Salomon Speedcross 3

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Cesar PicininAlan RiouLaurens de VreeseBen O'Connor
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Salomon Speedcross 3: Review

“A trail running shoe with exceptional grip and lightweight design.”

Overview


The Salomon Speedcross 3 is a trail running shoe designed for challenging terrains. This shoe is known for its aggressive grip and lightweight construction, making it a popular choice among trail runners.

Key Features:

  • Contagrip Outsole: Provides excellent traction on muddy and snowy terrains.
  • Sensifit System: Ensures a secure and precise fit for the foot.
  • Quicklace System: Allows for easy and quick adjustments to the laces.
  • OrthoLite Inner Lining: Offers enhanced comfort and breathability.

The Salomon Speedcross 3 is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize grip and stability on muddy and snowy terrains. Its lightweight construction offers agility, making it suitable for high-speed trail running.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 20% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Salomon Speedcross 3


The Salomon Speedcross 3 excels in providing grip and stability on muddy and snowy terrains, thanks to its Contagrip outsole. The Sensifit system ensures a secure fit, while the Quicklace system allows for easy adjustments. However, the shoe's cushioning is minimal, which might be uncomfortable on rocky surfaces. The OrthoLite inner lining enhances comfort and breathability, making it suitable for long runs. The shoe's lightweight construction is a significant advantage for high-speed trail running. Overall, the Salomon Speedcross 3 is a reliable choice for trail runners who need excellent traction and stability. Its performance on muddy and snowy terrains is particularly impressive.

Comparable Shoes


The Salomon XA Pro 3D is a more cushioned and supportive option for trail runners. It offers better protection on rocky surfaces and is suitable for runners who need extra arch support.

7 Salomon Speedcross 3 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Excellent grip on muddy and snowy terrains.
Lightweight construction for high-speed running.
Secure and precise fit with the Sensifit system.
Quicklace system for easy adjustments.

3 Cons

Minimal cushioning may be uncomfortable on rocky surfaces.
Not fully waterproof.
Can be slippery on wet stones.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Salomon Speedcross 3 is made from lightweight, breathable, and abrasion-resistant materials. This ensures that the shoe remains comfortable and durable during long runs. The anti-detritus mesh prevents small stones from getting trapped between the foot and the insole, enhancing the shoe's overall comfort. Additionally, the water-repellent fabric helps keep the foot dry in wet conditions, making it suitable for muddy terrain.

Midsole

The midsole of the Salomon Speedcross 3 features molded EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a type of foam), which provides lightweight cushioning and stability. This design helps absorb shock during runs, reducing the impact on the runner's joints. The injected EVA further enhances the shoe's cushioning, making it suitable for trail running.

Outsole

The Contagrip outsole of the Salomon Speedcross 3 is designed for excellent traction on muddy and snowy terrains. The aggressive lug pattern ensures a firm grip, preventing slips and falls. This makes the shoe ideal for winter trail running and other challenging conditions.

Size/fit

The Salomon Speedcross 3 offers a precise and secure fit, thanks to the Sensifit system. This system cradles the foot, providing a snug fit that enhances stability during runs. The Quicklace system allows for easy adjustments, ensuring that the shoe fits comfortably throughout the run. The medium toe box provides ample space for the toes, preventing discomfort during long runs.

Comfort

The Salomon Speedcross 3 is designed with comfort in mind. The OrthoLite inner lining offers enhanced breathability and cushioning, keeping the foot cool and dry. The lightweight construction of the shoe reduces fatigue, making it suitable for long-distance runs. However, the minimal cushioning might be a drawback for runners who prefer a softer feel.

Cushioning

The cushioning in the Salomon Speedcross 3 is provided by the molded and injected EVA midsole. While this offers lightweight cushioning and stability, it may not be sufficient for runners who prefer a more cushioned feel. The shoe is designed for trail running, where a firmer cushioning is often preferred for better ground feel and stability.

Breathability

The upper of the Salomon Speedcross 3 is made from breathable materials, ensuring that the foot remains cool and dry during runs. The anti-detritus mesh further enhances breathability by preventing small stones and debris from entering the shoe. This makes the shoe suitable for muddy terrain and other challenging conditions.

Stability

The Salomon Speedcross 3 offers excellent stability, thanks to its Sensifit system and Contagrip outsole. The Sensifit system ensures a secure fit, while the Contagrip outsole provides traction on various terrains. This combination makes the shoe ideal for trail running and other off-road activities.

Durability

The Salomon Speedcross 3 is built to last, with abrasion-resistant materials and a durable Contagrip outsole. The shoe's construction ensures that it can withstand the rigors of trail running and other challenging conditions. The water-repellent fabric and anti-detritus mesh further enhance the shoe's durability.

Grip

The Contagrip outsole of the Salomon Speedcross 3 provides exceptional grip on muddy and snowy terrains. The aggressive lug pattern ensures a firm grip, preventing slips and falls. This makes the shoe ideal for muddy terrain and other challenging conditions.

Flex

The Salomon Speedcross 3 offers a good balance of flexibility and support. The lightweight construction and Sensifit system ensure that the shoe remains flexible, allowing for natural foot movement. This makes the shoe suitable for trail running and other off-road activities.

Who should buy the Salomon Speedcross 3?


The Salomon Speedcross 3 is ideal for trail runners who need a shoe with excellent grip and stability. Runners who frequently tackle muddy or snowy terrains will benefit from the Contagrip outsole. The shoe's lightweight construction makes it suitable for high-speed trail running. Additionally, runners with a neutral pronation (foot rolls inward slightly) and those who prefer a medium toe box will find this shoe comfortable.

Who should not buy the Salomon Speedcross 3?


Runners who prefer a highly cushioned shoe might find the Salomon Speedcross 3 lacking in comfort. Those who run primarily on rocky surfaces may find the minimal cushioning uncomfortable. Additionally, runners with a low arch or those who need extra arch support might not find this shoe suitable. For these runners, a shoe with more cushioning and support, such as the Salomon XA Pro 3D, might be a better option.

Salomon Speedcross 3: What's it good for?


The Salomon Speedcross 3 is excellent for trail running on muddy and snowy terrains. Its aggressive grip and lightweight construction make it suitable for high-speed runs. The shoe is also ideal for obstacle course racing due to its stability and traction. Runners who participate in obstacle course racing will appreciate the shoe's performance in challenging conditions.

5 Salomon Speedcross 3 FAQs


Is the Salomon Speedcross 3 suitable for muddy terrain?

Yes, the Salomon Speedcross 3 is designed for muddy terrain. Its Contagrip outsole provides excellent traction, making it ideal for muddy terrain.

Does the Salomon Speedcross 3 offer good cushioning?

The Salomon Speedcross 3 offers lightweight cushioning with its molded and injected EVA midsole. However, it may not be sufficient for runners who prefer a more cushioned feel.

Is the Salomon Speedcross 3 waterproof?

The standard Salomon Speedcross 3 is water-repellent but not fully waterproof. For waterproof options, consider the Speedcross 3 GTX or Speedcross 3 CS.

What type of lacing system does the Salomon Speedcross 3 have?

The Salomon Speedcross 3 features the Quicklace system, which allows for easy and quick adjustments to the laces.

Is the Salomon Speedcross 3 suitable for high-speed trail running?

Yes, the Salomon Speedcross 3 is lightweight and designed for high-speed trail running. Its aggressive grip and stability make it suitable for fast-paced runs.

Salomon Speedcross 3 alternatives



Salomon Speedcross 3
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Salomon Speedcross 3
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priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Jan 2011
Aug 2022Mar 2018
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users

+4
Laurens de VreeseBen O'Connor

+5
Elov OlssonRyan Woods
Weight
Weight
M: 309 g
W: 261 g
11 g
M: 204 g
W: 170 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
9 mm
23 mm
M: 18 mm
W: 16 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
11 mm
8 mm
3 mm
Heel
Heel
20 mm
31 mm
M: 21 mm
W: 19 mm
Brand
Brand
Salomon
SalomonHokaSalomonSalomonScarpa
Support Type
Support Type
Neutral
NeutralNeutral
Stability
Pronation Type
Pronation Type
Neutral pronation
Neutral pronationNeutral pronation
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Arch Type
Arch Type
High arch
High archHigh arch
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
MaximalistLightweightLow drop
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Gore-Tex
Gore-Tex
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Waterproof
Waterproof
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan Ⓥ
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Salomon Speedcross 3: 1 Expert video review

Salomon Speedcross 3 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainMud (+97)Snow/ice (+59)Trail (+533)
BrandSalomon (+100)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeHeel strike (+1097)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
FitMedium toe box (+855)
Events10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)Obstacle course racing (+168)
ColorwaysBeige, Black / Black / Quiet Shade, Grey, Navy, Noir, Olive, Quarry, Sulphur Spring / High Risk Red / Black, White, White / White / Alloy
Specificationsvs Average
Model
3
Released
Jan 2011
Measurements
Weight
M: 309 g
W: 261 g
Heel to toe drop
11 mm
Heel
20 mm
Forefoot
9 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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