THUNDERCROSS

I'm impressed they lasted that long. XT6's now are for fashion. I had a pair 3 years ago and the tips started tearing after 80 miles. I complained to Salomon. They sent me a credit for new shoes, but said that these shoes are their sports style line and not made for hiking/running. I used the credit on a pair of Thundercross and haven't looked back. As far as your shoes go if the midsole foam is good and you aren't slipping because of the lugs being worn down. Keep wearing them. If your legs are hurting more than they should after long hikes it probably means the foam is toast and it's time for a new pair

Salomon Thundercross. Same outsole as the Speed, but with waaay more midsole foam. They make a GTX version if you want that, I just wear warmer socks and embrace the wet.

Have you tried the Thundercross? Same lugs but more foam. I use them for muddy long runs where a speed cross can't handle the mileage.

Have you tried the Akasha 2? I personally prefer it over the Bushido. I prefer the extra cushion a bit more, but they are a little heavier. My go-to for the Cascades.

La Sportiva Akasha 2, Adidas Terrex Ultra, Salomon Thundercross

XT 6"s were great for trail running a decade ago when they came out. Salomon moved them to their Sports Style line which is fashion. The materials aren't made for trail running anymore and will get destroyed quickly. Ask me how I know. I used a pair for hiking and they developed holes in less than 199 miles. I filed a warranty complaint with Salomon. They gave me a credit, but in the email specifically said that their intended purpose is for daily wear and fashion. Not running or hiking. And suggested different models that were made for their intended purpose.

If you have enough shoes you aren't wearing them that much. That's fashion in general. Half of Gorpcore is stuff that wouldn't work for shit in the outdoors, but looks cool. The other half does and was picked up by trendy folks.

Oh their actual trail shoes are awesome. The ultra glide 4 is in my top 5 of all time best trail shoes ever. I use the Thundercross as my hiking shoe. I think a big part is just being an informed consumer. It's partially why I respond here on Reddit. I want people to be happy with what they get and don't think a brand is crap because they bought an inappropriate shoe for what they need. I think what hurt them the most is when they got sold, same with their sister brand arteryx, the larger corporation that controls them wants to make more money, so like you said cheaper materials higher prices. Big corporations doing what they do. So I think it goes back to knowing what is good vs what is crap, but also getting what you need. Kinda the right tool for the job situation.