After the success of a really good trail shoe in the Salomon Speedcross 2, we were curious to see what the changes and differences would be with the Speedcross 3.
At first glance it’s pretty similar and retains the trademark rugged look. Which is just what it’s built for – tough trail running in any conditions.
Large lugs
The most noticeable part of the shoe, besides some of the loudest colour options we have ever seen, is the prominent lugs. This is the tread on the outer sole of the shoe, where the lugs have got bigger and the spacing even greater than with the Speedcross 2. The result is always surprising when putting the grip to test. With such aggressive traction, it might seem that the shoe would only perform well in heavy mud, but the Speedcross is lighter than it looks (308g) and falls somewhere between a minimalist shoe and a regular trail shoe.
The pattern of the lugs on the heel has been reversed for extra grip in fast downhill racing where you need to take care to keep your descent controlled.
Split personality
The upper of this shoe leaves us with contrasting opinions. The front upper, made up of tightly weaved ripstop nylon material, creates a great lightweight capsule that is breathable but still tough and resistant in rough conditions. This version is slightly wider than the Speedcross 2, which was narrow for the wider foot, and also has a really low profile which gives a tremendous feel for the trail.
The heel upper is not as comfortable nor as dexterous as the impressive forefoot. There is a lot of foam support built up around the heel, which just seems to add to a level of foot claustrophobia, and even though the heel is 4mm lower than the previous version, it still feels as though the heel is floating too high from the trail.
Best performer
The Speedcross 3 performs better the more extreme the conditions get. It’s designed to shed mud, grit and any build-up of material on the trail. The lightness and great overall fast attributes make the shoe a lot more versatile than we thought it would be, and a good choice for all but beginners.
From: Salomon Shop, Due South, Sportsmans Warehouse, Cape Union Mart
Price: R1300
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