Salomon XA 3D Ultra GTX

Average weight:	28.5 ounces
Average weight - metric:	0.81 kilogram
Country of Origin:	United States
Cut:	Low
Gender:	Men's
Lacing:	Kevlar Quickfit
Lining:	PU / rubber open-cell structure / GORE-TEX XCR laminate
Manufacturer Warranty:	1 Year
Material:	[Upper] mesh, nylon; [Insert] Gore-Tex XCR
Midsole:	triple density EVA
Outsole:	rubber
Recommended Use:	Trail running, adventure racing
Running shoe type:	Trail
Sole:	Contagrip rubber
Style:	Trail-running
Support:	Thermoplastic urethane insert
Upper:	Polyester mesh/thermoplastic urethane
Waterproof:	Yes
Weight:	[Pair, size 7] 1lb 10oz (760g)
Weight per pair:	1 lb 12 oz

Size	Color
Dark Forest / Black	Dk.forest / Black	Dark Forest / Black / Light Forest	Black/ Black/ Quik	Dark Oxide / Black	Black	Black / Black / Quick	Dark Forest	Detroit / Black / Fizz	Pewter / Black / Grass - X	Black Black Quik	Dark Oxide / Black / Sunset-X
X												122.95
7							139.00 140.00	139.00		140.00
7.5		139.95					139.00 140.00
8	134.95	139.95	101.83	134.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	134.95 139.00 140.00	101.83	140.00		101.83
8.5	134.95 134.95	139.95	101.83	134.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	140.00	101.83			101.83
9	134.95	139.95	101.83	134.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	139.00 139.95 140.00	101.83		140.00 140.00	101.83 139.95
9.5	134.95 134.95		101.83 124.95	134.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	139.95 140.00	101.83		140.00 140.00	101.83 139.95
10	134.95		101.83 124.95	134.95 139.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	139.00 139.95 140.00	101.83		140.00 140.00	101.83 139.95
10.5	134.95		101.83	134.95 139.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	139.95 140.00	101.83		140.00 140.00	101.83 139.95
11	134.95 134.95		101.83 124.95	134.95 139.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	139.00 139.95 140.00	101.83		140.00 140.00	101.83 139.95
11.5	134.95 134.95	139.95	101.83 124.95	134.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	140.00	101.83		140.00 140.00	101.83 139.95
12	134.95		101.83 124.95	134.95 139.95	134.95	125.99 140.00	101.83 139.00 140.00	139.00 139.95 140.00	101.83			101.83 139.95
12.5			101.83				101.83 139.00		101.83			101.83
13				134.95		125.99 140.00	139.00 140.00	139.00 140.00
14						125.99 140.00	139.00	139.00 140.00

Rating:
Huge disappointment on Salomon's part. Zappos rules! Buyer beware: what a roller coaster of a shoe purchase. I read so many reviews and thought I'd found an outstanding outdoor shoe company. I was looking to replace my North Face Hedgehog GTX's and was sold on the waterproof shoe idea. I only do light trail running and daily hikes with my dog twice a day. Approximately 3-7 miles in a day varying terrain from urban to trail running. After purchasing the shoes in February of '09 I loved them. Pros: The laces are inventive, quick, and even lacing. The toe of the shoe is awesome for outdoor treks. Great sole support. Snug fitting all around. All in all I thought I'd found what everybody had written about in their reviews. Well 4 months of use yielded poor field results. The rubberized material on the inside edge just behind the toe (opposite Salomon logo) started flaking. As that appeared I started noticing my socks growing gradually damper after my morning walks. As the weeks progressed, the wear started to appear on the other foot as well. Now, almost 2 months later, the left shoes are worthless as far as waterproofing is concerned. For the rep these shoes have I'd expected results at least on par with my old Hedgehogs. I fell in love with this shoe design but now feel utterly disappointed. For the money I'd keep looking. Salomon's: get the materials up to snuff and get back to me.
John Greene at Zappos.com on 08/03/2009
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX Trail Running Shoe - Men's
Rating:
Twice now I've worn these shoes on hikes greater than 20 miles with a light backpack. Uphill each time has been more of a hike with little running however I enjoy scrambling downhill as fast as the terrain will allow, with less weight on my back coming down as I've depleted my water and food. These shoes have hurt my feet more than ANY other type of shoe I've worn in many years!!! I have high arch's and if you do too I do not recommend these shoes without orthotics. These shoes were designed for people with flat feet and you'll probably still require an orthotic!! Each time I've worn these shoes my feet have ached for well over a weeks time recuperating from the abuse. As a note I'm both an avid hiked and runner. Due to the cost of these shoes I'm very disappointed with their performance.
dwillisdrake at Backcountry.com on 11/07/2008
SQUEAK!
Rating:
Love the GTX and the look of these shoes, but that's about all you're going to get out them. Foot bed is flimsy and the right shoe began squeaking after only a couple of weeks. 2009 version feels narrow. 2007 version was true to size. Foot bed is thin and too flexible. I can feel rocks on the trail poking into the sole. Would much rather run in a less expensive pair of 'real' running shoes. I bought the same shoe in 2007. The squeak didn't start until after a year or so. The salesperson in the store said they addressed the squeak with the 2009 iteration....not so. For the $ these shoes shouldn't squeak like a cheap pair of shoes. These shoes are going back. Save yourself the hassle and buy a different shoe.
eiger1377 at REI on 03/30/2009
Great, until wet.
Rating:
I loved these shoes from the moment I bought them, wore them around in the rain all day, and my feet were dry and happy. Then one day I made the mistake of wearing them in a canoe, immersed a foot by accident, and was reminded of the greatness of Gore-Tex. What is out stays out. What goes in stays in. They've been wet for a week now, refuse to dry, and smell like mildew. I'm disappointed, a bit angry, and feel slightly cheated out of my money. The shoes, other than that, are really great. I shouldn't have wore them in the canoe, yes, but if you're running along and step into a slightly deeper puddle without realizing and water gets into the shoe---you're toast. Soggy toast.
Kim English at Backcountry.com on 10/08/2009
Not much good to say
Rating:
These are the worst shoes I've tried. My first pair had the soles wear out in 2 weeks, the replacements lasted 3. Now I'm running on a pair of La Sportiva's that are less expensive but are way better quality. I admit that I'm tough on gear, footwear in particular, but my previous shoes all lasted at least a few months. On the plus side, the lacing system works well and the shoes dry quickly. Overall, a very disappointing shoe. Miles.
miles Randell at Backcountry.com on 11/08/2008
Rating:
For this price I was expecting serious quality. Zappos is really fine; finally 4th pair was without defect. Today I took them for a little walk (wet grass and mud, but not extreme) and after 1 hour, my feet was also wet. It means, that waterproof shoe (Ultra GTX) with Gore-Tex is not waterproof. That was 1st and also last time, I bought Salomon shoes. They are really comfortable and nice, but I was expecting more.
Michal s at Zappos.com on 10/29/2009
Rating:
Worst shoe ever. Would never buy this shoe again. Worst lacing system in the history of shoes. Have had them for two months and still getting blisters. Bought these to replace my Montrail Hurricane Ridge, it's a shame that Montrail is no longer making them.
Anonymous at Zappos.com on 06/30/2009

	Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra	$59.98 - $139.95
	Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra Trail-Running Shoes	$65.97 - $139.95
	Salomon XA Pro 3D M+	$119.95 - $120.00
	Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra - - Black/Silver	$89.99 - $114.99

	Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX Trail-Running Shoes - Women's	$69.93 - $139.95
	Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX - Women's	$94.95 - $140.00
	Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra - Women's	$89.45 - $120.00
	Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoes - Women's	$59.46 - $120.00

	Salomon Speedcross 2 Men's Footwear > Running	$89.98 - $123.95
	The North Face Ultra 104 Gore-Tex XCR Trail-Running Shoes Men's Footwear > Trail Running	$115.00
	Vasque Velocity VST Men's Footwear > Running	$79.83 - $130.00

	$101.83 23% off
	$122.95 7% off
	$124.95 5% off
	$125.99 4% off
	$134.95 - $139.95
	$134.95
	$134.95
	$139.00
	$139.95
	$139.95
	$139.99
	$140.00
	$140.00
	$140.00
	$140.00
	$140.00


Oboz Yellowstone Hiking Boots	Merrell Moab Ventilator Wide	Merrell Outland Mid Gore-Tex

Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra	Columbia Sportswear Pagora	Asolo Prolix Gore

All-Around performer
Rating:
I've put over 100 road miles, 40 trail miles and 10 rain/snow miles on these snow far, and they've performed to expectations. There are lighter shoes out there, there are more breathable shoes, there are beefier shoes, but these beat all when it comes to all-around use. These make good shoes for road running, great shoes for trail running in any conditions, and are a solid pair of day hikers. The Gore-tex insert combined with low-gaiters kept my feet dry for 45 minutes of following my nephew around in shin deep snow. The only dampness I've noticed in wet/snowy weather has likely come from my own sweaty feet, and it's never been cold/uncomfortable. These aren't ideal hot weather shoes with the Gore-tex, but I live in San Francisco and don't often deal with temps over 75. They're on the heavy side (~34 oz/pair in my size 13), but I appreciate that solid build on rocky trails. The stock insoles are okay, but I switched them for Orange Superfeet after feeling the sharp, baby fist-sized rocks a little too acutely on some of the trails I hike/run. The inserts added .5 oz in weight but solved that issue. Buy several pairs of specialized shoes if that's your wont, but if you just want one pair for many uses, I think you'd be happy with these.
James MacDiarmid at Backcountry.com on 01/07/2009
Great shoes, but I'm not a fan of the color choices
Rating:
I've had my XA's for a year and a half now and there's not much to complain about. They keep my feet safe from the elements and grip fairly well, considering the lack of an aggressive sole pattern. The quick lace system is also nice when you're feeling too lazy to tie a pair of shoes or boots. I wear mine all the time when I'm camping, outside on my feet all day, and just when the weather is really crappy. They are a little warm for summer temps because of the gtx liner, though. The lacing ssystem is quick and easy, but it takes away the ability to focus pressure at specific points. They do adjust to your feet after you've had them on and moved around a little, but this may not be a problem for everyone. Mine have also started to squeak a lot when I'm walking around, but I can't remember when this started. The one thing I wish Salomon would do is offer a color scheme that isn't so dark and dreary. I've never really been a fan of dirt and moss color schemes. I feel weird wearing them in civilization because of the colors. A little less dark gray and black would be nice.
Matthew Johnson at Backcountry.com on 08/08/2009
Breathable GTX
Rating:
Living currently in Perth, Australia, the climate has put me off buying a pair, however with trail runs planned in the Colorado Rockies, and New Zealand Southern Alps again this year, I jumped at the opportunity to buy a pair in a recent sale. I usually trail run with two interchanging pairs of XA Pro 3D Ultra without goretex, and the goretex construction in comparison makes for a more supportive shoe. This week I had the opportunity to trial them on a 2 hour trail run when the temperatures dropped to 22-26 degrees Celcius. This may seem warm for goretex, but they stayed dry and very comfortable for the duration.I even wore them for the 1 hour drive home from the trail run location on the Bibbulman Track without considering taking them off. I was surprised at how breathable they were and like any goretex products you need to keep them clean to properly function. The run was through some nasty and extreme jagged rocks and loose gravel and my feet were well protected. Technically a great shoe that fits me and I am looking forward to testing it on a rainy and wet day for further feedback!
Ian at Backcountry.com on 05/21/2009
Nice Upgrades from Last Year
Rating:
I have about 400 single-track trail miles in last year's model. They made one change for the better in this year's model. The lacing loops used to be plastic and would bruise the top of your foot during 2000+ ft descents. Now they are synthetic material, but they still cinch up evenly just fine. Excellent shoe at keeping the water/cold out, but once the water gets in they do a good job at keeping it in. They start to get warm when the outside temp gets above 75-80 degrees. They work great in wet, cool conditions. The tread is set up, so that they don't collect/hang on to too much mud/debris. I did roll my ankle inward hard in this shoe once, but I don't think it was the shoes fault, as my foot landed on the side of a rock. I had not trouble with the Kevlar lacing system. In fact it removed all lacing troubles. I have heard of two incidents where the Kevlar lacing broke and would leave the user stranded. Would definitely purchase another pair.
Will Thomas at Backcountry.com on 11/07/2008
I loved these shoes
Rating:
This is a great shoe. I bought these out of impulse, but I do not regret it. These are GoreTex shoes. Because I did not get to prove them under snowy climate I poured water right on top of them and my feet did not feel humid after. The toe protection is really useful and comfortable, and you do not feel it in your toes like in other shoes even when you hit a rock. Tha lace string is practical, and stays tight for hours, however the lace gives the impression that it will rip if xtra pull is applied, in which case I will return them to REI or the manufacturer :). Felt good to my feet, and to my heels (I usually have issues with shoes and my heels). The sole has good grip on loose gravel which increases your traction and reduces your energy loss. The design allows for practically wrap around your feet wich adds extra comfort and good arch support. No need for previous break in to use. These are officailly my new hiking shoes.
Miles the Outdoor Enthusiast at REI on 08/26/2008
Good shoe
Rating:
This is a great shoe for some conditions. I think the shoe works well in wet, soft or muddy conditions. However, I think its a little rigid for hard pack, firm or rocky conditions especially if you like a shoe with some cushioning. (Take into consideration my size: 6ft, average arch, 185lbs) The lacing system is exceptional and, from my experience, the only thing that comes close is the North Face BOA system. The Salomon system is easily adjusted and the excess stows conveniently in tongue pouch. Additionally, Ive never had any problems with the laces loosening during a run or coming un-stowed from the pouch. All-in-all, I rate this shoe high in wet and soft conditions, however Ill grab one of my other trail shoes when the conditions are hard packed or dry. A side note: I also use a pair of these shoes for mountain biking because of the firm platform, the lacing system (stows away and stays out of the chain), and theyre water proof. (I dont use clip-ins but thats a separate discussion topic)
dj_lowes2121011 at Backcountry.com on 12/30/2008
3rd Pair
Rating:
I have these shoes, last years model and the non gore-tex model. They are hands down some of the best shoes I have ever owned. They fit to the shape of my foot very well and are very comfortable. I use the gore-tex shoes for walking to class when it is wet out and or snowy and they are almost like wearing boots. Your feet stay dry and comfy. I also use these shoes for backpacking and all sorts of outdoor exploration. The only questionable thing is that they don't have Vibram soles, so they don't have out of this world traction. They are also not fun if you fall in the water with them on, the gore-tex keeps the overflow water in for a while. The cool thing about these shoes though is if they get stinky you can fill them up with some hot water and tide with bleach, let them soak overnight, rise them out and they are good as new! Hands down, awesome shoe. Also if something breaks on them, Salomon will replace them!
pball19ac2409133 at Backcountry.com on 12/06/2008
Good trail shoe and winter trainer
Rating:
reasons you might need this shoe: -you've come down in a puddle with your left foot and the top of your oncoming right foot gets soaked with the spray (why don't those trails ever dry out) -you've run in 15 degree temps and the wind seems to blow right through your toes -you do that quick step/jump/hurdle/tip toe to avoid roadside slush because you still have 4 miles to go and still want reasonably dry feet -you almost roll your ankle(s) repeatedly when forcing your road shoes on the trail Well, those become non-issues with this shoe, but you'll get these new issues: -a ride like a suv, forget long distance road running in them -if its not cold out your feet will get hot (gore tex can only do so much) -when its pouring (yes, they will get soaked eventually without gaiters) these hold the water in almost as good as they keep it out, a whole new level of squish awaits you -that's a lot of money for sneaks
sundaymtn at Backcountry.com on 10/31/2008
Great Shoe. No Question.
Rating:
I bought these looking for a basic, waterproof trail-runner, which I use them for about three days a week for regular three-mile runs. I run sprints in them without any lack of stability. Now that I'm back in Ohio in the winter, I've been running in snow and ice since the end of October. I have NEVER had a leak in any weather conditions. When I was in Oregon, I ran the dunes along the coast and hiked plenty in the rainforest. These are truly appropriate shoes for any outdoor condition. With all that said, I've also taken to wearing them to work, play, and the gym. I even wear them to kickboxing here and there. They haven't even begun to fall apart, and the tightening system (without laces) is actually the most efficient and comfortable system I've ever used on a shoe. Get these if you don't want to buy two or even three pairs of other shoes.
Jambone at REI on 12/24/2008
Rating:
Placed order on Wednesday between 5-6 PM, got them on Thursday afternoon without paying ANY shipping fees at all. Best shoes i\'ve ever worn. The upper is not as comfortable as the Columbia Sawtooth I used to have (it\'s been discontinued), but its still good. Has some great features like the Quick Fit lacing system. You pull the drawstring till its snug, then place the excess in a pocket above the tongue. No matter how tight you get the laces, the top part does\'nt dig into your instep. Gortex makes it Waterproof. The foam insole made by Ortholite has good cushion. Midsole - the part that goes under the arch of the foot is not as soft as the rest of the midsole and I think that\'s what stabilizes the foot. Have\'nt worn them on the trail yet but the outsole has good traction so far. Great design and very good looking shoe. I bought mine in Black/Black/Quick and it looks great.
Anonymous at Zappos.com on 07/30/2009

Rating:
One of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. Lightweight, true to size, breathes well, and is waterproof. Have only gotten to go hiking once over the past 2 months I've had these, and they performed great. They get an overall 3 stars because: I pretty much only wear these out of the house when I go to work, which is an office-type setting. Within 5 weeks, the right foot developed a very quiet squeak under my toes. By week 6, the squeak was louder. I am now in week 8, and the squeak is loud, and unbearably annoying. It doesn't matter if I'm on carpet or a hard surface; the squeak is there. Will be contacting customer service to see about a replacement.
Josh A at Zappos.com on 10/16/2009
The Salomaon XA Pro Ultra GTX
Rating:
So this is my first pair of "trail" shoes. The first day of running I did about 4 miles. I have the Black/Black, very sharp looking and the quick lace system is the bomb. After the 4 miles I was not really impressed. I over pronate some and was starting to get the same pain I do when my shoes break down. Well just to be fair I figured they probably just needed to be broken in. The second day I did another 4 miles and now I see why people rave about this shoe. It was very ridged at first but as I warmed up and got my stride going the shoes worked very well. I would recommend this shoe. The price however....
James Kelley at Backcountry.com on 11/21/2008
Lots of Toe Bang
Rating:
Fist off the XCR rocks. You can dunk you foot in water up to your ankle and the inside of the shoe remains dry. The tread is good for river beds and ascending boulders, however it does tend to slip on dry dusty decents and scree. The lacing system provides a secure sung fit however does not allow to tie the shoe with a heal lock. I personally have experienced a lot of toe bang and feel that the box is too narrow and too ridgid. My foot is fairly large(13US) but relatively normal arch and width. Overall its a decent shoe just might not be the right shoe for people with larger feet.
Eric Enser at Backcountry.com on 05/08/2009
Great if you have high arch.
Rating:
I really wanted to like these shoes...Heard nothing but great things about them...However the shoe is quite narrow and has a pronounced arch support. My arch's would hurt from the pressure after just a few minutes of walking or standing. Never had any problems before with North Face, Nike, New Balance shoes. Quality wise these are top notch, much better than my North Face GTX shoes.
mhu2501008 at Backcountry.com on 04/23/2009
Not quite what I expected but
Rating:
Overall quality is high, its build and styling. Fit is fine especially in the toe area which is plenty roomy since my feet are somewhat wide. But the high-tech lacing is something one has to get used to and the built-in arch support is not adjustable. I had to cut them off, there is no way to adjust it gradually.
hon2566209 at Backcountry.com on 05/02/2009
Rating:
Nice looking and very comfortable shoe! I don't understand though. Why does the strap for the lacing system have to be SO long that it flops all the way down to the toes? Most shoes with these pull tight systems just down about an inch or two as opposed to the almost 5" long that this one does.
John R. at Zappos.com on 09/05/2009
for wider feet
Rating:
salomon makes some great shoes, these just didnt work for me. they're really wide and hard to get the right fit on a normal width foot. if you have a wide foot, these shoes are probably sweet for an all season, all weather, all around trail running shoe.
brianpjaco961593 at Backcountry.com on 04/22/2009
Great shoe, soft sole
Rating:
Outstanding support, lacing system, materials in the upper, and I love the GTX. Our weather in Colorado is different every five minutes, and these shoes handle it all. Very frustrated, though, when the soles wore flat and started to squeak internally after only 9 months.[...]
CLinRockies at REI on 03/15/2009
The Good and Bad
Rating:
They are not the best trail running shoes I have ever owned but they do look great with jeans and general urban wear. I believe that is where they will stay.
Derek L. Owen at Backcountry.com on 05/12/2009

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Notes:

Salomon XA 3D Ultra GTX Reviews Summary:

Positive Reviews:

All-Around performer

Great shoes, but I'm not a fan of the color choices

Breathable GTX

Nice Upgrades from Last Year

I loved these shoes

Good shoe

3rd Pair

Good trail shoe and winter trainer

Great Shoe. No Question.

Negative Reviews:

Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX Trail Running Shoe - Men's

SQUEAK!

Great, until wet.

Not much good to say

Neutral Reviews:

The Salomaon XA Pro Ultra GTX

Lots of Toe Bang

Great if you have high arch.

Not quite what I expected but

for wider feet

Great shoe, soft sole

The Good and Bad