Verdict from 3 experts and +100 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- The GORE-TEX membrane offers waterproof protection for the foot in any weather.
- Water-resistant textiles make up the rest of the upper unit of the Speedcross 3 GTX, making sure that the foot stays dry and cool even when inside the shoe.
- Runners were generally receptive of all the features that were included as a means to heighten the protection of the foot.
- The cushioning system keeps the foot well-supported and cradled, ensuring a responsive ride.
- The outsole unit is made up of the Mud and Snow Contagrip, a durable layer that functions well even on wet surfaces.
4 reasons not to buy
- The shoe break down after only a few months of use.
- The outsole gripping lugs of the 3rd version of the Speedcross GTX were observed by some runners to break off easily.
- Some felt that the arch needed additional support.
- This is a heavy running shoe.
Bottom line
The Speedcross 3 GTX from Salomon is a well-known trail shoe that presents itself with effective systems and features that are meant for the trail runner. It has some support mechanics that keep the foot comfortable and cradled while keeping performance consistent.
Tip: see the best trail running shoes.
Good to know
- Salomon’s very popular and high-performance trail shoe gets even more durable by adding a new ripstop upper. It is made of very strong material with enough flexibility to adapt well to the foot’s shape and movement.
- The stitched overlay cupping the heel is slightly larger and sits lower than the past version. This new version cradles and wraps the heel very well. It will also add a bit of stability on the uneven trail.
- Lastly, the outsole gets a minor modification by adding several little nubs on top of the arrow-shaped lugs. These will add more traction, especially on mud and snow.
Salomon stuck to what made the Speedcross line very popular by continuing the snug but non-restrictive fit throughout the shoe. There is also enough room in the toe box for the toes to naturally splay. Runners with medium widths can readily enjoy the standard D and B measurements. Sizing is fantastic as well as it is of normal length. Sizing is from 7.5 to 14 for the men’s and 5.5 to 11 for the women’s.
The outsole uses Wet Contagrip technology that delivers incredible traction even in mud and snow. Salomon utilizes arrow-shaped lugs facing opposite directions for a truly versatile grip. Placing nubs on several parts of the aggressive 5mm lugs is a very neat way of enhancing grip on the most difficult and challenging trails.
Same as in the popular Salomon Speedcross 5, Salomon mixes standard injection-molded EVA and its proprietary LT Muscle midsole foam in this shoe. The midsole produces a really nice blend of responsiveness and cushioning for short or ultra-long runs.
The Gore-Tex waterproof membrane keeps off water with still enough breathability for cool and dry runs. A new ripstop upper adds durability while keeping the shoe well-ventilated. The Sensifit technology is basically the combination of the overlays, the lace, and the midsole to provide a secure and very comfortable fit. A Kevlar-made string allows runners to adjust runners to find their best fit in an instant.
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