Salomon Thundercross

Review Score
86%
๐Ÿ… Highly Rated
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Salomon Thundercross: Review

โ€œA versatile trail running shoe with exceptional grip and stability.โ€

Overview


The Salomon Thundercross is a trail running shoe designed to tackle diverse terrains with ease. This shoe is known for its versatility and durability, making it a reliable choice for trail enthusiasts.

Key Features:

  • Energy Foam Midsole: Provides balanced cushioning and responsiveness for a smooth ride.
  • Contagrip Outsole: Offers excellent traction with 5 mm lugs for grip on various surfaces.
  • Quicklace System: Ensures a secure and adjustable fit with ease.

The Salomon Thundercross is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize stability and grip for challenging terrains. Its lightweight design offers agility, making it suitable for both training and racing.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 86%. This puts it in the highest rated 30% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Salomon Thundercross


The Salomon Thundercross has been praised for its versatility and performance on various terrains. Its Energy Foam midsole provides a comfortable and responsive ride, making it suitable for both short and long distances. The Contagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs ensures excellent traction, even on muddy or rocky surfaces. However, some users noted that the shoe runs warm, which might not be ideal for summer conditions. The shoe's low 4 mm drop may not suit all runners, particularly those who prefer a higher heel-to-toe offset. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Thundercross offers great value for its price, providing durability and a secure fit. Overall, the Salomon Thundercross is a solid choice for trail runners seeking a reliable and versatile shoe. Its balance of performance, comfort, and durability makes it a worthwhile investment for trail enthusiasts.

Comparable Shoes


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The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 is a good alternative for runners seeking a higher heel-to-toe drop. It offers more cushioning, making it suitable for those who prefer a softer ride. While the Thundercross excels in grip and stability, the Pegasus Trail 4 provides a more cushioned experience, ideal for longer distances.

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The Merrell Nova 3 offers a similar level of versatility but with a focus on comfort and cushioning. It may be a better choice for runners who prioritize a plush feel over rugged terrain. While the Thundercross is designed for technical trails, the Nova 3 provides a more cushioned ride for varied surfaces.

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The Brooks Cascadia 17 is another trail shoe that offers more cushioning, making it suitable for ultra distances. It provides a stable ride with a higher drop, catering to heel strikers. While the Thundercross is lightweight and agile, the Cascadia 17 focuses on comfort and support for longer runs.

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The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is designed for ultra distances, offering maximum cushioning and support. It may be a better option for runners who need extra protection for long runs. While the Thundercross is versatile and agile, the Mafate Speed 4 provides a plush ride for extended adventures.

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The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a more rugged option with a firmer toe bumper, ideal for rocky terrains. It offers a higher drop, catering to those who prefer more offset. While the Thundercross is versatile and lightweight, the Speedcross 6 provides enhanced protection for challenging conditions.

10 Salomon Thundercross Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Versatile across various terrains.
Excellent grip with Contagrip outsole.
Comfortable and responsive Energy Foam midsole.
Secure fit with Quicklace system.
Durable construction for long-lasting use.

5 Cons

Runs warm, not ideal for summer.
Low drop may not suit all runners.
Limited breathability in warmer conditions.
Lacks a rock plate for extra protection.
Tongue may twist during long runs.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Salomon Thundercross is crafted from a durable mesh material, providing a balance of protection and breathability. It features a sleek design with rubbery overlays that enhance durability and offer additional protection around the toe box. The Quicklace system ensures a secure fit, allowing for easy adjustments on the go. While the upper is designed to withstand various terrains, some users have noted that it could benefit from improved breathability, especially in warmer conditions.

Midsole

The midsole of the Salomon Thundercross is equipped with Energy Foam, which offers a blend of cushioning and responsiveness. This foam helps absorb shock while maintaining a bouncy feel, making it suitable for both short and long runs. The 4 mm heel-to-toe drop provides a stable platform for forefoot and midfoot strikers, enhancing the shoe's versatility across different running styles. The midsole's design ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, contributing to a comfortable running experience.

Outsole

The Contagrip outsole of the Salomon Thundercross is designed for superior traction on a variety of surfaces. It features 5 mm multidirectional lugs that provide grip on muddy, rocky, and uneven terrains. The outsole's design helps prevent mud and debris from clogging, ensuring consistent performance in challenging conditions. This makes the Thundercross a reliable choice for trail runners who encounter diverse terrains during their runs.

Size/fit

The Salomon Thundercross offers a true-to-size fit, accommodating a range of foot shapes. The Sensifit construction provides a precise foothold, ensuring comfort and stability during runs. The shoe's design allows for a wide toe box, giving ample room for toe splay, which is beneficial for longer runs when feet tend to swell. The Quicklace system further enhances the fit, allowing for quick and easy adjustments to achieve the desired snugness.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Salomon Thundercross, thanks to its well-cushioned midsole and supportive upper. The Energy Foam midsole provides a soft yet responsive feel, reducing fatigue during long runs. The Sensifit upper construction ensures a secure and comfortable fit, while the Quicklace system allows for easy adjustments. Although the shoe runs slightly warm, it remains comfortable for most conditions, making it a reliable choice for trail runners seeking comfort over extended distances.

Cushioning

The Salomon Thundercross features a well-cushioned midsole with Energy Foam, providing a balance of softness and responsiveness. This cushioning helps absorb impact, reducing stress on the joints during runs. The shoe's design caters to both short and long distances, offering comfort and support throughout. While some users may prefer additional cushioning for ultra distances, the Thundercross provides adequate cushioning for most trail running needs.

Breathability

Breathability in the Salomon Thundercross is moderate, with a mesh upper that allows for some airflow. However, users have noted that the shoe can run warm, particularly in hotter conditions. The upper's design prioritizes durability and protection, which may slightly compromise breathability. For those running in cooler climates or during colder months, the warmth may be beneficial, but in summer, it could be a consideration.

Stability

Stability is a key feature of the Salomon Thundercross, thanks to its low 4 mm drop and supportive midsole. The shoe provides a stable platform for forefoot and midfoot strikers, enhancing control on uneven terrains. The Sensifit upper construction ensures a secure fit, further contributing to the shoe's stability. This makes the Thundercross a suitable choice for trail runners who prioritize stability during their runs.

Durability

The Salomon Thundercross is built to withstand the rigors of trail running, with a durable mesh upper and robust outsole. The shoe's construction ensures longevity, even on challenging terrains. Users have reported minimal wear after extensive use, highlighting its durability. The combination of protective overlays and a sturdy outsole makes the Thundercross a reliable choice for runners seeking a long-lasting trail shoe.

Grip

The grip of the Salomon Thundercross is exceptional, thanks to its Contagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs. These lugs provide traction on a variety of surfaces, from muddy trails to rocky paths. The outsole's design helps prevent clogging, ensuring consistent grip in challenging conditions. This makes the Thundercross a dependable choice for trail runners who encounter diverse terrains during their runs.

Flex

The Salomon Thundercross offers a moderate level of flex, balancing support and flexibility for a comfortable running experience. The shoe's design allows for natural foot movement, enhancing agility on technical terrains. While the midsole provides cushioning, it also maintains a degree of firmness, contributing to the shoe's overall stability. This balance of flex and support makes the Thundercross suitable for a variety of trail running scenarios.

Who should buy the Salomon Thundercross?


The Salomon Thundercross is ideal for trail runners who seek a versatile shoe capable of handling various terrains. It's particularly suited for those who prefer a low drop design, offering stability and control. Runners who enjoy off-road adventures will appreciate its grip and durability. Additionally, those with a wide toe box preference will find the fit accommodating. The Thundercross is a great choice for both training and racing, providing comfort and performance across different distances.

Who should not buy the Salomon Thundercross?


The Salomon Thundercross may not be the best choice for runners who prefer a highly cushioned shoe for ultra distances. Its low drop design might not suit heel strikers who require more offset. Those seeking a shoe with enhanced breathability for hot weather might find it runs warm. If you're looking for a shoe with a firmer toe bumper for rocky terrains, consider alternatives like the Salomon Speedcross.

Salomon Thundercross: What's it good for?


The Salomon Thundercross is well-suited for trail running on diverse terrains, offering excellent grip and stability. It's a reliable choice for muddy terrain and technical trails, providing confidence on ascents and descents. The shoe's design caters to midfoot and forefoot strikers, enhancing performance for those running styles. Its durability makes it suitable for long-distance training and racing, ensuring comfort and support throughout.

5 Salomon Thundercross FAQs


What type of terrain is the Salomon Thundercross best suited for?

The Salomon Thundercross is best suited for trail running on diverse terrains, including muddy and rocky paths. Its Contagrip outsole provides excellent traction, making it ideal for technical trails.

Is the Salomon Thundercross suitable for long-distance running?

Yes, the Salomon Thundercross is suitable for long-distance running, offering comfort and support with its Energy Foam midsole. However, for ultra distances, some runners may prefer additional cushioning.

How does the Salomon Thundercross fit?

The Salomon Thundercross fits true to size, with a wide toe box that accommodates foot swelling during long runs. The Quicklace system ensures a secure and adjustable fit.

What is the heel-to-toe drop of the Salomon Thundercross?

The Salomon Thundercross has a heel-to-toe drop of 4 mm, providing a stable platform for forefoot and midfoot strikers.

Is the Salomon Thundercross breathable?

The Salomon Thundercross offers moderate breathability with its mesh upper. However, it may run warm in hotter conditions, which could be a consideration for summer running.

Salomon Thundercross alternatives

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Similarity
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released
Released
Jul 2023
Nov 2023Dec 2023Dec 2023
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Weight
Weight
M: 289 g
W: 255 g
M: 266 g
W: 235 g
M: 289 g
W: 249 g
M: 303 g
W: 281 g
M: 312 g
W: 252 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
27 mm
27 mm
30 mm
32 mm
31 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
4 mm
6 mm
4 mm
6 mm
Heel
Heel
31 mm
31 mm
36 mm
36 mm
37 mm
Brand
Brand
Salomon
HokaSauconySauconyNikeNew Balance
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Low drop
ComfortableLow dropLow dropComfortableMaximalistComfortableLow dropComfortable
Rocker
Rocker
Rock plate
Rock plate
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
OrthoLite
Vibram
VibramNew Balance Fresh FoamVibram
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

Salomon Thundercross: what the experts say (1 review)

Salomon Thundercross: 2 Expert video reviews

Salomon Thundercross characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainMud (+97)Trail (+533)
BrandSalomon (+100)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1116)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
Shoe TypeLow drop (+277)
FitWide toe box (+273)
FeaturesOrthotic friendly (+456)Removable insole (+439)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
TechsOrthoLite (+13)
EventsObstacle course racing (+168)Ultra marathon (+136)
ColorwaysBlack, Black / Bering Sea / Pink Glo, Black / Black / Pink Glo, Black / Green Gecko / Black, Black / Quiet Shade / Fiery Coral, Black / Shadow / Coral, Blue, Burgundy, Cream, Flint Stone / Carbon / Orange
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Jul 2023
Measurements
Weight
M: 289 g
W: 255 g
Heel to toe drop
4 mm
Heel
31 mm
Forefoot
27 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. Heโ€™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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๐Ÿ“Š Stats by geerly ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ ๐Ÿ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB ๐Ÿšจ ๐Ÿ Overall position: 35/549 ๐Ÿšน Gender position: 21/299 ๐ŸŽฏ Age grade: 61%