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.

My first piece of advice is to avoid going with Altra unless you're already used to 0 drop somehow. It's a recipe for pain. You need to adjust slowly. My second piece of advice, if you like Salomons, is to try some of their trail runners or non-waterproof options from the Forces line. The XA Pro 3D V9 is a good shoe. The XA Forces Mid EN are good non-waterproof mid boots. They have a sturdier sole for better support than most trail runners. They won't dry as quickly as some options because of the thicker materials and padding, but they will dry faster than a drenched GTX boot or shoe. Here are some links: [https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/xa-pro-3d-v9-gore-tex-li3151/L47881800](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/xa-pro-3d-v9-gore-tex-li3151/L47881800) [https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/x-ultra-forces-mid-li5685/L47875300](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/x-ultra-forces-mid-li5685/L47875300) [https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/xa-forces-mid-en-lg3238/L47221000](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/xa-forces-mid-en-lg3238/L47221000) [https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/speed-assault-2-lg8082/L41519600](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/speed-assault-2-lg8082/L41519600) Other good options can be found from La Sportiva, Hoka, Scarpa, and Saucony.