The XA Forces Mid EN from Salomon are lightweight tactical boots, designed for moving fast in critical situations. Based on the brand's iconic XA Pro 3D trail shoe, these mid top boots are more durable to withstand daily professional use. These lace up boots are anti-static, anti-puncture and oil and slip resistant, with every component reinforced from the stitching to the mesh to the laces and outsole. They have a 3D advanced chassis that guides the foot even on the roughest terrain, offering great protection and stability. The molded Ortholite sockliner provides superior cushioning, breathability, and durability. They feature a textile lining, nubuck leather, and EnergyCell, a high-performance EVA foam that provides shock attenuation. They feature All Terrain Contagrip, built for a wide variety of surfaces, and delivers durability and confidence on wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces. These boots have a gusseted tongue, preventing debris from entering the shoe and keeping the tongue centered. The drop value is 10 mm, and the weight per unit is 530 g.
The XA Forces Mid EN from Salomon are lightweight tactical boots, designed for moving fast in critical situations. Based on the brand's iconic XA Pro 3D trail shoe, these mid top boots are more durable to withstand daily professional use. These lace up boots are anti-static, anti-puncture and oil and slip resistant, with every component reinforced from the stitching to the mesh to the laces and outsole. They have a 3D advanced chassis that guides the foot even on the roughest terrain, offering great protection and stability. The molded Ortholite sockliner provides superior cushioning, breathability, and durability. They feature a textile lining, nubuck leather, and EnergyCell, a high-performance EVA foam that provides shock attenuation. They feature All Terrain Contagrip, built for a wide variety of surfaces, and delivers durability and confidence on wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces. These boots have a gusseted tongue, preventing debris from entering the shoe and keeping the tongue centered. The drop value is 10 mm, and the weight per unit is 530 g.
in 2 offers
The lowest price for Salomon XA Forces MID EN 2020 Black right now is $318.00 at Valhalla Tactical, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $270.30 on 19 Nov 2025 — today's price is 18% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 10 May 2026.
Salomon XA Forces MID EN 2020 Black
The XA Forces Mid EN from Salomon are lightweight tactical boots, designed for moving fast in critical situations. Based on the brand's iconic XA Pro 3D trail shoe, these mid top boots are more durable to withstand daily professional use. These lace up boots are anti-static, anti-puncture and oil and slip resistant, with every component reinforced from the stitching to the mesh to the laces and outsole. They have a 3D advanced chassis that guides the foot even on the roughest terrain, offering great protection and stability. The molded Ortholite sockliner provides superior cushioning, breathability, and durability. They feature a textile lining, nubuck leather, and EnergyCell, a high-performance EVA foam that provides shock attenuation. They feature All Terrain Contagrip, built for a wide variety of surfaces, and delivers durability and confidence on wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces. These boots have a gusseted tongue, preventing debris from entering the shoe and keeping the tongue centered. The drop value is 10 mm, and the weight per unit is 530 g.
The XA Forces Mid EN from Salomon are lightweight tactical boots, designed for moving fast in critical situations. Based on the brand's iconic XA Pro 3D trail shoe, these mid top boots are more durable to withstand daily professional use. These lace up boots are anti-static, anti-puncture and oil and slip resistant, with every component reinforced from the stitching to the mesh to the laces and outsole. They have a 3D advanced chassis that guides the foot even on the roughest terrain, offering great protection and stability. The molded Ortholite sockliner provides superior cushioning, breathability, and durability. They feature a textile lining, nubuck leather, and EnergyCell, a high-performance EVA foam that provides shock attenuation. They feature All Terrain Contagrip, built for a wide variety of surfaces, and delivers durability and confidence on wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces. These boots have a gusseted tongue, preventing debris from entering the shoe and keeping the tongue centered. The drop value is 10 mm, and the weight per unit is 530 g.
Last updated at 10/05/2026 12:04:16
Salomon XA Forces Mid Black / 8.5 UK - Valhalla Tactical & Outdoor
Delivery $15
Salomon XA Forces Mid Boot Black / 8.5 UK By LEGEAR
Free delivery
originally posted on salomon.com
Out of the box these looked perfect and seemed like exactly what I had been looking for years. However I found there was a minor defect in the right boot toe area that caused quite a bit of discomfort, though I think it improved with time...or I got used to it. There seems to be some lump between the layers that rubs my smallest toe. I wore these for 3-4 weeks straight for 18 hour days and found them incredibly supportive, warm but comfortable (besides toe issue) then I noticed the lace eyelets were basically worn through on one side of one pair. I was able to repair it but I was surprised considering it looked like strong canvas. Then my speed lace broke, which I understand is not a failure of the boot itself, I wish there was a more robust quick lace on these. But ... MoreOut of the box these looked perfect and seemed like exactly what I had been looking for years. However I found there was a minor defect in the right boot toe area that caused quite a bit of discomfort, though I think it improved with time...or I got used to it. There seems to be some lump between the layers that rubs my smallest toe. I wore these for 3-4 weeks straight for 18 hour days and found them incredibly supportive, warm but comfortable (besides toe issue) then I noticed the lace eyelets were basically worn through on one side of one pair. I was able to repair it but I was surprised considering it looked like strong canvas. Then my speed lace broke, which I understand is not a failure of the boot itself, I wish there was a more robust quick lace on these. But regardless I was disappointed and it added to my conflicted thoughts on this boot. They are so darn close to perfect I will buy them again and hope that the quality issues were a anomaly. But quality in manufacturing is why these boots cannot get a 5 star review to an otherwise amazing product.
originally posted on tacticalgear.com
Despite what some of the other reviews say, I absolutely love these boots. I’ve had them for years and have had no issues. They’re light and comfy, but they’re sturdy enough for all but the heaviest rucks. The speed laces have come in handy more than I thought they would. Being able to quickly slip your boots on/off is super helpful, especially during long days in the field when you need to change socks. They definitely run hot, and honestly if I could go back in time I would get the non-goretex version - they’re cut so low, your feet are probably going to end up wet anyway. I did manage to snap one of the speed laces (due to my own clumsiness and not to any fault of the boot) but I was able to tie the ends back together and voila! good as new.All in all, great ... MoreDespite what some of the other reviews say, I absolutely love these boots. I’ve had them for years and have had no issues. They’re light and comfy, but they’re sturdy enough for all but the heaviest rucks. The speed laces have come in handy more than I thought they would. Being able to quickly slip your boots on/off is super helpful, especially during long days in the field when you need to change socks. They definitely run hot, and honestly if I could go back in time I would get the non-goretex version - they’re cut so low, your feet are probably going to end up wet anyway. I did manage to snap one of the speed laces (due to my own clumsiness and not to any fault of the boot) but I was able to tie the ends back together and voila! good as new.All in all, great boots for most applications, highly recommend
originally posted on salomon.com
I have purchased XA Gore-Tex shoes, both in Forces and Hikers. Probably 8 pair in the past decade. The Forces line continues to become more hard-wearing each season, while preserving comfort. However, in the current incarnation, Salomon removed the grab loop from the heel. I used this at all times, and now, I just fight to get them on. I've even fabricated a webbing loop to drop under the heel to try and replace the grab loop. I may stop buying Salomon boots due to this deficiency. I regret my purchase made four months ago, and would not have chosen these due to the deficiency. I just wasn't looking out for cheapening such great boots.
Salomon XA Forces Mid Black / 8.5 UK - Valhalla Tactical & Outdoor
Delivery $15
Salomon XA Forces Mid Boot Black / 8.5 UK By LEGEAR
Free delivery
Out of the box these looked perfect and seemed like exactly what I had been looking for years. However I found there was a minor defect in the right boot toe area that caused quite a bit of discomfort, though I think it improved with time...or I got used to it. There seems to be some lump between the layers that rubs my smallest toe. I wore these for 3-4 weeks straight for 18 hour days and found them incredibly supportive, warm but comfortable (besides toe issue) then I noticed the lace eyelets were basically worn through on one side of one pair. I was able to repair it but I was surprised considering it looked like strong canvas. Then my speed lace broke, which I understand is not a failure of the boot itself, I wish there was a more robust quick lace on these. But ... MoreOut of the box these looked perfect and seemed like exactly what I had been looking for years. However I found there was a minor defect in the right boot toe area that caused quite a bit of discomfort, though I think it improved with time...or I got used to it. There seems to be some lump between the layers that rubs my smallest toe. I wore these for 3-4 weeks straight for 18 hour days and found them incredibly supportive, warm but comfortable (besides toe issue) then I noticed the lace eyelets were basically worn through on one side of one pair. I was able to repair it but I was surprised considering it looked like strong canvas. Then my speed lace broke, which I understand is not a failure of the boot itself, I wish there was a more robust quick lace on these. But regardless I was disappointed and it added to my conflicted thoughts on this boot. They are so darn close to perfect I will buy them again and hope that the quality issues were a anomaly. But quality in manufacturing is why these boots cannot get a 5 star review to an otherwise amazing product.
Despite what some of the other reviews say, I absolutely love these boots. I’ve had them for years and have had no issues. They’re light and comfy, but they’re sturdy enough for all but the heaviest rucks. The speed laces have come in handy more than I thought they would. Being able to quickly slip your boots on/off is super helpful, especially during long days in the field when you need to change socks. They definitely run hot, and honestly if I could go back in time I would get the non-goretex version - they’re cut so low, your feet are probably going to end up wet anyway. I did manage to snap one of the speed laces (due to my own clumsiness and not to any fault of the boot) but I was able to tie the ends back together and voila! good as new.All in all, great ... MoreDespite what some of the other reviews say, I absolutely love these boots. I’ve had them for years and have had no issues. They’re light and comfy, but they’re sturdy enough for all but the heaviest rucks. The speed laces have come in handy more than I thought they would. Being able to quickly slip your boots on/off is super helpful, especially during long days in the field when you need to change socks. They definitely run hot, and honestly if I could go back in time I would get the non-goretex version - they’re cut so low, your feet are probably going to end up wet anyway. I did manage to snap one of the speed laces (due to my own clumsiness and not to any fault of the boot) but I was able to tie the ends back together and voila! good as new.All in all, great boots for most applications, highly recommend
I have purchased XA Gore-Tex shoes, both in Forces and Hikers. Probably 8 pair in the past decade. The Forces line continues to become more hard-wearing each season, while preserving comfort. However, in the current incarnation, Salomon removed the grab loop from the heel. I used this at all times, and now, I just fight to get them on. I've even fabricated a webbing loop to drop under the heel to try and replace the grab loop. I may stop buying Salomon boots due to this deficiency. I regret my purchase made four months ago, and would not have chosen these due to the deficiency. I just wasn't looking out for cheapening such great boots.
I have been wearing this exact boot for a few years now. The first pair I had eventually got worn out so I bought a new pair. Upon opening the box and trying them on, I noticed a few changes. One of the biggest change was the string you pull that tightens the boot to your foot. Before, after tightening them you would tuck the excess string up underneath a pocket on the shoe tongue. It was a good design but had flaws. I often ended up with the strings falling down out of the pocket and having to re-tuck them multiple times throughout a work day. The new pair I received, the design is different and way better. Now after tightening the string, they tuck in from a pocket on the top of the boot tongue. It doesn’t seem like a major change but man it got really annoying ... MoreI have been wearing this exact boot for a few years now. The first pair I had eventually got worn out so I bought a new pair. Upon opening the box and trying them on, I noticed a few changes. One of the biggest change was the string you pull that tightens the boot to your foot. Before, after tightening them you would tuck the excess string up underneath a pocket on the shoe tongue. It was a good design but had flaws. I often ended up with the strings falling down out of the pocket and having to re-tuck them multiple times throughout a work day. The new pair I received, the design is different and way better. Now after tightening the string, they tuck in from a pocket on the top of the boot tongue. It doesn’t seem like a major change but man it got really annoying with the older model so I am glad this was changed. Thank you for a great product. I will continue to rock Salomon brand boots!
Extraordinary boot so far.Excellent stability, extremely good waterproofing (droplets quickly form and run off the fabric) and very sturdy.Proud owner of prior line of GoreTex hardcore outdoor Salomon shoes. So comparing vs Salomon themselves:1) Sizing runs very tight: recommend half a size bigger than Salomon recommends for these boots.. Ordered both 10.5 (recommended) and 11.0 and no way the 10.5 was going to break in: toes immediately touched the front and it was clear it would become a painpoint. Consistent with most other thoughtful internet reviews I have seen. So bigger size is what I retained.However, then the bigger size accentuates the following point #2:2) Extremely poor padding/cushioning in bottom sole as well as tongue compared to other ... MoreExtraordinary boot so far.Excellent stability, extremely good waterproofing (droplets quickly form and run off the fabric) and very sturdy.Proud owner of prior line of GoreTex hardcore outdoor Salomon shoes. So comparing vs Salomon themselves:1) Sizing runs very tight: recommend half a size bigger than Salomon recommends for these boots.. Ordered both 10.5 (recommended) and 11.0 and no way the 10.5 was going to break in: toes immediately touched the front and it was clear it would become a painpoint. Consistent with most other thoughtful internet reviews I have seen. So bigger size is what I retained.However, then the bigger size accentuates the following point #2:2) Extremely poor padding/cushioning in bottom sole as well as tongue compared to other Salomon shoes. Example:- Given quick lace and poor cushioning of the tongue, quick lace tends to pressure through the tongue and mark on foot - even with thick Smartwhool socks- Less (none?) than other Salomon shoes protection between plastic sole and the Ortholite in-sole, so boot feels extremely harsh compared to other Salomon shoes/boots - even with thick Smartwhool socks#2 makes it thus hard to feel comfortable in the boot for longer hikes and running in rough terrain if required (if required as advertised as "forces" boot).Comparable boots such as Lowa, Merrell offer much more comfort and fit at very little if at all incremental weight and very similar pricepoint.
I’m giving this a 5/5 all the way around. Tactical Distributors are awesome, they answered all my questions & made sure I got the right thing. Order shipped super fast. Salomon forces rock, super sturdy and felt quality out of the box. I own Lowas, Bates, Danners. All good. Salomon is known for quality. Now, these are a little snug, I wear 11 and I feel like I should’ve gotten an 11.5 because the they are a bit narrow feeling and toe area feels kinda tight. Goretex model does leave the foot feeling a bit sweaty and it’s March & 30 degrees outside, I am dreading summer time lol. Still super stoked about the puncture proof sole great traction and remember, rule 1 look cool. I WILL BUY AGAIN, half size up and probably non goretex model for summer shenanigans.
I waited a few weeks to post this review so I could get some time in them. I’ve been wearing boots for work for the past 20+ years in EMS. I tend to buy the proven brands and don’t mind relatively high price tags as long as they’re comfortable and functional.I decided to buy this pair after my last pair of boots left my socks and feet soggy while working a 12-hour night shift when it was constantly dumping rain. If memory serves, our area receives about 3” of rain overnight.These may be my favorite pair of work boots so far. They’re pretty light, have decent arch support, don’t have any obvious hot spots or pressure points even after a busy 12 hours, and don’t leak!I own and have been using Salomon’s other shoes for hiking and the snow and feel like the sizes ... MoreI waited a few weeks to post this review so I could get some time in them. I’ve been wearing boots for work for the past 20+ years in EMS. I tend to buy the proven brands and don’t mind relatively high price tags as long as they’re comfortable and functional.I decided to buy this pair after my last pair of boots left my socks and feet soggy while working a 12-hour night shift when it was constantly dumping rain. If memory serves, our area receives about 3” of rain overnight.These may be my favorite pair of work boots so far. They’re pretty light, have decent arch support, don’t have any obvious hot spots or pressure points even after a busy 12 hours, and don’t leak!I own and have been using Salomon’s other shoes for hiking and the snow and feel like the sizes translate across all of their models that I have experience with.I only have one issue with these boots and it’s the lack of a traditional safety toe; as-is, it’s not 100% compliant with our uniform policy.
TLDR: These are meant for taking Instagram photos at the range, or patrol/urban work, not doing miles over rough terrain. Durable and lightweight, but there is almost no padding in these.Background: Out of the military now, but spend tons of time outdoors trekking and camping. Bought these to replace my 8yr old Under Armor Speed Freaks (which I loved) after they finally gave up the ghost.Cons:The insole is paper thin, my feet felt like I had been running barefoot on concrete my first time out with them. Replaced the insole and remedied that problem.Not having padding goes for the whole boot. When tightening the quick laces enough to not twist an ankle while scrambling, it felt like they were garroting the top of my foot, and I could even feel the eyelets ... MoreTLDR: These are meant for taking Instagram photos at the range, or patrol/urban work, not doing miles over rough terrain. Durable and lightweight, but there is almost no padding in these.Background: Out of the military now, but spend tons of time outdoors trekking and camping. Bought these to replace my 8yr old Under Armor Speed Freaks (which I loved) after they finally gave up the ghost.Cons:The insole is paper thin, my feet felt like I had been running barefoot on concrete my first time out with them. Replaced the insole and remedied that problem.Not having padding goes for the whole boot. When tightening the quick laces enough to not twist an ankle while scrambling, it felt like they were garroting the top of my foot, and I could even feel the eyelets digging in. Wearing at least mid-weight padded socks helped, but it means these boots will be real hot come summertime.I do have a high volume foot and narrow heel, so I probably had to tighten them down more than most to prevent rolling an ankle while going over and down rocky hills.Pros:GTX does its job. Wading through cold, winter streams was no issue. Tread is great, no traction issues at all. So far, these boots are quite durable, navigating over rocks, logs and through briars with no damage. The quick lace system is super durable, easy on off, but, as stated above, need to pair them with padded socks because they're like steel wire.
These are comfortable for everyday wear around town, and they are very waterproof. Sadly, there are some design flaws.I had the previous version of this shoe which was better, but they moved the “garage” that the shoelace goes into to the top of the tongue. Now, when I cinch the laces closed the plastic tab gets caught on the garage and loosens the laces. It is cumbersome to tighten the laces without the plastic piece loosening them. The shoe was much better with the garage under the tongue.Another issue: there is not enough padding above the foot (where the top of the foot and the tongue of the shoe meet.)For downhill hiking, this causes a lot of pressure on the top of the foot which becomes quite painful after a few miles.Lastly, the spectra/ dynema laces ... MoreThese are comfortable for everyday wear around town, and they are very waterproof. Sadly, there are some design flaws.I had the previous version of this shoe which was better, but they moved the “garage” that the shoelace goes into to the top of the tongue. Now, when I cinch the laces closed the plastic tab gets caught on the garage and loosens the laces. It is cumbersome to tighten the laces without the plastic piece loosening them. The shoe was much better with the garage under the tongue.Another issue: there is not enough padding above the foot (where the top of the foot and the tongue of the shoe meet.)For downhill hiking, this causes a lot of pressure on the top of the foot which becomes quite painful after a few miles.Lastly, the spectra/ dynema laces are channeled through nylon loops. Over time, the strong laces cut through the nylon which ultimately kills the show prematurely when it would otherwise have a lot of life left in them.
They seem to be well built. Pricey but with a 30% discount that I got them they are probably a good value. I wear 11.5 in most Salomon shoes and boots and ordered size 12.0 based on the fit of XA Pro's. That was the right decision. Unfortunately, I expected these boots to be close to XA Pro on other aspects too and they aren't. They are heavy, heavier than X Ultra 4, close to the Quest's 4 weight, and their sole and the upper is as stiff as Quest 4's if not stiffer. The only real similarity with the XA Pro is the tread of the outer sole which would likely result in similar limitations in traction. But don't get me wrong! These are likely decent boots for their purpose (streets, parks, dry trails). However, IMO they are generally overbuilt for the expected (not ... MoreThey seem to be well built. Pricey but with a 30% discount that I got them they are probably a good value. I wear 11.5 in most Salomon shoes and boots and ordered size 12.0 based on the fit of XA Pro's. That was the right decision. Unfortunately, I expected these boots to be close to XA Pro on other aspects too and they aren't. They are heavy, heavier than X Ultra 4, close to the Quest's 4 weight, and their sole and the upper is as stiff as Quest 4's if not stiffer. The only real similarity with the XA Pro is the tread of the outer sole which would likely result in similar limitations in traction. But don't get me wrong! These are likely decent boots for their purpose (streets, parks, dry trails). However, IMO they are generally overbuilt for the expected (not tested) traction of their soles. Even more importantly, they are not what I was hoping for, which was something closer to a running shoe. Like an ankle-high XA Pro. Returned.
