Salomon - XA Pro 3D Series

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).

Both Asics gortex and Salomon gortex Ive found to be the best I've used.   I get probably 2-3000km out of them?   Say 8km a day of sandstone gravel fire trails and rocky escarpments for a year. I  would get 12-18 months out of them.   Sometimes I just wear out heel rubber and foam is still good so I build it back up using Sikaflex or something to go another 6 month lol 

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.

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 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.

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.

I have the Catamount 2 and I really like it (ran in them today), but actually prefer the Cascadia. Also, another vote for skipping GTX. You probably don't need it (or want it) for most runs.

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.

I did the W earlier this year and used my Salomon goretex trail runners and they were amazing! They were light and comfy. Just bring an extra pair of socks in case it rains and your feet get wet. I also had my tevas to wear at night and walking around camp which was a must to give your feet a breather.

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.

Solomon’s are great. The mud doesn’t pack up op the sole, super waterproof. The tread is ultra durable. $120-$150 but I play 300 days a year and they lasted about 18 months.

I use [these](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/shop/product/xa-pro-3d-v9-li3125.html#color=84742) and like them a lot. I’m sure anything will work though.

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

I have gortex salomons that I really like. the lace system is pretty great for changing up fit on decents quickly

Salomon XA Pro 3D. Without goretex. They’re amazing, out of the box comfy, and incredible lateral stability. I’m on my 4th pair.

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

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

I hike in waterproof Salomons (Soles are not stiff and flex just enough with the ground) and wear “loose” wool socks and have no problem in single digits on packed or loose snow. Having air pockets is key. Don’t wear tight socks or have boots that are tight, go a half size up if they fit “just right” with thick socks.

Daily trainers/hiking: Topo Terraventure 4 Topo Terraventure 3 Racer: Saucony Peregrine (2020) Rough terrain: Salomon XA Pro 3D Road trainer: Topo Phantom 3 Road racer: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

I’ve been hiking with Salomon trail runners. Best investment ever. Right now I have the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX they are waterproof, have awesome traction. I’ve been rock scrambling, hiked up muddy trail, while raining, hiked volcanoes, sand etc.. never slipped and feet were dry throughout.

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

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.

I went through three pairs on two back-to-back Caminos (Portuguese Coastal with my Mom then the Frances). First were a pair to Topo that I wore through the back heel a little after Logrono . Second, a pair of Salomon's that I didn't realize were Gore-Tex until it was too late and I abandoned in Leon. Third were Hoka Speedgoats. Those lasted me till I got to Finistere, but the insoles had been destroyed at that point. I will always have replacement insoles in the future and probably change them out every 150-200 miles. Granted, I'm not a light person...250lbs (115kg or so) with a short stride. The Speedgoats were by far the most comfortable. Also, I opted to go a full size up on the Speedgoats.

Yes. Bushidos are the most durable trail runners, that are actually good to run in, I have had and fit my narrow foot perfectly. I have II not III though, if much has changed. Tough to beat. I did have some old Salomon XA Pros that were pretty durable too but I didn’t think they were great to run in - seemed more like hikers.

I walked the Portuguese trail from Lisbon in Salomon GTX shoes and didn't get any blisters. Definitely helped walking in the rain. The socks are key in whatever shoe you choose.

I used to rock a pair of GTX trail runners from Solomon during walnut harvest... They stopped making them (boo), and I couldn't find any existing pairs that weren't stupid-overpriced. I went on a deep dive and tried every GTX model from Solomon, hoping for a replacement. They all fit differently. It was infuriating. So, a warning to all: Try all models of a given brand, because you can't rely on equivalent fit. I currently rock a pair of Altra lone peaks in blue for travel shoes, and they're the only shoes I've bought where I did not have to replace the insoles with my Soles. I was blown away.

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.

Yes, youll just wear them out faster. Salomon XA Pro's are a great example.

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.