Since Salmon’s Speedcross series made its appearance on the market in 2006, I included their trail running shoes in my permanent hiking gear, gradually upgrading them as a new iteration was released.
Our Verdict
With a heavy-duty sole, moderate stack height, and the already iconic Quicklace system, I had no trouble walking through wet mud or running downhill for quite a long distance.
The Salomon Speedcoss 6 is their latest version, a performance-oriented shoe designed for technical terrain and off-trail adventures that I decided to test on the rugged mountains of the High Sierra.
While the trail runners did feel a bit hot at times, their overall performance was excellent.
You can find out more about my experience testing this trail running shoe in the Salomon Speedcross 6 review below.
Product Features
- SensiFit™ construction
- Quicklace™ closures
- Mud Contagrip® rubber outsoles
- EnergyCell™+ midsoles
- Toe Bumper
PROS
CONS
Things We Tested When We Reviewed Salomon Speedcross 6
1. Traction
Salomon Speedcross 6′ Mud Contagrip outsole is equipped with deep, aggressive lugs made of a soft rubber compound, which allowed me to confidently navigate various terrains.
On soft surfaces, the lugs dug deep into the ground, providing excellent grip and preventing slips.
Even on wet rocks and slippery ground, the traction held up impressively, allowing me to maintain stability and control.
However, I did notice that the outsole could sometimes accumulate mud and small rocks during my runs. While this didn’t significantly affect the shoe’s performance, it required occasional stops to remove debris.
Additionally, on dry ground or asphalt, the aggressive lugs felt slightly overkill, leading to a bit of extra noise and some loss of energy efficiency.
2. Durability
Salomon’s Speedcross is made with high-quality materials that can take in the effort of walking long miles.
During my testing, the upper material, made of a combination of synthetic overlays and ripstop fabric, proved resistant to tears and abrasions. Even when traversing rocky terrain and encountering sharp objects, the shoes maintained their structural integrity without any notable damage.
Despite the aggressive design, the outsole lugs showed minimal signs of wear and retained their effectiveness throughout my testing period. Also, the toe bumper provided additional protection and prevented excessive wear in the front area of the shoe.
3. Comfort
Designed with the runner’s comfort in mind, these shoes offer several features that contribute to a comfortable fit.
The first aspect that stands out is the shoe’s cushioning system. The high-rebound midsole incorporates Salomon’s renowned EnergyCell+ technology, which provides excellent shock absorption and responsiveness.
The Salomon Speedcross 6 also features a molded EVA sockliner that adds an extra layer of padding. During my experience, this sockliner conformed to the shape of my foot, providing a personalized fit and enhancing overall comfort.
It also helped to prevent hotspots and blisters, for which I greatly thanked Salomon at the end of the trip.
4. Breathability
For regular trail running in dry or mildly wet environments, the breathability of the Salomon Speedcross 6 is satisfactory.
The shoe features a welded upper made of durable and breathable mesh material, which allows for adequate airflow, preventing excessive heat buildup and ensuring that your feet stay cool even during intense trail runs.
The upper design also incorporates strategic perforations that further enhance breathability.
The only shoe issue I could find was that, while the breathability of the Salomon Speedcross 6 is commendable, it may not be as effective in rainy conditions due to its mesh upper retaining water.
5. Weight
Weighing about 1 lb. 5 oz. per pair, this Speedcross model leans more toward the lightweight side. Indeed, compared to the previous version, it has shed weight, but it is still a pretty solid model, so it may not be my first choice for fast running.
But, while the Salomon Speedcross 6 may not be the ideal option for speed-focused runners, it compensates with its stability. The shoe features the iconic SensiFit construction that can withstand the demands of technical trails and harsh weather.
The added weight contributes to its solid feel and reliable performance, ensuring that you can confidently tackle challenging terrains without worrying about the shoe’s durability or grip.
6. Waterproofing
Although not waterproof, these trail runners have sturdy construction with synthetic materials and a breathable mesh upper, providing decent defense against water infiltration while still allowing airflow for foot comfort.
I was particularly amazed by how rapidly the shoes dried after getting wet.
The mud evacuation system, combined with the breathable materials, allowed for a relatively speedy drying process.
This meant I didn’t have to suffer from damp shoes for extended periods or concern myself with discomfort due to wet feet.
7. Support
One of the standout features contributing to the comfort of the Salomon Speedcross 6 is the supportive heel counter. This feature not only helped lock my heel in place but also enhanced overall stability on uneven ground.
Although the Speedcross 6 doesn’t include a rock plate, the heel offers 32mm of stack height, while the forefoot provides 22mm, delivering ample underfoot protection.
I noticed an important difference in terms of ankle protection and felt confident in my movements, even when traversing challenging paths.
Also, the midsole of the Salomon Speedcross 6 is cushioned and responsive, providing excellent energy return and arch support. This helped to alleviate discomfort during longer hikes.
The cushioning also played a role in absorbing impact, reducing strain on my joints, and allowing me to maintain a comfortable stride.
8. Fit and Sizing
When it comes to sizing, I’ve found that this trail runner generally fits true to size.
However, I suggest going up half a size if you have wider feet or prefer a slightly roomier fit.
This adjustment allows for the natural expansion of your feet during longer hikes, ensuring no discomfort or pressure points.
If you choose the correct size, this shoe is designed to offer a snug and supportive fit.
The padded collar and tongue provide an additional layer of comfort, preventing any rubbing or discomfort during extended use.
Throughout my hikes, I experienced the shoes conforming perfectly to my foot, giving a secure and confident feeling that enhanced my trail performance.
How It Evolved?
For my Salomon Speedcross 6 review, I’ve also tested how it compares to the previous version, analyzing both the minor updates and the big changes that made the new version truly worth buying.
One crucial aspect that stood out to me was the enhanced traction of the Salomon Speedcross 6. The updated Contagrip® outsole features deeper and more aggressive lugs, providing exceptional grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
I experienced a noticeable improvement in stability when compared to the Speedcross 5, particularly during steep descents and soft muddy trails.
However, while the Salomon Speedcross 6 maintains excellent breathability, I did observe that the previous model had slightly superior moisture-wicking capabilities.
The Speedcross 5 seemed to handle excessive sweat and moisture more effectively, ensuring my toes stayed drier in humid conditions.
How Does it Compare with Other Products?
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Retailing at $155, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 stays within the same price range as Salomon, but it stands out with its exceptional padding.
It features a plush midsole, offering a smooth ride on various terrains, while the shoe’s maximalist design provides excellent shock absorption, making it a great choice for runners who prioritize protection over speed.
In contrast, the Salomon Speedcross 6 excels in grip, with its rugged Contagrip outsole with deep lugs, ensuring outstanding traction on mud, snow, and loose ground.
In terms of time resistance, both shoes offer stable construction. However, the Salomon Speedcross 6’s materials and build quality may provide slightly better longevity in extreme conditions.
Saucony Peregrine 13
Saucony’s Peregrine 13 is almost as popular as Salomon’s Speedcross 6, and they both come at a retail price of $140.
However, while testing these trail shoes, some important differences became notable.
For example, while both shoes are built for hiking and Peregrine 13’s PWRTRAC outsole offers reliable traction on most terrains, it may not match the Salomon Speedcross 6’s performance on extremely technical terrain or slippery areas.
On the other hand, Peregrine 13 offers a roomier toe box and comfortable fit for various foot shapes, which makes it a better choice for hikers with wide feet or those looking for extra room in the toe area.
Learn more about this shoe by checking Saucony Peregrine 13 review.
La Sportiva Wildcat
The La Sportiva Wildcat model I used for my tests cost $145, being yet another medium-priced shoe that offered a great balance between time resistance, forefoot support, and stability.
With its cushioning system, including the Impact Brake System, the Wildcat offers a comfortable and responsive ride, reducing joint impact during long runs. The secure lacing system ensures a snug fit and stability on uneven surfaces.
In contrast, the Salomon Speedcross 6 emphasizes traction and responsiveness with its Contagrip outsole and EnergyCell+ midsole for cushioning.
Where Salomon Speedcross 6 Performs Better?
With a medium stack height and an aggressive Contagrip outsole, the Salomon Speedcross 6 is a great off-trail shoe and can easily manage rocky terrain, steep dry ground, and different technical trails.
The shoe’s rugged construction reinforced toe and heel caps, and durable overlays offer excellent protection against rocks, roots, and debris, with good breathability during moderate hikes.
I also noticed that there’s basically no break-in period, and the first pair fit me like a glove, especially due to the versatile Quicklace system, which allowed for simple fit customization.
Where Salomon Speedcross 6 Falls Short in Performance?
While Salomon makes some of the best trail running shoes on the market, each of their models is specifically designed for certain terrains and conditions.
The Salomon Speedcross 6, for example, is an ideal shoe for challenging hikes where excellent traction is required. But during intense activities or hot weather, I noticed that my feet tended to feel warm and sweaty, which was uncomfortable and favored blisters.
Additionally, the shoe’s cushioning, while providing sufficient protection, may feel slightly firm for some users who prefer a softer and a plusher feel. This could impact the overall comfort, especially during longer runs or hikes.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the shoe’s weight, as it is slightly heavier as opposed to some other trail running shoes on the market.
Do We Recommend Salomon Speedcross 6?
My experience with the Salomon Speedcross 6 was overall excellent, with these trail running shoes staying up to par even when I hit uneven terrain or wet rocks.
I liked the softer lugs that gripped better on slippery surfaces, and at only $140, I couldn’t ask more in terms of stability. These train runners did a fantastic job of keeping my toes comfortable during my trail runs, and the lighter design was also notable.
As I have already mentioned in this Salomon Speedcross 6 review, the shoes are a bit on the narrow side, but the brand does provide half sizes, so it’s usually easy to find the right pair.
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FAQs
Yes, Salomon Speedcross 6 is a popular trail runner for hiking. Its durable construction, aggressive traction with deep lugs, and supportive design make it well-suited for light rocky terrain and mountain trails.
The Salomon Speedcross 6 has seen improvements in the outsole lug pattern, providing better traction and grip compared to the Speedcross 5. The sixth iteration of the Speedcross series also features a refined upper design that increases its durability.
Salomon Speedcross trail shoes typically fit true to size. However, some users may find the shoes to be slightly narrow in the toe box area, so if you have wider feet, you might consider going up half a size for a more comfortable fit.
