Salomon - XA Pro 3D Ultra 2

Salomon XA Pro 3Ds, non-GTX for good weather, GTX for late autumn + winter.

The only time I have ever switched out of my Salmon XA Pro 3d trail runners was the last day to summit Kilimanjaro. I switched to some mid ankle hiking boots. If I had to do it again, I would keep the trail runners on.

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.

I also live in the Alps. I'd give a try with La Sportiva Lycan. They are basically like soft sneakers, but with the excellent La Sportiva sole. Snuggy but very comfortable. La Sportiva Jackal II are similar but a little more roomy in the forefoot and from what I understand from their website they are designed for hiking/running on rocky terrain and longer distances, while the Lycan are more for dirt, mud, snow. I only own the Lycan, I tried the Jackal II but there wasn't my size available. The brand has more shoes I didn't try but I know are very loved, like Akasha and Prodigio. They are from the Italian Alps so they should be perfect :) I also own Salomon Genesis but I find them even a bit too comfortable – which may actually make them what you're looking for from your post. I guess it's subjective. I like some room for my toes, but also love a snuggier feel around my heels and to feel my foot is firmly wrapped and supported, and while the Genesis have a very good grip and a sturdy sole (and a very good protection around the forefoot ) the feel under and around the foot is like having a squishy comfy shoe and it doesn't make me feel as secure and agile as the La Sportiva shoes do. But again it may be subjective and I also have very thin feet. Maybe it's exactly what you need. In Salomon, I much prefer the XA Pro for the snuggier, a little more firm feel, but I'm not sure they would be good for you if you want a very cushioned shoe. They are more a hybrid between a trail running shoe and a low ankle hiking shoe. But they are very reactive nonetheless. I ran down a very hard and steep terrain of dirt, wet leaves and rocks just a couple weeks ago and I felt super safe with the XA Pro. I have the GTX version and my feet were completely dry even after crossing two streams of water and walking across a field that had a couple inches water from a recent flood. They may be too rigid for you, but you may try them in a store. I also suffer from plantar fascitis and had to return a pair of Garmont Pulse shoes recently because my feet were crying after a 2 hours test walk. I am totally ok with full day hikes and runs with the Xa Pro and Lycan. In case you want to go for one of these brands, La Sportiva is usually a little shorter than Salomon in the same size. I am a EU 41 in urban shoes, a 42 in Salomon and a 42.5 in La Sportiva.

Mine are not fashionable. Bough one pair for general use during the rain (XA Pro 3D V9 GTX) and one pair for running (XA Pro 1). If I had XT6 or whatever, I would wear them for fashion. So, depends on the shoe, I guess.

Not under 100 bucks but IMHO worth every penny and my joints and back thank me, ToPo brand MT-5 model (5’s just launched a week ago so 4’s might be on sale now). Edit to add Salomon XA Pro 3D’s are my faves too

Summer months, Salomon XA Pro 3D. I love them. Winter months, Gortex Salmon X Ultra

ToPo brand Mtn Racer 4 model are my go to hiking trail shoes in the summer If super rugged terrain Salomon XA Pro 3D

Totally echo Salomon XA Pro 3D wear them on the more technical trails in the Rocky Mountains Wasatch Mountain Range ToPo brand Mtn Racer 4 hiking shoes are my faves as well.

Salomon XA Pro 3D or Salomon Ultra X GTX low boots ToPo Mtn Racer hiking shoes Crampons and or yak tracks to pair with shoes

ToPo brand Mtn Racer 4 model for lighter terrain Salomon XA Pro 3D more technical aggressive terrain summer Salomon Ultra X Gortex winter

Trail running Shoes. I use Salomon XA Pro. They have a very stiff sole and are very well ventilated and light.

It will be a little chilly (8-18 degrees). It’s a guided jungle/cave trek and they say no sandals are allowed unfortunately. If it was up to me I’d probably just bring light wading shoes. Ended up going with a pair of Salomon trail runners so will see how that goes. Thanks for your input :)

Thank you so much for this! I was a bit worried about Altra as I haven’t worn any zero drop before. I did try on the XA Pros in store and they felt good, I was just unsure about the cushioning (as I don’t normally go for shoes that feel springy). Ended up committing to a pair of those so fingers crossed all is well.

Upvote for low-ankle Salomon XA 3D Pro. Their Durability is a big plus, each pair lasted me between 3-5 thousands of kilometers of walking from country to country in Africa and Latin America, and also hiking (Andes in Peru, Yosemite, etc.) I used them in dessert (full release of the smart tightening system to circulate heat with each step), in high attitude snow (full tightening and with a pair of UL gaiters), in rain (fast drying), for dancing nights in club (black color, low profile),… They are not at all perfect in those extreme conditions (still cold, still hot, still wet), but durable, comfortable, and protective enough for such a varied conditions in the context of one bagging. Another tip is to buy local cheap sandals if you need to when you see the needs and know a local who can get you the local price. Having a pair of local sandals is a good conversation starters (the locals will notice and get curious) with locals too.

I just bought some trail running shoes that I am loving on the course! They are light weight, water resistant (not water proof), and the grip is great. Only worn them through the summer so far so am certainly interested in seeing how long they last. I went the cheap shoe route last pair and I regret it. They just died so quick and I don’t want to have to get a new pair every few months.

Ohhhhh sorry!! My brain was fried after trick or treating with the littles. They are Salomon XA Pro 3D.