Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Ideal for off-road adventure racing, the Salomon Speedcross 3 trail-running shoes offer cushioning and traction on muddy single track, dusty roads and snow fields.
Shop newer versionBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 11 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Single-pull Lace |
Upper | Nylon mesh |
Lining | Nylon |
Midsole | EVA |
Support | Nylon plate |
Outsole | Rubber |
Rock Plate | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 6 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 24.5 Mondo | 25.5 Mondo | 26.5 Mondo | 27.5 Mondo | 28.5 Mondo | 29.5 Mondo | 30.5 Mondo | 31.5 Mondo | |
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U.S. Men's | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 13 | 14 | 15.5 |
U.S. Women's | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 14 |
EU | 36 | 36.6 | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.6 | 47.3 | 48 | 49.3 | 39 | 40.3 | 42 | 43.3 | 45 | 46.3 | 48 | 49 |
Mondo | 22 | 22.5 | 23 | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 32 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 31.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.4 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 11 | 11.4 | 11.8 | 12.2 | 12.6 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I bought a pair of these as well as a pair of LA Sportiva's for a trip to Yosemite this past weekend. After wearing both for a week, I decided to pack both for the trip but ended up using the Salomons for my 18 mile hike up Half Dome. If you know how steep this grade is on the cables, then you know that traction is an absolute must. These shoes completely impressed me with grip, traction, and support during the hike. The heel cushioning was amazing and definitely absorbed the needed shock on the way down. The speed lacing system was also incredibly useful when I wanted to stop and rest and loosen up my shoes. I'd highly recommend these for any and all hikes.
So these aren't waterproof, but being a low cut shoe, what's the point? The breathability allows you to tromp through streams and be dry in a mile or two. The traction is second to none. Like comfortable cleats. I broke them in on a 20 mile backpack trip, with no discomfort or blisters. I should mention that I did add green SF insoles beneath the stock ones since they were super thin. The combo was awesome for my foot, and in snow, it allowed me to air dry one set while using the others. My next trip was 82 miles from Mammoth to Yosemite on the JMT. Again, performed flawlessly as my companions added blister after blister, I ended the trip free of any foot damage. The speed lacing is great. Even when fully loosened, the laces never touch the ground. This is cool if you exit your tent to get something quick style. Although they aren't waterproof or tall, they kicked butt in the snow. One of the most comfortable shoes I've owned, put my Air's in the closet for good. I've used these in snow, ice, mud, hardpack dirt, gravel etc. Only spot they were loose on was wet slick granite and bare logs. Especially if they were wet. I have 100 heavy packed, strenuous miles on them and I would say they wore maybe 15% on the sole. I will be buying these again in say 200 more miles.
I have pretty much worn out my first pair of these and am probably going to get a second pair. These shoes have amazing grip; other than actual sports cleats, these can not be beat. The caveat here, though, is that they are a bit wasted when used on pavement. Also, using these on a bike will tear up the cleats on the shoes prematurely. But they are the single best off-road, dry weather, low-top shoes I've ever owned. The Salomon lacing system is quick, easy, and surprisingly functional. The breathe well and are very lightweight. The Contagrip outsole on this shoe is impressively sticky and yet durable (but stay off-road and no bike riding!).
I bought these strickly for trail running but found the traction good for climbing the rocky ridges and summit trails of Hawaii. They have replaced my hiking boots because they are so light weight that my feet don't get as tired or hot at the end of the day, rocks don't get in and my feet have stayed dry even sliding and crawling around in the mud. I credit them with extending my life recently when I got off the trail and deadended on a cliff high above Waimanalo knowing it was climb or die trying... These guys were like claws and up I went on what you might call a vertical trail sprint.
Unbelievable shoes. Grip cannot be beat. 2 ToughMudders, 2 Spartan Sprints, 1 Spartan Beast and and miles of winter trail runs. Barely showing wear. Speedlaces clip broke on race 3 but with the grip these provide I still have to give 5 stars... Wet clay, thick mud. You can run though, up, and around it like its dry tarmac. Ive stocked up on these as I cannot imagine a more durable and comfortable shoes!!!
I purchased these after many disappointments in finding a lightweight shoe with good traction for winter running. I train outdoors on snow-packed trails and these shoes have proved ideal. First, the have a very good chevron shaped lug design on the shoe foot plate. They reject slushy snow quite well. By far the biggest surprise is how they feel under foot. You notice the light weight and cushy yet responsive compliance. They feel like a racing flat. The lugging looks clunky and I expected an awkward dry road ride but the shoe responds very well on dry roads too. I have run with this shoe on an indoor track to extend a long run and they feel perfectly at home. Awesome shoe.
Just returned from 4 days in the Canyon. Remarkable shoe!The light weight was a huge help in minimizing leg fatigue. I am 66 yrs old and kept up with my younger friends,for the most part,Not one slide even on the most loose gravel and steepest slope.After 4 days the little rubber projections were still in tact and no signs of wear at all.I concur with all the great reviews of this shoe. Will use my dividends to get a second pair before they are discontinued or" Upgraded"
I ordered the Speedcross 3's sight unseen after some considerable comparison shopping. My initial impressions out of the box were very positive, and the shoe fulfilled my every expectation for style, quality of construction and fit. I wear between a 9.5 and 10, and the 10 was perfect. After a 9 mile training run through the river bottoms and a 7.5 mile trail race, I can say without reservation that I would definitely order these shoes again. They are very comfortable and provided good feel for the trail. The aggressive tread performed exceptionally well on muddy single track and slippery hill climbs. The speed lacing system kept a snug fit and shed trail debris better than traditional laces. Overall, I would say that these shoes gave me a feeling of confidence running through diverse terrain in less than ideal conditions, which is exactly what I'm looking for in a trail running shoe.
I recently bought my second pair of these shoes. I wore the first pair for about a year, and hiked with them multiple times a week, the eventually wore down, lost traction and I tore some holes in the sides, but they were worn hard. They are hands down my favorite shoes to wear for everything from going to the gym to doing 10+ miles hiked. The traction on them is unbelievable, and I can't say I have worn a more comfortable shoe.
Just got the shoes in the mail last week. Went on a mountain run today and found the shoes to be just what I've been looking for. Lots of cushion and flexibility along with unsurpassed traction both going up and downhill. Worked great on crumbled granite and muddy trails.