Salomon Alphacross 3 review

Who should buy the Salomon Alphacross 3

The Alphacross 3 from Salomon is a great choice for: 

• runners new to trail running who want versatile traction 
• seasoned trail runners who want a low-to-the-ground feel 
• those who want an energetic ride 
• medium to wide-footed runners who like a supportive fit and stable ride on uneven surfaces
• trail runners who want a trail shoe that can double for hiking

Who should NOT buy it

If you're looking to set PRs, you might want to consider the speed-oriented Salomon Wildcross or the Salomon Sense Pro 4 instead of the Salomon Alphacross 3. 

And if you want a Salomon trail shoe that offers a snug fit, check out Salomon Ultra Glide.

Salomon Alphacross 3 vs. 2

Only the fit of the Alphacross is updated in the third iteration. It's made snugger for a more precise wrap. 

Clings like claws

Whether it's on muddy, soft, steep ascents and descents, hard-packed trails, and hilly terrain, the Salomon Alphacross 3 has a solid grip, reported multiple experts. 

Even during sharp turns, there are no missteps in the Alphacross. 

This shoe comes to life

"Bouncy" and "responsive" is how the majority find this shoe. According to them, it's energetic; they don't have to expend much energy to get to the next step. 

Just the right amount of cushion

It's neither too much nor too minimal that you lose the sense of the ground. Because of the ground feel it delivers, this shoe maximizes control, especially on uneven terrains. 

On top of this, the midsole balances rigidity and softness very well; trail runners say that their feet and legs don't feel beat-up. 

It fits like a glove!

Runners with medium to wide feet all agree that the upper does a "great job" locking the foot in place. It's pliable and form-fitting; it mimics the shape the size of the foot. 

The tongue and heel collar also sit higher than usual, meaning there's a lot of support around the ankles. So much so, there are no reports of slips even when cornering. 

Just enough space for the toes to splay

The forefoot is very spacious, as per various testers. Their toes can splay comfortably and the shoe doesn't feel constricting when the foot starts to swell. 

Doesn't tip the scales

Although very slightly above average at 10.6 oz in US M9 (vs. the average 10.5 oz in trail shoes), many still find the Salomon Alphacross 3 "lightweight." 

Loyal Salomon trail runners even commend it for weighing less than its sibling — the Speedcross 5 (11.6 oz). 

The Salomon Alphacross 3 is pocket-friendly

For $90, it's on the roster of Salomon's cheapest trail shoes. On average, Salomon trail shoes retail for $140, while the cheapest ones fall in the sub $100 category. 

Not for narrow feet

Those with slim feet share that they had to cinch the laces down and tie them to the last eyelet to "feel secure" in the Alphacross 3. 

On top of this, they also find the forefoot "too roomy" for their liking. 

Durability is a miss

The tongue and the outsole are a bust in terms of strength. The tongue has poor sewing that made it rip after a couple of miles. Meanwhile, the outsole already has excessive wear after less than 100 miles.