Salomon XR Mission 2 Trail Running Shoes Review

Running on trails always put out more challenges than running on roads so choosing suitable shoes for this terrain also often has some difficulties. However, you don’t have to worry too much because I have available good shoes in my mind to recommend to you, they are Salomon XR Mission 2 trail running shoes. And here is some information as well as personal reviews on this great product.

Salomon XR Mission 2 description

Comfort

They broke in a lot easier than I expected. The soft and supple materials used to build up the shoes offer smooth feel over the foot. A roomy toe box always makes runners comfortable to splay their toes. Overall, these are very comfortable in all environment and terrain. I just have a small complain about the fit at the mid-foot of these shoes that sometimes cause discomfort.

Fit and sizing

As I mentioned above, the unusual “hourglass” shape of Salomon XR Mission 2 sometimes causes a difficult fit by their too narrow mid-foot and too wide and sloppy toe box. However, for other runners, they love plenty of room in the toe-box for wide feet as well as secure heel cup to provide them with fine fit. I think ordering 1/2 size larger will give a better fit.

Cushioning

From the appearance of the shoes, you can recognize that they have a lot of cushioning. More rubber pods add more cushioning to the shoes. The cushioning is soft and ample, especially in the mid-foot and fore-foot area, (not the heel area) while still flexible and light. But despite plenty of cushioning, these still give me very good underfoot feeling.

Support

The heel offers good support but feel a little stiff, especially when running on road. When it comes to arch support, I can say that it is good. I have high arches and they work great for me. Moreover, I tend to walk with my ankles turned in (over pronation). These seemed to support me better than other shoes I have worn. Besides, some runners gave good feedbacks about good support provided by these shoes for their knee pain, plantar fasciitis and other foot problems.

Breathability

Although the breathability of this version is improved, unfortunately water gets in these shoes and the drainage is not so good and often causes discomfort to your feet. The non-mesh, rubbery inserts are the main cause of this issue.

Flexibility

I am quite satisfied with the flexibility of these. The flexibility of this 2nd version of Salomon XR Mission is enhanced by the bigger forefoot grooves. Additionally, the shoes flex quite naturally that deliver a fluid running transitioning.

Stability

I felt very stable when running in these shoes. In fact, they feature more stability than my old running shoes. The midsole with a 10mm drop ensures stability for runners. The extra-wide outsole of Salomon XR Mission shoes creates a huge landing surface which delivers an impressive stability even on loose rocks and uneven terrains. Plus, the quite secure and cozy heel cup offers solid lateral stability on any terrain.

Durability

These shoes have a reputation for good quality. Designed for trail running, these shoes certainly have great durability to deal with damages or hard terrains. That is true! This 2nd version of Salomon XR Mission shoes has greatly enhanced durability. From the upper to outsole, they are designed with many advanced features and technologies to protect them from bad impact from the outside. Even the hardest surfaces can’t cause any trouble.

Traction and terrains

They are very agile and quick shoes with sensitive trail feel. The wide Contagrip Outsole seems to increase the traction of the shoes. The traction provided is great enough to deal with most surfaces even wet rocks, roots or light snow without worrying about slipping or falling. Ideal terrains to use these shoes are trails and even more technical routes.

Look

I always sacrifice aesthetics for functionality when purchasing running shoes. Although I didn’t pay too much attention to the look when purchasing these, I don’t have any complain about this aspect. The color combination is very nice too.

Weight

These Salomon XR Mission shoes are quite below the average weight of other running shoes despite plenty of cushioning as well as more stability and support features. They are light enough for me to do long distance running without making my feet tired because of the heaviness of the shoes.

Use

Salomon XR Mission 2 trail running shoes are best for neutral runners who often take a heel or mid-foot strike. They are advertised as short to middle distance training shoes. Besides, the shoes are also ideal for running on adventurous trails and the transitions from smooth trails to other more technical surfaces. But because of their good performance, I would use them as everyday trainers and any distance.

Similar running shoes to Salomon XR Mission

Salomon X-Mission 3

The first similar model of Salomon XR Mission 2 is the Salomon X-Mission 3. These shoes allow runners to travel over many types of surfaces with ease even on unpredictable ones. It features durable and protective components to keep runners from any immediate danger. You can use the shoes to run on roads or for trail-to-asphalt transitions.

Read more about Salomon shoes review

Under Armour Assert Grit

Like Salomon XR Mission 2, the Under Armour Assert Grit are ideal neutral training shoes for trail running. This also features advanced technologies to provide super cushioning, grip and stability without adding more weight. In terms of durability, the shoes have durable leather overlays with extremely durable outsole that help you run more confidently without worrying too much about broken shoes in the middle of a run.

Asics Gel FujiAttack

The next model you can buy to replace your Salomon XR Mission 2 is the Asics Gel FujiAttack 5. It brings luxurious comfort when running on trails. According to many users, The Gel FujiAttack 5 is really durable. Although the protective components of them are limited, they still work well in keeping foot from debris and other hazards. I make sure that you will love the great cushioning, support as well as stability provided by this model.

Asics Gel Venture

Another good replacement for Salomon XR Mission 2 is Asics Gel Venture 5. The 5th version of the Asics Gel Venture provides a better grip, added support, enhanced cushioning and durability at affordable price. This model is also a great option for light trail running or daily running and training.