Salomon Speedcross 5
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Overview
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is a trail running shoe designed to tackle the most challenging terrains. This shoe is part of the Salomon Speedcross family, known for its aggressive traction and durability.
Key Features:
- Contagrip TA Outsole: Provides excellent traction on wet, muddy, and technical trails.
- SensiFit System: Ensures a snug and secure fit for enhanced stability.
- EnergyCell+ Midsole: Offers superior cushioning and energy return.
- Quicklace System: Allows for easy and secure lacing.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize traction and stability on technical terrains. Its advanced outsole design offers exceptional grip, making it suitable for muddy and snowy conditions.
With an average review score of 81%, it's rated just above the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Salomon Speedcross 5
The Salomon Speedcross 5 excels in providing traction and stability on technical terrains. Reviewers consistently praise its excellent traction on wet and muddy trails, thanks to the Contagrip TA outsole. The shoe's SensiFit system ensures a snug fit, enhancing stability, while the EnergyCell+ midsole offers good cushioning. However, the high heel and 10 mm drop may not suit everyone, particularly those prone to ankle rolls. The shoe's durability is commendable, though the lugs can wear down quickly on hard surfaces. Overall, the Speedcross 5 is a top choice for trail runners seeking a reliable shoe for challenging conditions, but it may not be the best option for those who prefer a more breathable or lighter shoe. Its performance on technical terrains makes it a standout choice for serious trail runners.
Updates to Salomon Speedcross 5
The Salomon Speedcross 5 has seen several significant updates compared to its predecessors. The most notable change is the redesigned Contagrip TA outsole, which features larger and more widely spaced lugs for better mud shedding and traction. The upper has been revamped with a more flexible and comfortable design, removing rigid materials and seams. The forefoot and toe box are now wider, accommodating a broader range of foot shapes. These updates make the Speedcross 5 a more versatile and comfortable option for technical trail running.
Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Torrent 2 is a good alternative for those seeking a more versatile trail running shoe. It offers a lighter weight and better breathability compared to the Salomon Speedcross 5. While it may not provide the same level of traction on muddy or snowy terrains, the Torrent 2 is suitable for a wider range of trail conditions and can handle both technical and smoother trails effectively.
The Dynafit Feline SL is another trail running shoe that competes with the Salomon Speedcross 5. It features a similarly aggressive outsole designed for technical terrains. However, the Feline SL offers a lower heel-to-toe drop and a more breathable upper, making it a better option for runners who prefer a more natural running feel and need better ventilation.
The Saucony Peregrine 12 is a trail running shoe known for its excellent sensitivity and traction. It offers a more balanced cushioning and a lower heel-to-toe drop compared to the Salomon Speedcross 5. The Peregrine 12 is a good choice for runners who need a shoe that performs well on both technical and smoother trails, providing a more versatile option for various trail conditions.
The Brooks Cascadia 16 is a versatile trail running shoe that offers excellent traction and stability. It features a more breathable upper and a lower heel-to-toe drop compared to the Salomon Speedcross 5. The Cascadia 16 is suitable for a wide range of trail conditions, making it a better option for runners who need a more all-around trail shoe.
Special versions of Salomon Speedcross 5
The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX is a special version of the Speedcross 5, featuring a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. This makes it an excellent choice for runners who frequently encounter wet conditions or need additional weather protection. While it retains the same aggressive outsole and durable design as the standard Speedcross 5, the GTX version offers enhanced water resistance, making it suitable for winter running and wet trails.
8 Salomon Speedcross 5 Pros & Cons
4 Pros
4 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Salomon Speedcross 5 is designed for durability and protection. It features a tightly woven mesh that offers some breathability while keeping out fine particulates, making it suitable for muddy terrain and desert conditions. The welded overlay adds to the shoe's durability and provides a secure fit. However, the upper is not very breathable, which can be a drawback in hot weather.
Midsole
The midsole of the Salomon Speedcross 5 is equipped with EnergyCell+ technology, providing excellent cushioning and energy return. This makes the shoe comfortable for long runs on technical terrains. The 10 mm heel-to-toe drop is ideal for heel strikers (runners who land on their heels), offering substantial cushioning in the heel area. However, the lack of a rock plate (a protective layer in the midsole) means that forefoot strikers (runners who land on the front part of their foot) might feel sharp rocks underfoot.
Outsole
The Contagrip TA outsole of the Salomon Speedcross 5 is one of its standout features. The aggressive, chevron-shaped lugs provide excellent traction on wet, muddy, and technical trails. The outsole is designed to shed mud effectively, ensuring that the shoe maintains its grip even in challenging conditions. However, the soft rubber used in the outsole can wear down quickly on hard surfaces.
Size/fit
The Salomon Speedcross 5 has a more accommodating fit compared to its predecessors. The forefoot and toe box are wider, making it suitable for runners with wider feet. The SensiFit system ensures a snug fit, preventing the foot from moving around inside the shoe. However, the high heel and narrow arch might not suit everyone, particularly those with a preference for a lower heel-to-toe drop.
Comfort
Comfort is a strong point for the Salomon Speedcross 5. The shoe is comfortable right out of the box, with a well-padded collar and a snug fit around the Achilles. The Quicklace system allows for easy adjustments, and the shoe's cushioning provides a comfortable ride on technical terrains. However, the shoe's lack of breathability can make it less comfortable in hot weather.
Cushioning
The Salomon Speedcross 5 offers good cushioning, particularly in the heel area. The EnergyCell+ midsole provides a responsive and cushioned ride, making it suitable for long runs on technical terrains. The 10 mm heel-to-toe drop is ideal for heel strikers, offering substantial cushioning in the heel area. However, the forefoot cushioning is less substantial, which might not suit all runners.
Breathability
Breathability is one of the weaker points of the Salomon Speedcross 5. The tightly woven mesh upper provides some ventilation but is not very breathable, making the shoe less suitable for hot weather. The shoe's design prioritizes protection and durability over breathability, which can lead to discomfort in warm conditions.
Stability
The Salomon Speedcross 5 offers good stability, thanks to its wider forefoot and snug fit. The SensiFit system ensures that the foot stays securely in place, while the higher collar provides additional support around the ankle. However, the high heel and 10 mm drop can make the shoe feel less stable on uneven terrain, particularly for runners prone to ankle rolls.
Durability
Durability is a strong point for the Salomon Speedcross 5. The shoe's upper is made from tough, tightly woven mesh, and the welded overlay adds to its durability. The Contagrip TA outsole is designed to withstand the rigors of technical trails, though the soft rubber can wear down quickly on hard surfaces. Overall, the shoe is built to last, particularly when used on the terrains it is designed for.
Grip
The grip of the Salomon Speedcross 5 is exceptional, thanks to its Contagrip TA outsole and aggressive, chevron-shaped lugs. The shoe provides excellent traction on wet, muddy, and technical trails, making it a top choice for challenging conditions. The outsole is designed to shed mud effectively, ensuring that the shoe maintains its grip even in the most challenging conditions.
Flex
The Salomon Speedcross 5 offers a good balance of flexibility and support. The shoe's forefoot is flexible enough to allow for natural foot movement, while the midsole and outsole provide the necessary support for technical terrains. The shoe's design ensures that it can handle a variety of trail conditions, from muddy paths to rocky scrambles.
Who should buy the Salomon Speedcross 5?
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is ideal for trail runners who frequently tackle technical terrains and need a shoe with excellent traction and stability. It's a great choice for those who run in wet, muddy, or snowy conditions and require a durable shoe that can handle rugged trails. Runners who prefer a snug fit and substantial heel cushioning will also find this shoe suitable. If you value traction and durability in a trail running shoe, the Speedcross 5 is worth considering.
Who should not buy the Salomon Speedcross 5?
The Salomon Speedcross 5 may not be the best choice for runners who prefer a more breathable shoe for hot weather conditions. Its high heel and 10 mm drop might not suit those who are prone to ankle rolls or prefer a lower drop. If you primarily run on hard surfaces or pavement, the Speedcross 5's lugs can wear down quickly. For those who need a more versatile shoe, options like the Hoka Torrent 2 or the Brooks Cascadia 16 might be better alternatives.
Salomon Speedcross 5: What's it good for?
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is well-suited for technical trail running and light hiking. Its aggressive lugs and excellent traction make it ideal for muddy terrain and snowy conditions. The shoe's durability and protection features also make it a good choice for long-distance trail runs on rugged paths. However, it is less suitable for hot weather or road running due to its limited breathability and specialized outsole.
5 Salomon Speedcross 5 FAQs
Is the Salomon Speedcross 5 suitable for road running?
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is not ideal for road running. Its aggressive lugs are designed for technical trails and can wear down quickly on hard surfaces. It's best used on muddy, snowy, or rugged terrains.
How does the Salomon Speedcross 5 perform in wet conditions?
The Salomon Speedcross 5 performs exceptionally well in wet conditions. Its Contagrip TA outsole provides excellent traction on wet and muddy trails, and the shoe's design helps shed mud effectively.
Is the Salomon Speedcross 5 breathable?
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is not very breathable. The tightly woven mesh upper provides some ventilation but is designed more for durability and protection, making it less suitable for hot weather.
What is the heel-to-toe drop of the Salomon Speedcross 5?
The Salomon Speedcross 5 has a heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm, with a stack height of 30 mm in the heel and 20 mm in the forefoot.
Does the Salomon Speedcross 5 have a rock plate?
No, the Salomon Speedcross 5 does not have a rock plate. However, its deep lugs and hard exterior Contragrip rubber provide good protection against sharp objects on the trail.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| released | ReleasedFeb 2019 | Sep 2022 | Nov 2022 | Jul 2023 | Aug 2023 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users+2 | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 329 g W: 281 g | M: 298 g W: 261 g | M: 335 g W: 301 g | M: 289 g W: 255 g | M: 301 g W: 298 g | M: 312 g W: 252 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot20 mm | 22 mm | 20 mm | 27 mm | 33 mm | 31 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel | Heel30 mm | 32 mm | 28 mm | 31 mm | 39 mm | 37 mm |
| Brand | BrandSalomon | Salomon | La Sportiva | Salomon | Merrell | New Balance |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeMaximalist | Maximalist | Low drop | Maximalist | Comfortable | |
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| High top | High top | |||||
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | Techs | BOAGore-Tex | OrthoLite | New Balance Fresh FoamVibram | ||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellentWaterproof | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsMudSnow/iceTrailNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
- Sep 2022
- Feb 2019
- Jan 2018
- Aug 2016
- Jan 2011
