SpeedCross 2

Interesting. I run with the Genesis GTX since May 2025 and don't enjoy it very much. The shoe feels heavy and pretty mushy.\ I chose the Genesis as a more road/trail mix alternative to my very old, beloved Speedcross 2.

I've done this back then with Salomon Speedcross 2. But only after the shoe already reached end of its lifespan for trail running. Had this shoe for 2 years in total. In the end the lugs were gone. There were ¼ inch big holes in the outsole ...

I started trailrunning with the _Salomon Speedcross 2_ many years ago. I loved that shoe.

Can confirm. The Salomon Speedcross shoes are amazing for muddy, wet terrain (I've been using the 2 Pro and 4 since 2019).

Salomon Speedcross GTX have never failed me, I thought the 6 series damaged a bit easily, but if you go direct with Salomon you have a 2 year warranty to fall back on

Salomon has a waterproof variant of the speed cross that you can take a look at if you want something really light (although that's basically your alpha cross), or, for a little more weight, I recommend trying their X Ultra shoe or boot (I only have experience with the 3). I think you'll find a shoe is a bit more vulnerable at the ankle compared to a boot, but well fitted pants that cover your ankles or gators should help in conditions you're describing. I'm not sure why the waterproofing didn't work well with your alpha cross, but you may need to reapply the dwr coating, as it wears out over time. Oh, and having hiked in boggy areas, I'd ignore comments here recommending against waterproofing.

I have worn Salomon Speedcross GTX for years. My last pair I got in July 2024 and I put on them over 2,200 miles (in a year). I said it was time and now I have a new pair but I still wore my oldies today. Habits are hard to break.

Yet my feet are wet. I’ve been using Salomon since 2007, speedcross gtx would literally last me 5 years, never leaked, the soles would literally get flush from normal use, and then I’d replace them. in 2020 I bought my last pair of speedcross and they weren’t waterproof, the dealer said “they use climafit, on the tip, which is just as waterproof bro, trust me bro I swear”, well it wasn’t, a single drop of water on my toe would pass right through as if I was wearing bare socks. But they still lasted a few years as shoes were still solid. After that, the betrayal, speedcross gtx (really popular golden standard in my area) started to be pushed less and less by this dealer because of complaints I guess, that’s when I was kinda forced to switch to supercross gtx, and the gtx maybe lasts a few weeks of normal use (no hiking, just walking around in my yard), afterwards, feet will be wet. This is my second pair of supercross in two years. Now I’m done officially with Salomon. I’d rather go barefoot than feeding those pigs a single dime.

Non athletic? Blundstone (classic round toe) I’d wear those than keep if anything a pair of sneakers in bag. If you like more tactical/athletic Salomon is good both their boots and shoes (my hunting boots are the quest 4, then my shoes mostly for competitive shooting are the speedcross gore Tex) If just an everyday sneaker that looks good in street wear but you can use to work out, vans authentic / era (I always own all white and all black pair) comfy and versatile (like chucks but I’ve never been big fan of them on myself)

I've been using the last two versions of Speedcross GTX. I love them for hiking and trail running. But these are not made for running on hard surfaces. Waterproofing works great, they do not slip on wet rocks, great traction.

I use the Speedcross GTX for trail running. They’re great but the gore-tex is pointless unless you wear a gator as they just fill with water otherwise. You’d be better wearing a non-gore-tex and a waterproof sock to be honest. Wouldn’t want to climb a mountain with terrain that could turn my ankle though. Boots are always best for that.

I was expecting more people to tell me gtx shoes are rubbish! My experience is the opposite of what you describe, Salomon speed cross gtx have been bomb proof. I already have well drained and I don’t like having cold wet feet !

Have you tried the Goretex edition? Wonderful for the really wet days

Strangely my Goretex ones are much more comfortable than the standard edition. They've done about 500km including a very soggy Ultra in December and are just a life saver for muddy winter trail routes

Salomon Speedcross - excellent grip in the mud and on offer on certain website at the moment.

Strangely my Goretex ones are much more comfortable than the standard edition. They've done about 500km including a very soggy Ultra in December and are just a life saver for muddy winter trail routes