Our verdict
- Our top pick in best waterproof running shoes
- Our top pick in best waterproof trail running shoes
Pros
- Fully functional Gore-Tex membrane
- Ample cushioning for long adventures
- Excels in challenging, technical terrain
- Rapidly sheds mud
- Agile and tenacious grip on twisted trails
- Remarkable durability
- Ideal for heel strikers
Cons
- Completely lacks breathability
- Midsole could feel overly firm for some
- Exceptionally heavy
Audience verdict
- Top 25% in waterproof running shoes
- Top 29% in Gore-Tex running shoes
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 86 Good! | 84 Good! | 86 Good! | 82 Good! | |
Price | $165 | $130 | $160 | $170 | |
Trail terrain | Technical | Light | - | - | |
Pace | - | - | - | - | |
Arch-support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 11.5 oz / 325g 11.6 oz / 328g | 10.3 oz / 293g 11.4 oz / 323g | 9.6 oz / 271g 9.6 oz / 272g | 11.3 oz / 319g 11.5 oz / 326g | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 11.2 mm 10.0 mm | 10.2 mm 9.5 mm | 12.8 mm 10.0 mm | 7.0 mm 4.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Heel | Heel | Heel | Mid/forefoot | |
Midsole softness | Firm | Firm | Soft | Soft | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Small | Small | Small | Big | |
Toebox durability | Good | Very good | Good | Good | |
Heel padding durability | Good | Good | Good | Good | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Good | Good | Decent | |
Breathability | Warm | Warm | Warm | Moderate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Narrow | Wide | Wide | Medium | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Normal | Small | Normal | Small | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Stiff | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | |
Lug depth | 5.0 mm | 2.7 mm | ‐ | ‐ | |
Rocker | ‐ | ‐ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand | 37.0 mm 32.0 mm | 34.5 mm 35.0 mm | 37.7 mm 37.0 mm | 34.6 mm ‐ | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 25.8 mm 22.0 mm | 24.3 mm 26.0 mm | 24.9 mm 27.0 mm | 27.6 mm ‐ | |
Widths available | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | |
Heavy | ✗ | ✓ | ‐ | ‐ | |
Season | Winter | All seasons | All seasons | All seasons | |
Removable-insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Foot-condition | - | - | - | - | |
Orthotic-friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Waterproofing | Waterproof | Waterproof | - | - | |
Ranking | #159 Bottom 39% | #212 Bottom 19% | #184 Bottom 30% | #233 Bottom 11% | |
Popularity | #177 Bottom 32% | #166 Bottom 37% | #190 Bottom 28% | #126 Top 48% |
Who should buy
We believe the Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX is an excellent pick for:
- Trail enthusiasts in search of great grip and reliably dry feet when tackling wet conditions.
- Devotees of the standard Speedcross model looking for a reliable, waterproof variant.
- Adventurers tackling technical trails and river crossings, needing a Gore-Tex shoe that endures long distances.
Who should NOT buy
If your primary activities are walking or hiking rather than running, we suggest considering a GoreTex hiking boot/shoe over the Speedcross 6 GTX. Options like the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX for a taller boot with fantastic cushioning or the Merrell Moab 3 GTX for a versatile hiking shoe with a Vibram outsole might suit your needs better.
For those who don't frequently encounter cold temperatures or water, the Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX may not be the ideal choice. Its Gore-Tex membrane, while great for waterproofing, offers zero breathability as we found out in the lab.
In such cases, we think that a fairly priced alternative with excellent grip, such as the Merrell Nova 3, could be a more interesting choice.
Breathability
When we evaluated the non-GTX Salomon Speedcross 6, it only earned a disappointing 1 out of 5 in our breathability tests. So, it's no surprise that the Gore-Tex version follows suit.
Our smoke test confirmed our suspicions—this shoe's breathability is so limited it could almost score a zero. However, we rank from 1 to 5, so it's a 1!
This is a common issue with all Gore-Tex shoes. Despite claims of breathable waterproof membranes, our tests show they allow air to escape at a very minimal rate, which our light test also confirmed.
Under the microscope, we observed one of the densest engineered mesh uppers to date.
Finally, when we felt the upper, its lack of stretchiness seemed appropriate for a GTX shoe, focusing on protection and waterproofing over flexibility.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 1 |
Average | 3.4 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Given the multiple protective layers and thick, waterproof upper of the Speedcross 6 GTX, we anticipated exceptional durability.
Our expectations were met, as evidenced by our first Dremel test, where it earned a remarkable 4 out of 5. This score places it among the most durable shoes on the market, surpassing the majority of its competitors.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 4 |
Average | 3.1 |
Heel padding durability
The heel area of the Speedcross 6 GTX showcases significant improvement, a thrilling development especially when considering the non-GTX version's modest 1 out of 5 score.
For those who tend to wear down their shoes in the heel area, the Gore-Tex version excels with a perfect 5 out of 5 score!
Speedcross 6 GTX | 5 |
Average | 2.9 |
Outsole hardness
In our lab tests, Salomon's Contagrip outsoles typically show up as quite hard rubber, and the Speedcross 6 GTX is no exception, clocking in at 87.0 HC on our durometer.
This leaves us wondering—will this impressive hardness equate to real-world durability?
Speedcross 6 GTX | 87.0 HC |
Average | 85.4 HC |
Outsole durability
Regrettably, our tests on the Speedcross 6 GTX's Contagrip lugs didn't go as hoped. With a notable 1.4 mm indentation left by our durability test, the outcome falls short of expectations.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 1.4 mm |
Average | 0.9 mm |
Outsole thickness
Although the outsole is quite thin at 1.5 mm, we don't anticipate premature wear being an issue, thanks to the robust, 5-mm lugs. We'll explore more about these lugs further in this lab review.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 1.5 mm |
Average | 2.4 mm |
Weight
The standard Speedcross 6 already had some heft to it, but slapping on the Gore-Tex membrane tacked on an extra 1.1 oz (29g).
Now, we're looking at a total weight of 11.45 oz (325g), which really tips the scales for a trail running shoe.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 11.46 oz (325g) |
Average | 10.34 oz (293g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
We found a stack height of 37.0 mm in the rearfoot area.
This way Salomon ensures that all heel strikers, even the heaviest, have ample cushioning underfoot with the Speedcross 6.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 37.0 mm |
Average | 32.2 mm |
Forefoot stack
We conducted another precise measurement in the forefoot with our calliper and discovered a total stack height of 25.8 mm.
This level of cushioning is more than adequate to maintain comfort during even the longest adventures.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 25.8 mm |
Average | 24.6 mm |
Drop
The substantial 11.2-mm heel-to-toe drop clearly positions this shoe as ideal for rearfoot strikers and those who often experience calf or Achilles issues. Its wedge-shaped design effectively unloads stress from these areas.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 11.2 mm |
Average | 7.7 mm |
Insole thickness
The insole, at 6.6 mm, is slightly slimmer than its non-GTX counterpart, likely an effort by Salomon to shave off a bit of weight. And we think that going for an even thinner one would be the right call in this shoe.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 6.6 mm |
Average | 4.7 mm |
Midsole softness
If you're a fan of firm midsoles, the EnergyCell foam of the Speedcross 6 will be right up your alley. However, for others, it might feel as hard as concrete.
We noticed its firmness during all of our test runs and confirmed this with a durometer test in the lab. We recorded a 32.4 HA result, indicating that it's indeed designed for those who prefer a traditional, stable feel underfoot.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 32.4 HA |
Average | 22.6 HA |
Midsole softness in cold
To assess the shoe's performance in cold temperatures, we placed it in our freezer for 20 minutes and then retested it with the durometer. After this cold test, the shoe registered at 35.8 HA.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 35.8 HA |
Average | 28.2 HA |
Difference in midsole softness in cold
The Speedcross 6 GTX boasts a high, sock-like upper, yet the tongue underneath isn't gusseted.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 10.4% |
Average | 26.3% |
Stability
Lateral stability test
It's a letdown for us that Salomon completely skipped out on adding any reflective elements to the Speedcross 6 GTX. In a shoe like this, some reflective detailing wouldn't just be nice, it's pretty much expected for safety.
Torsional rigidity
One of the key factors behind the shoe's impressive stability, as we found in our tests, is its torsional rigidity. Our manual assessment revealed that it's as rigid—scoring 5/5—as many shoes with carbon plates, even though it doesn't have one.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 5 |
Average | 3.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
The heel also ranks high on the stiffness scale, scoring 4/5 in our test. This level of stiffness is essential, especially since the shoe is designed for challenging terrain and fast descents with tight corners.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 4 |
Average | 3.1 |
Midsole width in the forefoot
Salomon is renowned for making narrow trail shoes, and the Speedcross 6 GTX continues this trend.
Measuring 104.6 mm, it's clear this isn't a shoe designed for set-and-forget easy runs. Instead, it's built for action, demanding fast-paced cornering to fully utilise its agility.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 104.6 mm |
Average | 112.1 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
The heel measures 88.8 mm, falling in line with most shoes and landing in the average range.
Those used to wider heels might find this a bit narrow. However, it's important to note that the firm midsole and stiff platform mean a larger landing area isn't necessary for stability.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 88.8 mm |
Average | 89.9 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
The shoe is incredibly stiff torsionally, but surprisingly, it's much more flexible longitudinally. In our 90-degree bend test, we only needed to exert 24.1N of force to bend the shoe. This is fantastic for those who want the shoe as a walking or hiking companion.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 24.1N |
Average | 28.0N |
Stiffness in cold
We conducted the same test under cold temperatures, just as we did with the midsole. In this scenario, the shoe was slightly stiffer, requiring 32.5N to bend.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 32.5N |
Average | 37.7N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
That's a 35.3% increase, suggesting the shoe will feel stiffer in freezing temperatures, but it's not a major concern.
However, we were hoping for a better performance, especially considering the shoe's impressive results in the previous cold test.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 35.3% |
Average | 34.8% |
Grip / Traction
Lug depth
During our lab review, we've mentioned that the Speedcross 6 GTX is designed for challenging terrain, not smooth trails.
This is evident in its massive 5.0-mm lugs, most of them chevron-shaped to enhance downhill and uphill traction, even during sharp turns.
Our experience with the shoe's grip was great, consistently delivering on muddy and wet terrains.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 5.0 mm |
Average | 3.5 mm |
Size and fit
Toebox width at the widest part
While the shoe isn't particularly wide overall, we were pleasantly surprised by the spacious toebox in the medial zone. At its widest point, we measured a generous 101.0 mm, comfortably exceeding the average shoe's dimensions.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 101.0 mm |
Average | 98.9 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
The big toe area narrows more than we expected, with a measurement of 75.2 mm.
The shoe's shape is quite unique, but it should still accommodate most runners comfortably.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 75.2 mm |
Average | 79.1 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
The Speedcross 6 GTX boasts a high, sock-like upper, yet the tongue underneath isn't gusseted.
Speedcross 6 GTX | Sock like |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The tongue, featuring a generous 8.1 mm padding, ensures complete comfort in the instep area, regardless of how tightly you pull Salomon's QuickLace system.
The tongue also includes a convenient finger-loop pull tab, offering easier adjustment and a better fit before each run.
Speedcross 6 GTX | 8.1 mm |
Average | 6.5 mm |
Heel tab
There's no heel tab, but we didn't feel the need for one due to the shoe's design and ease of putting it on.
Besides, with the already high weight of this GTX version, adding extra ounces seems unnecessary.
Speedcross 6 GTX | None |
Removable insole
The GTX version also allows for insole removal. However, swapping in a different insole won't offer the same experience.
The unique, flared design of the original Ortholite insole, which is unusual in third-party insoles, is a key factor in the shoe's feel and stability in the rearfoot area.
Speedcross 6 GTX | Yes |
Misc
Reflective elements
It's a letdown for us that Salomon completely skipped out on adding any reflective elements to the Speedcross 6 GTX. In a shoe like this, some reflective detailing wouldn't just be nice, it's pretty much expected for safety.
Speedcross 6 GTX | No |