Salomon SpeedCross 2 Trail Running Shoe Review

Salomon’s heritage lies in winter sports; as you would expect from a company born in the French Alps, most of its 60-year history has been dedicated to creating world-class ski gear and apparel.  Over the past decade, the company has turned its attention toward “snowless” mountain events, and they’ve become a major player on the ultrarunning scene – recognized both for their generous sponsorship and for a diverse product line of gear, apparel, and footwear.

About the Salomon SpeedCross 2

The SpeedCross2 is Salomon’s leanest and lightest trail shoe, but it’s rough and tough enough to use as an everyday trainer.  Lean and mean … it’s a great combination, isn’t it?  Let’s take a closer look.

Features

• Upper: anti-debris nylon mesh with synthetic leather overlays
• Lining: Ortholite sockliner
• Midsole: dual-density EVA with medial posting
• Midsole height: 24mm in heel, 12mm in forefoot
• Outsole: Winter Contragrip
• Reflective accents on all sides
• Weight: 290g (10.23 oz)
• MSRP: $120

Salomon SpeedCross 2 Review

This shoe was designed for two purposes: 1) to help you run fast, and 2) to prevent any excuses due to external conditions.  It’s built with a low profile for freedom of movement, but boasts some protective and stability features to help you handle all kinds of terrain.

Protection starts from the top: the SpeedCross2’s tightly-woven mesh upper is nearly impenetrable to trail debris, and provides outstanding water resistance.  After submersion, the upper is somewhat slow to dry, but on the whole this shoe is far more breathable than Gore-Tex or other waterproof materials.

The uppers are further bolstered by a wraparound mudguard at the base, and a protective synthetic toe cap.  They also feature Salomon’s trademark Quicklace system – similar to the speed laces that triathletes love – which secures the upper in a uniform fashion and allows you to customize your ideal level of tightness.  After you lock down the clasp, just tuck the laces into the tongue pocket, and you’re off.  Fit and comfort of the upper are enhanced by a Sensifit design that cradles the foot and minimizes slippage, as well as an Ortholite sockliner for cushioning and shock absorption underfoot.

Through the midsole is dual-density EVA with the Salomon Cushioning System, which diminishes 25% of heel strike impact, reduces pronation in the arch area, and has an elastic forefoot design to transfer energy more effectively from impact to push-off.  The midsole also has medial posting for further pronation control, and forefoot plates to stabilize and protect your feet on uneven terrain.

For my money, the most compelling aspect of the SpeedCross2 is the outsole: big, aggressive rubber lugs that almost scream for mud and rocks to devour.  The height of the lugs enhances shock absorption, and the multidirectional Contragrip design provides excellent traction on sloppy slopes or slick rock faces.  Wide spacing of the lugs allows quick sloughing of dirt clumps and prevents rocks from getting stuck below.  The entire outsole is soft-flexing to allow some degree of natural foot grip on varied terrain.

Good SpeedCross2

• Comfortable, snug upper
• Outstanding traction in sloppy conditions
• Great debris resistance in upper
• One-pull lace system for easy on/off and equal tension

Bad SpeedCross2

• Diminished ground feel compared to other low-profile racers
• Uppers slightly slow to dry after immersion

Bottom Line: Salomon SpeedCross 2 Trail Running Shoes

No matter what conditions you face, the SpeedCross 2 will help you power through them quickly and nimbly.  It’s a great choice for everyday use and fast training days, as well as races where you’re gunning for a 50K PR.

Buy Now: Search for Salomon Trail Runners at Backcountry.com