Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

This product is not available.
Ideal for fastpacking and trail running, the Salomon XA Comp 7 women's trail-running shoes let you tackle a broad range of terrain.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Off-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 10 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Single-pull Lace |
Upper | Synthetic leather/nylon mesh |
Lining | Nylon mesh |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | Contagrip rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4.2 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 22.5 Mondo | 23.5 Mondo | 24.5 Mondo | 25.5 Mondo | 26.5 Mondo | 27.5 Mondo | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 3.5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8.5 | 9.5 | ||
U.S. Men's | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 11.5 | 12 | ||||||
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 8 | 9 |
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 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 40.3 | 42 | 43.3 |
Mondo | 22 | 22.5 | 23 | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 |
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 | 9 | 9.4 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 11 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I've been a devoted Saloman wearer for over 5 years and have loved them. I walk and hike a lot, and buy a new pair every 500 miles (3-4 months). I buy Gore-Tex in the winter and non-waterproof in the summer. I most commonly purchase the XA Comp models, but have also purchased Wings and Pro. For the first time ever, I don't like a Salomon shoe - the XA Comp 7. The toe box is cramped, even after I bought a half size bigger than usual. I am so disappointed that Salomon ruined a great shoe by changing the last, and I'm disappointed in REI for not carrying the Pro series. So I'm stuck with these cramped XA Comp 7's until new models come out this fall.
I typically have a hard time finding hiking shoes that don't kill my feet, which tend to be extremely sweaty. These did the trick; they served my well for my job, which requires long miles off-trail in rugged terrain. They vent well and have a large toe box, which allows for the swelling that comes with high elevation. I also love the toggle laces; it's great not having to continually trip over my own feet/untied laces. The only reason these get 4/5 stars is the mesh uppers have already started to rip after 3 months. That being said, I abused them for 400+ rough miles and they saved me from many blisters.
This is the third pair that I have owned. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. They have great support and are very lightweight. I buy these for trail hiking but find that I want to put them on every day! I primarily work outdoors, and am on my feet all day. I wear them with wool hiking socks-my feet never have that "dog tired" feel at the end of the day! The one downside of this shoe is that the mesh wears out in the same place each time. Right by the pinky toe. Every thing else holds out great. I figure I get my value out of these shoes. If the mesh didn't wear out, I would probably still be in my original pair -which is at least 5 years old. Love the Solomon lacing system too!
These came highly recommended by the two sales reps that helped me. I was looking for something less bulky, and frankly, something a little "cuter." But when you're hiking the trails and canyons in LA, as the sales rep said, the last thing you need is cute. Your shoes will be covered in dirt and dust in no time! You can clean them all you want but what you need is functionality. These shoes are incredibly functional and supportive. I've hiked in them three times and haven't experienced any discomfort or a breaking-in period. I love these shoes and my fiance is jealous of them :)
I decided I wanted to try trail running, so of course, I went to REI for guidance on just the right shoe. This one stood out as a good stability shoe, so I tried it on. Normally in a running shoe, you would go with a larger size that what you regularly wear, but my regular shoe size was the correct one in this model. I broke them in by hiking in them a few times, and I couldn't get over how comfortable they were from day one. It actually worried me a bit - I thought they might stretch out a bit and be too loose. Not the case. I have been running in them several times now, and they help to keep my footing secure on rough rocky trails, and they feel great. Happy happy joy joy! Great shoes!
My first hike in these was 9-mile, 3,000-ft of elevation gain. They were great. No blisters or other irritations. I then spent two weeks approaching climbs in these shoes and then hiking the Grand Canyon. They were fantastic. The only thing to be aware of is that the upper nylon mesh lets in quite a bit of dust, so you may have to change socks if you spend all day in them. I don't run, so can't comment on that. For reference, I have relatively narrow and long feet.
I've owned a number of different Salomon hiking and running shoes. In comparison, these are light and extremely comfortable. The heel is snug - which feels good since I have plantar fascitis. The toe area is stretchy, which feels good since I have bunions. The mesh toe area lets in air - which keeps my feet cooler. It also lets in dust.
I recently took up trail running as a way to get a better workout than just hiking alone. I tried on every Trail-runner at REI before finally settling on this pair and in my opinion they are perfect for what I need. They are light weight but still feel solid enough to endure most types of terrain and have very good traction on rocks, etc. I love the shoe lace "garage" and not having to worry about them coming untied. All in all I love these shoes!
I bought these for a 4-day/40-mile backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon. From the moment I put them on, my feet loved them...and that doesn't happen often. I have slightly narrow feet and need a lot of arch support; while these do have a large toe box, the lacing system (which is fantastic) kept them tight enough in the middle of my foot to ensure I could enjoy the extra toe space without blisters from too much movement. I usually use the green inserts for arch support but these were good enough for me to move back to the less-intense pink ones. These shoes made my trip -- very lightweight, breathable, and super in water (drained well). I was one of the only people in the group to come back with no blisters or other foot problems, although as others have noted, these shoes do accumulate sand/dirt (as did everyone else's trail shoes on the trip I was on.) I subsequently bought two more pairs at the REI sale, which made me feel very lucky but indicates that they aren't necessarily for everyone. I usually wear a 7-1/2 or 8; I bought these in an 8-1/2, which might be a little tiny bit big but not enough to matter. I would recommend erring a half size large if unsure, especially if likely to wear with thick socks.
I work as a guide and go through lots of shoes. I need various types of hikers for the different terrains. I love this shoe. It holds, up, last through rough trails and rivers. Strong enough support for carrying a day pack and hikes that calls for a flexible and quick dry shoe. On those days you don't want to wear a boot, this is the best. Lots of toe room and the size feels true plus. IN other words I take a 9 in a shoe with closed toes. Often in hiking shoes that translates to 9.5 to have room for various soaks and toe room for down hill. This one feels great at a 9. Would buy this shoe again and again.