The best trail running shoe, EVER!
I don't believe their is a soul out there that has abused these shoes more than I have. I've run many trail runs and adventure races in them, and I love them so much, I'll buy a second pair - a first for me. With that said, here is my assessment:
- It's sole traction is incredible. On steep climbs, the difference is very apparent. It's incredible!
- Foot protection is not crazy good, but good enough. On off-trail, a stick or two eventually poked through, but no major foot damage resulted.
- For me, the sole, heal padding, and outer foot cover wore at the same rate. The shoe is not crazy durable, but when the entire shoe wears at the same rate, you know the design is good.
- The speed laces never broke. I own other Salomon shoes and I've had two breaks so far. No problem - just tie a fisherman's knot and you're good to go.
- I know you're not supposed to wash shoes, but I have to when they get too dirty/muddy. They have survived at least a dozen washes.
- They are very lightweight with a soft sole. The cleated bottom actually makes you feel like you're feet are being massaged with every step. You'll definitely be "in touch" with the trail, but their is enough cushion to allow you to bomb the downhills and attack rocks and hard terrain aggresively
Let me also counter some other comments:
- It IS for a narrow foot, so don't buy it if your foot is too wide. For my foot it's perfect, so it's NOT a flaw. Other shoes give me blisters because my foot moves around in the box. Shoes need to fit like a glove, and if this shoe fits, you'll love it on the trails.
- The cleats on the sole do wear quickly, but the comment about "uneven" wear is unjustified. My shoes wore differently, probably because I run differently. Also, you SHOULD NOT run on paved surfaces. This is a trail shoe. If you run on concrete, it'll wear out faster. Again, it's not a flaw in the shoe, it's a misuse of the purpose of the shoe. Soles that wear out quickly are typically the rubber type that grips very well. It's performance over durability. Make your choice.
AR Junkie at
REI on
07/07/2010
The King of all Trail running shoes!
PROS: I cannot say enough good things about this shoe! I own 4 pairs and have been using them for over 2 years now! Why you ask? I'm a competitive Ultrarunner and run 50k-100 mile races each month on rocky, muddy, dirty, root infested, single track, double track, waterlogged trails and fire roads. Plus a training week includes 70-100 miles run on much of the same conditions. So I've tried countless trail running shoes and found the shoe that works for me the best! Light and hugs the foot, while giving you good contact/feel for the terrain that you are running on. Only have had a few blisters and I found it was the socks that were the to blame. Lacing system works like a great, never slips and I have yet to have a break. Grips on almost everything! Snow, mud, rocks, etc. I feel almost too comfortable in this shoe. No it's not water resistant, but it sheds water quickly and leaves your feet feeling dry. Sheds mud, snow and other debris quickly too. When I get home from a long dirty/muddy run, I usually just step right into the the shower with them and wash them there. They dry out in about a day as long as you pull out the cushions. All have been thru dozens of washes and haven't broken down or changed a bit.
CONS: I've replaced the cushioning on these as your feet start to take a pounding after awhile. But I usually buy cushioning for all my shoes so that I can mold it to my feet. They will slip on some wet surfaces, but most shoes do. These are trail running shoes and are not meant for pavement, cement, track, etc. They are meant for dirt, mud, sand, etc. I have not worn a shoe that doesn't slip on wet rocks.
In reference to people saying that they wear unevenly... that is all due to how you run. If you are an Evolution Runner (fore foot runner), Mid striker or Heel striker, proantion, etc. will determine how or were the shoe will wear. Mine have all worn equally and I've never had a problem. Plus I've used them only on trails and never tried to street run with them.
Drunk and Irish at
REI on
03/03/2011
Excellent all around outdoors shoes.
I purchased these as a replacement and am extreemly pleased. The original intent was to use them as lite hikers, but they're so versitile and comfy I use them for practically everything, except climbing & running on pavement.
The shoes are comfy and fit well, plus they're lite, so even after a long day, I've never been in a hurry to take them off. So far I've had these shoes for about a year and a half. They've been through dozens of trail runs, countless hikes, and several Runamuck/Muddy Buddy/RuggedRaces events. Inside an out they've been covered in mud countless times, and after a quick wash they look and feel like new again.
While the shoes are great for trail running, they also are useful along side the rocky banks of the river where the rocks can be a bit slippery. They provide excellent unassisted grip on anything less than about 45 degrees. More than that, and with some careful steps you can still get around pretty safely.
I was a bit hesitant about the quick draw laces at first, but they've proven to be quite useful & durrable. The tounge has a pocket to tuck in the excess so I never have to worry about them coming untied, caught or getting in the way.
The only drawback really is that after some use it's nice to be able to clip them to the outside of my pack. With no loops, anywhere, the only way to do this is through the laces, which, I'm always scared will break, even though they haven't yet.
I can only hope these are still being made when I wear these out & am ready for my next pair.
Jasper E. Shie at
REI on
04/04/2011
All terrain super glue... Amazingggggggg
So these aren't waterproof, but being a low cut shoe, what's the point? The breathability allows you to tromp through streams and be dry in a mile or two. The traction is second to none. Like comfortable cleats. I broke them in on a 20 mile backpack trip, with no discomfort or blisters. I should mention that I did add green SF insoles beneath the stock ones since they were super thin. The combo was awesome for my foot, and in snow, it allowed me to air dry one set while using the others. My next trip was 82 miles from Mammoth to Yosemite on the JMT. Again, performed flawlessly as my companions added blister after blister, I ended the trip free of any foot damage. The speed lacing is great. Even when fully loosened, the laces never touch the ground. This is cool if you exit your tent to get something quick style. Although they aren't waterproof or tall, they kicked butt in the snow. One of the most comfortable shoes I've owned, put my Air's in the closet for good. I've used these in snow, ice, mud, hardpack dirt, gravel etc. Only spot they were loose on was wet slick granite and bare logs. Especially if they were wet. I have 100 heavy packed, strenuous miles on them and I would say they wore maybe 15% on the sole. I will be buying these again in say 200 more miles.
G-PAC Giving plants a chance at
REI on
09/09/2013
I use my SpeetCross3s in a variety of settings but primarily as a field hockey umpire. I work on multiple surfaces- water based astroturf, sand based, grass (mud), and sport turf (like US football fields). I do a lot of run, jog, sprint/hard stop/direction change running as well as sideways and backwards running. It's very hard on shoes and I have NEVER had a pair of shoes that works on every surface and has lasted more than a few months until I tried out my last pair of SC3s. I LOVE them. I also do some trail running and hiking here in Colorado and they haven't failed in any aspect. My first pair is still going strong but when I saw the same size and color (has to be mostly black) on sale, I had to buy another pair b/c I'm sure EVENTUALLY the ones I'm wearing will give up the ghost.
Technically, the quick ties are brilliant. They haven't loosened up while I'm abusing the shoes. The sole and foot bed is very flexible but sturdy and it gives well well with twisting and torque without giving up support.
I've found they run true to size but the toe box is wider than it might appear in image. I have wide toes and I love these b/c I have yet to lose a toenail wearing them. If you have narrow feet, they may run larger (as others have commented).
A Ninja could not ask for better!
Comments:The SPEED CROSS 2 In a word....AMAZING! Trust me you will not find a shoe better for running trails that humans have no business running on. If you run trails that are well maintained then this is not the shoe you were looking for. Salomon makes many shoes for that kind of trail, but if your idea of trail running is something of a suicidal nature then look no farther. This shoe is made to fit kinda like a climbing shoe. many people have said go a size bigger, but this is a mistake. If you don't want the shoe ripped from your foot you had better get your size. You see the tread is so so good that once you plant your foot it will not slide at all and with a looser fit it might just come off! It's true what they say.. "A ninja could not ask for a better shoe!" Feelings wile running in this piece of art: As you start up your first hill bouncing off of rocks and boulders the shoes scream at you, "Faster Fatty!" making you feel like less of a man and out of shape. On your first decline as you fly down the trail heart rate out of control, eyes tearing up from the wind, and using all of your senses to not trip off the next switchback, in a moment airborne silece the shoes wisper.......faster......
The Trail Ninja at
REI on
04/04/2009
WOW!!!
I am a professional adventure racer. In preperation for the upcoming Guam Extreme Adventure Race(GEAR) I have logged around 500 miles on these shoes in the last month. It is undeniable the durability of these shoes, scrambling up 300ft mud sloaps, slogging through boar wallows and swamps, rock hopping on slippery coral rocks up jungle streams and rivers, or running the razor sharp coral coastline these shoes have never torn, ripped, or even lost a lug.
The traction is second to none, the afore mentioned slippery mud and ice like coral river rocks were no challenge for these shoes. These shoes have two velociraptor like lugs that stick almost straight out of the toe, amazing. With these you are able to claw your way up almost anything. These shoes stick to rocks almost as good as my rock climbing shoes.
Recently during the last race of the GEAR sprint series I was on my way up Mt. Lam Lam and passed anouther racer on trail. He commented, "Nice shoes, I have the same kind. I wish I could only push them to thier potential."
That comment came from a very seasoned adventure racer.
The lightness, durability, traction, and right out of the box comfort leads me to beleive this is the best pair of shoes for trail running, that can take a beating and keep on beating back.
GEARunderdog at
REI on
05/05/2009
I love these shoes! I originally purchased a pair after hearing a friend praise them and I am glad I did. I wear them for short runs, long runs, and even trail marathons.
The tread on the bottoms of these shoes is exceptional and gives you added confidence when running over sketchy terrain. The tread on my shoes had held up really well over time.
These shoes do fit a little bit tighter than other running shoes, and could even be called a narrower fit shoe, but I like the added stability and support that gives. It took me a few runs to get used to the fit, but I came to love them.
My favorite aspect of these shoes is the Quicklace system which allows you to quickly and securely tie you shoes, with no tying needed. They cinch up quick and make an easy way to get out of your shoes fast after a race. I raced in these several weeks ago in the Skyline Mountain Marathon and they were great. The race was uphill and then downhill for the second half and their snug fit kept my toes from falling off on the downhill.
These are excellent trail running shoes and will give you the confidence and stability you need to stay on your feet.
one bad mother
I have been faithful to salomon shoes for everything and anything in the wilderness for years now. I have been buying the XA pro 3-D with nothing but good things to say but wanted something a little lighter and more breathable. These were the big ticket. I haven't had a chance to see how long they will last yet (have been trying to beat them into the ground for a few months now) but so far so good. If they weren't always filthy dirty I would use them as work shoes. I am an adapted physical educator who loves, LOVES to disc golf in the woods, go back packing and generally be outside as much as I can. These shoes are so comfy with support in all the right spots. I can even wear them without socks with no problems (not recommended though as it makes them smell bad). People always ask me about them and give me props. The tread is vicious, they dry out super fast, the quick lace is convenient and they are aesthetically perfect. These are some bad mah-muh-jammas. Booyah
nesto-disc at
REI on
05/05/2010
Best combo sport / adventure / casual
Best combination of good looking, durable, adventure worthy, hiking/running shoe ever. Used for campouts, trail running, biking, rec soccer and going out. Looks sleek - regularly gets positive comments for style.
Also surprisingling good fit that provides support and comfort, yet easy to slip on. Drawstring laces are super easy to use, but have the feel of teflon and provide usage confidence.
Have worn mountain day hiking, on international business and pleasure travel, and for soccer/flag football games. Never had an issue on terrain - a bit slick on indoor or smooth concrete surfaces at first due to unique tread. However, I only use when I need surface traction, so not a problem. And look great with jeans or shorts.
Only complaint is they start to catch an odor over time as the material doesn't breathe as well as it appears it should given the fabric exterior around the toes. However, no sneaker is perfect and some talcum powder freshens them up fine.
Highly recommended as the ultimate utility shoe.
BigTexRed at
REI on
05/05/2013