Salomon Wildcross review

Salomon Wildcross review

The Salomon Wildcross performed great in a variety of terrains and situations. It provides the security you need for the most demanding terrains with a nice and comfortable fit around your feet.

I would highly recommend the Salomon Wildcross to anyone looking for a reliable shoe for muddy or more demanding terrains. But if you want to use them for forest tracks or compact gravel, you won’t need so much grip.

Also, come in a variety of colours to fit your needs.

The Salomon Cross series

Salomon released two new models for 2020 within the Cross Family - the Cross/Pro and the Wildcross. With both having the same sole, the main differences are the fit and the upper.

Many people see these as an “evolution” from the classics Speedcross for more technical terrains.

I had the opportunity to try the Speedcross, the Cross/Pro, and the Wildcross, and these last ones are my favourites! But like with most trail running shoes, it depends on the use you will give them.

Wildcross is ready for some technical terrain

The first thing you will notice is the aggressive lugs, which will allow you to play off the main paths. These shoes aim to be used mainly in technical terrains having the best grip I have ever tried so far.

This is because of the combination of the multi-directional lugs and the Contragrip outsole compound. The Speedcross has a Chevron lugs shape for a traditional forward grip, where these new lugs allow you to move sideways with great confidence.

I tried them on dry and wet surfaces, and they didn’t disappoint. It works great on soft and muddy terrains, steep grassy and forest track with no problems. The spaced lugs help a lot to clear the mud clumped on your soles.

When I used them on the road, it gives a nice springy feeling because the long lugs give you an extra cushion, but that is not its intention, and prolonged use on road segment will wear the lugs quite quickly.

Best for shorter distances

I would say they are great for short/medium distances. I used them in 2/3 hours, easy runs without any discomfort.

The midsole is made with their EnergyCell compound, giving enough cushioning for medium distances but maybe not for ultras.

They are relatively light for this kind of trail running shoes. With only 290 grams, you won’t be bothered about the weight in longer runs.

Also, these shoes can be used for heel or midfoot strikers. The drop and stack height gives you just the right amount of stability.

Fit of the Salomon Wildcross

This is the main difference between the Wildcross and the Cross/Pro. This one has a more generous fit.

It is known between trail runners that Salomon has many shoes with a snug fit. I heard this so often, saying that Salomon doesn’t work for them because they are too narrow.

I found myself in the same position. But they have been changing some of the fits; even the Speedcross became more comfortable in their last version.

The Wildcross come in a standard fit, and I found them really comfy, from the heel to the toes box. The SensiFit system secures the arch of your feet to provide an adapted fit.

The lacing system is the well-known Quicklace, and Salomon keeps developing the system. Since last year, they introduce the tongue’s lace pocket from the top instead of the bottom, and that’s an improvement.

However, I found them still a bit difficult to tight when in a rush, like in races. If you pull the laces, you will have a tight pressure near the tongue, but near the toes will not be so tight, so you would need to tight first that part of the shoes to get a well-adjusted fit.