Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX

Summary

These are excellent trail running shoes. I can take sandy switchbacks without concern and they grip those slabby exposed and angled rocks you'll find on trails with the greatest of ease.

I wear these shoes trail running in the mountains of Colorado. The trails I spend most of my time on are rolling singletrack and hills with roots, rocks, sand, and other obstacles. Because I live in a semi-arid climate, I don't get to splash in puddles or get all muddy very often. Ah well. I got the shoes at a discount through my work (a general sporting goods company). Having tried them and loved them, I would pay full price if I had to.

I did not have a significant break-in period with these shoes. They hit my ankle slightly higher than all of the other shoes I wear, so there was mild rubbing which was mitigated by wearing ankle socks instead of no-show socks. The rubbing subsided after maybe two runs. This model is for overpronators (that's me!). I find that they provide good support for my mild overpronation. 

Although GoreTex is a magical material, it's not something I would just slip on in 90 degree heat. It is not significant (to me), but my feet get warm in these shoes if it is warmer than 85. That would be my only note about the shoes, which is less the shoes and more the weather. I don't get hot feet on cool mornings and will have happy, warm feet in the winter.

I am a particular fan of the fastening system. It is a kevlar cord with a slider that holds tight until you hit a button and loosen the lacing. The tongue even has a shnazzy pocket for stashing the excess cord so you don't catch it on a rock and face-plant (it's kevlar, so it's not going to break). 

The shoes are well-made. There is a lot of granite where I run which is super rough rock that does a number on a great many fabric items (let me show you my holey wardrobe from bouldering). Unlike my other trail shoes, these don't have any significant snagging or abrasions. 

I have also worn them scrambling and they performed well. I was able to do some edging work while the people I was with (in hiking shoes and road running shoes) couldn't keep up. The shoes would be good approach shoes for climbing with the easy on/off kevlar strap instead of laces. The GoreTex is an added bonus for the winter. It keeps my feet dry and warmer (fantastic in the winter, maybe not fantastic in the summer). 

Summary

Extremely durable and comfortable trail running shoe that really makes you feel like you have control on the trail. Lightweight keeps you running.

This is a really durable and comfortable shoe for aggressive trail runners. The wire drawsting will eventually break and it sucks when it happens when you're on a trail. Hard to even do a temporary tie off to allow for a jog back home. But I wouldn't let that deter you from a purchase because this is a great shoe.

Fantastic.

I bought these more for camping adventures more than for trail running. The color from REI is a little more Green (Khaki), Grey and Black than the picture pasted for this review. I am guessing there may be several colors.

Plus's

• waterproof
• rugged
• lightish
• full rubber area around toe area,  i.e. no stitching to wear and breaks
• upper fast lacing system

+/- (i.e. undecided for Plus / Minus ),

• reasonably quick drying
• inner sole, as usual with a lot of shoes they are very simple.  I may add a gel.

Minus's

• not as breathable as I think they are advertised to be, make sure you wear extreme wicking socks, maybe a little on the thicker side of your choices.  My feet have gotten cold in these because of perspiration not escaping.
• Be very careful of fireplace ashes, or someone near by to your letting of fireworks, as the upper melts easily.

Definitely would recommend and buy myself again from REI

The best shoes! I have been wearing these shoes for the last 5 years and am on my 3rd(?) pair. My previous versions didn't have Goretex -- this time I upgraded to the waterproof version.

There is no break in period. I wear them for everything- from around town or on the trail. Fit is perfect and I love the lacing system. They are light and have a great tread, working well when it is wet or with snow. With the Goretex, they are also good for winter usage.

I can't suggest any improvements to the shoes...

This shoe was my first trail running specific shoe. Making the transition from my favorite pair of Brooks to these Salomon's had me a bit nervous as the Brooks have been the only shoe I've worn and not have foot problems.

When first putting this shoes on I was a bit concerned with what felt like a rather narrow fit. However after having them on for only about an hour the fit felt perfect and I was beginning to really like the feel and ride.

Immediately took the shoes out for a 10 mile trail run on a nice 20 degree day with lots of snow and ice on the trails. I was very impressed with the overall stability of the shoe and the traction that they provided on technical sections all the way to the wide scree access paths.

Since first purchasing the shoe I have logged several hundred miles on these shoes and they have continued to provide a great ride and kept my feet in healthy condition. The Gore-tex has held up well and my feet stay dry and warm on those cold days in the woods while running through deep snow and stream crossings. I've learned to love these shoes so much that I wear them nearly all the time as they make great everyday winter shoes.

Overall I've been very impressed with these shoes and would highly recommend them to anyone running trails or just looking for a nice pair of everyday shoes in winter or wet weather.

Great shoes. A bit narrow at first. I am used to a wider fit using past shoes from Brooks, North Face, and Asics.

After a short break in I have been pleasantly pleased. Good fit. The lacing system is superior. Great traction on wet, icy, and snowy surfaces. Very waterproof, even through water.