Last updated: 20-Aug-18
Fiona is a keen runner, preferring off-road and hilly to flat and road. She lives in Scotland where the weather is fickle so needs to be prepared for all conditions.
Salomon sell a wide range of running shoes for road and off-road and for different terrains. The Speedcross 3 GTX is part of Salomon’s more technical off-road shoe collection. This collection also includes Speedcross 3 which is the same shoe but without the Gore-Tex waterproofing and Speedcross 3 CS, with a “Climashield protection upper”.
Salomon Speedcross 3 GTX – Features
- 3D Advanced Chassis: Controls the shoe’s twisting motion. Flexes under the heel to absorb shock and provide stability
- Quicklace: A minimalistic lacing system that has one-pull tightening via a toggle
- Lace pocket: The excess lace and toggle fits into a pocket on the tongue
- Sensifit: This system works to cradle the foot providing a precise and secure fit
- Gore-Tex Extended Comfort: The GTX shoe has a Gore-Tex upper to keep out the wet for extended comfort on longer training runs and races
- Molded EVA midsole: For lightweight cushioning and stability
- EVA shaped footbed: Provides excellent cushioning and anatomically designed support
- OrthoLite sockliner: Combines Ortholite foam and an EVA heel cup for a “cooler, drier, healthier, better cushioned environment under the foot”
- Sole grip: Contagrip for all-terrain grip, as well as mud and snow
- Midsole height: 20mm/9mm
- Weight: 310g (single shoe size 8.5)
- Male and female fit
- Price £125
Photo credit: Fiona Russell.
Pros: What’s good about Salomon Speedcross 3 GTX
The shoes offer a snug fit, which I like. The footbed feels supportive and the upper neatly encase the foot.
The uppers feel stable at the heel end, too. These are not minimalist shoes, rather they are a good, solid pair of off-road trainers for people who want more stability and security from a trainer.
The lacing system offers a slick and clean adjustment all the way along the foot. In addition, the toggle can be stowed in the small storage pocket so it doesn’t fly around annoyingly as you run.
Once laced up the laces do not undo. This is because there is very little give in the thin lacing cord and the toggle keeps everything tied tightly.
I also like the higher level of cushioning on the Salomon Speedcross 3s. Whatever terrain I ran on I couldn’t feel the stones or bumps beneath my feet.
Again, this is a personal thing. Some runners like to feel more of the terrain under their feet, while others prefer to have more cushioning.
I think that where the Speedcross 3s score well is that they suit a range of terrain during one run. If your route includes tarmac, hard-packed trail, paths, mud, scree, rocks, slabs, tussocks, heather or whatever, they will cope. They are not the best shoes for each of these specific terrains but when there is a mix in one run they offer a really good compromise.
The lugs also give good grip on mud and snow.
The addition of a Gore-Tex upper is a bonus in wet conditions. The upper keeps out a lot of the damp and wet that you might find on off-road runs although if you run through deep puddles the water will penetrate from above the ankle. A solution is to wear waterproof gaiters.
I know that looks shouldn’t matter, but these trainers are bright and beautiful. Both the men and women’s collections include lots of fantastic colourways.
Photo credit: Fiona Russell.
Cons: What’s not so good about Salomon Speedcross 3 GTX
These are compromise off-road shoes. They are good for a mix of terrain but not superb at any one type. If you know the route will be mostly hard-packed trails, or mostly wet rock slabs or mostly thick mud, I would choose a shoe specifically for this. The Speedcross 3s are not the best shoes on wet rocks and steep, muddy terrain, for example.
However, how many times does one run offer just one terrain? Most runs have a mix of terrain and conditions so a good compromise shoe, like the Speedcross, is ideal.
Another pair of Fiona’s Salomon Speedcross 3s after 6 months of frequent use. Photo credit: Fiona Russell.
The lugs on the Speedcross 3s wear down faster than on other shoes. They are not as durable as the Inov-8 lugs, for example.
Also, the footbed becomes problematic after about six months of running. The footbed starts to move around inside the shoes and ripple up under my forefoot, especially when running downhill, and this is the cue that I need to buy a new pair.
This said, I like the Speedcross 3s so much that I do buy a new pair, but I wish they would last a bit longer.
The shoes are also a little heavier than others that we have reviewed.
Conclusion
Although the Salomon Speedcross 3 GTX shoes tend to wear out after about six months of fairly intense use they are a great all-round “compromise” off-road shoe for a mix of terrain.
The stability is good and the cushioning is excellent. The addition of Gore-Tex in the GTX version is useful if you know the conditions will be wet. You pay around an extra £25 for the Gore-Tex.
| Scores | |
| Design | 8/10 |
| Features | 9/10 |
| Performance | 8/10 |
| Value | 8/10 |
| Total | 8.25/10 |
Other shoes you may want to consider:
Salomon Speedcross 3
Salomon Speedcross 3 CS
La Sportiva Anakonda
Hoka Speedgoat
Have you used the Salomon Speedcross 3 GTX running shoes? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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