allows for a snug fit. A wide toe box gives feet room to breathe and a Quicklace lacing system makes tightening simple and fast. Reviewers really liked the padded heel collar and tongue as well.
Style
A pretty intense looking shoe, the Salomon Speedspike probably isn’t going to be your first pick for going to a coffee shop to meet your running buddies on a rest day. The tread is aggressive and apparent just by looking at the shoe. The unisex trail runner looks like it could take a beating and still survive to tackle another gnarly route. If you want a shoe that stands out and looks like it’s meant to live off-road, the CS is perfect.
Durability
The Salomon Speedspike CS features a well-constructed upper, midsole, and outsole. The outsole, outfitted with Contragrip rubber, is ultra-durable. The 15 spikes made of carbide don’t wear down at all, said reviewers, even after countless runs on rough, icy surfaces. The upper is also made with durability in mind. Users reported no signs of early wear and were incredibly impressed with the winter shoe’s ability to hold up even when used day after day in tough conditions.
Protection
Running in winter weather requires maximum protection from the cold, from the elements, but most importantly from slipping and falling on your butt. Even if it just seems as if snow is blanketing the ground, patches of ice often hide just underneath. The Speedspike offers maximum traction to protect runners from accidental falls in icy conditions. The 15 spikes on each sole offer maximum grip.;The shoe also protects wearers from unwanted moisture infiltration by way of several features. A MudGuard wraps around the base of the shoe and acts as a first defense against wet conditions (and dirt!). Next, the shoe’s water resistant upper allows for air circulation but dries quickly when faced with water or snow. The anti-debris mesh keeps things out of the shoe. At the forefoot, a waterproof material (dubbed Climashield) works to keep toes dry. The Speedspike works just as well in icy conditions as it does on muddy terrain to protect wearers from rough ground and trail obstacles. While the CS doesn’t have a rock plate, the heavy-duty spikes are tough enough to keep your feet from getting wounded. The shoe’s moderately cushioned EVA midsole also provides a firm, supportive impact absorbing layer underfoot.
Responsiveness
The Speedspike features nice and responsive EVA cushioning in its midsole. Reviewers liked the firm, snappy cushioning and felt it performed just as well in treacherous winter conditions as it did on the pavement and on sloppy muddy trails.
Support
The Speedspike isn’t the lightest shoe out there but runners get plenty of support thanks to the snug fitting design of the shoe’s upper. Salomon’s Sensifit system keeps runners locked into this winter trainer and a QuickLace system makes getting the targeted support easy. Reviewers appreciated the durable and supportive upper design and liked the firm midsole cushioning.
Terrain
While some runners prefer to head indoors when the weather goes below zero, others yearn to head outside and feel the freezing wind on their face. The right shoes are incredibly important when it comes to winter conditions. A pair of crampons might do for the occasional winter training run outside, but they often get in the way, may alter your gait, and sometimes come off shoes altogether. Forget readjusting your crampons every few miles and opt for a shoe with plenty of built-in traction and protection from severe weather conditions.;The 15 outsole spikes and Contagrip outsole provide traction while the water-resistant upper construction keeps your feet and toes dry – mostly. Not entirely waterproof, the shoe will likely let in some moisture, but the mesh material is quick-drying and still allows your feet to breathe. The shoe’s MudGuard keeps dirt from creeping up onto the upper so your shoe stays cleaner and wet mud or snow doesn’t just seep in easily. Reviewers agreed that the Speedspike CS provided outstanding traction perfect for winter training. Even when the sun comes out and clears the way, the spikes don’t feel cumbersome or lose their ability to grip the ground.
Price
Winter-specific training shoes will set you back a little more than a regular pair of running shoes. For what you get, though, the Speedspike is a great buy. Reviewers were elated with the shoe’s performance and loved that it could handle all sorts of winter training scenarios without missing a beat. The shoe is protective but still breathable. It’s well-cushioned for daily winter training and still comfortable despite its fairly substantial construction.
Drop
The Salomon shoe features a fairly low to the ground 6mm drop. The lower profile keeps users stable and allows for a more agile ride on uneven trails or in poor winter weather conditions.
Stability
The neutral Speedspike offers a stable ride thanks to its outstanding outsole. Extra grippy carbide spikes outfit the sole of each shoe to deliver targeted grip on the icy and snowy ground. Even in mud, reviewers felt stable and sure-footed. Reviewers felt the true to size design also worked to create a stable fit.
Flexibility
The midsole of the CS is fairly firm so flexibility isn’t a forte of the Speedspike. Reviewers didn’t feel the need to complain about the shoe’s lack of bendiness, however, so the rigid design doesn’t compromise comfort or ride feel.
Traction
In the winter, good traction is imperative. When snow arrives, streets and trails often become slippery and difficult to navigate. When the snow melts and refreezes into a craggy ice layer, it’s tough to run confidently without proper traction underfoot. While crampons can be used to offer extra grip in uncertain conditions, they’re not always comfortable and don’t always deliver enough grip on all surfaces.;The Speedspike features 15 carbide spikes on each outsole, which is made up of grippy Contagrip rubber. Reviewers raved about the Salomon shoe’s outstanding traction and many said the shoe would be a staple in their winter run training for years to come.
Bottom Line
For winter training, it’s hard to find a shoe that beats the Speedspike. While most running shoes do one thing well, the CS can handle every type of winter scenario you can imagine. Ice, sleet, snow, slush, mud, and dry pavement are no match for the Salomon Speedspike CS.;The winter trainer is comfortable, ultra-durable, and fits true to size. Its super protective design doesn’t limit breathability either, so you can stay protected from the elements and from trail debris while still feeling comfortable inside the shoe. Smart details like Quicklaces and a clever MudGuard are just some of the things that make the Speedspike a winner of a shoe.;It’s not the lightest option available but still manages to feel responsive and quick in the harshest conditions. If you live in a cold climate and find yourself struggling to conquer your winter training runs, it may be worth considering a good quality winter-specific training shoe like the Salomon Speedspike CS.
