Trail Runners: Salomon Speedcross 5 Review

Some of my first trail runners were from Salomon — that was 1998. Since then, Salomon has continued to improve their craft using their cutting-edge S-Lab program with technology that trickles down through the line. The Salomon Speedcross has been a staple for as long as I can remember, so with the release of the Speedcross 5, I was interested to see just how they had progressed.

Salomon Speedcross 5 Features:

• Aggressive Contagrip TA outsole
• EnergyCell+ midsole cushioning
• Quicklace system
• Sensifit uppers
• Molded Ortholite insole
• 10mm drop (30mm heel / 20mm toe)
• Available in 5 colors (black tested)
• Weight: 12.7 oz each (11.5, actual)
• MSRP: $130

Be aggressive, B-E aggressive

Being aggressive isn’t always a good thing, but when it comes to trails, aggressive lugs are typically a welcomed friend. With the Speedcross 5, Salomon stayed true to the lugs that have been a hallmark of the Speedcross line. They are tall, beefy and work well in most trail conditions, but not so well on pavement. These are trail runners, so keep that in mind on any trails with a paved approach.

With the Contagrip TA outsoles, you can expect excellent toe-off (understatement of the year) and stability, but when running through sticky clay or gooey mud, that extreme grip can become a detriment. With each step, the lugs can capture and keep mud, and in time, you’ll end up with elevator shoes. These widely-spaced, deep lugs have lots of area for mud to gather, but on the flip side, it does make it easy to remove (just find a little stick and go to town).

The Speedcross 5’s did require a break-in period that was slightly longer than other shoes. I believe it was partially due to the trail-only nature of this shoe, which made the mix of office days and neighborhood strolls a little clunky. No doubt, these shoes are built to withstand the worst trails that you could imagine and, once in the dirt, those lugs do come into their own.

Immediately, I remembered how much I love Salomon’s Quicklace system. A nice tug and you’re cinched down. Fine-tuning does take some effort as you must pull the lower laces to take up all the slack in the system. Most of the time, I’d adjust them, stretch a bit and then tighten them a smidgen more before hitting the trails. It’s all easily-done and the pull tab and excess lace tucks away neatly into the tongue garage. For safety, don’t forget to do that. You don’t want that loop flopping around.

While many of my favorite trail runners are either low or zero-drop, these feature a full 10mm drop heel-to-toe. Admittedly, they do feel ramped. But, if you’re used to traditionally-ramped shoes, these will feel quite normal and put your foot into an aggressive stance (which certainly adds to the toe-off prowess). While these don’t have much of a rockered sole, they do still offer a natural-feeling stride for a midfoot-striker like myself.

Trail protection is important and these offer it in spades. I’d say that Salomon went a little on the overprotective side because I wished for a touch more trail feel. Certainly, Salomon offers other, more lightweight and minimalist shoes, but the Speedcross 5’s are built as a burly trail shoe. You’ll enjoy stability, aggressive lugs and the ultimate trail protection.

I’ll add that the scree protection is superb with the Speedcross 5’s. The tongue area is completely impenetrable and keeps trail bits from entering. While these aren’t waterproof shoes, that same scree protection keeps rain out for longer than with traditional shoes.

Note: I’m 5’11 and 170 lbs. I have 10.5 foot and sized up to 11.5 on these. I have a low arch and medium width feet and don’t wear arch supports or orthotics. 

The Good

• Out-of-this-world traction
• Quicklace makes for easy lacing
• Scree protection is excellent
• Foot-cradling fit
• Locks your heel into place

The Bad

• A bit heavy
• Lugs attract mud
• They will be clunky on that road approach

The Bottom Line: Salomon Speedcross 5

The Speedcross 5’s don’t fall far from the tree. I’m dubbing these the “Monstercross Shoe” because they can run through anything with their tenacious grip and stability. Cushioning is good and the Quicklace system makes for quick fit adjustments.

Buy Now: Available at REI