Training is an important part of any kind of mountaineering activity, and that consists of various options, such as running, and specifically trail running. Although I do not particularly like to run on mountain trails -I much more prefer to enjoy the views and the surrounding environment- I understand the importance of this type of exercise. For this type of activity I use the Salomon Speedcross 3 purchased from Ali Express. Some say these shoes are genuine but with some minor defects, instead others claim are rip-off Salomon models. Either case, this will be a review for the specific shoes.

I have been using this specific pair of shoes for that past few months and I have completed hundreds of kilometres on running, going uphill and cliff climbing. Therefore, I have a great understanding of how the Salomon Speedcross 3 perform in various terrains.

Upper
The toe box feels nice and roomy, w. The Speedcross 3 has a great snug fit with great midfoot and heel lockdown.

Salomon uses ripstop nylon upper, which in my opinion, is the most durable trail shoe upper I’ve ever worn. The weave of the nylon is especially effective at keeping dirt and debris out of the shoe. The Speedcross 3 also does great at keeping your feet warm in cold, wet, and snowy conditions as the dense weave really seems to lock heat in. Conversely, when hot (above 30 C) the shoe feel very hot and the feet sweaty. The reinforced toe area is very useful for protecting toes by accidental bumps in rocks or elsewhere.

Salomon uses and nice lace pocket which helps tuck a little bit more of the excess lace out of the way.

Midsole
Speedcross 3 has a very odd mix of a soft, flexible, low forefoot and a stiff and chunky heel.  The combo makes sense only if you are trying to retain high levels of heel cushion, and yet still have enough proprioception in the forefoot to handle technical terrain.  While hard heel strikers may appreciate this, I think most runners who run in technical terrain frequently adopt a much more nimble stride and when you do, the heel on the Speedcross 3 is just in the way and actually downright unstable.

Outsole
Speedcross 3 is using a simple and effective outsole design. Salomon updated its Mud and Snow Contragrip design using the same chevron lug pattern, pointing forward on the forefoot and toe and pointing backward on the heel area, but used slightly larger lugs with a bit more spacing between them. I found that the spacing helped the Speedcross 3 shed mud and clay quite well. Also added are little rubber nubs that poke out of each chevron lug like a small rubber spike. The little nubs on these specific Speedcross 3 are wearing out pretty soon. This is also the reason I think the specific Speedcross 3 are not genuine as the store I bought the claim they are.

Technologies

• LACE POCKET Provides easy storage for the Quick Fit lacing system

• SENSIFIT™ Sensifit system works to cradle the foot providing a precise and secure fit.

• QUICKLACE™ Minimalistic and strong lace for one-pull tightening. Easy-on, easy-off.

• MUD&SNOW NON-MARKING CONTAGRIP® Used specifically in Winter, this non-marking contagrip leaves no t…

• EVA SHAPED FOOTBED Provides excellent cushioning and anatomically designed support

• ORTHOLITE® OrthoLite® sockliner combines a specific Ortholite® foam and an EVA heel cup. Ortholite® foam creates a cooler, drier, healthier

• MUD GUARD Protective material all around the base of the shoe

• ANTI-DEBRIS MESH Avoid debris to be trapped between your foot and the footbed

Bellow some photos of the same shoe used for 8 months and having done hundreds if not a couple of thousand of kilometres.