Best multi-purpose/multi-surface shoe!
I have had 5 pairs of this shoe and they have never let me down. I am not a runner but I wear the XA Pro 3D GTX's to regularly walk dogs in the coulees of Southern Alberta. These shoes are also my go to shoes when it is slushy and raining, and when there is snow on the ground (but not too cold). I have never experienced water seepage with this shoe. They are comfortable and have a roomy toe box (important for me since I began using a half-foot orthotic last year). The speed lacing system works very well - the lace "clip" usually starts to lose its hold when the shoes need replacing. I have worn these shoes without any issues hiking on the public footpaths in England and urban walking in London, Dublin, Belfast, Puerto Vallarta, Calgary, Edmonton, Nanaimo, Vancouver ... MoreI have had 5 pairs of this shoe and they have never let me down. I am not a runner but I wear the XA Pro 3D GTX's to regularly walk dogs in the coulees of Southern Alberta. These shoes are also my go to shoes when it is slushy and raining, and when there is snow on the ground (but not too cold). I have never experienced water seepage with this shoe. They are comfortable and have a roomy toe box (important for me since I began using a half-foot orthotic last year). The speed lacing system works very well - the lace "clip" usually starts to lose its hold when the shoes need replacing. I have worn these shoes without any issues hiking on the public footpaths in England and urban walking in London, Dublin, Belfast, Puerto Vallarta, Calgary, Edmonton, Nanaimo, Vancouver and points in between.These shoes might be a bit heavy for running (but, as I mentioned, I am not a runner).... Show more
rupertsm
originally posted on mec.ca
Disappointing
ASICs and Saucony fit me wonderfully. These fit poorly in the field while walking fast and hard, but Felt OK in the store. And the lacing system, while convenient, cannot compensate.Like most people, I have one foot slightly smaller. No biggie in most running shoes - I use the heel lock lacing and never a problem or a blister. Not so with these. Smaller foot developed heel blister in 3k.I used to sell athletic footwear and had a large loyal customer base, so I can fairly say I know what I am talking about.The good news is the shank in bottom protects the bottom of your foot, but it makes the shoe stiff. A stiffer shoe means any sloppiness in heel fit results in slippage and therefore blisters. Ouch. To correct some over pronation (rotation of calcaneous bone) ... MoreASICs and Saucony fit me wonderfully. These fit poorly in the field while walking fast and hard, but Felt OK in the store. And the lacing system, while convenient, cannot compensate.Like most people, I have one foot slightly smaller. No biggie in most running shoes - I use the heel lock lacing and never a problem or a blister. Not so with these. Smaller foot developed heel blister in 3k.I used to sell athletic footwear and had a large loyal customer base, so I can fairly say I know what I am talking about.The good news is the shank in bottom protects the bottom of your foot, but it makes the shoe stiff. A stiffer shoe means any sloppiness in heel fit results in slippage and therefore blisters. Ouch. To correct some over pronation (rotation of calcaneous bone) during stride, I installed green Superfeet. Reduced but did not eliminate the problem. Added stiffness, enough to overwhelm benefit of additional volume of insole.I am a slim guy, with not a big volume foot. So these are not the best fit in the heel. If you are heavier built, or feet are same size, good to go.They're on the heavier side. They are waterproof. The Goretex will not keep you dry inside. Generally, I am disappointed in all these waterproof/breathable premium fabrics. While waterproof (for a while), they never seem to live up to the breathability hype. Maybe if you are standing still.I bought these in order to ditch the heavy hiking boots. I can't see them filling that role because of the fit, but if they did fit like my usual runners, I would say they would be a good choice. I slogged through spring melt and mud in them and came home dampish but not wet. You have to clean that mud off when you get home so you don't clog the Goretex pores - FYI, keep them clean.So, these will be my dog walkers.Going to change up strategy and go lighter with more drainage, such as Wildcats.So, summing it up - the Goretex underperforms, they are stiff, and if not a perfect fit out of the box you cannot compensate with lacing tweaks. Not bad for a zap it on do errands in the glop - pricey for that. Wouldn't trail run in them, and won't backpack in them.... Show more
originally posted on mec.ca
Fit has changed
Bought my first pair of these back in 2014 while hiking the Appalachian Trail. I wore then straight from the store to the trail. Hiked 300 miles and the shoes felt great. I was delighted to have finally found a shoe that felt made for my foot. 2019 I needed a hiking shoe and immediately purchased this pair. To my horror, the shoes felt uncomfortable and fit poorly. A little online research and a conversation with a sales person confirmed that Salomon changed the fit of their shoes 3 or 4 years ago and said screw you to all those who once loved them. So begins my quest for a new shoe company.... Show more
Vagabond
originally posted on moosejaw.com
Great fit. Very light. Waterproofing is good
These shoes take about 2-3 days to "break in" for me, but once they do they are a great fit. I find for my feet at size 10, the toe box is the right size and length, but the width is just a tad narrow, so they are a snug fit with a double layer hiking sock. They're among the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, including hiking in the Jaguar park in Belize, to driving 18-wheelers, this shoe is good for many purposes. I am hard on shoes generally, and these typically last only a 2-3 years before the softer rubber soles are completely worn slick and need to be replaced. This is probably due to the fact that I walk on sidewalks a lot, and steel steps on big trucks have a grip pattern that likely digs into the soles and tears them up. I just replace them once every ... MoreThese shoes take about 2-3 days to "break in" for me, but once they do they are a great fit. I find for my feet at size 10, the toe box is the right size and length, but the width is just a tad narrow, so they are a snug fit with a double layer hiking sock. They're among the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, including hiking in the Jaguar park in Belize, to driving 18-wheelers, this shoe is good for many purposes. I am hard on shoes generally, and these typically last only a 2-3 years before the softer rubber soles are completely worn slick and need to be replaced. This is probably due to the fact that I walk on sidewalks a lot, and steel steps on big trucks have a grip pattern that likely digs into the soles and tears them up. I just replace them once every 2-3 years, and I also have a 4D QUest GTX pair of Solomon boots too. My favorite shoe brand.... Show more
ThomasM
originally posted on moosejaw.com
Great Shoe
I wear these as my everyday shoe as a Brooks Beast replacement. They're going to last me about a month (same as the Beast---about 500 hours) because the midsole support has compressed and isn't providing the same level of support as new. (They still look practically new). My feet, legs and hips are really sensitive to shoe geometry changes....you may not experience the same result.If you use these for just trail running they should last you quite a while. They're well made, are waterproof and provide good support, plus the lacing system is fantastic: quick, easy and secure.I also use custom orthotics which fit nicely.... Show more
Jerry K.
originally posted on roadrunnersports.com
poor quality
I bought these shoes in September 2019 and without having used them much, only in the garden of my house as a result of the coronavirus (supposedly they are for outdoor activities) I noticed that about 4 months ago they began to peel off all over the front, at first not It caught my attention but today I realize that both pairs are completely detached and the seams are coming loose. I have had many other pairs of other brands and a pair of shoes had never lasted so little, considering that they are supposedly for extreme use and waterproof, which just by watering the garden makes it clear that they are not. Really very poor quality. I have other shoes for more than 10 years that are still in good condition considering all the use and their Salomon shoes cost. I ... MoreI bought these shoes in September 2019 and without having used them much, only in the garden of my house as a result of the coronavirus (supposedly they are for outdoor activities) I noticed that about 4 months ago they began to peel off all over the front, at first not It caught my attention but today I realize that both pairs are completely detached and the seams are coming loose. I have had many other pairs of other brands and a pair of shoes had never lasted so little, considering that they are supposedly for extreme use and waterproof, which just by watering the garden makes it clear that they are not. Really very poor quality. I have other shoes for more than 10 years that are still in good condition considering all the use and their Salomon shoes cost. I guess they have a guarantee!... Show more
manuel
originally posted on moosejaw.com
Started poorly ended poorly
Firstly, the bottom of the shoes, one of the shoes had a piece sticking out or something but it felt like I wasnt picking my foot up enough and scraping it on the ground.Returned them and got another pair. Seemed fine first year before winter. Wore my nice keen boots I bought from mec. After winter, wore these and wham, blisters on my heel. I blamed the socks but others report the same.Got new socks and seemed fine. Nope, now the other shoe is eating at my heel.Beside that, the left shoe is taking on water and squishes and squeaks while i walk. Very annoying.Shoe has little holes, as well.Expensive shoes and overall they were simply didn't hold up.... Show more
Noelk
originally posted on mec.ca
Super Stiff, Ultra Narrow. Uncomfortable. After 70 miles still difficult to break in. I’ll go back to Merrels.
Sizing on Salomon website is wrong. I’m 11.5 on their measurements, and usually I buy a 12 for using with good socks (all Merrell have been 12 and worked perfect). I bought a 12, they feel like 11.5 but SUPER NARROW. My feet are Narrow but on this ones I feel them ultra tight.That’s about measures.I used them for more than 70 miles now. Still Hard to break in. I feel each and every lateral stripes on my feet. I feel pain on the arches when walking on flat (sidewalks).The Quick lacing system is very difficult to use (At least for me). I could never get the same tightness on both feet. I have to adjust it at least 3-4 times when I start hiking to get them reasonably similar on both sides.If I use them tight I feel uncomfortable with the lateral stripes on the ... MoreSizing on Salomon website is wrong. I’m 11.5 on their measurements, and usually I buy a 12 for using with good socks (all Merrell have been 12 and worked perfect). I bought a 12, they feel like 11.5 but SUPER NARROW. My feet are Narrow but on this ones I feel them ultra tight.That’s about measures.I used them for more than 70 miles now. Still Hard to break in. I feel each and every lateral stripes on my feet. I feel pain on the arches when walking on flat (sidewalks).The Quick lacing system is very difficult to use (At least for me). I could never get the same tightness on both feet. I have to adjust it at least 3-4 times when I start hiking to get them reasonably similar on both sides.If I use them tight I feel uncomfortable with the lateral stripes on the sides. If I go a little loose my feet goes down and I feel my toes hitting the front of the shoe.I didn’t return them immediately because I read other reviews of 5 stars and they said it took a while to get used to them... Show more
Angel
originally posted on sunandski.com
Used for a Winter Boot Replacement
This is a great shoe. I bought it for my partner and he loves them. He loved them so much that I got a women’s pair for myself. The men’s version seems a bit heavier in comparison to the women’s. He said that they are incredibly comfortable and uses them as a winter boot in cold Ontario weather. Durable and sturdy. He is very happy, especially because he was able to get a size 14! This will be his go to purchase when he looks for a new winter boot in the future. He does feel that it is a bit heavy for trail running or walking but sold for more challenging hikes up mountains.... Show more
Ling C.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com
Warm Running
I live in Winnipeg and I run year round. I run trails and roads. For winter running I switch over to Salomon XA Pros for 2 reasons; their excellent warmth and amazing grip. First warmth... I run 3 to 5 times/ week. I run long distance at least once a week in minus 30, 40, 50 (depending on wind chill). With the Salomon Pros I can get by with a light sock and a medium weight outer sock. My feet and toes remain toasty warm. In spring conditions I run through slushy snow and mud and my feet remain warm and DRY. Now grip... the Salomon Pros can handle all kinds of ice except that oily, almost invisible, black ice that creeps up out of no where. They plow through crunchy, ankle biting ice, slush, and deep snow. They hug narrow single track trails like nobody's business. ... MoreI live in Winnipeg and I run year round. I run trails and roads. For winter running I switch over to Salomon XA Pros for 2 reasons; their excellent warmth and amazing grip. First warmth... I run 3 to 5 times/ week. I run long distance at least once a week in minus 30, 40, 50 (depending on wind chill). With the Salomon Pros I can get by with a light sock and a medium weight outer sock. My feet and toes remain toasty warm. In spring conditions I run through slushy snow and mud and my feet remain warm and DRY. Now grip... the Salomon Pros can handle all kinds of ice except that oily, almost invisible, black ice that creeps up out of no where. They plow through crunchy, ankle biting ice, slush, and deep snow. They hug narrow single track trails like nobody's business. The aggressive thread is awesome in all kinds of crazy conditions. There's no need for grippers with the Salomon Pros. This is actually my second pair. I lost one shoe on a road trip to Ontario so if anyone is looking for a single, left, size 8 give me a shout! And finally, the quick lace system is lifesaving when your fingers are too frozen for typical laces. Zip, zip, on ... Zip, zip, off.... Show more
SeeMikeRun
originally posted on mec.ca