This month’s equipment review courtesy of Matt Whiting at Apex Sports, features the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra off-road shoe.
The XA Pro Ultra is Salomon’s most popular running shoe. There are two model options available, either with or without the waterproof Gore Tex upper. I have worn both versions over the last couple of years for running and walking off-road.
One of the first things you will notice about the shoe is the lacing system. As with all Salomon running shoes, the XA Pro does not have conventional laces but uses the Kevlar Quick-fit lacing system. The laces may look flimsy but are in fact extremely strong. The quick release lock fastens down on top of the foot, making them very easy to adjust.
The XA Pro is specifically designed for use off-road. This differs from some of the off-road shoes available, as many are just more durable road shoes. In the Salomon, your foot sits fairly close to the ground, a feature that is required when running on uneven ground. A more cushioned shoe raises your foot further from the ground, which is fine on a flat surface but makes you more unstable on uneven terrain.
The ‘contagrip’ outsole of the shoe incorporates multi-directional lugs which give good grip on loose rock and trails, and also work relatively well on muddy ground. The shoe also features a very protective toe bumper providing a shield from tree roots and rocks.
Pronation control does not tend to be as important in an off-road shoe, as your foot is not repeatedly landing at the same angle. However, the XA Pros do have what is called ‘pronation control’ built into the medial side of the mid-sole. I wear a neutral road shoe but have not found this to be an issue at all.
As well as wearing the XA Pro 3D Ultra for off-road runs, I have also worn them for long walks off/on road and found them extremely comfortable when on your feet for a long period of time.
Because of the low profile mid sole, the XA Pro does seem quite ‘hard’ when running on harder surfaces, so should certainly be used primarily as an off-road shoe. There are also shoes that will give more grip for very muddy conditions but as an overall package, it is hard to find a shoe that is better when venturing off road.
Matt Whiting, Apex Sports.