SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 6 GORE-TEX Review. The ultimate off-road running shoes that continue to make history are even more resistant to rough roads and are comfortable to run.

The symbolic trail running shoes that have carved history since the time when the "trail running" activity had not yet been established has once again taken a step forward towards completion.

SPEEDCROSS a popular model among Salomon trail running shoes, combines the toughness and speed required of shoes for easy travelling off-road travel, and has undergone a model change this season for the first time in three years. This shoe was born in 2006 and surprised the world when it was worn by Killian Giorne, who won the 2008 UTMB, and continues its simple and powerful concept, and is still taking the lead in the scene even now, 16 years later.

I've been wearing them since the fourth generation, and I personally find them a favorite shoe that feels like home, with all-round, reliable stability, from forest roads to mud, mud, grassy, ​​rocky areas, flat terrain to suspicious terrain, and it's easy to wear and easy to ride, making it easy to wear and run, so even if you cheate, I'm a favorite shoe that's like my hometown. What really changed in the 6th generation? I was able to see the evolution and changes while comparing it to the previous model in a stylish test field, a mixed trail of muddy and rugged rocky areas after a typhoon, so I'll be reviewing it right away.

Main features of SALOMON SPEEDCROSS 6 GORE-TEX

The SPEEDCROSS series boasts history, popularity and track record, is no exaggeration to say that it is the representative of not only , has been updated to the 6th generation. excellent grip (traction) on all terrains , including uneven terrain and muddy terrain aggressive and stable running performance (although sometimes accepted in casual scenes), this work has been further lightweight, and has improved basic performance for trails, including better mud removal and improved grip on wet roads, and a comfortable fit with an outsole that is adapted to tougher off-roads, and a flexible and adaptable upper that gives it a more authentic feel, making it SPEEDCROSS This pair of shoes has a waterproof and breathable model from GORE-TEX, and a wide type lineup at the end, in addition to the normal model, making it a pair of shoes with the potential to be loved by many people, from trails to streets.

Recommended points

• Improved outsole for more stable grip on wet and muddy terrain
• It's even lighter and lighter
• The upper gently wraps around the entire foot, and the toe box is spacious and comfortable toe-packed.
• A midsole that combines excellent shock absorption and rebound power
• The thinner sole and lower center of gravity make it more stable and agile running experience
• Double tongue construction for waterproofness and high fit
• Quick shoelaces are easy to use
• Excellent waterproof and breathable permeability due to GORE-TEX

Points that interest me

• may be concerned about the stiffness of their shoes

Main specs (comparison with previous model) and evaluation

Detailed review

more stylish look than the previous model, and is comfortable to wear.

The upper, which greatly affects the appearance and comfort, has undergone a subtle review, although there are no changes in the basics of this update. This change has not been mentioned much officially, but it is definitely an improvement in not only the appearance but also the comfort of the wearer.

If you actually compare the 5th and 6th generations side by side as shown in the photo below, you can see that the mesh part with high elasticity and breathability, which was only the instep in the previous model (right side of the photo), has been changed to cover the toes in the latest version (photo below).

This has made the toe area even more fit (photo below), and the softer toe box prevents toe movement, making it even more comfortable to wear. Of course, this GORE-TEX model has a waterproof and breathable membrane attached to the back of the mesh, so the elasticity of the mesh does not directly affect it, but even so, the crimping part was omitted, which clearly improved flexibility and mobility.

Furthermore, the appearance is even cleaner and has a nice, neat look. This flexibility makes it easier to fit a wide range of runners, from people with narrow feet to those with wide feet, but even moreover, models other than GORE-TEX also offer wide sizes, so there is almost no chance that you won't be able to wear them because their feet don't fit.

SensiFit™ which is synonymous with Salomon shoes, is still alive and well. If you tighten the laces, it gently wraps around your entire foot from the arch of your shoes, and the ultimate comfort is as good as ever.

The mesh cover on the instep has a fine mesh, making it a great piece to prevent the intrusion of pebbles and sand particles. The GORE-TEX version also prevents water from entering with the waterproof and breathable membrane attached to the inside. The tongue has a double structure separated from this cover, and the soft, thick material gently holds the tongue (photo below).

The heel cup is lightweight, yet has enough depth to cover the heel and a good hold, making it as reliable as ever. The pads around the tongue and ankles felt even thicker and more comfortable than the previous model, and I also liked the heel support even more than the previous model.

The shoelaces system "QUICKLACE" that provides a firm hold with just one touch is also as convenient as ever. The tongue box is just right, preventing the final bra when you are running.

Outsole with improved performance in mud and tough conditions

One of the highlights of this update is the reconstructed outsole, which is said to have made this shoe even more solid, which is already resistant to tough roads.

Mud Contagrip® , which focuses on traction and braking on wet roads and soft muds, among the several Salomon outsole lineup . Furthermore, SPEED CROSS , has been mixed with a new "Y" shape rug pattern to the center line to make mud removal smoother and improve grip on wet, soft road surfaces (left in the photo below).

Personally, even in the 5th generation, the gap between the grooves was wider and more resistant to mud, so although I don't notice any obvious changes that would dramatically reduce the mudiness in the 6, it's still the best! That remains to be true (if anyone can compare them at the same time, you will notice that the 6 bites better into loose ground, even if it is a bit odd).

Although the groove was about 1mm shallower (about 5mm), the sharp and tall lugs were still as sharp as ever, allowing us to steadily capture the road surface and step hard on wet trails such as rocky areas and mud. The grip when kicking off and applying the brakes is also excellent. The recent improvement in stability on roads has not been compromised, and the new all-around trail shoes have been completely revamped.

By the way, if you wear it too much on the road, this type of sole will inevitably fade faster, so even if it becomes easier to drive on the road, it goes without saying that it is suitable for courses that are primarily off-road.

The high resilience, high cushioning, and durable EnergyCell™+ and the thin and light midsole make the ride easier

The EnergyCell™+, which was installed in the midsole from the previous model, has been firmly mounted this time, and by maintaining shock absorption when landing and rebound force for kicking off for a long time, it provides lightweight yet sufficient support, achieving a long ride with excellent stability . It should not be forgotten that the highly rigid heel area, which combines protection and support, also contributes to excellent stability.

From landing with little shaking on the heel to kicking off with a strong foot, you can enjoy the joy of riding off-road. The video below shows a test run in a situation where there are many obstacles on the way downstream and it is relatively difficult to drive, but the brakes were solid and the legs were adjusted smoothly.

This time, the heel and fore are about 2mm thinner (the drop remains at 10mm, the same as the previous model), leading to a slightly lighter weight. It's often thought of as a subtle difference, but when I tried riding on the left and right sides separately and ran the 5 and 6 (photo below), the difference in ride feeling was more clear than I expected.

First of all, the lighter it makes it easier to walk in. The distance between the soles of the feet and the ground is further reduced, and the unevenness of the ground is conveyed more delicately, making it possible to say that it has approached the natural feeling of moving barefoot. The lower center of gravity also improves stability. Of course, there are some parts that make you feel sensitive because you wear them at the same time, but in terms of ease and comfort, the new version is clearly the winner.

Of course, there is a concern that the cushioning performance will decrease as the sole becomes thinner, but even if it is thinner, the heel thickness is still 33mm ( 32mm for non-GORE-TEX models) so you won't feel that it's not enough, so don't worry. It allowed for a more delicate touch to the ground, while also softening the thrusts from the ground by the rough rocks.

Enough protection against hard obstacles and water

The synthetic material used for the fabric on the side of the upper this time is a ripstop fabric that is resistant to wear and tear. The reinforcement from the toes to the heel is heat-compressed to minimize weight while also softening impacts from rocks, tree branches and roots (photo below). The reinforcement is a tradition that has been stretched around the heel, a tradition that has been created since the original SPEEDCROSS, and not only improves protection but also the support of the heel.

The SPEEDCROSS midsole combines high rebound and protection, brings solid comfort and stability on tough trails, but on the other hand, it may be a little too heavy for those looking for a flexible feel like running shoes, so be careful about that. For example, even though they are all-rounders, when comparing the flexibility of the soles of more road-oriented models like the Salomon Sense Ride series, they are quite different as shown in the photo below.

Summary: Recommended for people like this

SPEEDCROSS was born under the concept of "lightweight, grippy, and protective shoes" at the time when "trail running" was still known as "mountain lace," and continued to evolve steadily into stronger and more comfortable, while still retaining the solid legacy of its inception.

Not only is the new model perfect for the Japanese trail scene, where there are many bad weather and soft rough roads, but it also makes it even more dressy and easier to ride, so I felt that it could be accepted by a wide range of people, from trail running beginners to light users who are mainly used for everyday use. In fact, since I got these monotone patterns, I've been wearing them all in my daily life. Not only is its design and easy to walk in, but it is also waterproof so you can wear it casually even on rainy days, making it a useful "ultimate all-around shoe" that is too luxurious for you.

It has the safety and balance that is suitable for those who are planning to run in the mountains for the first time to wear trail running shoes, making it a recommended pair for anyone who wants to run aggressively, to walk faster with activities like fast packing, or with ultra-light equipment.

For more product information, please check the official online store .

NEWS: Salomon's concept shop opens at the foot of Mt. Takao!

On October 1st, Salomon opened a new concept shop, "SALOMON TOKYO TAKAO CONCEPT" at TMH. (TAKAO MOUNTAIN HOUSE), which will open at the foot of Mt. Takao. Salomon already operates a support facility for trail runners on Mount Takao with "SALOMON RUNNING BASE TAKAO," and this concept shop will not only sell Salomon products, but also collaborate with brands and companies where new values ​​can be shared, and events that utilize the community space on the second floor of the shop to share, along with the charm of Mount Takao, and will share the values ​​that come from Salomon's mountain sports DNA to the world.

Mount Takao, which has easy-to-run courses and a wide range of support facilities, is also a great place to start trail running. For those who run in the mountains for the first time, and of course, those who enjoy hiking, it's a good idea to visit.

TMH. (TAKAO MOUNTAIN HOUSE)

TMH. (TAKAO MOUNTAIN HOUSE) is a "Mountain House" that is reused in a low-developed design that makes use of the house at the foot of the mountain. We aim to make the most of Mt. Takao's rich charms, such as natural resources, location, attracting customers, and distancing from the city center, and propose new ways to spend time at the mountains and the foothills, aiming to further revitalize and improve the value of the foothills.

As a rental space for various companies and brands, we will provide a space for content development and new communication unique to the foot of Mt. Takao, and aim to attract customers as a place that is not only available for mountain climbing but also for those that are enjoyable for mountain climbing purposes, and will create a new location at the foot of Mt. Takao, which represents the mountain side.