Salomon - Speedcross 3

WNC here as well. Salomon Speedcross. A little too narrow, so I’ll be switching them soon. They’re almost like running in cleats, and I’m finding that after 8+ miles on the rocks, roots, and moss of Pisgah — i can feel my feet tiring… I need something more comfortable

The thought of running slickrock in a pair of Speedcrosses just made my whole body tense up. I have a hard time thinking of a worse shoe for that terrain.

Check out Salomon’s Speedcross trail running shoes. One of my favorite shoes I’ve ever had. They’re awesome for any sort of dirt, loose terrain and even going through water. Super lightweight, but still durable and comfortable. I bought my first pair of their Speedcross 3 model 10 years ago, and just got their newer Speedcross 6 a few weeks ago.

everyboldies feet are different, you have to find something that fits you. for me, it’s Salomon Speedcross

I would definitely recommend a shoe that is not the Speedcross. I’ve run the 50k so I can’t speak for the entirety of the 50 mile course but speedcrosses on slickrock is going to be a bad time and slickrock is already pretty punishing on the body. I think a road shoe should would be preferable to them if you can’t find a trail shoe you like. I would like to run the 50 mile course (would be my first at that distance) and the biggest thing holding me back beyond intimidation of that distance is finding the right shoe because I will never forget how hard that course felt on my feet (and I did all my long runs on pavement for training). The course is super runnable and not technical (at least what I’ve done) so can be done with little to no hiking if your fitness allows.

I used speed crosses for Toronto winter and they are awesome. You don’t need to spend 2x. I have a pair of 001, that I won’t be using this winter. For the most part, I just try not to step on the ice. In Toronto the trails are either snow, hard snow or patchy ice with super grippy frozen soil/claw.

Second the Solomon speed cross. They are solid and as close to cleat like as you’ll get in trail running shoes. On wet grass- you’ll slide around. But for everything else it’s quite good. Sides don’t blow out like hokas and some other brands. And it’s a good transition shoe if you are recovering from plantar fasciitis.

Agreed. They were my first Spartan shoe and they were ok to start. But they stay wet and they’re heavy compared to a lot of other shoes. I can do them for a sprint if need be. Anything beyond a sprint and those are a solid no for me.

I haven't been anything but impressed by the Salomon Speedcross

I can only comment on two shoes in the lineup. Over the years I’ve owned about 20 or so pairs of the Speedcross. It was by far my favorite trail running shoe. When I stopped running a few years ago I switched to the XA Pro which I would call a hybrid of a hiking shoe that you can run in. But for pure running nothing beats the Speedcross. But be aware that Salomon shoes have a reputation for lasting about 450-500 miles. Made the mistake of taking out a pair on a sketchy descent after the 500 mile mark and I was slipping and sliding.

Right out of the box. And it’s my lucky day! Just found a barely worn pair at REI for half price.

I'm seeing Lone Peak 8s for $105-140. I'd be pretty happy with 450 miles out of trail runners at that price point, especially if the upper is the only issue so far. If you only have those holes at the front, and the soles are still in good or even decent condition, they still have plenty of life left in them. You can look into other brands like NNormal or Norda, which should be more durable, but you'll be looking at spending anywhere from an extra $50 or even $200 to get them. I've had really good experiences with the Salomon Speed Cross line, and I've heard good things about the longevity of Topo Athletics, as well. Both of which fall more into the same price point as the Altras. Altras aren't known for their durability, but everything comes down to the specific model, the actual pair you get, and your own use cases. Some people will get the lemon of any given shoe, and some people will get a surprise miracle pair that never dies as well.

I like Oboz boots. I also like my Solomon trail runners. I've done massive days in both, totally depends what you are more comfortable in. I do personally find benefit in some ankle protection and waterproofness. Some folks poopoo that... but I bet they have wet feet.

I had good experience with Salomon Speed Crosses in the past, but we’re talking 7-8 years ago. I love Altras Lone Peaks as well

I’ve done plenty of races and you’re definitely going to want shoes with tight laces and deep lugs. See Salomon Speedcross and Hoka Mafate for reference. Don’t do a waterproof shoe.

Mm ditto. Currently four pairs. Speed cross, and a topo. i dont remember which one. Theyre minimalistish and a race prize. (Total brag).. I have plenty fine arches and their inserts or whatever hurt my feet without a super plush sock. But also a pair of torins and asics, gel contented? Idk. They were on sale $60. Good shoe though. New balance has, or had at least a less expensive trail shoe. I thought they were great and transitioned from trail to road on them regularly. Also I wear my torins on steep trail all the time.

+100 sa Merrel Agility Peak. Nakababa ako sa Litalit Trail ng KXC na mabilis at walang kaba, kinuha lang ata namin ng 1.5hrs kasi unahan sa classroom sa Licungan ??. 80° descent yun na combinations ng rocks, mud, at paved paths na malumot. Binagyo pa kami nun kaya doble ang dulas at putik ????. But if may higher budget ka, you cant go wrong with Salomon Speedcross/Thundercross, Hoka Mafate/Speedgoat

Hiking boots always seemed so cumbersome, and if they get wet it's a bigger to deal with.  Never understood the appeal.  Used to backpack in Solomon Speed Crosses before they went to shit, but still opt for light feet and more nimble movement on the terrain (hoka been treating me ok).  Only time for boots is when you need to put on crampons.

Over the years I’ve worn trail runners from Merrill and Salomon, or standard running shoes from Nike and NB. A comfortable fit was the main criteria. Even on wet ground I’d rather have fast drying sneakers than boots.

Just returned to La Sportiva myself and love em. During good running stints, I put on ~50 miles a week and I've run both La Sportiva and the Salomon speedcross series. I run mountain trails and have not been disappointed by either options.

I wore Salomon speedcross exclusively for over a decade but their quality is shit now and they're expensive. I switched to Danner.

I would buy new just for an excuse to get a pair of the Salomon Speed Cross trail runners. They are the BEST hiking shoes I’ve ever had.

Same. Light, cushy, and great traction. My go-to for most hikes in CO.

I just bought a pair of Salomon speedcross' and they're very very light and grippy. Compromise is weaker protection against bashing big rocks etc.

Same, speedcross is way too slippery on wet rocks and roots downhill. Otherwise it's the near perfect shoe.

even when you encounter water they dry out much faster, I only use full waterproof when snow hiking and it's important to keep your feet warm and dry. I've actually considered retiring my old hoka speedgoats to be watershoes for kayaking type activities. I also have a lot of boots and shoes. My opinion just on the trail runners I've had: Hoka speedgoat the most breathable but the most fragile, shallower lugs, great on compacted dirt fire roads in the heat but get torn up on rockier trails like gorgonio. Salomon speedcross more durable and less breathable, deeper lugs on the bottom for softer dirt, I probably liked these the most for an all around general purpose if you are going up some of the higher mountains Alta lone peak, probably inbetween the speedgoat and speedcross in most ways including breathability and lug depth. These have a very roomy toe box which makes it a darling for PCT through hikers for those extra long miles, however because of that looser fit they don't feel as secure when scrambling on rocks.

Shoes like the Saucony Peregrine, Salomon Speedcross, or Brooks Cascadia provide a good balance between road and trail performance. They are comfortable and super durable. All are within your budget, and with a bit of searching, you can likely find them at discounted prices. I’d recommend trying them on before purchasing, as trail shoes often have a specific fit that can vary between brands.

I love the Salomon Speedcross EXCEPT for the fact that they don’t drain at all. They get totally water logged. But they’ve never given my feet trouble. Not super cushy, but they work for me on trails because the ground is so giving.

Not sure how speed cross compares to those other options. I have Salomon boots that I love, but switched my lows from La Sportiva (that were never quite right) to speed cross. Never looking back!

I love my Solomon’s and they are all I run in. That being said they don’t do good on wet rock/roots. So if that was a decent liklihood I’d look at something else that known to do well on wet rock.

Good to know. I stopped getting Salomon because they’re never wide enough