Salomon Men's XA Pro 3D Gore-Tex Trail Running Shoes

I had my first run in with Salomon products in Europe when I decided to try skiing out. Everything was a rental from the boots (Salomon SX91, the bindings were Marker and the skis were K2) The boots fit like a glove and there were no pressure points at all on my feet.Forward to 2024, I ordered these XA PRO 3D Gore-Tex Trail Running Shoes to try on because the brand I was going with for my duty footwear kept changing their design and they finally ran out of the model that I liked so I figured I'd try these out. Amazon has this "try before you buy" program so I decided to go that route.These shoes are designed for on-road and off-road as they have an aggressive lug sole that is comfortable and a reassuring grip. The shoe is built well and has a comfortable sole. The lacing system is different and it didn't take long for me to like the speed lacing system that Salomon uses for their shoes.These shoes do need a bit of a break-in, about three days.I was impressed with this pair that I bought another pair to switch up for my uniform.Mar 31,2024 (update) I've had these (I bought 2 pairs) shoes now just short of 2 months and daily wear and I have to admit, other than the fact that it's a little on the small side (it broke in really well) I am still happy with my purchase and they're holding up well.

Great shoes. My feet are narrow and have found these are a really good fit. Wear good at 6 miles a day. Have bought a different model and love them too

Great fit, excellent shoe!

Perfect fit. Extremely comfortable and durable.

My go to hiking and backpacking shoes for over 16 years. They are fully waterproof and reasonably comfortable. I absolutely love the lacing system. You can wear them untight when the terrain is easy and only tighten them up when going downhill on the difficult path. You can also wear them untight around the camp where they function pretty much like slippers.There are only two things I don't like about them:1. They have traditional nerrrow profile and salaman should definitely switch them into more natural AKA wide foot box2. In the past 5 years these shoes definitely become much less durable than they used to be and they lost maybe 200 miles before the soul is completely worn off and it's starting to develop breaks in the fabric where the shoe bends. This was not a problem with the previous generations.

I had an earlier version of this shoe, and I often would call it one of the best shoes ever made. But, two seemingly minor changes have rendered this shoe unwearable, and I returned them. I must ask, does anyone at Salomon actually use the product? My guess is no way, else they would not have made these changes.First, the more minor issue is a change to the tongue. Hard to explain, but the tongue is attached to the shoe up until the final cross of the laces, then it "free floats". So, the top part of the tongue does not stay pressed against the foot and instead just flaps around like a useless piece of material hanging out of the top of the shoe.Second, and the real deal breaker, Why oh why on earth did you create this non symmetrical lace and who thought it is was a winning idea? Seriously, the eyelets for the laces are asymmetrical and so when you tighten them, they put this ridiculous undo pressure across the top of your big toe right where your foot bends with each step. If you actually walk with these shoes for any length of time, you will find them to be the most uncomfortable shoe. Period.There is no way Salomon tested or received feedback from actual customers before selling these shoes. Please, put them back the way they were.

The best comfort Grip shoe quality

It’s a good product, buying them for years but the multi layer soles wear out fast. The layer that comes in contact with the ground should be thicker and it’s not! Today’s price for the Gortex model is way over priced. $50 more for the same shoe. No way. I would give this shoe 5 stars if it weren’t what I mentioned because they fit well but the toe box should be A little more roomy.