Salomon Speedcross 6 Introduction
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is the grippy path footwear for technical terrain within the Salomon lineup.
This replace on a traditional, aggressive path runner options lowered weight and a revamped higher.
The Salomon Contagrip® outsole know-how on the Speedcross 6 makes use of a rubber compound and lug profile that optimizes efficiency on mud and unfastened surfaces. The outsole on the Speedcross 6 has wider areas between lugs in order that it’s simpler to shake out mud.
At $160, the Salomon Speedcross 6 value is on-par with its high-traction opponents, just like the Saucony Peregrine ($140), Brooks Catamount ($160), or Hoka Speedgoat ($155).
The Speedcross’s 5mm lugs (lowered from 6mm on the Speedcross 5) are essentially the most aggressive of the group.
Regardless of the drop in weight (about 10.1 oz. in Males’s and 9.2 ouncesin Ladies’s) these are a bit heavier than opponents, however they do have essentially the most sturdy and sturdy building.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Impressions
The Salomon Speedcross was my very first path working shoe. After proudly owning a pair, I deserted climbing boots endlessly in favor of agile and lighter-weight footwear to go sooner on the path with out sacrificing grip or safety.
In its early iterations, the Speedcross match the invoice completely. The lure of upper stacks and rocker know-how moved me away from the Speedcross since then, so it had been years since attempting out this oldie however goodie once more.
Upon pulling the shoe out of the field, the very first thing I observed was the distinctive higher design that prolonged over the midsole.
These footwear look aggressive and guarded, particularly within the Black / Biscay Inexperienced / Fiery Crimson colorway. The massive “Velocity Cross 6” printed on the tongue attracts the attention and emphasizes the continuity of the higher mesh layer that hugs the foot from the midsole to the lacing system.
Whereas completely different from different path trainers, the higher design is intentional for making a safe match.
I primarily examined these in early season situations within the Tetons, which have been the perfect situations for this shoe.
The primary run in these footwear was on a muddy singletrack path with some steep sections. A thick, sticky layer of mud amassed on the outsole making them a few pound heavier every; however the higher totally prevented any mud, particles, or wetness from coming into the shoe.
As soon as the mud was shed, the 5mm lugs impressed confidence on gentle surfaces up and downhills the place the mud wasn’t too heavy.
On subsequent runs, I discovered that the Speedcross 6 handles early season snow fields and grime with spots of mud properly. The lugs want a possibility to shed mud, so with sustained muddy situations the lugs will develop into totally coated after which begin to accumulate.
In situations the place the lugs can chew into the bottom, they’re essentially the most dependable shoe that I’ve examined. This traction is particularly noticeable in steeper grime sections each on the uphill and downhill.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Safety
Regardless of the Speedcross 6’s lack of rockplate, the 32mm of stack top within the heel and 22mm beneath forefoot offers ample underfoot safety.
The Contagrip outsole is purposely gentle however definitely not penetrable. Whereas I didn’t have any points with the underfoot safety, there have been instances that I felt some impression.
The higher protection and safety is phenomenal for guaranteeing that no particles entered the shoe. The structured, thick higher materials and toe bumper be certain that the highest of your foot and toes are protected against path hazards.
The coated higher and midsole building stop water from coming into between the midsole and outsole. Sadly, these protecting measures can’t be supplemented by a gaiter as a result of there are not any specified gaiter attachments.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Sturdiness
Sturdiness is just not a limiting issue for efficiency within the Speedcross 6. Though these footwear retained grime after my first (very muddy) run in them, they’ve confirmed to be remarkably sturdy after over 100 miles.
Regardless of having run by way of moist, muddy, and rocky terrain along with street miles, there are minimal indicators of wear and tear. The higher has no seen abrasions, and the lugs haven’t been worn down in any respect.
I’ve little doubt the Speedcross 6 would maintain up reliably throughout an extremely distance run on powerful mountain terrain.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Responsiveness & velocity
The aerodynamic form of the Speedcross 6 permits you to transfer rapidly when the path opens up and nimbly in rockier, extra technical terrain. Salomon’s Power Cell+ EVA midsole is constructed to maximise vitality rebound, and it feels adequately agency and responsive.
The midsole flares out barely within the heel so as to add stability. The 10mm drop is most pure and comfy for runners who strike with their heel first.
This shoe has the benefit over others in its traction. Some vitality is misplaced within the softness of the outsole. The Contagrip® Mud outsole is purposely softer for optimum grip in grime, sand, mud, and snow; so the Speedcross 6 makes up time when the situations get extra slippery.
The sticky grip conjures up confidence on the surfaces it’s constructed for (apart from mud that’s too deep for any shoe), particularly in steeper sections. The lugs bit into snowfield surfaces, making these the perfect footwear for many early season situations.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Conclusions
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a pleasant improve on an previous traditional.Their distinctive traction, safety, and sturdiness make them best for early season snow, mud, and grime. They’re a steady, dependable, and confidence-inspiring alternative for working on snowy roads and up or down steep trails when the path surfaces are gentle.
The cosy Sensifit locks down for a safe match that truly enhances responsiveness and retains out particles and wetness. For his or her best use instances, you’ll wish to seize the Salomon Speedcross 6 over another shoe.
For different situations, they are often overkill and sacrifice velocity and luxury. On hard-packed surfaces, you might really feel such as you’re working in cleats and the softer outsole is not going to be as quick or responsive as different choices.
On longer runs and ultra-distances, the Speedcross 6 doesn’t have ample cushioning to really feel snug after hours of sustained impression. In scorching climate, they’ll run scorching.
For softer path terrain and shorter distances (3-10 miles), I’m glad to have the Speedcross 6 in my quiver for early season situations.
Now that the mud season within the Tetons has handed, I’ll most likely retailer these away and change to a extra responsive and cushioned shoe for increased mileage on harder-packed terrain.
