Salomon Speedcross 6 Introduction
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is the grippy path footwear for technical terrain within the Salomon lineup.
This replace on a basic, aggressive path runner options decreased weight and a revamped higher.
The Salomon Contagrip® outsole expertise on the Speedcross 6 makes use of a rubber compound and lug profile that optimizes efficiency on mud and free surfaces. The outsole on the Speedcross 6 has wider areas between lugs in order that it’s simpler to shake out mud.
At $160, the Salomon Speedcross 6 worth is on-par with its high-traction rivals, just like the Saucony Peregrine ($140), Brooks Catamount ($160), or Hoka Speedgoat ($155).
The Speedcross’s 5mm lugs (decreased from 6mm on the Speedcross 5) are essentially the most aggressive of the group.
Regardless of the drop in weight (about 10.1 oz. in Males’s and 9.2 ouncesin Ladies’s) these are a bit heavier than rivals, however they do have essentially the most sturdy and sturdy building.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Impressions
The Salomon Speedcross was my very first path operating shoe. After proudly owning a pair, I deserted climbing boots ceaselessly in favor of agile and lighter-weight footwear to go sooner on the path with out sacrificing grip or safety.
In its early iterations, the Speedcross match the invoice completely. The lure of upper stacks and rocker expertise moved me away from the Speedcross since then, so it had been years since attempting out this oldie however goodie once more.
Upon pulling the shoe out of the field, the very first thing I seen was the distinctive higher design that prolonged over the midsole.
These footwear look aggressive and guarded, particularly within the Black / Biscay Inexperienced / Fiery Crimson colorway. The massive “Velocity Cross 6” printed on the tongue attracts the attention and emphasizes the continuity of the higher mesh layer that hugs the foot from the midsole to the lacing system.
Whereas completely different from different path trainers, the higher design is intentional for making a safe match.
I primarily examined these in early season circumstances within the Tetons, which have been the perfect circumstances for this shoe.
The primary run in these footwear was on a muddy singletrack path with some steep sections. A thick, sticky layer of mud collected on the outsole making them a few pound heavier every; however the higher totally prevented any mud, particles, or wetness from coming into the shoe.
As soon as the mud was shed, the 5mm lugs impressed confidence on delicate surfaces up and downhills the place the mud wasn’t too heavy.
On subsequent runs, I discovered that the Speedcross 6 handles early season snow fields and grime with spots of mud properly. The lugs want a chance to shed mud, so with sustained muddy circumstances the lugs will develop into totally coated after which begin to accumulate.
In circumstances the place the lugs can chew into the bottom, they’re essentially the most dependable shoe that I’ve examined. This traction is particularly noticeable in steeper grime sections each on the uphill and downhill.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Safety
Regardless of the Speedcross 6’s lack of rockplate, the 32mm of stack top within the heel and 22mm below forefoot supplies ample underfoot safety.
The Contagrip outsole is purposely delicate however definitely not penetrable. Whereas I didn’t have any points with the underfoot safety, there have been instances that I felt some affect.
The higher protection and safety is phenomenal for making certain that no particles entered the shoe. The structured, thick higher materials and toe bumper make sure that the highest of your foot and toes are shielded from path hazards.
The coated higher and midsole building forestall water from coming into between the midsole and outsole. Sadly, these protecting measures can’t be supplemented by a gaiter as a result of there are not any specified gaiter attachments.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Sturdiness
Sturdiness is just not a limiting issue for efficiency within the Speedcross 6. Though these footwear retained grime after my first (very muddy) run in them, they’ve confirmed to be remarkably sturdy after over 100 miles.
Regardless of having run via moist, muddy, and rocky terrain along with highway miles, there are minimal indicators of wear and tear. The higher has no seen abrasions, and the lugs haven’t been worn down in any respect.
I’ve little question the Speedcross 6 would maintain up reliably throughout an extremely distance run on robust mountain terrain.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Responsiveness & velocity
The aerodynamic form of the Speedcross 6 permits you to transfer rapidly when the path opens up and nimbly in rockier, extra technical terrain. Salomon’s Vitality Cell+ EVA midsole is constructed to maximise power rebound, and it feels adequately agency and responsive.
The midsole flares out barely within the heel so as to add stability. The 10mm drop is most pure and cozy for runners who strike with their heel first.
This shoe has the benefit over others in its traction. Some power is misplaced within the softness of the outsole. The Contagrip® Mud outsole is purposely softer for optimum grip in grime, sand, mud, and snow; so the Speedcross 6 makes up time when the circumstances get extra slippery.
The sticky grip evokes confidence on the surfaces it’s constructed for (except mud that’s too deep for any shoe), particularly in steeper sections. The lugs bit into snowfield surfaces, making these the perfect footwear for many early season circumstances.
Salomon Speedcross 6 Conclusions
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a pleasant improve on an outdated basic.Their distinctive traction, safety, and sturdiness make them very best for early season snow, mud, and grime. They’re a steady, dependable, and confidence-inspiring selection for operating on snowy roads and up or down steep trails when the path surfaces are delicate.
The cosy Sensifit locks down for a safe match that truly enhances responsiveness and retains out particles and wetness. For his or her very best use instances, you’ll need to seize the Salomon Speedcross 6 over another shoe.
For different circumstances, they are often overkill and sacrifice velocity and luxury. On hard-packed surfaces, you might really feel such as you’re operating in cleats and the softer outsole won’t be as quick or responsive as different choices.
On longer runs and ultra-distances, the Speedcross 6 doesn’t have ample cushioning to really feel snug after hours of sustained affect. In sizzling climate, they will run sizzling.
For softer path terrain and shorter distances (3-10 miles), I’m completely satisfied to have the Speedcross 6 in my quiver for early season circumstances.
Now that the mud season within the Tetons has handed, I’ll in all probability retailer these away and change to a extra responsive and cushioned shoe for greater mileage on harder-packed terrain.
