SALOMON XA PRO 3D V9 GORE-TEX Review: The origin and pinnacle of crossover shoes that can be used to walk around town, evolved into the 9th generation.

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Perhaps because I often walk between the city and the field, the Salomon XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX is a work shoe that I have been using for over five years to date. With this pair, regardless of the weather, you can just walk and run from walking around town on a daily basis to moving straight to the site, accompanying activities, or attending events, all of which can be walked or run. I have tried out similar shoes from various manufacturers in the past, but in the end I ended up returning to this long-selling shoe that has been loved all over the world for over 20 years since its launch. I have been so fascinated by the high level of perfection of these shoes.

This versatile crossover shoe that seamlessly connects the city and nature has been updated to the 9th generation of this season. Personally, I was just about to wear my previous model until the soles of my shoes were smooth and I was eagerly waiting for a new item, so it was a very hopeful time.

So, this time, I will be reviewing the Salomon XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX, which , focusing on how it has evolved from its previous model, and what makes the XA PRO 3D

It's been about five years since XA PRO has become a regular work shoe. Three generations have been passed down from the V7 (from left to right)

Main features of SALOMON XA PRO 3D V9 GORE-TEX

The XA Pro is a pioneer of trail running shoes, born in 2002 to win the Raid Goloise, the tournament that is the original adventure race, where teams themselves open their way through long, rough terrain without a designated route, and run to the finish line for several days . After that, the XA PRO 3D V9 GORE-TEX (hereinafter referred to as XA PRO) has continued to maintain the basic concept of "shoes that allow for comfortable activities in all kinds of activities, ranging from hiking to scrambling, cycling, and more, based on quick movements in a variety of mountainous regions The XA PRO 3D V9 GORE-TEX (hereafter referred to as XA PRO) .

The unparalleled fit of Salomon shoes, Sensifit™ and Quicklace™ are synonymous with Salomon shoes, as well as the highly stable midsole based on the 3D Advanced Chassis™, which properly controls impact, twist and shake, EnergyCell™+, which has increased flexibility and resilience, the tough, improved grip, and reliable protection as ever, and the highly balanced, functional, suitable for any outdoor scene, regardless of activity, are even more refined, and as before, it can cater to mountain athletes, professionals and enthusiasts around the world. Furthermore, the sophisticated and asymmetrical design makes it suitable for any active scene, from outdoors to walking around town, and can be used in any active scene, regardless of the place or season, from everyday life to traveling, leisure, outdoors, or workouts. In this review, we've picked out men's GORE-TEX models, but it's also attractive that you can pair them with a wide variety of options, including non-GORE-TEX models, women's models, and wide models.

Recommended points

• SensiFit™ and Quicklace™ provide a comfortable fit that envelops your entire foot
• 3D Advanced Chassis™ provides high lateral stability and support
• EnergyCell™+ midsole with excellent shock absorption and rebound power
• High protection and waterproofness with GORE-TEX
• All Terrain Contagrip® outsole that provides high grip on a variety of road surfaces
• Exceptionally versatile for any scene, from trail runs to hiking, roads to rocky areas and intricate terrain

Points that interest me

• Slightly modest cushioning
• Specialization (it's not as good as trail running shoes, hiking shoes, or sneakers for town wear, compared to models that specialize in each model)

Main specs and evaluations (comparison with previous model)

Detailed reviews tried in the actual field (focusing on comparisons with previous models)

Appearance and comfort: Continuing from the previous model, the perfect fit and hold, and comfortable fit that coexists with roominess.

Not only is it important to see the appearance, but it goes without saying that the fit and comfort of the shoes, such as whether the skin feels tight or not when wearing shoes, whether the feet tend to slip easily inside the shoes, and whether the toes move moderately are important to any shoe. XA PRO has long been loved by outdoorsmen around the world, of course, in this respect, it has been carefully crafted, continuing from its previous work.

The calm colouring and asymmetrical design make it suitable for any style or scene.

First of all, it is the core of the comfortable fit of Salomon shoes, and the upper structure of the Sensifit™, which is naturally used in this model. It wraps around the soles of your feet to the instep with your palm, allowing for an exquisite adhesion, giving you a very comfortable fit regardless of the shape of your feet (photo below). I've tasted it many times before, but I've never missed it again. Now, when I am surrounded by this comfort, I am filled with the feeling of being back at my parents' home.

Sensifit™ technology, which tightens evenly from the soles of your feet, fills your entire foot with an unbiased fit.

Furthermore, with XA PRO the distinctive shoelaces pattern, which starts at the base of the thumb , improves the overall fit, including the toes (photo below). The XA PRO toe box itself is not very tight, so even if you tighten the shoelaces, the toes will never be cramped, and even if you tighten them, you can move your toes moderately. It can be seen that XA PRO focusing on fit, with more effort than regular shoes, with more manufacturing steps

last XA PRO is only average wide enough to fit a wider foot shape, but there are also wide sizes available for those who still have a narrow foot shape, so it's unlikely that there's no way there's a foot shape that suits you.

The shoelaces extending to the base of the thumb and Quicklace™ allow for even tighter close to the toes.

Of course, the shoes are also equipped with Salomon's other symbol of the shoelace system, "Quicklace™," which supports this extraordinary fit and ease of use (photo below). The excess strings can be easily stored in the shoelaces box, so you won't have to hang around while you're running.

Quicklace™ allows for quick settings and easy re-tightening. Put unnecessary parts in your pocket and don't get in the way.

Stretch material is also placed on the instep of the foot (although the lower half is a GORE-TEX membrane so it doesn't stretch), and this is also designed to provide a more detailed fit. Incidentally, this material also prevents foreign objects from entering through the gaps in the tongue.

The stretch material on the instep improves the fit and prevents foreign objects from entering.

The heel cup has a firm hardness and sufficient depth, and combines with the hard 3D chassis described below to give you a good sense of hold and stability (photo below). Pads with moderate cushions are applied around the ankles, and I also like the soft feel and support.

The luxurious cushioned ankles provide a comfortable fit.

Cushioning, rebound and stability: The midsole features new technology to provide a lighter ride feel

The excellent stability chassis and midsole provide cushioning and rebound force make it less tiring when walking and lighter when running.

In addition to the upper, which provides simple ease of wear as a shoe the XA PRO achieves an exquisite balance and high performance, which can be said to combine the characteristics of both hikers and trail runners with its unique sole structure polished through a long evolution.

Sole One of the parts that make up the sole, " 3D Advanced Chassis™ ," is a plastic frame that is three-dimensionally molded from the arch to the heel, and is reinforced with fiberglass. By absorbing the impact when it lands, it firmly prevents twisting and left and right shake, creating high stability that can be considered the face of XA PRO

The 3D Advanced Chassis™ extends not only to the heel but also to the area under the arch of the foot, suppressing twists and shaking of the foot.

Basically, it is the same as the previous model, but it looks even taller and remains as stable as ever. Moreover, this plate also acts as a lock plate to ensure that the runner is protected from unevenness on the ground.

The redesigned 3D Advanced Chassis™ is slightly higher, and is thought to be more stable.

Another more clear change was the midsole, which was changed from EnergyCell™ EnergyCell™+

The midsole cushion material " EnergyCell™ " that has been installed up until now is one of the cushion materials used in Salomon running shoes, and is characterized by powerful shock absorption. EnergyCell™+ was adopted for the first time , also has better energy return (repulsion power) ( other models that use EnergyCell™+ In other words, each stride provides more rebound force, making it easier for your feet to move forward, which leads to light walking. It is inevitably more advantageous for high-speed activities than walking slowly.

The EnergyCell™+ midsole is a blend of more resilient materials, providing more energy returns.

The new midsole has also slightly thinner sole, giving it an impression of being more flexible.

How this difference has made walking and running feel differently?First, I felt an even greater impression on the previous model, the cushioning on the soles of the feet has become softer and more flexible. Furthermore, kicking off step by step feels smooth. In addition, perhaps because the sole has been slightly thinner, the sensitivity of the soles has been greatly improved, allowing for delicate movement of the feet with speed. The feeling of running down the fields and mountains was pleasant, and the trail running shoes felt even more like that than the previous work. Of course, the stability when landing is still the same.

However, when carrying a lot of luggage, there is no feeling of a shortage of cushioning, and the impression that the soles of the feet have become a little more tired due to heavy loads (although I don't notice much difference if there is a small amount of luggage). Overall, the rigidity of mountaineering boots has become more modest, and the lightness of running shoes has become stronger.

Grip power: Improved lug pattern and compound for improved durability and grip

Another major update point is the outsole. All Terrain Contagrip® with even greater durability , making it less likely to wear out (photo below).

Also, when comparing the lug shape and pattern with the previous model (it's worn down and hard to see), as shown in the dotted line in the photo below, the center point is a more acute angle, and the sides have also been changed to a more complicated wedge shape compared to the previous model, the V8.

If you look closely at the previous model, the lug shapes in the center and sides have been changed to a more complicated wedge-like shape.

Lug shape enlarged. A new point cuts at a sharp angle accelerates traction and mud removal.

This rug shape is similar to the X ULTRA series, a classic hiking shoe, and the mix of these points gives it an impression that it can provide adequate grip even on wet and softer roads. The compound is not extremely soft, nor is it too expensive, so you can walk smoothly on both off-road and paved roads. In that sense, it is truly exquisite that it can be used all-around, regardless of the terrain.

Durability: Continuing from the previous model, adequate protection against hard obstacles and water

This shoe is safe to use for any activity, and one of the main reasons it has enough strength. The durable, breathable, firm ripstop mesh fabric, heat-compression-bonded TPU material, and even more robust reinforcement material, minimises weight, while maintaining the highest level of protection for a running shoe (photo below). With this much durability, you won't be bothered by sharp stones and branches, or rubbing on rocky areas.

The toes, heels and around the shoes are protected with trekking (a rather luxurious as a trail running shoe).

Furthermore, the waterproof model we are covering this time is GORE-TEX, so you don't have to worry about trails wet with morning dew, puddles on muddy roads, or running on streams, or on cold days or in rainy weather. By the way, it is better to know that waterproof sneakers are simply convenient for everyday use.

In the case of non-waterproof sneakers, your shoes will quickly become wet if you run in the weeds in the morning, but with a waterproof model like GORE-TEX, there is no need to worry about that.

It is completely waterproof to a height of about the middle instep of your feet, so you can rest assured that it won't get wet even if it's submerged in water.

Summary: The 9th generation model is easier to use for light and speed-oriented hiking, like fast packing.

The Salomon XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX has an unparalleled the stability of 3D Advanced Chassis™ the shock absorption and rebound of EnergyCell™+ , the grip of All Terrain Contagrip® Sensifit™ and Quicklace™ , while also providing an exquisite balance that combines the various elements required for hiking and running. However, although they are basically made for technical trail running, they are slightly more crafted than the high-speed, high-cushion models, which are trending these days as a specialized trail running shoe, and the rigidity is a little lacking for hiking shoes. If you want to specialize in each, you should consider a different option.

So, what situation will this shoe be most useful? It's probably a fast packing or a speed-oriented, lighter luggage transporting long distances, although you don't run all the time. When I think of it as a lighter hiking shoe, I feel that this trend has become even stronger with this model. Of course, the sturdy, stable and supportive sole construction will work well as a normal hiking shoe even without running, so it is definitely a perfect pair of shoes that will satisfy anyone looking for light outdoor shoes or beginners looking for introductory shoes that are easy to wear. The temperature has settled down and it's nice to have fun playing in the mountains, so if you're an outdoor enthusiast, it's no surprise that everyone can have a pair.

Details and purchase of "XA PRO 3D V9 GORE-TEX"

For information on the latest models' arrival information and product details, please check the official online store