salomon xa pro 3d ultra mesh trail running shoes (appalachian trail thru-hike)
Photo above shoes XA Pro shoes with Simblissity Levagaiters on a AT training hike in Connecticut
These were the first real hiking shoes that I used, and though I don't use them anymore, I think they are an excellent company and an excellent choice for many hikers. The ARCH is AGGRESSIVE and I ended up finally deciding that it was increasing the soreness in my arches while hiking. While not all people can benefit from the substantial arch, all can benefit from the overall quality that I found in Salomon products.
LIKES: Good durability and EXCELLENT TRACTION on mixed terrain, snow, rock, mud, you name it. Still the best all-condition traction shoes I've ever tried. Good toe guard that saved my toes from numerous headers into angry rocks. The quick-lace system is different from most shoes, but I found that it worked well, and proved to be effective for these shoes. Well built, and while their are certainly more minimal shoes out there ( Altra Lone Peak 1.5 ) I found it to be in the same overall support and protection category that I put the Brooks Cascadia 7's into.
DISLIKES: Personally found that my feet preferred a lower arch and a wider toe box (though I consider this shoe wider than many).
SUMMARY: Nothing to be disappointed in with the shoe itself. Salomon is a company that you should try out some time, because you may find you've got a new favorite. Excellent hiking shoe with good heel protection, toe guards, and excellent traction. Top marks for this shoe.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SHOE HERE
These were the first real hiking shoes that I used, and though I don't use them anymore, I think they are an excellent company and an excellent choice for many hikers. The ARCH is AGGRESSIVE and I ended up finally deciding that it was increasing the soreness in my arches while hiking. While not all people can benefit from the substantial arch, all can benefit from the overall quality that I found in Salomon products.
LIKES: Good durability and EXCELLENT TRACTION on mixed terrain, snow, rock, mud, you name it. Still the best all-condition traction shoes I've ever tried. Good toe guard that saved my toes from numerous headers into angry rocks. The quick-lace system is different from most shoes, but I found that it worked well, and proved to be effective for these shoes. Well built, and while their are certainly more minimal shoes out there ( Altra Lone Peak 1.5 ) I found it to be in the same overall support and protection category that I put the Brooks Cascadia 7's into.
DISLIKES: Personally found that my feet preferred a lower arch and a wider toe box (though I consider this shoe wider than many).
SUMMARY: Nothing to be disappointed in with the shoe itself. Salomon is a company that you should try out some time, because you may find you've got a new favorite. Excellent hiking shoe with good heel protection, toe guards, and excellent traction. Top marks for this shoe.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SHOE HERE