Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Salomon XR Crossmax 2 Trail Shoes

A couple of summers ago when I was running on the local trail, I kicked a tree root. It hurt something fierce for days and my bruised toenail eventually fell off. I think I might have broken the toe, too. Ever since then, I've been more apt to run on paved trails, but they are not exactly close to home.

So when Salomon asked if I would like to test run a pair of their trail shoes, I couldn't say no. They sent me a pair of XR Crossmax 2. I don't normally switch up my shoes for trail running, but it makes sense as I do wear different shoes for short and long runs. 


When I first saw them in the box, I thought they were huge. To my relief, when I picked them up they were lighter than I expected. The shoe itself is much larger than my everyday running shoes, but the Crossmax did not feel that different in weight.


One noticeable feature on these shoes is the laces: you don't have to tie them. I struggled with this feature and wasn't quite sure what to do with the extra lacing. Eventually I just tucked it under. 


Made for rough terrain, the bottoms of the shoes offer traction.


I took them on a short trail run. No worries about stubbing my toes on tree roots, railroad ties, or rocks this time!


Overall, I can see why trail runners would chose these shoes. They offer stability, traction, and protection from the elements you typically see on the trails. 


Do you run trails? Do you switch up your shoes on trail runs?


Disclaimer: I was sent a pair of Salomon XR Crossmax 2 for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

16 comments:

  1. I love my Salomon trail shoes! I think they're as close to perfect as you can get in a running shoe!

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  2. I've heard nothing but fantastic things about Salomon shoes. I had a pair years ago that I hiked in and loved. They really grip the trails!

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  3. I never ranskippedmarchedfrolicked on trails until we moved to northern CA. NOW I NEED THE SHOES.

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  4. Never tried Solomon trail shoes. Will check it out on my next visit to the running store.

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  5. Those shoes are so pretty and fun! I've never bought trail shoes, I just run in my regular running shoes, but now that I'm more into trail running, those look like a great investment!

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  6. Oh gosh I would LOVE a pair. They look so sturdy and comfy. Great review!

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  7. I'm glad they worked for you. I tried a different pair of the Salomons and didn't have much luck. But…I like a really, really minimal shoe on trails. My favorite is the New Balance Minimus--I've found I'm a much better trail runner and fall MUCH less when I have good ground feel.

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  8. I`ve got Salomons on my Gift List (see ironrogue.blogspot.com). As for the laces, you`ll find a little pouch to tuck them away on the front of the tongue - it opens from the bottom.

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  9. You'll really like them on the trails.

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  10. That's definitely a big difference in shoes ;)

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  11. Hi Amy,
    Thanks for visiting our blog and entering the Xfinity Fitness band giveaway! I do run trails but don't switch out my shoes. I shamefully admit I have never heard of Salomon shoes, but I should check them out. I've been wanting to try a pair of shoes with the toggle thing!

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