Salomon XT Wings 2 Trail Running Shoes Review

It nearly goes without saying that Salomon has enjoyed huge success with their trail running shoes over the years. The Salomon XA Pro is as ubiquitous in a mountain town as a Subaru Outback and the XT Wings is hot on its heels. I reviewed the previous version (read my Salomon XT Wings review) a couple of years ago and was impressed with the overall package. With a slew of changes, I went out to tame the trails in the re-designed XT Wings 2 trail running shoes and found them still have all the same qualities that make them a great shoe.

Salomon XT Wings 2 Features:

• Updated toe cap protection
• New triple-density EVA midsole
• Updated Quicklace lacing pattern
• AC Skeleton for support and quick power transfer
• Low-profile Contagrip outsole
• MSRP: $130

Salomon XT Wings 2 Trail Running Shoes Review

With subtle changes from the original, the XT Wings 2 continues to be one of the best trail running shoes on the market. After several months of use, I’m still stoked on their performance, but the design may not be quite as well-liked as the Brooks Cascadia 5’s for my running tastes. That said, these are still some of the best trail runners I’ve reviewed this year.

The Quicklace system has been revised and is no longer asymmetrical. This provides a little more of a standard fit and leaves the toebox a tad more roomy. While Salomon’s Quicklace system is superb, I do occasionally want to cinch the shoes down or loosen them in certain spots and that’s simply not possible with this lacing system. Pressure is evenly-distributed throughout the upper for a smooth, consistent fit.

While the toebox is roomy enough, it is a bit pointed, so keep that in mind. I appreciate the added protection provided in the toebox as well. Some shoes overdo that, but these are just right without hindering breathability. I feel that the XT Wings 2’s are very breathable and can perform well in the heat of the Summer or into the shoulder seasons as well.

Even though the Contagrip outsole seems pretty low-profile, the traction afforded by these treads is outstanding. Both uphill and downhill are met with consistent traction and stability in varied terrain. The lugs shed mud well also. Cushioning is smooth and these shoes can be worn in crossover situations where a little road may be intermingled with trail.

Good XT Wings 2

• Very stable
• Excellent traction in spite of the low-profile treads
• Quicklace offers one-pull lacing with even pressure
• Breathability is good
• Good crossover shoe
• Lightweight scree guard keeps out trail debris
• Overall trail protection is solid

Bad XT Wings 2

• A little more ramped than I’d like
• Quicklace doesn’t allow for pinpoint tight or loose areas
• May be a little more expensive than the competition

Bottom Line: Salomon XT Wings 2 Trail Running Shoes

The originals were great and these continue along the same path. Very little to complain about in the XT Wings 2’s. Great traction and breathability makes these a solid choice for trails or crossover use.

Buy Now: Search for Salomon Wings at REI