Salomon XA Pro 3D

Synthetic parts and sandwich mesh Optimized moulded Sensifit system cradles and supports the foot Integrated protective heel cap and mud guard EVA moulded midsole which is attached to 3D Advanced chassis Running ContaGrip sole unit

Site	Price	Postage	Total
	£74.99	£4.95	£79.94

   User Reviews

General comments: I brought this pair of Salomons for cross country running but find myself wearing them most of the time as they're so comfortable. The XA Pro 3D is built on Salomons Contagrip sole. It is very wide at the back of the shoe to ensure it's very stable while running and has lots of traction even on wet surfaces .The outer material is made of a mesh which helps keep the foot cool even on longer runs. At the front of the shoe is a reinforced toe cap so you don't stub your toe when you hit the rock you're running past. One of the features that first drew me to the shoe was the speed lacing system designed for triathletes who needed to quickly get there shoes on after getting out of the water. This system is so much better than regular laces and i find that when done up properly it keeps a snug fit around the foot - I havent found it to loosen yet. The end of the laces also tuck neatly into tongue of the shoe to stop them moveing around while you run.

Pros: Feet are kept cool by the mesh outer. Speed lacing system works great.

Cons: Mesh outer is not so good around puddles as water goes straight in.

General comments: These were bought for off-road running on trails and tracks around my house. They swiftly became my favourite summer shoe, equally good for running in the gym, walking and just general wearing. The upper breathes magnificently due to the mesh – although this equally lets in wet easily. The sole is torsionally stiff, with a solid heel support, yet bends at the toe to allow efficient running. Another great feature is the one-pull kevlar lacing system, with the spare tucking into a pocket at the top of the tongue out of the way. The laces run through asymmetric holes, which seems to give good fit and even tensioning. I had a previous pair of Salomon approach shoes whose sole split after a year, however these shoes are showing no sign of wearing out. The main drawback is the sole, which has shallow lugs and provide little grip in mud or on slippery grass, limiting their use off the beaten track. Otherwise I think they’re excellent, although if you’re a largely winter user, you might consider the gore-tex lined version.

Pros: Light, ventilated, great sole, very comfortable, clever lacing system.

Cons: Mesh lets in water should you step in even the shallowest puddle, sole not grippy in mud

General comments: I bought these over the North Face Radials for the Rat Race that I have just done in Manchester. I specifically did not want a Gore-Tex lining as I knew my feet would get wet through kayaking or crossing rivers and no matter how waterproof the XCR version of this is, water would get in and would then not get out with the shoe acting as a bucket. I have to say, my first opinion was that the Radials were more comfortable and lighter, but my vanity and the Salomon's reputation made me opt for them. The kevlar lace mechanism is brilliant, allowing you to get a snug fit and not worry about the laces coming undone or getting caught on branches of the like. I thought there maybe a risk of snapping, but it would appear Salomon have realised this potential weak spot and made the kevlar durable and tough enough to stand the abuse that Adventure Racers such as myself will give them! The insoles are excellent, and with the shoe cushioning itself, ensure that you do not get the 'shin splints' feeling that you get with a lack of cushioning in normal trainers. The cut is just right to give enough ankle support without impeding too much on the comfort side. They also look fantastic in the grey and red, as opposed to the blue of the Radials and sad as it sounds, this played a role in my purchase! It has to be said the mesh does let water in, but as it so breathable it does not take long for the water to evaporate with the heat of your feet, although the insoles will stay damp. The reputation the XA pro 3D has amongst fellow Adventure Racers was also a definite factor in the purchase as everyone recommends them. Altogether, fantastic shoe for running and adventure racing. A fair price, it looks fantastic and would buy again without a doubt!

Pros: Lace mechanism, cushioning and support, light weigh, aesthetics

Cons: The North Face Radials are a tad lighter and cheaper, mesh is fine in the dry but water will get in.

General comments: Nice shoe to wear all day, good for running, walking and just wearing casually. Easy to put on Comfotably fit and come in large sizes up to 13.5 however watch out for this as Salomon usually size their shoes half size larger than normal

Pros: Great multi purpose shoe, extremely breathable. Hardwearing soles, great simple lacing system, good looking shoe.

Cons: Mesh upper is extremly permiable to water, but that is where the XCR model steps up.

General comments: First of all it is worth mentioning that if your foot shape doesn't get along well with the shape of the shoe you intend to wear (i.e. a slim foot won't work well in a wide fitting shoe) then it is a non starter, even if the shoe in question is highly rated. Luckily for me these fitted very well once cinched up tight with the rather unique speed lacing system - which worked well for me but did require ocaisional re-adjustment at rest stops. I was worried about the durabilty of the lacing but in 6 months they has been no problems. Cushioning is very good, just shy of excellent in my opinion with decent quality insoles...this is particularly relevant for me at nearly 100kg! Whilst they are trail shoes and not full on fell running shoes, the Contagrip sole/grips were indeed excellent under all but very muddy conditions or steep wet grass. No goretex lining but this is only a problem in the wet, and indeed is an asset in warmer weather (thats right for 1 month of the year). I have used a waterproof Sealskinz type sock with this shoe in wet conditions to great effect and done some serious gnarly hikes with these trainers (Langdale to Pillar and back via Gable and Kirk Fell) and while this is not what they were intended for they stood up well.

Pros: Cushioning, Contagrip sole, More rubust than they look, good insoles.

Cons: Limited usage in the wet, I personally prefer traditional lacing.

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