How to choose SALOMON trail shoes: 2018 guide and expert advice

Choosing SALOMON trail shoes: practical guide and advice

When talking about trail, it's impossible not to think of SALOMON, a major player in this discipline. Here, we talk to you like friends in a climbing team: direct, precise, and without bullshit. The goal? To help you choose SALOMON trail shoes with confidence, based on your terrain, your stride, and your ambition.

Before diving into the models, a few technical points: cushioning, drop, grip, lateral support, weight, and behavior on wet ground. These criteria will determine if your pair is made for ultra, speed, or technical hiking. We guide you step by step.

Key models and their uses

S/LAB Sense 6: a shoe designed for uncompromising performance. It hugs the foot thanks to precise internal support, breathes well, and remains ultra-light. Ideal for runners who want sensation and responsiveness on hard ground.

S/LAB Ultra: developed with ultra athletes, this is a shoe that manages distance. It combines long-distance comfort, precise fit, and grip. Designed for sessions where you want to keep fuel until the finish line.

XA Pro 3D: iconic SALOMON model, very stable and robust, designed to maintain good support on wet terrain and slippery rocks. A safe bet if you want stability and durability without breaking the bank on training.

XA Elevate: sleek design, smooth roll, and good grip. Designed for trail but perfectly adapted for active hiking. It provides comfort and confidence when the slope rises.

Speedcross 4: designed for muddy, wet, and snowy terrains. Its sole bites into the ground, offers precise support, and ensures aggressive grip on loose surfaces. For sessions where mobility matters more than pure speed.

Speedcross Vario 2: similar to the Speedcross 4 but with a more versatile sole: adheres well on loose and hard surfaces, for those who alternate between technical paths and rolling sections.

Speedcross Pro 2: performance-oriented shoe, light and precise for gaining speed on all terrains, while maintaining good grip on wet rock.

Sense Ride: the ultimate versatile model: comfortable, light, and reliable on dry, wet, and rocky surfaces. Many trail runners choose it for its balance between comfort and grip.

Outpath: from the quick hiking range, multi-sport and very comfortable. Reassuring sole, good cushioning, conforms to the shape of the foot: perfect if you want a hybrid trail/hiking model.

Outpath Pro: Outpath version with integrated gaiter to prevent debris from entering and improve ankle support. Useful if you often go off the beaten path.

Techamphibian 3: amphibious shoe, excellent for canyoning and kayaking, but also useful in technical trail when you need to cross very wet passages: sole that drains water and provides grip underwater.

Speedcross J: the children's version, with a grippy sole and a simple lacing system to enjoy family adventures without hassle.

To help you navigate this extensive range, think about the usage scenario: daily training, competition, ultra-distance, muddy or mixed terrains. Each model has its logic. And if you have doubts, we help you decide further down.

Expert advice for choosing your pair

1) Know your terrain: if you are on loose and muddy ground, favor an aggressive sole and good support. On rocks and hard terrains, look for precision and a firmer sole. 2) Adjust your fit: some models fit snugly, others leave more space. Test the tightness. 3) Think about protection: gaiters, toe caps, amphibious design as needed. 4) Lightness has a cost: lighter = often less protection in the long term.

• Test in conditions: do a short outing before going on a big race.
• Consider your foot volume: some models vary from one size to another.

We also advise you to consider all your gear: if you carry a heavy backpack, you will need better support and sometimes a stiffer sole. If you want to save a few minutes on a rolling course, aim for lightness and responsiveness.

At AlpinStore, we offer a selection of hiking and trail shoes chosen in the field by our team of seasoned athletes. Every test counts: we look at behavior, wear, comfort, and efficiency.

To complete your equipment, we also have everything for trail: bags, protection, and textiles. For example, a good high-performance trail bag changes the game on a long outing: weight distribution, access to supplies, and support are crucial.

You will find with us our selection of trail shoes from intensive tests and feedback from athletes. We don't sell dreams, we sell solutions that hold up (or the slope).

If you are looking for a more comprehensive approach, also think about the trail clothing collection: technical layers that manage perspiration, thermal variations, and weather conditions.

Need advice for the complete kit? We explain how to choose your trail gear based on your level and goals: training, competition, ultra, raid. It's also a matter of compromise: weight vs comfort vs protection.

Accessories: don't forget the trail crampons from the best brands if you often run on snow or ice: an aggressive sole may be insufficient without crampons on ice.

And if you want a quick summary: our selection of trail shoes covers training, competition, and technical hiking. We guide you based on your usage, your stride, and your terrain.

In conclusion: choosing SALOMON trail shoes starts with defining your terrain and usage, then testing the fit and hold. We give you one last friendly piece of advice: don't sacrifice comfort for a pair that is too light if you plan long outings. Durability and support will gain you more than a few grams when fatigue sets in.

Do you still have questions? We are here: a young, fast, and committed team, testing everything in the field. We will give you practical, honest, and tailored advice to your profile. Ready to lace up for the next adventure?