****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Up front, let us make two points clear:* This review is not about how well the Salomon XA Pro 3D performs in running on trails; and* This review is about how well the Salomon XA Pro 3D shoe cushions shocks to the foot and knee when Salomon's OrthoLite insole is replaced with I picked up these Salomon shoes when I switched from hiking boots to trail runners. I had some good quality Asolo boots but I couldn't be happier with the switch to trail runners. My feet are way more comfortable in the Salomon's than they ever were in hiking boots. My feet are less sore and less prone to blisters over long distances in the trail runners. My typical pack base weight (just equipment without food or water) is around 15 pounds. The max weight I've carried when hiking with these shoes is about 32 pounds, and I had no issues with comfort. Another thing I really like about these trail runners (the non-GTX model) is the breathable mesh fabric they use. They really dry out fast even when they get completely soaked when fording creeks. Even my Asolo boots would talk forever to dry out just from getting sweaty from hiking all day, and they were GoreTex lined. My feet don't get hot or sweaty in these trail runners. I like the quick lacing system on these shoes too. The only thing about the lacing system on these particular shoes is the inside lacing loop at the toe of the shoe. For me, if I really cinch the laces down, that last lacing loop on the inside of the shoe puts some pressure on the top of my foot just behind my big toe. If you look at the photos of the laces, you'll see there is one lacing loop that is a lot lower on the shoe than the rest... that's the one I'm talking about. I don't think it's an issue with the shoe... probably just my feet, and as long as I'm careful not to lace the shoe up too tight, it's not a problem. As far as durability, these Salomons are holding up very well after more than 100 miles that I've hiked in them. I haven't been gentle with these shoes. I often hike on rough, rocky, and overgrown trails, so they take some abuse. I used some ICETrekker shoe traction devices on a recent hike where I hit some snow, and I think that the chain on the sides of the ICETrekkers may have caused some wear on the mesh near the toe of the shoes. After using the ICETrekkers, I found some small tears in the mesh on both shoes near the inside toe. I really can't fault the shoes for this since I'm sure they weren't necessarily designed for heavy use with shoe traction devices like I was using them with. The good news is that the tears haven't got any larger and I've hiked about 25 miles in these shoes since then. The grip on the soles of the shoes seem good in wet conditions and the soles show very little wear so far. Overall, I'd say these are comfortable and reasonably durable shoes. They are very light weight and my feet have been happy wearing them. The price is reasonable, and it's even better when you buy a pair in an unpopular color... like the bright green ones I have. I actually like the bright green color though.I have worn these for many years, the first pair I bought were too tight and I gave them to my son, who now buys them regularly.I love the lace system and they are great in wet and dry.My shoe size is 9.5 to 10 UK, in these I take a 11.5 UK.I was very concerned about the poor reviews that Salamon were getting so bought the model ‘3’ rather than a newer one and I think I got some old stock so they are great.Good fit, good soles as expected by a seasoned Salomon trail shoe user having had 5 pairs of other Salomons previously.BUT... As soon as this model was used in MUD the insoles scrunched up and the shoes became unusable. See photos! Surely these are the conditions for which trail shoes are made?Very disappointed in Salomon...after all what are trail shoes for but mud and wet conditions. Other users also posted their similar impressions.I replaced the insoles with other insoles and problem solved. See photo.However - a further issue is that after only 400km of walking and running the shoes are wearing out! I'm only 85kg so an average user.Now using a much cheaper but better brand!Excellent shoes with an excellent fit. Look quite compact and provide very good cushioning. I have found them very comfortable on practically any surface be it soft surfaces like grass or hard surfaces such as roads. The shoes felt slightly heavy in my hands.. But once worn, I found them quite manageable and light to run in. The body of the shoes curves around your feet to provide a good deal of support and cushioning all around. They breathe quite well and I felt no discomfort at all even on my first run. There was no breaking in required and they were good to go right away. I have never use lace less shoes before so this new method of fastening my shoes took a little bit of learning and adjusting but once I got the hang of it, it's been quite easy to manage. These shoes are also quite smart to wear casually. I absolutely love my new shoes and would recommend them to anyone who plans on running especially on hard surfaces which is where these shoes really set themselves apart from the rest.This is the 5th pair of Salomon XA Pro 3D's i have had, and i will continue to buy them until they stop making them. It fits incredibly well, is snug but not too tight and the quick lace system makes it easy to lace up when you're off the paved path. I wear them as an every day shoe, and as such do get through them quickly, with a pair lasting me a year and half on average (i do give them some abuse though) but i often retire them to gardening or painting duty, so realistically i get another year or two out of them after that.This new generation has moved to an elasticated tongue material, which at first felt weird but now im used to it i prefer it, as it cuts down on tongue volume and increases breathability.The best trainers you can buy!! Have both the pro and pro gtx and have been buying these for many years. Extremely tough and stable in all conditions. Used them for running, biking and leisure. When travelling light all I take in footwear is a pair of these and a pair of trekking sandals.
