You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone
Three years ago I bought my first pair of Salomon shoes thinking that I liked they way the looked and wanted to try out a shoe with the quick lacing system. Well, I was impressed but I don’t think I quite knew what a fit this shoe was for me until last year when I bought another brand of shoes to try something different. I bought a comparable shoe with what was supposed to have a more ridged sole and a traditional lacing system. I then realized how much I missed the comfort, fit, breath-ability, and quick durable lacing system. So, this year I decided to go back to Salomon and try out their Salomon XA Pro 3D Trail Running Shoe. This shoe is even better than my last pair of the same shoe.
How I use the shoe
I like to have a decent pair of every day shoes that I can take to the trails for a run and wear as my every day shoe. I am 6′2” and 195 lbs., and these shoes hold up very well.
Features I like
- The toe piece has been redesigned to protect you from jagged rocks on the trail with an over the top toe-guard. I don’t know about you but I seem to stub my toe at least once on every trail run.
- The look design on the heal is stitched in in such a way that makes it very easy to grab. Again, I use these as my everyday shoe and getting them on and off fast is a plus for me.
- The lacing system now is stitched in a little farther down the foot giving an even better fit up front.
- The breathable sandwich mesh makes this a very comfortable shoe for just about every weather condition and activities
- The sole is surprisingly well built and comfortable for how light the shoe is. There is plenty of support and shock-absorption.
Buy Now: Search for Salomon Trail Runners
05.21.2007 at 3:29 pm - by Neal
The over the top toe-guard is a must for trail shoes. I’ve torn open too many toes without it – even just kickin’ around town.
05.23.2007 at 9:48 am - by Brig
I totally agree — toe guard is a must. Also, the mesh ventilation is sooooo welcome on hot days, but is usually the part that breaks down first on the upper of a trail running shoe.
04.06.2008 at 6:54 am - by Blake
I also love the quick fit on these shoes, but have had two quibbles with durability: The sole wore through on the heel of my first pair in less than 500 miles of running. My second pair, now 4 months old, has developed holes in the upper just below the inside lace anchor. Great shoes, but should last longer.
01.19.2010 at 6:39 pm - by Matt
I have 2 pair of these. 2008 and 2009 models. The 2009 model has a little more cushion in the sole and the difference is obvious as soon as you start running. Otherwise the shoes are the same and both are great. I have put the 2008 pair through hell during a dozen adventure races and they are (besides being dirty) as good as new. Completely indestructible. The tread has amazing grip on rock and other hard surfaces but does wear more quickly than I would like. Shoe feels very fast and is light for such a durable shoe. The quick lace system seems flimsy but has never failed. Only gripe besides fast tread wear is that the shoe doesn’t feel well ventilated. I got used to it after a few runs but if you are used to very light and breathable shoes (like I was) then it will be noticeable.
01.25.2010 at 6:40 am - by Carin Franzsen
I just bought a; Salomon W’s XA Pro 3D Ultra Shoe
The world’s best trail running shoe just got a whole lot better. Now with improved cushioning.
As advertised and now I am lost, I have been running with Salomon’s for 3 year and this pair of shoes is just not going it! My right food is numb on the outside after 5km and it stays like that unless I change my shoes. These are expensive shoes and what do I do now?
I Live 380km away from the nearest store where I may be able to go and find someone to help me with this problem and most of the shops selling these shoe are hiking shops that do not have the know-how to assist you.
Please can someone help with a contact person’s details?
Carin