Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
9 mm
Breathability
5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• Sensifit system provides a snug and secure fit• Contagrip rubber provides excellent traction and produces no scuff marks• 3D Grip outsole• High Abrasion Contragrip rubber provides durability• Wet Traction Contagrip enhances traction• Ortholite lining is anti-bacterial and breathable• Injected and Compressed EVA midsole• 3D mesh upper ensures ventilation and keeps out debris• Asymmetrical Heel
Upper
The upper of the Salomon X Tour 2 has seen few changes since the original model. The Sensifit system in the upper helps to ensure a secure fit. The shoe is lined with a 3D mesh to help ventilate and keep a runner’s feet dry. The interior of the shoe is lined in Ortholite. The inner sock liner is well cushioned and provides runners with additional support. The upper also features several synthetic overlays which help to keep the foot locked in and help provide stability. The shoe features a slightly roomier upper in this version. Runners enjoyed the wiggle room while still commenting that they felt secure inside the shoe. There were no complaints of slippage and no runners made mention of a sloppy fit.
Midsole
The midsole of the Salomon X Tour 2 is composed of both compressed EVA foam and injected EVA foam. The cushioning is ample enough to support runners in a variety of situations. The injected EVA is found directly above the rubber outsole. It helps to protect runners from the impact. The compressed foam is softer and is placed above the injected foam. It helps to cushion the wearer’s ride and provide support. Many runners found the cushioning was very comfortable. The cushion also managed to stay feeling fresh even in the later miles of a long run.
Outsole
The Salomon X Tour 2’s outsole is made up of Contagrip rubber. The durable rubber provides traction on a wide variety of surfaces. The material does not produce scuff marks and it can perform in wet or dry conditions thanks to the outsole’s 3D grip. The outsole also features a varied pentagonal-shaped lug pattern. The lugs are not overly aggressive, but they can definitely handle runs on and off-road, so long as the trails are not too technical. The outsole has changed markedly since the original X Tour. The revamped outsole is meant to provide greater traction and ensure runners are comfortable on whatever surface they are running. The new outsole features a greater number of smaller lugs that enhance the shoe’s grip.
Breathability
The Salomon X Tour 2’s upper features a 3D mesh which provides excellent ventilation. The mesh provides breathability but it also keeps out dirt and other debris which might serve as a nuisance for runners hitting the trails. It’s yet another reason the shoe is capable of handling off-road running. The interior of the shoe features an Ortholite lining. The fabric helps to stop bad odors from forming thanks to its anti-bacterial properties. The lining also helps to keep feet dry. Some reviewers did find that the mesh upper could be improved. A small number of runners found that the mesh did a good job of blocking debris but that ventilation was not as good as expected.
Comfort
The majority of runners found the Salomon X Tour 2 very comfortable. The Sensifit system in the upper made for a snug and secure fit. Runners felt stable when on their runs and found no issues with pressure points inside the shoe. The cushioning underfoot served runners well, whether they were running long or short. The Salomon X Tour 2 features a roomier toe box than its predecessor and many reviewers found this to be a welcome change. There was a small selection of runners who found the shoe was uncomfortable and complained of fit issues. It’s possible that some folks may need to go up a half size to enjoy a comfortable ride in the X Tour 2.
Style
The Salomon X Tour 2 features a clean design with stylish color options. The pop of color in the shoe’s overlays carry on to the shoe’s tongue and heel cup. For men, the shoe is offered in a unique cobalt blue color with lime green accents. It’s also offered in an orange / black combo and a lighter grey and neon yellow option. For women, the shoe comes in a bright pink with lime green accents. None of the color options are boring and the design is fresh enough to make the shoe wearable for everyday activities and errands.
Durability
The durability of the Salomon X Tour 2 comes mainly from its tough outsole. The durable Contagrip rubber material featured in the outsole ensures that high impact areas will be protected even with miles of use. Runners will find that the outsole can handle various conditions and will not show wear and tear very easily. The X Tour 2 is solidly constructed and won’t crumble if it’s asked to go for miles. No runners commented on any durability issues with regards to the shoe. It’s safe to say that the X Tour 2 should last at least a decent amount of miles before it needs replacing.
Protection
The Salomon X Tour 2 provides excellent protection underfoot for runners. The midsole cushioning provides a good layer of protection from impact forces. The outsole’s Contagrip rubber keeps runners stable and safe on varied surfaces. The outsole also keeps runners protected from potential encounters with small debris on trails. The 3D mesh upper provides protection from the elements and from debris that might enter a shoe without warning. Runners are sure to end their runs with their feet in one piece in the X Tour 2.
Responsiveness
The Salomon X Tour 2 is fairly responsive. Most reviewers found the shoe felt light and fast enough to handle speed work. The shoe does have a fairly hefty outsole to protect runners from surface debris so some ground-feel is lost in this regard. A few runners commented that the shoe provided adequate feedback. The midsole cushion feels fresh even after miles of use.
Support
The Salomon X Tour 2 provides support by offering runners good traction underfoot. Runners are able to tackle various training surfaces without ever feeling unsure of their footing. The injected EVA foam found in the midsole provides another layer of support for runners. The shoe also offers great arch support that was lauded by many reviewers. Runners found their arches felt supported without the discomfort of unwanted pressure points.
Terrain
The Salomon X Tour 2 is capable of handling various surfaces. The shoe is billed as an urban trail shoe and can handle the roads with ease even when running in wet conditions. The X Tour 2 can also handle off-road surfaces. The shoe will handle non-technical trails best. Those looking for a dedicated trail shoe will want to look elsewhere. The X Tour 2 is intended for runners who require a shoe that can go from one situation to the next. The shoe is not for mountain runners, but it’s a great option for runners who are mostly pounding the pavement yet want to have the ability to run on hard packed trails once in a while or on weekends.
Price
The Salomon X Tour 2 is a midrange shoe that’s priced just over $100. For those looking for a versatile trainer that can handle various surfaces and conditions, the X Tour 2 offers great value. The shoe provides excellent traction in dry or rainy weather conditions. It can be used for short or long distance training thanks to its supportive midsole cushioning. The shoe is fairly lightweight so its good for long slow runs or fast weeknight fartleks.
Drop
The heel to toe drop in the Salomon X Tour 2 is about 9mm. It’s a fairly standard heel to toe drop. The heel height is 25mm and the forefoot height is 16mm. Also noticeable on the X Tour 2 is an asymmetrical heel. Most runners will find this standard heel to toe drop to be comfortable. 9mm is a bit below the average drop of 12mm. Both heel strikers and forefoot strikers will be able to run comfortably in the X Tour 2.
Stability
The Salomon X-Tour 2 is a neutral hybrid trainer. It’s a good option for runners who do not have issues with overpronation. Runners with fairly efficient biomechanics will find the X Tour 2 is a comfortable option for long or short runs. The midsole cushioning does provide some arch support for runners who need it. The arch support is not obtrusive, so those who don’t deem it necessary won’t find the shoe uncomfortable. Although the shoe is not a stability shoe, runners will still feel stable and supported while running in the X Tour 2. The outsole provides great grip which will keep runners moving forward. The midsole cushion provides a stable platform and the upper, with Sensifit technology, provides a snug and secure fit.
Flexibility
The Salomon X Tour 2 is fairly flexible. The original X-Tour’s outsole featured a large vertical cut that ran from the forefoot to the heel of the shoe. In this second version of the X Tour, this feature has been removed and replaced with forefoot flex grooves. The deep forefoot grooves enhance the shoe’s flexibility and help to provide an efficient toe-off. Some runners complained that the original X-Tour felt rigid, especially in the heel area. This issue has also been addressed in the shoe’s update. The material in the heel has been swapped for something a tad more flexible and supportive.
Traction
The Salomon X Tour 2 features a Contagrip rubber outsole which provides excellent traction underfoot. Runners were impressed by the amount of traction the hybrid trainer provided on various surfaces. The shoe can handle wet or dry conditions. It can deal with pavement or hard packed trail as well. The pentagon-shaped lugs underfoot help to provide this excellent traction. In this version of the X Tour, the outsole looks less aggressive, but it still manages to provide good grip.
Bottom Line
The Salomon X Tour 2 is a great update to an already solid first version. The X Tour 2 provides value to runners in a durable, stylish package. The shoe is versatile and can handle road running or off-road jaunts. The shoe is well-cushioned and provides good support. Runners will enjoy a snug and secure fit in the X Tour 2. The shoe not only works well, it looks good too. The aggressive look of the model’s previous version has been done away with. Runners are left with a sleek, modern look. The shoe can easily be worn for errands or to the coffee shop post-run. The hybrid trainer is a good option for neutral runners who want an all-in-one package of trail and road runner.
