Review: SALOMON XA AMPHIB & CROSSAMPHIBIAN SWIFT These might be the shoes outdoor enthusiasts want to wear this summer

Run, swim, relax

Sandals are very convenient in the summer. They are lightweight, easy to put on and take off with bare feet, and dry quickly even if they get wet. Recently, outdoor models have also become more durable and have a higher grip, making them comfortable to walk in for long periods of time

Sandals are great for all sorts of active summer occasions, such as going to the beach or pool, relaxing on hikes, camping or BBQs, taking them with you on trips or just wearing them in everyday life. The new Salomon shoes we're introducing today are, roughly speaking, unique shoes that are like "an evolution of sandals in the Salomon style."

These running shoes were originally designed for a new type of adventure race called "swimrun," but after learning more about their features, I realized they are great for wearing, running, and swimming , making them a great choice for light outdoor activities in the summer.

the XA AMPHIB , a standard model in Salomon's sandal and water shoe lineup, and CROSSAMPHIBIAN SWIFT , to unravel the appeal of these two shoes, which have unique features.

General characteristics

The XA AMPHIB the S/LAB XA AMPHIB, developed and released last year with performance in mind for swimrun, a new sport in which pairs of people alternate between trail running and open-water swimming to reach the finish line . The lightweight and flexible upper allows for unrestricted movement, while the exceptional breathability and water-shedding properties ensure incredibly quick drying even when wet. This shoe offers constant comfort and ease for activities that transition between land and water. It's perfect for all kinds of midsummer activities, from water-based trail running and aquathlons to kayaking, rafting, SUP, riverside camping, and even swimming. The lineup's lightest model, the CROSSAMPHIBIAN SWIFT , packs even more compactly, making it a versatile shoe that's perfect for summer outdoor activities and travel.

Recommended points

1. Lightweight and flexible body
2. Upper and insole for barefoot comfort
3. Excellent drainage system for breathability and quick drying
4. An outsole that lets you enjoy running while feeling the sensations of your feet
5. CROSSAMPHIBIAN SWIFT's ease of use

Points of interest

1. Grip on muddy and mossy trails
2. Slightly tight last and shallow heel cup

Main specifications and OGZ's own evaluation

Detailed Review

Lightweight and flexible body

The official weight is 244g (measured 258g for size 27cm), which is light even among trail running shoes, and it feels clearly "light" when you hold it. Another notable feature is that the sole is quite thick but still very flexible. It folds up very compactly (see photo below)

Of course, these shoes are not high-rebound speed shoes with a hard shank, but they provide a natural fit with little discomfort, and can be worn with a feeling closer to being barefoot, like barefoot shoes

Upper and insole for barefoot comfort

In addition to this softness, the shoes are still packed with the same reliable fit technology, making them extremely comfortable and fitting when worn barefoot. To be honest, I would even consider wearing them for everyday relaxation rather than running

The shoe tongue wraps around the arch of the foot to secure it in place, fitting snugly against your bare foot and minimizing movement

The familiar quicklace is even more effective in water, where shoelaces are more likely to come undone

Excellent drainage system for breathability and quick drying

The upper is made of TPU mesh, a material developed in collaboration with Wilson, a tennis manufacturer. It offers high mobility and stability while remaining lightweight, flexible, and durable, and it also provides excellent water drainage and running stability

The mesh-like holes are so rough that they are visible to the naked eye, allowing water and air to escape freely

And this is the biggest feature of these shoes. The upper, which combines a resin-like surface with fine drainage holes and mesh, is as breathable and allows water to escape as it looks, and because it hardly retains water, it dries in no time when you get out on land

Of course, drainage wouldn't be an issue with regular sandals, but the "sense of security" that comes from having the entire upper protected and the "mobility" that lets you run normally are benefits that aren't available in sandals, or even water shoes up until now

While maintaining durability, it is equipped with adequate ventilation and drainage holes, keeping your feet comfortable at all times

We actually soaked a regular trail running shoe and these two models in water and compared their weight before and after (see photo below). The top row is before soaking, and the bottom row is after soaking. The XA AMPHIB the SENSE RIDE , which we compared it to . This shows how little water is absorbed (i.e. how hydrophobic) these shoes are.

An outsole that lets you enjoy running while feeling the sensations of your feet

The sole is neither too thick nor too thin, measuring 19mm at the heel and 13mm at the forefoot. Combined with the flexibility of the entire sole, you can actually feel the unevenness of the ground, creating a comfortable, barefoot feel. It's comfortable to wear simply, whether camping or everyday. The drop is about 6mm, so there's a certain amount of cushioning in the heel, while still allowing for a natural, forefoot-like running style

CROSSAMPHIBIAN SWIFT's ease of use

The CROSSAMPHIBIAN SWIFT the younger brother of the XA AMPHIB , has the same sole but a lighter upper structure and is a more affordable entry-level model. If you're not planning on serious running, this may be a better choice.

The body is more like a water shoe than a sandal, and in addition to being lightweight, you can easily collapse the heel as shown in the photo below, which is extremely convenient.It packs extremely compactly, so you can easily stuff them into your bag not only for outdoor activities but also as a secondary pair of shoes when traveling

Points of interest

Grip on muddy and mossy trails

There was no problem with grip in the water, but if you plan to run on the trail seriously, you'll want a grip performance that will give you peace of mind even on tougher (wet) terrain. Well, in that case, the best option would be the S/LAB XA AMPHIB

The outsole is a little slippery in wooded areas with wet rocks and tree roots, so it needs a bit more support for serious trail running

Slightly tight last and shallow heel cup

Since these shoes are also designed for swimming, they have a tight fit so that they won't slip off in the water, and the heel cup is slightly shallow to make it easier to swim in. This may feel uncomfortable to some people. However, even though the heel cup is shallow, it doesn't mean that the shoe will slip off easily due to the tightness around the instep, but I get the impression that the stability when running is relatively low (compared to trail running shoes). However, of course, as sandals, they are exceptionally easy to run in, so the impression may differ from that of runners who have run in a variety of sandals

Compared to the XA AMPHIB (left), the SENSE RIDE (right), a regular trail running shoe, offers better heel cushioning and support

Summary: Recommended for these people

Combining the mobility and stability of running shoes with the waterside performance and ease of sandals, the XA AMPHIB and CROSSAMPHIBIAN SWIFT are versatile shoes that are too good to be used only for the niche activities of swimming and running. While they lack the serious performance of running shoes, their affordable price makes them perfect for any summer occasion, from swimming and running to water sports, camping, and everyday use.

In the summer, you want to be barefoot, but you want the style, comfort, and security of shoes, not sandals. This happens more often than you might expect. While outdoor sandals these days are certainly high-quality, they also come at a price. As summer approaches, these sandals are a great option for those looking to try water sports, as well as those looking for wearable sandals

For product details and inquiries, please also check the SALOMON official website

XA AMPHIB

SALOMON

12,960 yen

258g (27cm)

CROSSAMPHIBIAN SWIFT

SALOMON

9,720 yen

202g (27cm)

   

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