Salomon Xa Comp 8 Climashield Waterproof Trail-running Shoes - Mens Review

Salomon XA Pro 3D v8

Cost: $130
Weight: 1 lb. six.six oz. (women'due south size 8.5)
Waterproof: No (GTX available)
What we similar: The weight of a running shoe with the stability and protection of a lightweight hiker.
What nosotros don't: Too bulky and strong for virtually trail runners; polarizing lacing system.
See the Women's Salomon XA Pro 3D v8  See the Men's Salomon XA Pro 3D v8

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Salomon is ane of the biggest and virtually respected names in outdoor footwear, with an all-encompassing lineup that spans the road running, trail running, and hiking categories. The XA Pro 3D, at present in its 8th iteration, slots in as a crossover design: a shoe that's congenital for technical trail running but that works well for fast-and-light hiking. Nosotros put the XA Pro 3D to the test in rugged Patagonia, where it struck u.s.a. as protective and well-cushioned for carrying a pack over long distances merely felt overbuilt for running. Below we break down the Salomon XA Pro 3D's performance. To see how it stacks upward, come across our articles on the best women's hiking shoes and all-time trail-running shoes.

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Table of Contents

• Hiking Comfort
• Protection
• Weight
• Traction
• Breathability
• Build Quality and Durability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What Nosotros Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

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Operation

Hiking Comfort

Although designated equally a trail runner, many people use the Salomon XA Pro 3D for hiking, and we can see why. The tongue and collar characteristic generous padding that hugs my foot, and the SensiFit system, which extends from the midsole to the mesh upper, creates a secure, close hold. I'm used to wearing potent approach shoes for hiking, but I was happily surprised by the XA Pro 3D'southward cushioning and flexibility on the trail. My primary comfort-related complaint is that while the shoe fit well right out of the box, the placement of the lacing beyond the toe box proved to be problematic and put undue pressure on my big toe. Not anybody will experience the same result (it depends on foot shape), but this area was notably uncomfortable for me (more in "Salomon's Quicklaces" below).

Compared to more modern trail runners that cross over into the fast-and-light hiking world (similar the Hoka One I Speedgoat and Altra Solitary Peak), the XA Pro 3D feels fairly dated. In item, I establish the shoe to be crude and unpolished along the interior—akin to a running shoe I might have owned 10 years agone. Further, if you're used to the integrated tongue that you get with some of Salomon's other running models, including the Sense Ride 4, you might exist disappointed with the XA Pro'south discrete design, which adds bulk and makes the shoe less streamlined overall. And lastly, despite a reasonably light build, the XA Pro 3D feels notably stiff and cumbersome underfoot. For a sleeker, softer, and more modern pattern for hiking, nosotros'd recommend a shoe similar the aforementioned Lone Summit or Salomon'southward own X Raise.

Trail Running in the XA Pro 3D

While nosotros similar the XA Pro 3D for fast-and-low-cal missions and the occasional trail jog, we hesitate to recommend it as a dedicated trail runner. Compared to my go-to option, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer (fifteen.four oz. per pair), the Salomon feels clunky and irksome, and the 11-millimeter drop (compared to the MTN Racer's 5mm) isn't as neutral as I prefer. If you're in the market for a practice-it-all shoe and aren't trying to pause whatsoever speed records, the XA Pro 3D is serviceable. Simply if you lot spend a expert amount of time trail running, nosotros'd recommend a lighter and sprightlier model. Fifty-fifty similar crossover options including the Brooks Cascadia 15 and Altra Lone Top v perform better in this regard.

Protection

The XA Pro 3D scores high on the protection scale, which is surprising given its trail runner build. In fact, it's similarly protective as Salomon's own 10 Ultra three, a dedicated lightweight pattern that has topped our hiking-shoe round-upward for years. On the trail, the XA Pro 3D felt similar a tank, with a large and burly toe cap, rigid heel loving cup, and solid 3D chassis (slightly softer than previous versions, but nevertheless very secure). My only gripe is the lack of material at the top of the shoe. On one occasion, I caught a root with my toe and it easily abraded my skin through the mesh toe box. Adding more than prophylactic or reinforcement would probable add together weight, merely the boost in protection hither would be worth information technology, in my opinion.

Weight

With a listed weight of 1 pound 5.2 ounces per pair (1 lb. vi.vi oz. for a women'southward 8.5 on our scale), the XA Pro 3D is lighter than most low-superlative hikers but heavier than its trail running contest. For comparison, Altra'south Lone Peak v, which has similar crossover appeal, weighs only one pound 2.4 ounces, although y'all exercise give up a fair bit of protection with such a lightweight build. Other versatile designs including the La Sportiva Bushido Ii (1 lb. 1.6 oz.), Brooks Cascadia 15 (i lb. four oz.), and Salomon Ten Raise (1 lb. 2.seven oz.) too undercut the XA Pro 3D. On the other hand, the Salomon is lighter than traditional hiking models including the more durable and protective Merrell Moab two Ventilator Low (1 lb. 12 oz.) and Peachy Targhee Vent Low (1 lb. 8.7 oz.). And it's worth noting for those that used the prior generation, Salomon did shave around 0.7 ounces per shoe with the v8.

Traction

Designed with Salomon'south proprietary Contagrip MA outsole, the XA Pro 3D is purpose-built to tackle moisture and rugged trails. The sharp, athwart lugs and ambitious tread are more reminiscent of a hiking shoe like the Salomon 10 Ultra 3 than a lighter-weight trail runner like the Altra Lonely Peak. You lot also become a rigid heel and good stiffness betwixt the heel and toe box, which is great for inspiring confidence on rough terrain (more on this below). On peculiarly rocky sections of trail, I noticed that the Salomon didn't waver—my heel didn't budge even when the shoe got lodged between large rocks, and the sole held firmly on sheer slabs. All in all, I was very pleased with the XA Pro 3D's grip on everything from hardpacked dirt to rock, and the outsole is still in great shape later on dozens of miles.

Stability and Back up

Similar to protection, the Salomon XA Pro 3D proved to exist more stable and supportive than predictable. The shoe is impressively rigid and confidence-inspiring on rugged basis, with a fairly stiff heel and midsole. Further, as we mentioned higher up, the heel counter is solid enough to boulder hop and edge down loose or fifty-fifty snowy terrain without feeling squirrely or unstable. The simply area of concern is at the toe box, where the shoe becomes noticeably more than flexible for trail-running utilize. I plant that the overall build worked well for almost trails and carrying loads of 35 pounds or less, but I would upgrade to a stiffer shoe or full-on hiking kicking for extended treks or when shuttling a heavier pack.

Waterproofing

We tested the non-waterproof XA Pro 3D, merely the shoe as well comes in a Gore-Tex version for both men and women (at a college cost and slight weight penalty). While some volition appreciate the added protection of the waterproof shoe, I don't often find the tradeoffs in weight, cost, and—most chiefly—breathability worth information technology. You always run the gamble of h2o inbound over the ankle of low-top shoe, and the waterproof version volition take much longer to dry out than mesh when soaked through. It comes downwards to a matter of personal preference, simply in this example, I was happy to have the faster drying time of the non-waterproof XA Pro 3D.

Breathability

Put but, the XA Pro 3D isn't a standout in the breathability section. Similar well-nigh aspects of its design, it falls in between a hiker and trail runner: more than breathable than the former only less than more than mesh-heavy running designs. This is largely considering the Salomon'due south mesh is mostly covered at the heel and throughout the midfoot with a welded upper, and simply over one-half of the forefoot utilizes air-permeable 3D mesh. With a shoe like the Brooks Cascadia, you get considerably more mesh exposed, making it a better option for those with sweaty anxiety or especially hot climates. Withal, we think the Salomon strikes a neat balance amongst protection, stability, and breathability for most hikers (and again, the non-waterproof model is a amend breather than the GTX version).

Build Quality and Durability

Salomon is a class leader when information technology comes to designing quality outdoor footwear, and the XA Pro 3D is a testament to their expertise. Dissimilar lighter-weight models like the Altra Lone Meridian and La Sportiva Bushido II, the XA Pro 3D feels notably less compromised and delivers impressive durability that should concord upwards much longer to regular trail utilize. More specifically, the reinforced upper offers almost comprehensive protection from tears, and the burly sole and toe cap won't article of clothing out as quickly equally these more minimalist models. To exist certain, mesh will abrade and wear downwardly faster than the highly durable leather found on many hiking shoes, but the XA Pro 3D is impressively hardwearing considering its intentions.

Salomon's Quicklaces

The XA Pro 3D utilizes Salomon'southward signature Quicklace arrangement, which is a modernistic and more minimalist accept on traditional laces. How it works: catch the rubberized end and push button the plastic tab towards your foot to tighten, so opposite the process to loosen (information technology's besides simple to loosen with one hand by pulling upwardly on the tab). In do, I've found it'due south easy to employ, evenly snugs the laces around my foot, and is reasonably quick and secure. Not anybody will like the organisation—it doesn't permit much in the way of fit customization and can occasionally accept issues with loosening—just it's a functional blueprint overall that doesn't take much getting used to.

My 1 major complaint about the lacing system on the XA Pro 3D is the placement of the lower eyelet near the top of the toe box. This creates a diagonal lace across the front of the shoe that I establish rested correct over my big toe and put a lot of pressure on that area. To make matters worse, the organisation makes it difficult to loosen the lace over the toe box while keeping things tight effectually the ankle. All in all, I wish the eyelets were laid out differently, but I know many hikers who accept been unaffected by the layout—it all depends on the shape and position of your foot in the shoe.

Fit and Sizing

The Salomon XA Pro 3D fits decidedly on the wider side, then information technology's important to try on the shoe before ownership. I stuck with my standard women's size 8.5 and found it to be very generous both in length and width (and this is coming from someone with wide feet). Only despite the voluminous toe box, I actually ended up liking the fit: the lacing organization held my heel deeply in identify while my toes had freedom to exhale—particularly swell for warm hikes or runs when my feet tend to swell. Notwithstanding, we would caution those with particularly narrow anxiety to effort on the XA Pro 3D before making a purchase. Finally, information technology's worth noting that the women'southward models only come up in a standard fit, while the men's shoes (both GTX and not-GTX) are also offered in wide versions.

Other Versions of the Salomon XA Pro 3D v8

For this review, we tested the women's non-Gore-Tex version of the XA Pro 3D v8, which retails for $130. The shoe also comes in a waterproof version ($150) for women, which retains most of the same features and overall design but adds a Gore-Tex membrane for a small (i-ounce) weight penalty and drib in breathability. For men, Salomon makes the XA Pro 3D in both non-GTX (1 lb. 8 oz.) and GTX versions (ane lb. 10.one oz.), which come in men'south-specific fits and colorways. As we touched on in a higher place, only the men's versions are offered in wide models, but nosotros establish the women's shoe to be plenty roomy.

What Nosotros Similar

• The XA Pro 3D combines the comfort and light weight of a running shoe with the support and protection of a hiker.
• More stability and protection than most trail runners.
• Salomon's Quicklaces are easy and efficient to use and provide a secure fit (although some don't like the lack of customization).

What We Don't

• A true tweener: heavier and stiffer than nigh trail runners and not every bit durable or stable as depression-top hiking shoes.
• Lacks protection at the elevation of the foot—I snagged a root with my toe and information technology went direct through the mesh.
• Lacing system across the forefoot causes a pesky pressure level point at the front of the shoe (although not everyone has this upshot).
• Despite being recently updated, the pattern feels dated: the interior is fairly crude and the cushioning isn't bouncy and costly similar many modern trail runners.

Comparison Table

Shoe	Price	Type	Weight	Waterproof	Upper
Salomon XA Pro 3D v8	$130	Hiking shoe/trail runner	1 lb. 5.2 oz.	No	Synthetic
Altra Lone Peak 5	$130	Trail runner	1 lb. 2.four oz.	No	Mesh
La Sportiva Bushido 2	$130	Trail runner	ane lb. 1.half dozen oz.	No	Mesh
Brooks Cascadia 15	$130	Trail runner	1 lb. 4 oz.	No	Mesh
Arc'teryx Aerios FL GTX	$170	Hiking shoe/trail runner	one lb. 5.2 oz.	Yes	Synthetic
Salomon 10 Raise	$110	Hiking shoe	ane lb. 2.7 oz.	No	Constructed

The Competition

The Salomon XA Pro 3D falls in a growing category of crossover shoes: running shoe-inspired designs that are pop for fast-and-light missions. In this category, the Altra Lone Peak is a real standout and one of the most popular options among thru-hikers and fastpackers. Recently updated to the "5," the Lone Peak is noticeably lighter than the XA Pro 3D at 1 pound 2.iv ounces, with a more minimalist blueprint that translates to a softer and flexier ride (at the toll of durability and protection). The Lone Peak also uses a traditional lacing organization that's easier to customize and Altra's signature zero-drib shape, which offers a wildly different trail feel than the Salomon's 11-millimeter drop. In the stop, nosotros'd recommend the Lone Peak for most moderate trails, while the more protective and stiffer XA Pro 3D wins out on rugged terrain.

Another popular technical trail shoe is the La Sportiva Bushido II. If the XA Pro 3D trends toward the hiking shoe finish of the spectrum, the Bushido Ii is incomparably on the trail runner side, and especially for rugged terrain. At 1 pound ane.6 ounces, the La Sportiva undercuts the Salomon past around 4 ounces per pair and is noticeably nimbler and more minimalist in feel. However, it even so has impressive conviction on off-camber surfaces and traction on everything from slippery roots to mud and rocks. If y'all're in the market for a dedicated trail runner that can handle technical terrain, we prefer the Bushido Ii. But for a shoe that will stand up to the rigors of hiking, the Salomon offers more immovability and protection in a better-cushioned package.

We'd be remiss non to mention the Brooks Cascadia here, which is now in its 15th iteration. Both the Salomon and Brooks are running designs that have get popular among the thru-hiking crowd, but the Cascadia fifteen is lighter (1 lb. four oz.) and much more than streamlined than the XA Pro 3D. That said, it nevertheless offers decent protection and features a rock plate in the outsole, which makes it fairly capable on crude terrain. Overall, we'd break it downward equally follows: the Brooks is the better trail runner, while we'd stick with the Salomon for true hiking.

Arc'teryx is a relative newcomer to the globe of hiking footwear, but their Aerios FL GTX is a very competitive add-on to the market. Like the XA Pro 3D, the Aerios is all-time as a fast-and-light hiker: information technology feels nimble at just ane pound 5.2 ounces (the same as the Salomon), tough with a burly toe cap and TPU at the bottom of the shoe, and highly comfortable (although it's stiffer underfoot). That said, the Aerios is only available with a Gore-Tex liner, which impedes breathability and will take longer to dry out, and it costs a pricey $170. If those aren't deal-breakers for you, however, nosotros establish the Aerios to be impressively well-rounded and a not bad performer across the lath.

Within Salomon's own lineup, the X Heighten is an interesting alternative to the XA Pro 3D. With a trail runner-inspired build and calorie-free 1-pound-2.7-ounce weight, the X Raise is noticeably sprightlier and more modern-feeling than the XA Pro 3D. However, without a burly toe cap or the stability-focused chassis of the XA Pro 3D, the X Enhance is not built for overly technical terrain, particularly when carrying a heavy pack. All things considered, we'll stick with the XA Pro 3D for shuttling larger loads over long distances, only the Ten Enhance should satisfy the needs of twenty-four hour period hikers and lightweight backpackers on all but the most rugged trails.

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Source: https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/salomon-xa-pro-3d-v8

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