Salomon - Speedcross 5

I've ran Spartan Sprint, Super, and Beast and Tough Mudder 10 km and 15 km with Salomon Speedcross 5. The traction was good. I don't have other shoes to compare them to, so not sure how they drain water comparatively, but I plan to keep using them.

Solomon Speedcross 5. Sturdy, lightweight, water resistant, badass toe protector, knobby spikes, and last for 6 months of continuous running 🤘🏼

Been through almost every major brand - I love the Salomon Speed Cross Vs, but I have narrower feet and need a waterproof and highly durable shoe. It depends on the shape of your foot and your gait. Go to REI or a local running store and they can give you an assessment and some tailored options!

my speedcross 5’s must have over 1000km on them, fairly simple terrain tho

[These shoes](https://bestthingsdaily.blogspot.com/2025/06/salomon-speedcross-5.html) grip like crazy and have held up great on rough trails.

I alternate between the thundercross and speedcross. I’ve run marathons in the speedcross and also wore them to do the GR54 even although it wasn’t muddy (apart from 2 wet days) and they were fine for 190km.

Trail shoes are fine If they work for you. I've done the GR54 (194km, 12,000m elevation in the Alps) in Salomon Speedcross 5 trail running shoes as well as numerous shorter routes. I even used them doing Scafell Pike in March with snow on the summit, and just stuck on some microspikes.

Look at the Salomon line up. They were designed for this terrain. I have Spike Cross 5s which are basically SpeedCross with studs.

I find Solomons too narrow. But I do have a pair of Salomon Spike Cross for winter running. Basically a studded Speedcross 5.

There's going to be a compromise: you need aggressive lugs for snow and mud, but aggressive lugs aren't comfortable on road and wear down faster. So you need to decide for yourself what's more important to you and then choose the shoe accordingly. Examples of trail shoes with less aggressive lugs good for running on road: Inov8 Parkclaw, New Balance Hierro. Examples of trail shoes with aggressive lugs good for optimal grip in mud: Salomon Speedcross, INOV8 Mudclaw, ST version of the Saucony Peregrine. Many trail shoes including the regular (non-ST) version of the Peregrine are in between these two extremes.

VJ is great indeed, but Vibram Megagrip is not too bad on wet surfaces from my experience. I've also heard nothing but good things about Puma outsoles. And I had a pair of Salomon Speedcross that had good traction on wet surfaces. Note that Inov8 has different outsole rubbers and my experience with their graphene G grip on wet surfaces is that it's very bad and completely unusable for certain terrains. But I've heard good things about their other sticky rubber compound.

My Speedcross 5 were more fragile than other trail shoes, but I abused them for OCR including loads of rope climbing. Quite a few of the people I train with use Speedcrosses of various versions but generally they're not as fond of the 6 because of the way it fits. The most common alternatives I see in my OCR training group are various Inov8s, Saucony Peregrine's (although most of those uppers look very beaten up at lowish mileage), Brooks Cascadia, Asics Trabuco and VJ Spark/XTRM/Lightspeed.

Salomon Speedcross 5s is what I observe in. Just got them last year. Was thinking I would try to squeeze more life out of my Speedcross 3s until I quit observing, but Amazon had a sale on the 5s for $85. So now I have new ones. I've played REALLY low level pickup in my 3s, but I had to be pretty deliberate in not planting to hard on a cut.

yep. That's also my goto shoe for muddy weather.

Yes and no. Trail shoes generally don't have much cushioning compared to a road shoe, and some of them can be slippy on a hard surface. I have the older Speedcross 5 and find them a decent compromise, more grip than a mates Inov8 Mudclaws on wet tarmac, but not as good in really slippery mud. I'd happily wear them on a mixed grass/tarmac/paths course but wouldn't want to regularly run 5k on tarmac in them. Agree with others about finding a decent running shop though, when I bought my current road shoes my local place brought out 5 or 6 pairs from different brands and I had a run round the shop in all them to see what I preferred.

Speedcross 5 is my go to for that! I have TESTED it so hard in cold muddy environment.

Salomon Speedcross sounds like what you want. Although they will wear out quicker on pavement.

I have the Speedcross 5's and I swear they're the best shoes I've ever worn. I also have Oboz boots, which I do like, but those feel heavy to me now. I don't see myself buying another brand for some time. I'd estimate I have 500+ miles on the Speedcross 5's. Before these I had the Alphacross and another cheaper model they no longer make. Both were real decent, but the Speedcross are higher quality, and more durable. I bought the 6's for my GF and her feet are in pretty bad shape physically, but she agrees with me and also loves them.

Salomon Speedcross 5 or 6. Haven't even tried another shoe in years. Had alphacross before that. So for about the last 5 years, only salomon.

Definitely for a reason. Hundreds of miles on mine with no complaints. Bout to take em to Switzerland.

I’ve had a couple Hoka SG versions, Peregrines, Cascadia were nice… my favorite are Speedcross 5 if you like a structured sturdy feel, rock solid, super durable, fantastic traction, lace system rocks, you really get your money’s worth and they feel “new” even as they age

Zegama 2 for longer chill trail runs. Favorite so far. Speedcross 5 for rougher more technical terrain.

For snow and slush the best shoe I've seen is the salomon speedcross 5. The lugs are really good, I feel like they beat microspikes on anything but hard ice. It has a goretex version as well, but I found that it needs to be extremely cold for my feet to get cold even when wet if I'm running, so I just use the normal one.

I frequently look at sierra trading post clearance section for trail shoes. I personally love Salomon speed cross 5/6. I’ve gotten off year, weirdo colors and laces for like 50$. I bought 5 pairs one year for less than 200$. You kind of have to look once a week, and have the discipline to not doom scroll the deals. For 90% of runners shoes are the only specialty item needed. I have heard good things about hoka speed goats as well, but never tried them. Salomon speed cross’ barely have any long term cushion, but I will say it’s like wearing off-road dirt bike tires for socks that ratchet down on the feet. Your feet will get sore the first few times, but the confidence you get from the 6mm lugs on the bottom will turn you into a machine. I tend to bring hiking wool socks, and if I go for longer runs, bring an extra set to refresh my feet.

Is there any reason OP can’t buy a second pair once/if the first pair dies? He mentions U.S. parks so is there a reason he can’t stop at a nearby REI to replace the first pair? (I get packing light and only taking one pair at a time but seems like it would be replaceable…) So absolutely trail runners. I like Salomon Speedcross, which I’ve worn for city walking and running (in addition to hiking and trail running). That makes the lugs wear off faster, obviously, but I’ve still gotten 500+ miles from each pair.

Seconded. Great shoe for hiking and trail running. Never tried the Goretex version but Salomon does make them.

Salomon Speedcross has excellent grip on wet rocks and mud. Comes in both GTX and non-GTX version, but I’ve only tried the latter since it dries quickly anyway and I wouldn’t do waterproof shoes in above freezing weather. I hiked the TMB (with a heavy-ish backpack) and ran the Alta Via 1 (with just a hydration vest) in these shoes (different pairs since this was in different years) and found them to be perfect for both. Had a decent amount of rain and lots of mud on both, and the shoes kept me stable and moving quickly. I haven’t sized up but as I move toward running (hopefully) 100k races, I might have to since I assume my feet will swell after the 50k or so mark. I’ve completely switched to trail runners for both hiking and backpacking and find the only drawback is that I have to buy shoes more often. But if you can afford that, the comfort is worth it!

I’ve found the grip on Salomon Speedcross to be excellent. I also prefer the non-GTX version since it dries much more quickly.

La Sportiva's have the best grip on wet rock. After that any shoe with Vibram Megagrip. Followed by Salomon's ContraGrip. They all work well. Best bet, go to a store and try a bunch on. You have recommended shoes from a bunch of people. Now go see how they fit YOUR feet. Go with the ones you like/fit best. Also as others have said skip the waterproofing. It'll only make your feet hot and sweaty. Gortex is for the winter.

Personally Salomon fit me quite well. Speedcross has been my go to for most steep/rocky terrain.

Lived there for 5 years. I was plenty happy in Salomon speedcross. My feet being a bit damp was a relatively minor issue compared to the rest of me being proper wet. You could make a case for a goretex pair for hiking with gators, but at a certain point real boots are better.

Salomon speed cross were my go to when I lived out there. Still are even in a different climate. I did just get a pair of thunder cross for my runs with less elevation/rocks and thus far they’re pretty comfy.

Personally the Salomon speed cross 4-6 are my go to for anything up to 50k with that degree of technical terrain. Mainly because they fit my feet like a glove. Genesis have me curious though.

I've owned a few Solomon shoes. The speedcross are great trailrunners but I've regretted every other pair of Solomon's I've bought. Those look like they'd be suitable for walking around a park in the city. I wouldn't stray far from the pavement in them.

I have the S/lab ultra 2 and the speed cross. I don't wear either of them for longer than 50k runs though because my feet get sore with the lack of cushion. The thundercross has been recommended, but I haven't tried it.

Generally I want more than 5mm for mud - I'd reach for salomon speedcross or sportiva mutants.

FYI: I’m a very wide boy, but the Salomon Speedcross and Genesis both fit very comfortably. None of their other shoes do, but those are both great shoes you might want to try. Hoka also has nice wide options across their lineup. If it‘s grip you want, I find the Speedgoat is second only to VJ Shoes - but VJ run narrow.

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

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.

I'm a trail runner turned full time hiker. The past 10+ years I've been partial to Solomon Speedcrosses, XA Pros and La Sportiva Bushidos. The terrain in Arizona tears up shoes and I can get about 4-500 miles a pair. Once I've found a pair that I like, I pay attention to close out deals and can often find $140 shoes for $80-$90. Especially if they are an ugly color. Then I'll stock up and buy 2-3 pair to last me the next year.

Speedcross fucking rock

my next pair. i had the threes years ago and loved 'em. i have their hiking shoe now and they are terrible to run in. gonna go back to the speedcross.

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.

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!

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

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.

Speedcross is my favourite shoe ever made (I've had at least 5 pairs) _but_ they're for soft/muddy ground. The trails have massive lugs which are perfect for traction in mud, but not ideal for rock. More importantly, the rubber is quite soft and wears down fast with rock. 

I hate to be THAT GUY but I remember before the pandemic, you only saw outdoor enthusiast wearing Salomons. Now they are all over various street fashion websites and I always run into trouble getting a second hand pair for a decent price. I was so excited when the S/Lab Sense 6’s came out because I just started to up my mileage after a 2 year hiatus. Great technology at the time and high performance build. I use speed crosses now and the get the job done, I’m not going as fast anymore (for now….)

Yep, I wear these, very good

they're great, i only stopped buying them because the sole wears off very quickly. Although they do work very well on any kind of terrain, a version of the speecross with a harder sole with more lugs designed to run on dry dirt and rocks would be great and a thing i think lots of us would like to see

Salomon Speedcross has the best grip for wet conditions that I've ever owned. They're fairly comfortable for longer miles as well.

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

I need recommendations! I currently run in Salomon Speedcross and while I love the outsole, I hate how narrow the toe box is. It’s causing issues. I simply can’t run in them any longer. Here are the shoes I’ve worn: Altra Lone Peak — Love the wide toe box, but the zero drop and lack of durability just isn’t for me. I went through 3 iterations of Lone Peak, and durability was an issue each time. Saucony Peregrine — Loved that it was a light, all-around trail runner, but I needed more outsole grip. The lugs are too shallow. Also just a little narrow in the toe box, but better than the Speedcross. I’ve had 4 iterations of this shoe. Salomon Speedcross — I like the deep lugs and true-to-fit lacing system. I have only worn one iteration and bought them because I’d read Salomon widened the toe box. That is not the case, at least for my foot. I can’t imagine how narrow earlier versions were! **My needs are: Wide toe box, durability, and a nice grippy sole that can take on rocks, roots, mud, and moisture. I live and run mostly in Pisgah National Forest.** Recommend me what I’m looking for. Thanks in advance!

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

I \*hate\* wearing trail shoes on the road. Always just feels... clompy. Doesn't matter the brand, my old Hoka Speedgoats, Sauconys, Salomons, New Balance, I've never found a trail shoe that feels comfortable on the road. It might be part psychological but I don't think it's 100% in my head. The cushioning doesn't feel quite right, there's no snap, it almost feels like the outsole is sticking to the road. Or like I can feel the lugs pushing back up into my foot. I can grind out a slow mile or two but I \*hate\* it. And as noted, you'll wear your trail shoes down much more quickly on asphalt. It's not just that the lugs are deeper, they're a softer rubber for better grip on rocks. Where I HAVE worn trail shoes on the road is in the winter, when it's snowy and slushy, and doing so I burned through a pair of Salomon Speedcrosses in maybe 200 miles. Tread was just gone. So, even if you need to front a little but more $$ up-front to buy a second pair of dedicated road shoes, in the end it'll save you money because you'll likely get at least 25% more miles out of the road shoes, and I would guess a bit more.

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.

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.

**Salomon Speedcross** has a really aggressive outsole and snug fit. **Hoka Speedgoat 5**, **La Sportive Ultra Raptor**, or **Altra Lone Peak 7** are good options as well. I would also go with a good pair of insoles like **Stride Soles** which have a deeper heel cup to help stabablize the foot. Good luck! Source: I'm a PT and a 4X Ironman who used to have really bad foot pain.

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.

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.

Speedcross are the Salomon trail shoe commonly used. I have used them, but their grip tends not to be as good for sideways movements in hockey. Also, they quickly wear the tread out and also split through the sides by my little toe from sideways pressure that they're not designed for.

They're a great dry trail running shoe, but not great for Spartan. Drainage is bad, there's shoes with much better traction out there, and they're heavier than most. Inov-8 and Altra completely outclass them with almost every offering. Solomon even makes better shoes, but they're rarely recommended because they're more expensive.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

I prefer the Solomon brand. They got good options that are stylish as well. Solomon speedcross, cross hike 2, or x ultra are all great options depending on what kind of shoe type your looking for. I personally really like their no tie system that uses an adjustable press button and straps for easy on and off.

I am a trail runner convert and swear by trail runners. Hiking boots generally have better durability but I find them too heavy and stiff for my liking. I have Salomon Speedcross trail runners that have exceptional grip, are super comfortable, and flexible for everything from hills to scrambles. Some people might complain about the lack of a rock plate, but the thick sole more than makes up for it, and I actually prefer no rock plate for scrambling. I used to have a really weak ankle after a sprain, but trail runners actually forced my body to improve stability and ankle strength because of the lack of ankle protection. I've been hiking for several years with trail runners and have never had stronger ankles in my life. Yes, sometimes you step on a rock funny and get the little "oops" twist, but the constant strengthening with low-top shoes on uneven paths mean that my ankle can more than withstand that little stutter, which happens to me at least once per trail. Your body will adapt, you just have to give it some time to work up those micro muscles through all the balancing you do on trails. EDIT to add: I am a very similar hiker to you - mostly day hikes, not primarily a trail runner but can/will run flats and downhills, hike tons of rocky and sometimes wet PNW trails. Zero issues with trail runners, I wouldn't go back to boots. Only annoying thing is sometimes you kick up some small rocks or gravel that sneak into the shoe but that's easy to deal with, and you can always wear gaiters if it bothers you.

My local course is pretty frequently muddy so I use a waterproof trail running shoe. My current favorite is the Salomon Speedcross. Really comfortable and always dry. Love them.

I use Salomon Speedcross in Rocksylvania.

Did the first 550+ miles of the PCT this year in the Salomon Speedcross and they worked pretty well without major issues. However, I always had to be careful about how tight I could cinch them down (barely at all) or I’d get blisters on my pink toes as they got pinched in. I’m switching to Topo MTN Racers for my next pair, with a lower drop and a wider toe box. I found that the Topos locked my ankle in better than Altras, though I only tried on the non-zero drop Altras since the Speedcrosses have a very high 10mm drop and I didn’t want to transition right to zero drop.

Same here! Running in very different terrains and my speedcross never let me down

If you have narrow feet I really love salmon speedcross. They are super grippy, but I was constantly buying them because they would wear down.

I spent a ton of time in the speedcross line and they were down so fast. I guess that's how they all are. I moved over to the evo speedgoat and really like them.

Those are great! I started with the 3s and ended up buying two of each version after that. Eventually, I switched to the Hoka Evo Speedgoats for some extra cushioning. I think the only issue I really had with the Speedcross was that the lugs would wear out pretty quickly.

Speedcross are awesome in mud or in snow and ice

Speedcrosses or a similar "mud" shoe are my go to for dry, packed snow. For icy or deep snow conditions I use La Sportiva cyclon cross GTX's with 1/4 hex washer head screws screwed into the lugs for traction. Works great.

Before I answer, please be aware that you don’t need to spend a fortune. That being said, I work to feed my mountaineering addiction and spend the majority of my spare time outdoors. At the moment, this is what I use. They cover almost every condition you will face in the UK (and below 3000m in Europe). The only thing I don’t do, is climb vertical ice. La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II They do both a low trail runner (more of a fast hike-I wouldn’t run in them) and a mid-boot. Amazingly comfortable and the grip is excellent on both rock and wet grass. La Sportiva TX4 The best scrambling boot you can buy. Grip on rock is outstanding. Rubbish on wet grass in my opinion. They have been replaced with the TX4 EVO which I haven’t tried. La Sportiva Aequilibrium Trek Super comfortable, light leather boot. Grip on all surfaces is good. My go to boot if conditions are bad in the warmer months. La Sportiva Aequilibrium LT Leather winter mountaineering boot for ice and snow. Take crampons and will cope with relatively steep ice. Salomon Speedcross (I have used 3 and 6-both outstanding). I love these. Amazingly comfortable, grip is good but there is limited foot protection. My favourite for trail running over muddy terrain or well worn paths. I wouldn’t take these up a mountain but I have friends that do. All of the footwear I use has a technical fit so they won’t suit everyone. I hope this helps you.

Get some glue on them and they’ll be good to go. Edit: the speedcross are very comfy for me but durable is not a word I would use to describe them. The lugs wear down very quickly if you’re running on harder surfaces

Puma MagMax Nitro would be a good option off the top of my head. Grippier outsole than you’d get out of the Novablast or Rebels. Though the thing you have to consider is grass tends to hold on to water and get dewy, so even with the best outsole rubber, most traditional running shoes will still give you slippage issues. Closest thing as far as what you’re looking for is a road shoe with Gore-Tex. Nike Pegasus 41 Gore-Tex (Pegasus Trail 5 is similar but not the same), Brooks Ghost 16 GTX, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 GTX, or Hoka Clifton 9 GTX. Many of these are listed as waterproof/winterproof road shoes, but they’re the same road shoe models, just with Gore-Tex outsole material to better deal with wet surfaces and light mud. A mud running shoe would be best though. Hoka Speedgoat, Salomon Speedcross, Merrill Agility Peak, or Saucony Peregrine. I tried running on wet grass in regular road shoes once many years ago, and it was traumatizing to say the least. You only need one split lip and concussion to let you know it’s not a good idea.

I do ~200 miles of mountain hiking each summer. I use trailrunners and tried the Speedcross. I wore 2 pairs out in 2 months. Too much grip and not enough toughness.

I mean, those shoes have an obvious design flaw with only partial coverage by the sole. Any trail runner with a solid rubber sole will hold up better that style with gaps in the tread. It's exposing way more edges to fail. I don't think my wife nor I have had that style of sole last more than a couple hundred miles in the Rockies without lots of regluing. Hoka Speedgoats for instance, the tread on some of theirs isn't complete either and it gets chewed up on any rocky terrain well before other shoes, we've usually reglue them a bunch. Versus all of our standard soled runners that last well over 300-400 miles, at least glue-wise. Nike Wildhorses, multiple TNF, multiple La Sportiva, Topos, Salomon Speedcross have all held up to our areas sharp talus.

Not even a little bit. I have never had any issues with stability.

I have Speedcrosses, they are tight and very grippy. Like baseball cleats with a running shoe fetish. They have a 10m drop which exaggerates (my) forward pitch too much, so the really fast downhills can get out of control. I do use them in the soft mud/snow conditions when I want my heels to bury a little for traction. I don’t have enough experience in the Hokas to have an opinion, sorry.

salomon speed cross: unmatched traction and high cushion, not super stable though saucony peregrine: great grip with deep lugs similar to the speecross, not as cushioned but more stable hoka speedgoats: good balance of stability, traction, and cushion, but if you’re running consistently on sharp rocky terrain they are gonna fall apart. their foam is notoriously easy to break down and tear altra experience wild: great cushion and stability, tread isn’t as aggressive but still grips on a wide range of surfaces, doesn’t run quite as wide as some other altras which may be a good thing for you to get a more secure fit la sportiva bushido ii/iii: my personal fav of the shoes mentioned, universally grippy on all surfaces, best lateral stability and rigid support, cushion is a bit lacking but not the worst

I go through 3 to 4 pairs of Solomon speed cross a year. I really like the fit but they wear out way too fast.

Ugh, I cracked an ankle in an awkward fall off the massive stack of the Zegamas, gives me bad vibes just thinking about that. They're absolutely not a cushioned choice, but I've found Speedcross unbeatable on rocky muddy ups and downs.

I just bought a pair! Absolutely fantastic

Salomon Speedcross are the best trail running shoes I have ever used. I will never use a different trail runner. I have hiked 30 miles in a day in those things and my feet felt fine…

Salomon Speedcross or Alpha Cross? Bigger lugs but a bit more cushion than my Peregrines. I never liked Hokas, they do not fit me.

Salomon Alphacross or Saucony Peregrine for snow where I know there isn't ice on any spots yet. Where there is ice, I have an old pair of Salomon Speedcross with Yaktraks already attached. When it's snow and ice I will opt for trails (or treadmill) rather than inconsistent pavement/sidewalk but that's just me.

I had that problem with the speedcross until I switched to the thundercross.

Salomon Speed cross. So much traction.

Salomon Speedcross or X Ultra are perfect for narrow feet and don't look bulky on smaller frames, plus they work great for alberta trails but still look normal enough for walking arond town!

I started with the Salomon Speedcross line, but they're kinda overkill for the Bay Area trails I run. I loved my Hoka EVO Speedgoats, but they didn’t last long. I’ve tried every Nike trail shoe and not a fan of the feel, though they look hella good. I’ll probably keep rotating between my Speedcross and Hokas.

Salomon Speedcross for me. I'm on my 4th or 5th pair. I have a couple New Balance as well but I primarily use the Speedcross.

I use Salomon Speedcross for trail running and hiking. I've gone through probably six pairs of the various iterations at this point. Great in mud. They definitely aren't waterproof though it sounds like you are looking at the waterproof version. I haven't tried those.

Anything except Solomon speedcross What else ya gonna use ‘em for and what shoes are you wearing now? Challengers will get you through except for super muddy stuff and will be a good everyday training shoe. Any of the Hoka trail shoes will probably fit the role of being a good first race shoe and something you can use everyday. If you’re set on Hoka I would probably spend a little more and get a model with a Vibram outsole. It will provide a little better traction on some obstacles and wet rocks.

I used to use Salomon Speedcross. Been wearing them since the OG all the way to the 6. They worked amazing up until my distances started increasing over 10-15 miles. I then switched to the Thundercross which was amazing up to 26.2. When I ran my 1st 50k and my feet started barking I knew I needed more. I now have hundreds of training miles and several races ranging from 50 to 100 miles on the SLab Genesis and they are absolute perfection!

As some have already said the Speedcross is amazing. I've been using them since the OG and use it for races up to 26 2. Just an awesome shoe that gets better with every new release. I wear mine down on the trails and when the lugs are down a bit use them for road/gravel/smooth trails. The 6 is amazing and I try something new I always regret it and they are moved to everyday/work in hospital use. That said I liked the Sense Ride but above 10 miles I could feel it in my feet. I race ultras in SLab Genesis and train in the regular Genesis. For your terrain and preference I would look at the less aggressive lines. Another option outside of Salomon would be Hoka Speedgoats. Super cushy and lower lug height that Speedcross.

Speedcross handles mud really well, dry rocks are ok, wet rocks though you got to be a little more careful.

Speedcross are crazy good in mud and snow. But on dry trails you will just destroy the outsole too fast. I only use them in snow and mild ice for the grip. For everything else from Salomon line Ultra glide 2 are super comfortable and quite cheap.

Salomon Speed Cross trail runners are my go to!

Salomon speedcross can take a beaten on the trails. Two pairs in 3 years with about 800 miles each pair. Goodluck.

I love my speedcrossrs in snow but would warn OP about trying a new shoe on a marathon race day 

My feet hurt just thinking about running in speedcross on pavement, ha ha. Those lugs would kill. But such a fun shoe for inclines and MUD!

I wear through the soles of Speedcrosses as though they are made of butter.

Speed cross design is really nice for super high arches and the tread is nice a deep so you can add kathoolas for really sketch stuff without losing the benefit of the chunky rubber if you are doing mixed surface

If they fit, (which is key) I find the Salomon SpeedCross and Supercross trail shoes are excellent. They do run a bit narrow and would consider a wider footprint. The soles are excellent and are Vibram sole compatible with Contagrip. They have a Boca type lacing system and great heel cup design. Plenty of elite trail runners use Salomon trail shoes. They are durable and long lasting and affordable. They are non zero flat which I prefer. French mountaineering company. Quality. Their sizes can run a bit small. Size up.

I don't really know of any one personally who uses adidas terrex unless they're sponsored. Not the best pair. I personally use Merrell. It's cheap and sturdy but quite heavy and not too agile. Hoka challenger and speedgoat are good for more established trail routes, especially if there are a lot of road sections. Salomon speedcross is great but the toebox can be a bit narrow. Altra is great, especially for people with wide feet, but not very durable and not very supportive. Which race are you joining?

Thanks for the rec. I am 5’8” 240 meatball that occasionally competes in race ruck events hauling 30 additional pounds lol. My feet are a little dead feeling from this past weekend (placed 3rd in Ozark Foothills) and wearing Salomon Speed Crosses. Having options is always great. 

I have Salomon Speedcross and La Sportiva Bushido trail runners I got from Boulder goodwill. Both are great for summer

Exactly my answer. The tread alone on those things is outstanding. I'm on my 3rd pair (2 from the current generation) and don't see myself switching unless they screw up the model 7.

I have worn every trail shoe that anyone could think of. I have a weird sickness around buying shoes. The stiffness and stack height of the midsole is going to affect the traction strongly. A squishy shoe will remove itself from edges when weighted. I have had the most luck with shoes having the Vibram Megagrip outsole. Speedgoats are great, but they’re too stacky and cushioned to provide top level traction in super technical terrain. My current favorite shoe for technical runs is a Dynafit Alpine. I have the DNA version which has a ridiculous amount of support and lockdown from the upper. Shoes for super technical terrain are highly specialized since most trail runners are on relatively easy trails (I live in Colorado and do miles of off-trail scrambling in my shoes). The Sportiva Bushidos are great when you’re doing a lot of scrambling and a little running, but they’re not the best shoes for actual trail miles. If you’re not on rocks for miles and you have to negotiate snow, mud, and soft dirt, the Solomon Speedcross are great due to the height of the lugs. People like the Mutants for super technical stuff, too. If you want to go all in on traction, get into a pair of La Sportiva TX2’s and cry when your 170 dollar shoes don’t have a midsole anymore after 7 big days out. I used to also really like the Altra King Mountains before the Alpines took over.

I’ve worn Salomon Speedcross for years but am looking to branch out in the next pair.

I cut my teeth in trail running with the speed cross and loved them, but for OPs situation, I'd recommend looking at the SenseRides from Salomon.  The lugs are smaller and more dense, also with a slightly shorter stack, which makes for  more comfortable light duty walking but still well suited for hiking and especially trail running.  I've completely switched to the senserides because I didn't feel like I needed the robustness of the SpeedCross.  Still a good suggestion though.  

I can't confirm that La sportiva is bad in muddy conditions. It totally depends on the shoe. The bushido is definitively an allrounder that can handle muddy conditions very well. It clogs less than most of my other shoes. I also have the cyklon cross gtx which is a beast in snow and mud. The only shoe on par with it was a Salomon speedcross - but the latter is much worse on all other conditions. However I use the cyklon only in winter.

I run Speedcross in mud, rain/slipery conditions, snow. If there's any ice involved I put on spikes.

Salomon (Ultra Glide and Speedcross) and Topo Mountain Racer here.

I always want to love Hoka, but they wear out too quickly or rub the outside of my feet and big toes. Salomon fit better, but I hate that the quick lacing loose s quickly. Speedcross for mud and Ultraglide for everything else. NB used to be my #1, but have not been so great the last few pairs. On to Altra now, and will see how it goes.

I use Solomon trail runners, non-waterproof because my feet overheat easily in the summer. They've seen the presis in the summer without issues, and have decent grip.

I just ordered a pair from my local running store, only commenting to suggest you try them on first. I'm a 12 in Salomons and a 12 to 12.5 in Hokas, and I had to size up to a 13 in the 001s.

The best ones are the ones that fit!! I have wide toes and wore Solomon trail runners for a long time. I switched to Merrell Moab hikers a couple of years ago. Both are 13 Wide (EEE).

The downside of trail runners to me (Solomans) was I would sometimes get foot bruises on sharp rocky ground. I switched to hiking shoes (Merrell's) and I feel it's a better compromise between trail runners and boots. Pretty light and more comfortable.

My Solomans had a rock plate (thank you for pointing out my omission), but I feel a big difference with my Murrell Moab's. To each there own, I know trail runners are the favorite, the Moab works better for me (I have dainty feet, I guess).

What do you want to do? I love my Solomon trail runners but if I'm sliding down shale I'll take the Keens all day long. Both are good brands in my experience.

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.

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.

Most running shoes become ice skates but a lot of trail runners have studs that provide a solid grip. I didn't have any issues with my Solomon trail runners when it was 4° in Colorado last winter. That being said, It would have been a nightmare in my Saucony running shoes.

Salomon trail runners. They’re my goat shoes - the only thing they don’t get a grip on is wet wood.

Absolutely, did all of the ABC trek in trail runners (Hoka, Salomon). You really appreciate the lightness of them.

I love my Salomon trail runners. I prefer them to my hiking boots and exclusively use them for hiking.

I'm a fan of Solomon hiking shoes (or really their trail runners) with Gore Tex and micro spikes! The spikes stay in my pack most of the year, just in case I go further than planned or I got unexpected conditions. A must have for me.

Current Salomon trail runners have to thick of a sole and cant feel rock well beneath them but I do agree that ideally trail runner style would be cool. maybe the ones I have just dont work well for this specific use case.