SALOMON XA PRO 3D V9 GORE-TEX Review: From outdoor activities to city walks, the origin and pinnacle of crossover shoes evolves into the 9th generation

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Perhaps because my job requires me to walk frequently between the city and the field, the Salomon XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX has been my go-to work shoe for over five years now. With just one pair, I can walk and run in them, regardless of the weather, from everyday city walks to the field, accompanying activities, and covering events. I've tried similar shoes from various manufacturers, but I always end up returning to this best-selling shoe that has been loved around the world for over 20 years since its creation. That's how captivating it is.

This versatile crossover shoe, which seamlessly connects the city and nature, has been updated to its ninth generation this season. Personally, I had just worn out the previous model until the soles were completely smooth, and I was eagerly waiting for the new model to be released, so the timing couldn't have been better

So, in this article, I will be reviewing the latest model of the Salomon XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX , focusing on how it has evolved from its predecessor and what the appeal of the XA PRO 3D

The XA PRO has been my regular work shoe for about five years now. I've been wearing three generations of the V7 (from left: V7, V8, V9)

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

The pioneering XA Pro trail running shoe was born in 2002 to conquer the Raid Gauloises, the original adventure race in which teams blaze their own trails across long, rugged terrain with no set route, running for several days to reach the finish line. Since then, the shoe has continued to evolve over the 9th generation, the XA PRO TEX (hereafter referred to as XA PRO), while maintaining its basic concept of "a shoe that allows for swift movement in diverse mountain terrains and allows for comfortable movement in all activities, from running to hiking, scrambling and cycling." Through close collaboration between athletes and designers, the shoe has evolved over the past 20 years .

Featuring unparalleled fit thanks to Salomon's signature Sensifit™ and Quicklace™ technology, a stable midsole based on the 3D Advanced Chassis™, which optimally controls impact, twisting, and movement, EnergyCell™+ for increased flexibility and rebound, a tough, grippy outsole, and consistently reliable protection, these shoes offer balanced functionality for any outdoor activity and continue to meet the needs of mountain athletes, professionals, and enthusiasts worldwide. Furthermore, the sophisticated asymmetrical design makes them suitable for everything from outdoor activities to city walks, and for everyday use, travel, leisure, outdoor activities, and workouts, regardless of location or season. While this review focuses on the men's GORE-TEX model, the wide range of options available, including non-GORE-TEX, women's, and wide-leg models, adds to their appeal

Recommended points

• SensiFit™ and Quicklace™ for a snug, full-foot fit
• 3D Advanced Chassis™ for superior lateral stability and support
• EnergyCell™+ midsole provides excellent shock absorption and rebound
• High protection and waterproofness with GORE-TEX
• All Terrain Contagrip® outsole provides excellent grip on a variety of surfaces
• Extremely versatile for trail running, hiking, road running, rocky terrain, and more

Points of interest

• Slightly less cushioned
• Specialization (these shoes are not as good as trail running shoes, hiking shoes, or street sneakers)

Main specifications and evaluation (compared to the previous model)

Detailed review of the product in the field (focusing on comparison with the previous model)

Appearance and comfort: Continuing from the previous model, the shoe offers a comfortable fit with excellent fit, hold, and roominess

It goes without saying that the fit and comfort of shoes are important for any shoe, not just their appearance, but also how they feel against the skin when worn, whether they feel tight, whether your feet slip easily inside the shoes, and whether your toes can move freely. The XA PRO , which has long been loved by outdoorsmen around the world, naturally does not overlook these points, and it has been carefully crafted in the same way as its predecessor.

The calm coloring and asymmetrical design will suit any style or occasion

First and foremost, the core of the comfortable fit of Salomon shoes is the Sensifit™ upper structure, which is naturally also used in this model. It provides an exquisite fit that wraps around the sole of the foot like a palm, providing an incredibly comfortable fit regardless of the shape of your foot (see photo below). I've experienced it many times before, but once again, I can't resist it. Now, when I'm enveloped in this comfort, I feel like I'm back home

Sensifit™ technology tightens evenly from the sole of the foot, providing a snug, even fit all around the foot

Furthermore, the XA PRO unique lacing pattern the tips of the laces , improves the overall fit, including the toe area (see photo below). the XA PRO itself is not made too tight, so even when the laces are tightened, the toes never feel cramped, and even when tightened, the toes can still move moderately. It's clear that the XA PRO

The XA PRO last (foot shape) is a slightly average width to fit a wider range of foot shapes, but in case that's still too narrow, wide sizes are also available, so you'll never be unable to find a foot shape that fits you.

The laces extend to the base of the big toe and Quicklace™ allow for more even tightening closer to the toe

And of course, this shoe is also equipped with another Salomon symbol, the Quicklace™ shoelace system, which supports this exceptional fit and ease of use (see photo below). Excess laces can be easily stored in the shoelace box, so they won't dangle while you're running

Quicklace™ allows for quick setup and easy retightening, and the unused section can be tucked away in the pocket for easy storage

Stretch material is also placed on the instep (although the lower half is a non-stretchy GORE-TEX membrane), allowing for a more precise fit. This material also prevents foreign objects from entering through the gap in the tongue

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

The firm and deep heel cup, combined with the rigid 3D chassis described below, provides a good hold and stability (see photo below). The ankle area is padded with just the right amount of cushioning, and I like the soft feel and support

Luxuriously cushioned ankle area provides a comfortable fit

Cushioning, rebound, and stability: The midsole incorporates new technology to provide a lighter, more agile running experience

The chassis provides excellent stability, and the midsole provides cushioning and rebound, making walking less tiring and running more comfortable

In addition to the upper that provides the simple ease of wear of a shoe the XA PRO achieves an exquisite balance and high performance by combining the characteristics of both hikers and trail runners thanks to its unique sole structure that has been honed through a long period of evolution.

One of the components that make up the sole is the 3D Advanced Chassis™ , a three-dimensionally molded plastic frame reinforced with fiberglass that runs from the arch to the heel between the midsole and outsole. This absorbs the impact when landing and firmly prevents twisting and swaying from side to side, creating the high stability that is the defining feature of the XA PRO

The 3D Advanced Chassis™ extends not only through the heel but also under the arch of the foot, preventing twisting and wobbling of the foot

While it's essentially the same as the previous model, it looks taller and still provides excellent stability. What's more, this plate also acts as a rock plate, protecting the runner from uneven ground

The redesigned 3D Advanced Chassis™ is slightly higher, which is thought to make it more stable

Another, more obvious change is the midsole, which has been changed from EnergyCell™ EnergyCell™+

EnergyCell™ that has been used until now has the strongest shock absorption of any cushioning material used in Salomon running shoes. Meanwhile, " EnergyCell™+ ", which is being used for the first time this time, also has superior energy return (rebound force) (other models that use " EnergyCell™+ " include the "SPEEDCROSS 6" and "S/LAB ULTRA 3"). This means that more rebound force is obtained with each stride, making it easier for the foot to move forward, resulting in a lighter walking style. Naturally, this is more advantageous for high-paced activities than for slow walking.

The EnergyCell™+ midsole is a blend of more responsive materials for more energy return

The new midsole makes the sole slightly thinner, giving it a more flexible feel

As for how these changes have affected the comfort of walking and running, the first thing I noticed compared to the previous model is that the cushioning under the feet feels softer and more flexible. Furthermore, each step feels smoother. Also, perhaps because the sole is slightly thinner, the sensitivity under the feet is much improved, allowing for delicate footwork at speed. The feeling of running down the fields and mountains is pleasant, and the shoes feel even more like trail running shoes than the previous model. Of course, the high level of stability when landing remains the same

On the other hand, when carrying a lot of luggage, I do feel a slight lack of cushioning, and my feet get a little more tired with a heavy load (although I don't feel much of a difference with lighter loads). Overall, I feel like the rigidity of hiking boots has been toned down, and the lightness of running shoes has been strengthened

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

Another major update is the outsole. At first glance, it doesn't seem to have changed much from the previous model, but the compound has been upgraded to the more durable All Terrain Contagrip® , making it less likely to wear out (see photo below).

Also, when comparing the lug shape and pattern to previous models (which have worn down and become difficult to see), the center point has been made sharper and the sides have been changed to a more complex wedge shape compared to the previous model, the V8, as shown by the dotted line in the photo below

If you look closely and compare it to the previous model, you will see that the lug shape in the center and on the sides has been changed to a more complex wedge shape

The lug shape has been enlarged, and the new sharply angled points improve traction and mud shedding

This lug shape is similar to the "X ULTRA" series, a standard hiking shoe, and this combination gives the impression of providing adequate grip even on wetter, softer surfaces. The compound is not extremely soft, and the lugs are not too high, so you can walk smoothly both off-road and on paved roads. In that sense, it is truly an all-around shoe that can be used on any terrain, making it an excellent choice

Durability: Continuing from its predecessor, it offers ample protection against hard obstacles and water

One of the main reasons these shoes can be used safely for any activity is their ample durability. Made from a firm ripstop mesh fabric that is durable and breathable, with heat-pressed TPU material, and with robust reinforcements around the toe cap and heel, they offer the highest level of protection for a running shoe while minimizing weight (see photo below). With this level of durability, you won't have to worry about being pierced by sharp stones or branches, or scraping against rocky surfaces

The toes, heels, and surrounding area of ​​the shoe are protected to withstand trekking (quite luxurious for a trail running shoe)

What's more, the model featured here is a waterproof GORE-TEX, so you don't have to worry about morning dew on the trail, crossing puddles or streams on muddy roads, or running on cold or rainy days. Incidentally, I think it's important to be more aware of the subtle convenience of waterproof sneakers for everyday use

If you wear non-waterproof sneakers, your shoes will quickly become soaked if you run through the grass in the morning, but you don't have to worry about that if you use waterproof models such as GORE-TEX

It is completely waterproof up to about the middle of the instep, so even if your toes are submerged in water, they will stay completely dry

Summary: The 9th generation model is easier to use for lightweight, speed-focused hiking, such as fastpacking

The Salomon XA PRO 3D GORE-TEX offers the stability of 3D Advanced Chassis™ the shock absorption and rebound of EnergyCell™+ , the grip of All Terrain Contagrip® Sensifit™ and Quicklace™ . However, while it's primarily designed for technical trail running, it's a bit too bulky for a specialized trail running shoe compared to the high-speed, highly cushioned models that are popular these days, and it's a bit lacking in rigidity for a specialized hiking shoe. If you want to specialize in both, you should consider other options.

So, what situations would make these shoes most useful? Perhaps they're not for running all the time, but rather for carrying lightweight loads long distances with an emphasis on speed, in other words, fastpacking or speed hiking-type activities. Thinking of them as lighter hiking shoes, I feel this trend has been further strengthened with this model. Of course, the sturdy, stable, and supportive sole structure functions just as well as a regular hiking shoe even when not running, so there's no doubt they're a satisfying pair for anyone looking for a lightweight outdoor shoe, or even an easy-to-wear introductory shoe for beginners. With the coming season bringing cooler temperatures and more comfortable mountain activities, it's no wonder that any outdoor enthusiast should have a pair in their possession

For more information and to purchase the XA PRO 3D V9 GORE-TEX,

Please check the official online store for information on the latest model arrivals and product details

   

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