Our Verdict
Score
Test dateNovember '14 - June '15 |
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What we like
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What we dislike
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The overall verdict
The Salomon speedcross 3 CS is around for a few years now and has proven itself to be a popular high-performance trail shoe with amazing grip. And I must say that during the last 5 months, we got every bit of weather type thrown at us. During January/February, we got a good few days with snow, during April, we got very warm/dry weather. Where the shoe is warm on a hot day, these shoes really shine during cold or rainy days, especially on snowy or muddy tracks. And as we have these rainy days quite a lot in Ireland, the shoe will do you for most of the year.
The shoe just grips itself into any obstacle which is thrown into it's path. The climashield version will keep your feet comfortable dry and warm during trail running and keeps your runs comfortable due to it's cushioning in the heel.
The quicklace system allows for a tight fit without restricting your feet to much.
The shoe just grips itself into any obstacle which is thrown into it's path. The climashield version will keep your feet comfortable dry and warm during trail running and keeps your runs comfortable due to it's cushioning in the heel.
The quicklace system allows for a tight fit without restricting your feet to much.
Full test review
The Salomon speedcross 3CS arrived in November '14. The first test we always carry out is a visual inspection, weight test and build quality check.
Weight test:
The Salomon Speedcross 3 CS came in at 345g for a size 11, which is lighter than the goretex version and feels very light on the foot.
Build quality:
Absolutely nothing negative to report on this shoe. The build quality is fantastic and after 5 months of trail use are still in great condition.
Insole: Ortholite
Heel drop: 9mm
Upper: Lightweight,climashield membrame
Midsole: Molded EVA, no rockplate
Outsole: M&S Contragrip
Laces: Quicklace with lace pocket
Anti debris mesh
Sizes: 6.5 to 13.5
Weight test:
The Salomon Speedcross 3 CS came in at 345g for a size 11, which is lighter than the goretex version and feels very light on the foot.
Build quality:
Absolutely nothing negative to report on this shoe. The build quality is fantastic and after 5 months of trail use are still in great condition.
Insole: Ortholite
Heel drop: 9mm
Upper: Lightweight,climashield membrame
Midsole: Molded EVA, no rockplate
Outsole: M&S Contragrip
Laces: Quicklace with lace pocket
Anti debris mesh
Sizes: 6.5 to 13.5
The first thing you notice when you take these shoes out for a run is the grip. The M&S Contragrip sole is probably one of the best soles we have ever tested regarding grip. The lugs are well spaced and provide excellent traction in mud and in snow. Yes, we got a good bit of snow in Sligo over the last month which allowed us to test this shoe in it's perfect environment. The shoe sheds mud very easily which allows it to keep providing traction on the trails.
With a rockplate missing in the design of the shoe, i thought it would result in a bit of an uncomfortable run. But how wrong could I have been, the cushioning that the Speedcross 3 provides gave my feet plenty of protection on all sort of runs. On the trails, the Speedcross 3 really come to their right. Traction is perfect, fit is perfect and cushioning is very nice. These shoes are made for speed and for trails.
As for keeping your feet warm, they do a great job in keeping them dry and warm.
Secondly, from the moment you put these shoes on, they feel very comfortable with plenty of room in the toebox for your toes. I have a wide foot, but never felt that my feet were compressed by the shoe. The quicklace system makes sure that all is well kept together. At first, i thought these quicklaces were flimsy and would brake after a few days. But I should have known better as the kevlar should have told me these would be indestructible. After 3 months of almost daily usage and they are still in 1 piece.
The lace can be tucked away in a lace pocket which is a nice touch and stops the lace from catching dirt, twigs or leaves.
With a rockplate missing in the design of the shoe, i thought it would result in a bit of an uncomfortable run. But how wrong could I have been, the cushioning that the Speedcross 3 provides gave my feet plenty of protection on all sort of runs. On the trails, the Speedcross 3 really come to their right. Traction is perfect, fit is perfect and cushioning is very nice. These shoes are made for speed and for trails.
As for keeping your feet warm, they do a great job in keeping them dry and warm.
Secondly, from the moment you put these shoes on, they feel very comfortable with plenty of room in the toebox for your toes. I have a wide foot, but never felt that my feet were compressed by the shoe. The quicklace system makes sure that all is well kept together. At first, i thought these quicklaces were flimsy and would brake after a few days. But I should have known better as the kevlar should have told me these would be indestructible. After 3 months of almost daily usage and they are still in 1 piece.
The lace can be tucked away in a lace pocket which is a nice touch and stops the lace from catching dirt, twigs or leaves.
How we tested it
We have been testing the Salomon Speedcross 3 Climashield over the last 5 months and have found this shoe fantastic in all conditions. The shoe comes really to it's own right in snow and mud, so it is primary a winter trail shoe. That being said, i love the soes as much on drier tracks as they provide amazing grip over rocks, moss, ...
I have tested these shoes in the local forests like union wood and on local mountains like Knocknarea, as have we tested them on the beach.
I have tested these shoes in the local forests like union wood and on local mountains like Knocknarea, as have we tested them on the beach.
