7 Best Salomon Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
If you want to venture into the great outdoors, it’s unquestioned - Salomon is THE brand for trail runners.
Salomon trail shoes are not only extremely durable — they’re ready to eat up the gnarly terrain. Whether it’s a grippy, waterproof, supportive, or protective shoe you’re after, these trail runners won’t disappoint you.
Choosing out of the many Salomon trail shoes can take forever. And we literally owned the job to make everything easy-breezy for you. We have exhaustively tested trail running shoes from Salomon and evaluated which ones are worth your time and money. From different categories, we’ve handpicked shoes we’re confident can swallow miles on the trails.
Best Salomon trail running shoes overall
Salomon Speedcross 6
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Speedcross is one of Salomon’s best-selling trail running shoes, and can almost be defined as “historical,” because it has been around since 2006. It’s a solid, sturdy model for fast training and racing on the most rugged trails. It shines when it comes to comfort and protection, and fortunately, it hasn’t lost its best feature... the lugs are still poking out aggressively and screaming for mud.
Pros
- Amazing traction on wet
- Plenty of protection
- Fits like a glove
- Sheds mud rapidly
- Lighter than before
- Quick-drying
- Great lockdown
- Ground feel at the forefoot
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Firm underfoot
- Still not the most stable
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Backcountry
Free shipping
$84
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$100
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$100
REI
Free shipping
$104
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$145
Best Salomon trail shoes for daily running
Salomon Pulsar Trail
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Pulsar Trail from Salomon is the brand's take on a mid-range, do-it-all trail running shoe. With this, you can tackle any terrain and any distance at any pace. It comes to life, rolls smoothly, and offers lots and lots of protection. And if you want a shoe that's clingy, the Salomon Pulsar Trail's grip is amazing.
Pros
- Bites on demanding trails
- Great energy return
- Stable and protective ride
- Ready for the long miles
- Runs as velvety smooth
- Terrific heel lockdown
- Spacious toe box
- Lighter than most trail shoes
- Very protective upper
- Hugs the foot in all the right places
- Durable
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Not for wet rocks
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Backcountry
Free shipping
$77
REI
Free shipping
$91
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$95
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$100
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$105
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$140
Best Salomon trail shoes for running ultras
Salomon Ultra Glide 2
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise—running fast and running comfortably aren’t supposed to be mutually exclusive in an ultra-distance race. Case in point: the Ultra Glide 2. As Salomon’s second crack at their cushioned trail line, the shoe addresses the v1’s stability issues and it's softer than before. It’s a good, versatile runner that could keep the Speedgoat and Xodus Ultra on their toes.
Pros
- Breathable upper
- One heck of a lockdown
- Soft and protective cushioning
- Good energy return
- Very smooth, fun ride
- Comfy for roads, good traction on moderately technical trails
- Outstanding for daily miles and (very) long runs
- Also works for faster efforts
Cons
- Poor outsole durability
- Using lace garage can get frustrating
- Long tongue has a tendency to cause some rubbing
- Maybe too narrow for some
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$100
Amazon
Free shipping
$121
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
REI
Free shipping
$150
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$150
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$150
Best Salomon road-to-trail running shoes
Salomon Sense Ride 5
85
Good!
What makes it the best?
All beefed-up. That’s perhaps the simplest way to describe the 5th edition of the Sense Ride. With its soft cushioning, protective ride, secure lockdown, and improved traction, this Salomon favorite became an even better all-around, all-terrain trainer that especially excels on moderate trails. As one reviewer so masterfully put it, “this is one helluva update!” But, is it?
Pros
- Immaculate lockdown
- Good responsiveness
- Plenty of ground feel
- Confident on moderate trails and steep downhills
- Smooth and stable ride
- Can hold its own for speedwork
- Comfy and breathable upper
- Best for daily miles, longer efforts, and even road runs!
Cons
- Forget about hard trails
- Thin under forefoot
- Runs a little bit narrow
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$59
REI
Free shipping
$98
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$100
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$100
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$130
Amazon
Free shipping
$140
Salomon trail running shoes with the best durability
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 is a trail running shoe that easily doubles as a hiking companion. It is a great option for outdoorsies looking for a hybrid of a running/hiking shoe that would keep them comfortable and supported no matter what the adventure brings. This Salomon shoe offers reliable protection and grip that help you stay in control on any type of trail.
Pros
- Highly stable and supportive
- Great for hiking and backpacking
- Grippy on various surfaces
- Durable construction
- Versatile: trail-to-road
- Lots of foot protection
- Generously padded inside
- Breathable mesh
- Quick and easy lacing
Cons
- Stiff and bulky for running
- High heel-to-toe drop
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Backcountry
Free shipping
$78
REI
Free shipping
$91
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$100
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$103
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$110
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$130
Best Salomon trail running shoes with Gore-Tex
Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Salomon XA Pro 3D GTX is a durable and worthwhile trail shoe for those looking to go for a hike, head into the woods for a weekend backpacking trip as well as for an adventurous runner who needs heavy-duty footwear to tackle the more arduous challenges.
Pros
- Outstanding waterproofing
- Highly durable
- Stable platform
- Solid grip
- Also great for hiking
- Roomy toebox
- Convenient lacing
Cons
- Heavy
- Stiff sole
- Narrow midfoot
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$170
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Salomon trail running shoes with the best style
Salomon XT-6
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Salomon XT-6 has been a hugely popular shoe for nearly a decade both for its looks and its ability to take you anyway on a trail. With heaps of protection, insane grip, and a responsive, speedy ride the XT-6 is still a relevant trail shoe to help you explore the less beaten trails. It’s a shoe that’s sure to leave you confident traversing steep gradients, or comfy at the end of a long hike.
Pros
- Fit true to size
- Superb responsiveness
- Quicklace system is a breeze
- Zero Heel-slip
- Amazing grip
- Breathable
- Super stable ride
- Great protection
- Stylish
- Durable
Cons
- Quite heavy as some trail shoes go
- Stiff in colder conditions
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Footshop
Free shipping
$170
Stadium Goods
$180
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$190
Zappos
Comparison of the 7 best Salomon trail running shoes
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How we test trail running shoes
Because we dislike marketing fluff so much, we buy the Salomon trail shoes we test with our own money. This allows us to be as transparent as possible.
And because we like to nitpick so much, we also take the time to do the following:
- Run in each shoe for 30-50 miles. We take them to rail trails, hiking trails, backpacking trails, bridle paths, and others just to thoroughly assess the shoes in different settings.
- Slice them into pieces in our own shoe testing lab. Not a single detail can hide from us. We gotta see all the components of the shoes, may they be large or tiny.
- Measure them via 30 different parameters like flexibility, strength, breathability, etc. We then interpret the results in a simple and understandable manner, for the reader's easy consumption.
