Combining a comfortable glove-like fit with hardcore, off-road grip.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 W is made for soft and muddy terrain. The comfortable, snug fit feels more like a thick sock however the deep Chevron lugs are a telltale sign that this trail shoe is built for adventure. Salomon are all about play and adevnture in nature. They recognise the importance of making time for play, progression and connecting to nature in a society where speed and stress has taken over. Salomon’s objective is to create gear and experiences that help people live the joy of progression in their sport.
The Salomon team is curious, playful, optimistic but focused, dedicated and passionate all the same. And they remain thirsty for life and the possibilities it holds. This comes across through their product range in diversity and intention and even more so in the latest version of the Speedcross 5.
Features
OUTSOLE / Contagrip® TA
Built for maximum grip on loose, soft, or rugged uneven surfaces, Contagrip® TA uses deep, sharp lugs made from a compound that balances durability and adhesion.
MIDSOLE / EnergyCell™+
EnergyCell™+ is a high-rebound midsole compound that provides exceptional energy return along with substantial cushioning and durability.
UPPER CONSTRUCTION / SensiFit™
SensiFit™ cradles the foot from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure, snug, and virtually customized fit all around the foot.
Chevron lugs
Lug design with deep penetration and multi-directional grip, improving traction on soft surfaces like mud or loose dirt.
Anti-debris Mesh
Tight mesh that prevents debris from being trapped between your foot and the footbed.
Lace pocket
Provides easy storage for the Quicklace™ lacing system.
Quicklace™ is a minimalistic and strong lace system for one-pull tightening.
Photo:©Richard McGibbon
Welded upper
Stitch-free upper construction provides a smooth, glove-like, fit and feel.
Molded OrthoLite®
OrthoLite® insole technology provides superior cushioning, unmatched comfort, breathability and durability, and is one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade the comfort and performance of your footwear.
Quicklace™
Minimalistic and strong lace for one-pull tightening. Easy-on, easy-off.
Chevron lug design with deep penetration and multi-directional grip.
Photo:©Richard McGibbon
On The Trails
As soon as I slipped my foot into the Speed Cross 5 they were noticeably snug. They felt incredibly comfortable and well cushioned – streamlined and form fitting. A different feeling to some of the more chunky trail shoes. But don’t think that the soft interior means a soft shoe in terms of performance because the tread tells a very different story – the deep, multi-directional lugs were proof that this trail shoe means business.
Steep rocky slopes…not a problem!
Photo:©Richard McGibbon
I felt confident in the Speed Cross 5 across a wide range of terrain – from sandy and muddy trails in Sydney, to the steep rocky slopes of The Dolomites. The not so elquient description stuck with me the whole time – they felt like the “comfort of your favourtie ugg boots with the tread of a tractor“. A winning combination for slushy, muddy and soft technical terrain. The Speedcross 5 feels light, well cushioned and stable, lending itself to both training and racing.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 are lightweight enough for both racing or training.
Photo:©Richard McGibbon
As I’ve mentioned before, I am a big fan of the Salomon Quicklace™ system. It is easy to use, speedy to adjust and removes the need to ever stop and re-lace shoes mid-run so that you can fully focus on the trail adventure at hand! However, I would recommend keeping these shoes for the trail only and avoid road use, simply for the sake of keeping the deep lugs in shape and working well on the trail.
The deep chevron lugs offer superiror traction and grip.
Photo:©Richard McGibbon
Conclusions
The SpeedCross 5 W combines the comfort of the Salomon Sense Ride with a more snugg fit and technical grip more akin to the SLAB Ultra 2. This shoe filled me with confidence to move through muddy, sandy and technical terrain at pace. Whether you are putting in the training miles or kicking off your next race this lightweight, form fitting shoe is a great option to tackle long runs on a variety of demanding terrain.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 certainly look the buisness.
Photo:©Richard McGibbon
Specifications
- Intensity of usage – Training and racing
- Waterproofness – None
- Terrain – Muddy and soft terrains
- Anatomical fit – Standard fit
- Biomechanical fit – Heel strike
- Sensation – Cushioning
- Lacing system – Quicklace®
- Weight 280gDrop 10mm
Price / Where to buy
You can pick up the Salomon Speedcross 5 from many good online stores. Here are a few to choose from.
- Running Warehouse: $199.95 aud
- Wildfire Sports: $207.00 aud (RRP $230.00aud)
- Pace Athletic: $230.00 aud
