Salomon XA PRO 3D V8 Men's Trail Running Shoes

Product Information

The Contagrip outsole shines on varied surfaces but does struggle a bit in really wet or muddy conditions. With that said, the Salomon XA Pro 3D really stood out for a hybrid shoe. Light, agile, protective, and incredible traction allowed running and hiking with ease. There are so many amazing features to these shoes that, after trying them, you might be wondering what you’ve been putting your feet into all these years. This heel-toe drop is quite high for trail running shoes, but pretty standard for boots and hiking shoes. If you want a zero-drop experience, or close to it, this is not the shoe for you. Salomon shoes are renowned for their traction, which they achieve thanks to the company’s proprietary Contagrip rubber outsole. The grips come in five patterns with lugs–small cleat-like protrusions that extend downward from the outsole–that come in different shapes and sizes, many of which are made for specific running conditions. We tested the non-waterproof XA Pro 3D, but the shoe also comes in a Gore-Tex version for both men and women (at a higher cost and slight weight penalty). While some will appreciate the added protection of the waterproof shoe, I don’t often find the tradeoffs in weight, cost, and—most importantly—breathability worth it. You always run the risk of water entering over the ankle of low-top shoe, and the waterproof version will take much longer to dry out than mesh when soaked through. It comes down to a matter of personal preference, but in this case, I was happy to have the faster drying time of the non-waterproof XA Pro 3D.

Lacing system across the forefoot causes a pesky pressure point at the front of the shoe (although not everyone has this issue). The XA Pro 3D combines the comfort and light weight of a running shoe with the support and protection of a hiker. That said, many of the shoes feature a general “all-terrain” design, which works well across all kinds of surfaces. How We Evaluated the Best Salomon Running Shoes Salomon is known for a very narrow fit, and that is true with the XA Pro 3D. However, they do offer a wide version for those who want to try to make it fit!Salomon offers legal language for its warranty claims. After parsing through it, we found that it offers a two year limited warranty on shoes, which includes manufacture defects and workmanship issues. Customer service is solid though, so get in touch if there’s an issue.

Compared to other brands, Salomon is a relative newcomer to the running shoe industry. The French ski outfitter was founded in 1947, but didn’t release its first running shoe, the Raid Race, until 2001.A true tweener: heavier and stiffer than most trail runners and not as durable or stable as low-top hiking shoes. A heavy trail runner. It makes up for the weight in stability and durability, but you will feel these on your feet.