30 replies to this topic

[Easy Tiger]

Hi all, wondering if anyone has done any trail running in Salomon shoes? If so, any feedback would be appreciated.

[Virtual]

 Easy Tiger, on Jun 26 2006, 04:58 AM, said:

Hi all, wondering if anyone has done any trail running in Salomon shoes? If so, any feedback would be appreciated.

They seemed to be the shoe of choice at the MdS this year. There is no tougher test for a shoe than MdS.

General feedback was they had excellent stone protection and were light enough to run in without feeling like army boots.

I wore Montrails and they were good. A few had merrells. One common agreement is that Gore Tex is no good for trail shoes. In hot weather they broil your feet (ie. Blisters) and in wet weather they trap water (ie. Prune feet, blisters).

Innov-8 look good but don't seem to have much cusioning or space for swelling feet ie no good for races over 4hrs or running in hot weather.

Was chatting to John Lindsay this morning and he wouldn't shut up about Dunlop KT26 for trail. They seemed to work well for him at Western States 100 last night.

Cheers, Brendan

[Mister G]

Wore the Salomon Xtempo at Bogong-Hotham a few years ago, just as the shoe was discontinued. A bit bulky, but traction, foot protection etc was fine, although not many Australian runs call for such requirements.

Would buy more Salomons, but not many come in my size.

[Scott H]

 Easy Tiger, on Jun 26 2006, 04:58 AM, said:

Hi all, wondering if anyone has done any trail running in Salomon shoes? If so, any feedback would be appreciated.

They are the best trail shoes I have had for toughness and longevity. In Europe I wouldn't buy any others. I find over here though that there is a lack of spongyness (is that a word?) so refer something like New Balance trail shoes which are quite soft but have good support. I have a pair of the new TEVAs... they are falling to bits already. Won them at an adventure race so not too put out but would never buy them.

[chilliman]

 Scott H, on Jun 26 2006, 11:00 PM, said:

I have a pair of the new TEVAs... they are falling to bits already.

Most Teva's have 12months warranty, found their returns department to be excellent Shoot them an email.... sales@accentgr.com.au

Haven't run in their trail shoes but big fan of the sandals for numerous years.

Edited by chilliman, 27 June 2006 - 05:40 PM.

[Easy Tiger]

Hi guys,
Thanks for all the feedback, keep it coming.

Also, wondering what you guys rate as the priorities when selecting trail shoes? Weight, traction, durability, stability, comfort etc

Cheers, Gary

[Becky O]

Hi,

Does anyone know where to buy trail running shoes (looking at Salomon or Montrail) in Sydney city or Eastern Suburbs? I am having trouble finding places that stock them.

Thanks
Stampy

[*Frank*]

Can I also ask those with experience of such things, under what conditions do you need trail running shoes vs regular shoes. I run mostly around Lane Cove - so typical Sydney sand stone surface with a mixture of rocks, sand, roots and mud. I usually just wear my kayanos, but tend to roll around a bit in them.

[Tugger]

In the past I have been a bit sceptical about trail specific running shoes. Firstly, I totally agree with the Gore Tex comment, especially for our conditions (although I think they have their place for grass sports in Winter or some extreme running). I think in the past there's been a tendancy for shoe companies to take a standard road shoe, whack on an "aggressive" sole and overbuild the upper with the end result being a heavier shoe with no real benefit. Remember that an agressive sole only gives added grip if it can bite into something like softer dirt - ie. it's better to have the more surface contact area of road shoes if running on slick rock.

Anyway, after all that, the newer generation of trail shoes really do have something. Lower profile (better centre of gravity and stability on unstable terrain) and better protection form rocks and roots that can tire feet over time. In the last few months I have been fortunate to try a few trail shoes - Brooks Cascadia, Merrell Overdrive and the Salomon XA comp... and have been very impressed. My downhill running has improved ten fold and then there is a real sense of purpose in the shoe. I feel fresher after a run even though there is less misdole EVA (and theroretically less cushioning) because I think biomechanically they handle rough terrain better. Would I wear them at Glasshouse... not sure, but Great North Walk - yes!

FYI - Salomon have just released a new range of trail specific shoes (just avoid the Gore Tex version!) The Merrell is out of stock until December I think, but the Brooks is widely available (good choice if you fit a last with a slightly wider, rounded heel and toe box). Remember the lower profile adds stability - I really don't like the idea of heavy medial support for a trail shoe. Only the heaviest of over pronators should be in a shoe that has road type medial support IMHO if you are running mainly trails. Obviously it's different if you're after a shoe that's more of a hybrid - road and dirt.

Sorry for the long blab!

[Will]

 Stampy, on Aug 7 2006, 05:06 PM, said:

Hi,

Does anyone know where to buy trail running shoes (looking at Salomon or Montrail) in Sydney city or Eastern Suburbs? I am having trouble finding places that stock them.

Thanks
Stampy

There is a shop in Bondi Junction, that has a lot of salomon products, including shoes. Can t remember the name,but they also sell ski/snowboard gear. It is on Spring street, close to the KFC.

They also have some at the Mountain designs shop in Westfield Bondi Junction, last floor I think. But I will never buy anything from this shop, I think it is scandalous to sell so expensive products.

[Shuffler]

There's an Aussie web site, www.area51.net.au that's selling a limited range of trail shoes.(from memory Montrail & Salomon)

I've been trying a new pair of Montrail Continental Divides & have found them excellent from the point of view of pronation & technical control. However they breath very well which will be a real plus in summer but I find that they let heaps of water & sand in. And they start to feel hard under foot on longer runs.(20kms +)I'll probably go back to Montrail's Hardrock.


Salomon don't appear to make a pronation control shoe or I'd definitely give them a go!

Regards Moe.

[Tugger]

 Shuffler, on Aug 8 2006, 04:40 AM, said:

There's an Aussie web site, www.area51.net.au that's selling a limited range of trail shoes.(from memory Montrail & Salomon)

I've been trying a new pair of Montrail Continental Divides & have found them excellent from the point of view of pronation & technical control. However they breath very well which will be a real plus in summer but I find that they let heaps of water & sand in. And they start to feel hard under foot on longer runs.(20kms +)I'll probably go back to Montrail's Hardrock.


Salomon don't appear to make a pronation control shoe or I'd definitely give them a go!

Regards Moe.

All the new Salomon Trail shoes have a degree of medial support - they are quite different to their AR shoes.

[*Frank*]

Thanks for the comments - very helpful!

[otter]

I've looked at the Salamon XA Pro 3D shoes in Mountain Designs Hobart (so perhaps they're available at MD generally).
Noted that there is a mid foot stability feature which seems to give OK torsional rigidity. Good forefoot flex. Store ordering in my size, so no idea yet about accommodating wide feet.

http://www.salomonoutdoor.com/us/product.a...&currItem=3

Please don't all rush out and buy up the size US 13 until MD Hobart has a chance to stock them..

[seris]

I have done 3 trailwalkers in Salomon (X trails?) and LOVE them. I have 2 pairs and will buy more (if they are still available?) I ran the Cities marathon a couple of weeks ago in them and they were very comfortable (did this for a long run for Oxfam and also because I had blister prob with my usual runners after the GC marathon same month...) No foot or knee probs post run.
Frank, get some trail runners, no stubbing your toes and running on lots of rubble is a lot smoother. They also have a great grip with any moss or wet rocks. Each pair of my Salomons would have done at least 2,000kms and I'm not ready to retire them. Worth every cent (I think I paid $200 a pair over 3 1/2 years ago)

[seris]

Ok It's official! I just did Trailwalker in 16hrs 43 mins in Salomon Xa Pro (same shoes as the last 4 years)
3 small blisters from the 100kms(no taping) I have been running all this week in the same shoes. I am so happy with them that I am seriously considering running Sydney Marathon in them as well. Any pod specialist going to tell me I'm mad? I run with the idea that if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it. I'm uninjured........ any reason to think road running in these is going to do me any harm?

[Jordan Mitchell]

 Stampy, on Aug 8 2006, 06:06 PM, said:

Hi,

Does anyone know where to buy trail running shoes (looking at Salomon or Montrail) in Sydney city or Eastern Suburbs? I am having trouble finding places that stock them.

Thanks
Stampy

I have started to get into the Adventure Racing scene and have come across a company called ARea 51, www.area51.net.au that have Salomon, Montrail and Merrell. I bought a pair of Salomons and a pair of Merrells from them and love both of them. I'm not generally a fan of purchasing over the net but these guys were great. The Merrells I selected were a little small and they replaced them for me in a couple of days. If you need anything for trail running or offroad pursuits it is worth while checking them out. Good luck!

Cheers,

Mitch

[Thomas]

I bought a pair of Salamon XA Pro 3D yesterday and tried them out on the GNW LCNP for about an hour last night. This is a really awesome shoe - light, low centre of gravity, great grip & heaps of absorption. It is very flexible through the fore foot with a big toe box. The mid sole is very stiff and the stability seemed OK.

Not sure about the lacing though. They have the lace locks with the lace tied to the front end of the shoe, so the more you tighten or loosen them it affects the whole shape of the shoe rather than just the pressure across the upper. I had to stop and lossen/tighten a few times to get them right - probably just not used to them yet.

Another great feature is that they are red - I ran this course nearly 10 minutes quicker than in my blue Kayanos.

[laotze]

ASIC - MOJAVE Trail shoes - any comments from users, or testers?

I have worn ASIC 2110's previously in long trail runs with no greater problem than a sense that the sole has too much 'feel' of the ground beneath - especially over broken rock and roots, so that as commented above, my feet get tired, and a little sore - but not serious blisters or other discomfort. Plus the lovely white shoes look filthy afterwards.

I have looked at the Mojave's and they look ok at a modest price.

What do the regular trail runners say about them?

[RNJ]

Awiseman,

I purchased a pair about a month ago as i'm spending 3wks in my homeland of NZ over xmas period and have alot of trail/mountain runs planned. I usually run in nimbus.

I've been dealing with shin splints so haven't had a really good run in them, i've done a couple of short runs and they seem to be ok. I do feel the ground through the bottom of them though(not painful) just not sure how they would go on a decent distance? They also seem to get pretty hot(i do live in darwin so maybe that contributes) but i'm actually wearing them at work today, i work in air con, and my feet are definately hotter than usual.

On the whole though, very comfy but like i said, not sure how they will go on a long run. I will be able to tell u in a couple of wks though! Hope this helps u a little bit.

Jane

[laotze]

Thanks, superjane,

I've never had a problem with hot feet (I understand Joan of Arc complained about it) but I'll be interested to see what you have to say about the Mojaves after some longer trail runs.

I've always expected trail shoes would have more firm cushioning in the sole, but that doesn't seem to be the case will all of them.

[Eagle]

Awiseman:
I think a trail shoe is not meant to be necessarily more firm than a road shoe but should have :\

1. A solid toe box at the front to protect against rocks. tree roots etc.
2. A wider toe box so that there is plenty of movement for the toes to prevent or minimise blisters.
3. A sole that has more grip for the loose surfaces that will generally be found in trail running.

I run trails in Salomon and have had no problems that I have had with road runners.

[Bandanna]

I took my Salomon XA Pro 3D trail shoes for their maiden run at Quarry Road on Sunday. Went back for another Quarry run yesterday.

Hadn't been able to get the shoes earlier, something to do having a size 13, but King of the Mountain shop in Neutral Bay ordered them express from the US. A nice Chrissie prezzie

Eagle is spot on with his assessment. Too many times running at night I've stubbed my toes on rocks and roots; the Salomon has a solid toe box that helps protect.

The shoe is very light and comfortable to run in, and feels like a normal running shoe. Quite a lot cheaper than the Asics Kayanos I have been using before.

Now about that yellow colour......

[pastyboy]

Eagle,

Most importantly

4. A chassis to protect your feet from rocks on the trail.

[bjs1965]

Good to see The Runners Shop, Randwick is now stocking Salomon in both Men's and Women's ...

The Runners Shop, Randwick - Salomon Shoes

PS - I love the Red XA Pro's, too!

[Eagle]

As I understand it the shoe of choice for trail running was Montrail and in particular the Leone
but that model is no longer current and I have heard reports that the sole on the new model wears very quickly. So it appears that Solomon may become the trail shoe of choice.

Great news that the Runners Shop at Randwick is stocking this little known brand. If you are thinking of trail shoes considers these.

[Horrie]

Belinda and I have taken action on these recommendations and both have a pair. Looking forward to breaking them in at Beyond the Black Stump on Monday.

[Fats]

 Eagle, on Dec 26 2006, 09:59 PM, said:

Awiseman:
I think a trail shoe is not meant to be necessarily more firm than a road shoe but should have :\

1. A solid toe box at the front to protect against rocks. tree roots etc.
2. A wider toe box so that there is plenty of movement for the toes to prevent or minimise blisters.
3. A sole that has more grip for the loose surfaces that will generally be found in trail running.

I run trails in Salomon and have had no problems that I have had with road runners.

I've found the opposite to 2. Most trail/mountain running shoes I've tried have a relatively narrow toe box and are supposed to be worn quite "small". This is to prevent the foot sliding forward inside the shoe on steep descents.

I think there's a difference between shoes for short trail runs (say <20km) and longer events and trail ultras. For the longer events foot comfort is more important than improved grip, and usually the most comfortable shoe is likely to be a regular road shoe (because there is much more choice).

For my money the best off-road shoes available at the moment are made by Inov-8. Not available in Aus but if you know what you want you can order direct from the factory. For short mountain races I love the Roclite 285s. Like racing flats for the mountain and they look funking sexy!

[uriah]

I have three pairs of Salomon runners. It would be better if they had a size US 12 1/2; the 13 is a bit big and the 12's - well you know!

I still have concerns about the lacing system. I seem to have to pull them up again at about every two or three hours. I still cannot be sure if the clasp is slipping or the shoe is stretching? Other than that they are great. My oldest pair of Salomon's have normal laces, but the shoe is also a lot heavier so it's hard to tell if it is the lacong system or not.

One thing some other Rogainers have reported is that if the lace comes out of the pocket in the middle of the night, it catches on the next available branch/tree/root hazard and the next thing you know you are lying face first in the bush - winded at least.

I like to double sock for the longer stuff, with toe-socks being the first layer. For me - no blisters! But I am slow too!

I wore a pair of Salomon XA Pro's on the 55km to Portsea last year, I don't think anything else would have made me faster, or much more comfortable. My Nike Air Pegasus are too small to double sock.

I am trying a pair of Keen Humboltd's for the next Maroondah Dam run, I'll post a report.

The Keen shoes were the first ones I've tried that seem wide enough enough accross the metatarsals for me.

Apart from a wide square toe box, the Keens also have quite a lot of rubber out the back outer of the heel, it may not suit everyone. But so far so good.

Cheerio.

[Eagle]

A concern about the design of the current Solomon shoes is the lacing system. Not so much it slipping but the laces are kept in place by a plastic 'hook'. I have had one break and needed a bootmaker sow in a loop as a way of securing it. If it snapped out on the trail then it would be a major problem.

Any one had a simialr experience or concern?

Edited by Eagle, 04 January 2007 - 04:08 PM.

[pastyboy]

I've used the Salomon XA Pro 3Ds in rogaines, ultras and long adventure races, and see similar problems with the lacing. I tend to tuck the laces back down through all the crossed laces so that it doesn't get hooked on braches and scrub. And the laces do slip and need tightening every 2-3 hours or so, and I can't work out why other than I think that the lacing material (what is it made of anyway?) is too slippery for the choke mechanism.

I still love my Montrail Leone Divide trail running shoes, and they are great for shorter events, but longer than 12hours and my feet start to hurt too much and I need a shoe with more shank protection, and less agressive grip as already stated.

Besides that, I like my Salomons a lot, and they work for me.

Eagle, how did you break the hook on your salomons?