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 gtx is around for a few years now and has proven itself to be a popular high-performance trail shoe with amazing grip. And this time we were lucky regarding the weather during our 3 month test period. Where Ireland has a lot of rain and muddy trails, we got a good bit of snow during the time we tested the speedcross 3 gtx. And it is really in these conditions where this shoe shines...it just grips itself into any obstacle which is thrown into it's path.
As this is the goretex version of the speedcross 3, it managed to keep my feet dry during multiple runs through wet grass and icy trails.The quicklace system allows for a tight fit without restricting your feet to much.
The Speedcross 3 has a lot of cushioning in the heel which makes it the perfect shoe for runners who prefer to heel strike. Although I am not really a runner who went for the big cushioned shoes, I have fallen in love with the Salomon Speedcross 3
As this is the goretex version of the speedcross 3, it managed to keep my feet dry during multiple runs through wet grass and icy trails.The quicklace system allows for a tight fit without restricting your feet to much.
The Speedcross 3 has a lot of cushioning in the heel which makes it the perfect shoe for runners who prefer to heel strike. Although I am not really a runner who went for the big cushioned shoes, I have fallen in love with the Salomon Speedcross 3
Full test review
The Salomon speedcross 3GtX 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 Gtx came in at 378g for a size 11, which feels very light on the foot.
Build quality:
Absolutely nothing negative to report on this shoe. The build quality is fantastic.
Insole: Ortholite
Heel drop: 9mm
Upper: Lightweight, breathable Goretex
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. We will test these shoes through the summer and see if they will keep feet comfortable in warmer weather.
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.
Weight test:
The Salomon Speedcross 3 Gtx came in at 378g for a size 11, which feels very light on the foot.
Build quality:
Absolutely nothing negative to report on this shoe. The build quality is fantastic.
Insole: Ortholite
Heel drop: 9mm
Upper: Lightweight, breathable Goretex
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. We will test these shoes through the summer and see if they will keep feet comfortable in warmer weather.
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 Speedcross3 Gtx for the last 3 months now on and off trails. It was tested in mud, snow, rain and the odd dry day. We have ran and walked on grass & trails, climbed mountains and ran on the beach. We even took them into town for a shopping trip or two. We will be conducting a longterm test on the Salomon Speedcross 3 Gtx and report during the course of the next few months on how they withstand the test of time.
