Speedcross Pro 2

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 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!

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.

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

I like the Speedcross, it’s what I’ve worn for every ultra I’ve run. Great in mud/dirt but also fine in mountainous rocky terrain.

3 in rotation. Brooks Caldera for most of my trail runs; a pair of Timp 4’s hybrid road/trail (bumped down from 1st string once the tread started to wear) and Solomon Speed Cross for extra traction when it’s wet (rare, since I’m running in the Sierra foothills mostly).

Salomon speed cross. Loads of grip and water proof.

I loved the Salomon Speed cross as I could run down on wet grass and they were still gripping, but their durability is very short. Amd simce they are very tight I started looking for other shoes and now I use the Altra Lone peak. Less grip I'd say, but they fit perfecrly as they follow the natural foot shape, and they last mucj longer. Cushion is good and they're drop zero. Not going back

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 used to wear boots (mostly leather) because that’s what everyone wore and what was sold for hiking. I eventually turned to low top shoes for comfort and weight savings. I even hike in sandals from time to time depending on the terrain and environment. The only time I use boots now is in the winter or if it’s really wet / muddy. Unless you need the ankle support or protection from elements, I think low tops are the way to go. I wear Salomon Speedcross shoes for almost all hiking and even some backpacking. They do great on mixed terrain. They’re my go-to for the Colorado mountains where you are going from smooth dirt trails to rocky terrain above treeline. If you’re dealing with water/ mud, most trail shoes have a gore tex version, though those can be a little warm in the summer. Having said all that, I’d say find the most comfortable boot or shoe for for your foot and go with it. You’ll know it when you feel it.