Salomon Speedcross 4 Review

If you are going to transition to run on trails, Salomon Speedcross 4 is a great option since it will support you well on the new surface with new challenges. With these shoes, you have a chance to enjoy high quality product with good design and a lot of comfortable, supportive features, what more can you expect?

Salomon Speedcross 4’s description

Salomon Speedcross 4 review

Comfort

They are very comfortable from the instant I put them on. I didn’t need to break them in. Great cushioning system offers soft underfoot feeling. It makes me feel like running on cloud. Synthetic mesh linings also enhance comfort of the shoes without irritating the skin when running long distances.

Fit

They seem as though they might be too narrow, the Speedcross 4 turned out to be a great fit for me. I just ordered half size larger and they fit perfectly. But if you have wider feet, order a size larger is necessary. The shoes bring to me a more precise and comfortable fit than others. With this newest version, runners will not have foot slippage inside the shoes like in previous ones anymore. If you are happy with the fit of the old Speedcross, you will also feel the same in this updated version. Quicklace system makes sure a customized and secure fit, you just need to pull to tighten the laces evenly, lock in place with the stopper and be ready to go. Additionally, nylon anti-debris mesh in the upper with water-resistant synthetic leather overlays gives a supportive fit also.

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Cushioning

I have high arch and pronate so I need shoes with a lot more cushioning. After my old ones worn out, I tried looking for well-cushioned running shoes and when I saw these, I had a thought that they are exactly what I want. Dual-density EVA padding provides great cushioning and rebound over your stride. This combines with removable Ortholite foot-beds to offer great shock absorption against impact during my running and give wonderful underfoot feeling. I don't feel sharp rocks coming up through the soles.

Support

These are awesome when it comes to support. The shoes support well for my pronation and high arch. I use them for a long time and didn't feel any pain in my knees or heels. That's a big change for me because my heels and knees often start to pain after 3 or 4 miles run or hike. They are worth every penny I spent. Furthermore, the shoes have a good balance between flexibility and stiffness to give the right amount of support and protection from the trails.

Breathability

I feel happy with the breathability of Speedcross shoes. The upper features nylon mesh with water-resistant synthetic leather overlays that is highly breathable and quick-drying so you don’t have to worry too much about wet shoes when running in rainy days. Besides, there are synthetic mesh linings and removable Ortholite foot-beds which help wick moisture away from feet and deter odors for fresher environment inside the shoes.

Stability

Overall, these Salomon Speedcross trail running shoes have higher stability than other regular running shoes I used to own. Dual-density EVA padding in the midsole gives excellent stability, especially on uneven surface of trails. Lateral stability of the shoes is improved by new updated lug pattern. Many runners said that these didn’t have the stabilizer spines like Salomon did in 2012, but they're still the best I can find.

Durability

In terms of durability, I have to say that I can’t expect more. Salomon Speedcross 4 is well-built. From the upper to the outsole, these shoes have protective features against debris on trails. The lugs are very durable and wore down much slower than I expected. Protective toe caps help against abrasion and bumps. More importantly, rubber compound Contagrip WT in the outsole plays an important role in maintaining the durability of the shoes.

Traction and terrains

When it comes to traction, Salomon Speedcross 4 trail shoes give me the best traction I have ever experienced. The new updated lug pattern in this version indeed provides enhanced traction and more contact surface area underfoot. Rubber compound Contagrip WT designed in the outsole also offers tenacious grip and solid traction on snow, slush and mud as well as increasing confidence in up and downhills. They are not designed to be used on concrete pavements of the city because the sole will be worn out quickly on these terrains. These shoes are built with suitable features for running on trails or technical terrain. In my opinion, they are really the best trail running shoes. Besides, if you want to perform in rugged conditions like gravel, rock or soft soil, they are also the shoes for you.

Look

I am not just satisfied with the good quality of these running shoes but also their look. I think they are aesthetically appealing with a simply look. Specifically, there is a massive range of colors for you to choose. Most of them are bright and very easy to match with many types of clothes. I chose a pair in a vivid green with black and blue accents for myself and am very happy with them. But if you like a more reserved look, there are grey and black models, too. Nice looking is also a small motivation for runners when running on hard trails.

Weight

Although there is great amount of cushioning, Salomon Speedcross 4 is still light on my feet. This supports me very much on technical surfaces of trails. The only thing I don't like is that once the water/mud get inside, the shoes become heavier. The removable insoles tend to hold water so I often take them out or replace them in muddy races. But this seems to happen in most types of running shoes.Although there is great amount of cushioning, Salomon Speedcross 4 is still light on my feet. This supports me very much on technical surfaces of trails. The only thing I don't like is that once the water/mud get inside, the shoes become heavier. The removable insoles tend to hold water so I often take them out or replace them in muddy races. But this seems to happen in most types of running shoes.

Use

As their name, they have done a great job on muddy trails running. In addition to running, I also use them for forest walking or wet hills without any problems. With a pretty look, these shoes are still very nice for everyday use. I wouldn't recommend these for runners intending to use them on hard or dry dirt because the tread pattern can cause added pressure on your feet during long runs.

Similar running shoes to Salomon Speedcross

La Sportiva Bushido

One of the most formidable competitors of Salomon Speedcross 4 is the La Sportiva Bushido. This shoe has the same price and goals as Speedcross. However, the La Sportiva Bushido has a stronger underfoot support and more substantial structure while the Speedcross is more comfortable and less stiff. The stability and responsiveness of the shoes allow for an aggressive style of running.

Saucony Peregrine 6

Trail runners who often stick to well-maintained trails should choose softer shoes like Saucony Peregrine 6. The highly flexible midsole of these shoes enable a natural foot strike. They are exceptionally lightweight and comfortable trail running shoes. But the Peregrine 6 isn’t desirable to be used on highly technical trails.

Ecco Terra Trail

Another similar trail running shoe of Salomon Speedcross 4 might be the Ecco Terra Trail. This shoe has the same price level as Speedcross 4 and also comes with high quality and great comfort thanks to plenty of cushioning. These lightweight running shoes feature breathable coverage, and decent traction that are useful for long distance running. In short, Ecco Terra Trail is a reasonable replacement for Salomon Speedcross 4.

Previous version of Salomon Speedcross

Salomon Speedcross 3

The v3 and v4 of Salomon Speedcross look virtually identical. Runners were very impressed with the way Salomon Speedcross 3 shoes performed. The 3rd version of Salomon Speedcross is a combination of lightweight, comfort and great grip in sloppy, wet trail conditions. They are soft ground running shoes that are made to cater neutral runners. These have a bit weird lacing system but it holds very well. The forefoot and heel general are lowered to reduce the chances of twisting ankle. The underfoot cushioning system of the Speedcross 3 uses a full-length cushioning system which responsibly keeps the foot comfortable, especially when running uneven terrains. Runners were very satisfied with the performance of the shoes on both short and long runs.