Using the excuse of my Inov-8 Mudclaws cutting my heels to pieces I decided to invest in a pair of Salomon Speedcross 2s. As you may know I'm a big fan of Salomons having used their Raids and XA Pros for many years. Until now however, they have not ventured beyond trail shoes. The Speedcross have a much more agressive tread somewhere between Adidas Swoops and Mudclaws.
Finding my size (12.5 UK) was difficult but managed to find a pair from Wiggle at £10 off street prices. Ordered them on Thursday and they were waiting for me when I got back from Manchester on Friday. The fit has the classic Salomon cupping of the heel but the forefoot is a lot more snug than the XA-Pros, presumably to stop the shoe slidding around as it grips the ground. Admittedly I was a tad worried they might be too tight but after wearing them around the house in the evening I then put them on in the morning and they felt fantastic. Salomons really suit my feet.
So, Phoebe dog and I (matching dog and shoes) took then out for a test run over the Chilterns. Lots of slimy chalky mud. My test of good kit is that you forget you're wearing them while they're doing their job and these passed with flying colours. They've managed to keep the cushioning of the XA-Pros while giving them the required grip. If I'm honest the grip is not quite as good as the awesome Mudclaw grip but the fit (like a pair of slippers) and a excellent grip make them an amazing shoe. I can't wait to give them a longer run.
Meanwhile, I've also got some Salomon XT-Wings on order. What the hell. I've only got one vice, running.
2 comments:
I love Salomon :-) I am waiting for spring and then I will order some xt wings too ;-) I am running now in XA Pro 3D and they are fantastic!
Hi Umberto,
Thanks for the comment. I've got some XT-Wings on order too. I hope they arrive before my next event on Saturday, a mixed terrain hilly 34k race. My XA-pros have served me well. I'm going to be very interested in how the XTs compare.
Post a Comment