Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
9 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Molded EVA midsole• The Heel chassis• Stretch gaiter material• Salomon’s patented Quicklace system
Upper
The upper of the Salomon XA Enduro is stacked with the best technologies. The material of the upper is an open, breathable mesh which allows for maximum airflow to enter the shoe, keeping the foot cool and quick drying. This mesh is also quick drying and runners loved the shoes ability to traverse through streams and dry quickly because it helps ward off bacteria which leads to odor in the shoe.;Since running in nature calls for added protective elements, Salomon included a stretch gaiter that is included in the design element of the upper. This stretchy material works to keep debris from entering the shoe, causing injury and distractions for the runner. Trail runners agree that one of the biggest annoyances on the trail is a constantly unlaced shoe. To combat this issue, Salomon uses its Quicklace system on the XA Enduro.
Midsole
Reviews from runners suggest that there is a lot to love about the midsole of the Salomon XA Enduro. First, the shoe comes with an EVA sock liner to improve the fit and add underfoot cushioning and comfort. The actual midsole foam is made from a dual-density EVA which is perfect for shock absorption, but it is lightweight so it won’t add any unwanted bulk to the shoe. This midsole material can be attributed to the overall responsiveness and stability of the shoe.;The chassis found in the heel of the shoe helps provide stability to the runner without sacrificing flexibility. This stable yet flexible features is unique and allows the foot to stay stable during runs, but also allows the foot to move freely and respond quickly to changes in terrain, speed, and direction. Salomon’s patented Profeel Film material can also be found in the midsole of this shoe. It is a TPU material that promotes stability through the entire gait cycle.
Outsole
The secret to the intense traction and durability in the outsole of this shoe is Salomon’s patented Premium Wet Traction Contagrip technology. This provides the runner with the usual traction and grip of a good trail shoe but it ups the ante by providing superior traction even on wet and muddy or rocky and jagged surfaces. Regardless of the condition of the trail, this shoe can handle. it. In addition to protecting the runner against the dangerous condition of the trail, the outsole of the shoe acts as a protective barrier to keep the shoe from wearing down prematurely.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe is able to be simultaneously protective, durable, breathable, and light. The open mesh design allows for superior airflow to reach the foot. Runners reported that due to the breathability of the upper, the shoe dries quickly and keeps the foot cool and dry. The added dryness reduces unwanted odor and friction that can lead to painful and distracting blisters
Comfort
One of the elements that runners raved about in this shoe was how comfortable it felt. This is a shoe that is designed for long, adventures in nature, so it is imperative that it is comfortable enough to take the runner mile after mile. Two elements that runners found particularly comfortable were the EVA duel midsole foam and the breathable upper. The EVA duel midsole foam provides the runner with a stable, cushioned landing pad. It absorbs the shock of each footfall and returns that energy to the runner. Runners reported that this helped them stay energized longer. Another comfort element that runners loved was the breathable, open mesh material of the upper. This provided the runner with a dry, cool running experience even in hot or wet conditions.
Style
The runner had nothing exceptional to say about the style of this shoe. This is not the shoe for the runner who is looking to make a serious fashion statement. This is a shoe for the runner that is more concerned with function and fit rather than aesthetic. The shoe comes in a few different dual colored options. The colors are layered with one solid color on the top (black) and another along the bottom (lime green). This shoe also comes in a totally black option.
Durability
Salomon works hard to give the runner a protective ride and also include elements that protect the shoe from the wear and tear of the trail. Since these shoes are designed for more aggressive adventure running, the durability features also had to be more aggressive. Runners loved that the outsole doesn’t wear down easily, even after long workouts. The choice of using an EVA midsole foam was a smart one because EVA midsole foam tends to hold its shape longer than other materials. All in all, runners found this shoe to be a smart investment because it lasts longer and doesn’t need to be replaced as soon as other trail running shoes they’ve tried in the past.
Protection
The Salomon XA Enduro has a handful of high quality, thoughtful protective technologies. First, the upper features a built-in gaiter. This protects the foot from the elements of the trail and keeps them out of the shoe. Another key element is the full length patented ProFeel Film that covered the upper and protects again rocks and other more aggressive debris. Another feature is the toe box. This toe box features overlays that cover the front area of the shoe to add durability and protect the runner, especially in downhill descents. Finally, the outsole material, the Premium Wet Traction Contragrip, does an amazing job of gripping the ground below the runner and keeping the runner secure and stable on their feet.
Responsiveness
One of the elements that runners responded to very positively to regarding this shoe was the high level of responsiveness. Since hiking shoes need to have a more durable outsole, it is often tricky to find the balance between protective and durable and thin and responsive. The EVA duel midsole foam does a great job of absorbing the shock of each footfall and returning the energy back to the runner. This helps the runners to stay energized and it allows the runner to feel the road below them and respond to the changes in terrain, direction, and speed.
Support
This shoe offers support for the runner through the added padding of the midsole. The EVA midsole is cushioned and springy and provides the runner with a great landing pad for tough mountain hiking. The outsole is durable and thick enough to take a beating in harsh elements while simultaneously supporting the runner.
Terrain
This isn’t your average trail shoe. This shoe is designed for the most extreme terrains. Runners reported that the shoe was great for mountain hiking and even for extreme obstacle races like a Tough Mudder or Spartan Race. The lugs on the outsole are spaced further apart and point in an arrow-like pattern for maximum traction and protect on tough terrains. Of course, these shoes can easily take you on groomed trails and leisurely strolled in the woods, but they are designed for something much more intense.
Price
This shoe is not for the athlete that is looking to keep costs low. This is certainly a more expensive trail shoe than others. However, if you think about it in terms of dollars per mile that you’ll get with this shoe, it translates to a great value.
Drop
The heel drop on this shoe is 9mm. This provides the runner with extra support and cushioning through the heel and midfoot. This is not a zero drop shoe for the runner who is looking for a natural feeling ride. This shoe is more known for its stability features as opposed to its low heel drop.
Stability
The Salomon XA Enduro is a high-quality stability hiking shoe. The EVA midsole material provides a reception landing pad for each footfall. The outsole and midsole of the shoe work together to provide a stable ride for the runner who is looking for some added arch support and some help with controlling slight overpronation.
Flexibility
This is not the most flexible shoe on the market today. This shoe is more concerned with being durable and responsive and less focused on being flexible. It sacrifices some of its flexibility to provide more protection and shock absorption to the runner. The upper is made of a breathable mesh that moves more freely than the outsole.
Traction
The superior traction afforded by this shoe can be attributed to the thoughtful outsole design. The lugs that line the outsole are slightly further apart than other lugs systems and this gives an almost shelf-like feature that grips the surface of the trail and holds on tight. They are particularly good for steep uphill climb s and downhill descents. The Profeel Film trail guard keeps rocks and debris from pushing through the outsole and this helps the runner feel protected and safe even in slippery conditions.
Bottom Line
The Salomon XA Enduro is a trail shoe for the true adventure junkie. It is made for tackling the toughest terrains. The lugs on the outsole are further apart and pointed in an arrow toward the toe box. This feature makes these shoes ideal for tackling the steep up and downhills. The technological features are cutting edge on this shoe and provide a comfortable, responsive experience for the runner. In terms of price, this is a higher priced product, but when you consider the price per mile, it really is an investment and a great value.
