outside girl

Road to Trail Shoe

Many of us have to run some distance on the road before reaching our nearest trail.  Designing a shoe that offers road performance as well as trail ability has been the focus of a number of the big shoe companies during the last year. The Salomon XR Crossmax was launched as the door-to-trail shoe...so let's check it out!

Salomon XR Crossmax Neutral

There are a few different models of this shoe...so to start with the XR Crossmax Neutral is described as a high mileage trainer for neutral runners who want one shoe from door to trail.  The XR Crossmax Guidance model is for runners who need pronation control and stable cushioning.  Both the Neutral and Guidance shoes have Climashield models (i.e. XR Crossmax Neutral CS) which have a waterproof membrane over the front portion of the tongue and shoe to keep your feet dry.  There is a women specific model for each of these shoes.

Key features

• Triple-density EVA midsole provides cushioning and stability.
• OS Tendon in outersole gives energy efficiency from heel to toe, improving take-off
• Contagrip LT & Contagrip HA combination outersoles provide solid traction and trip.
• Mud&Snow non-marking Contagrip leaves no traces whatever the terrain.
• Quicklace system and friction free lace eyelets for quick and easy on pull lacing.
• Gusseted tongue reduces the amount of debris from entering the shoe.
• Stretch air-mesh upper allows for extreme breathability and quick drying.
• Seamless construction to give a secure and snug fit.

Review

The XR Crossmax is a lightweight durable shoe that doesn’t compromise on features or comfort.  You get the same great Salomon feel, fit and foothold with this shoe.  The midsole construction, OS Tendons and the super stretchy upper helps the shoe flex during the heel-to-toe transition.  The multi-directional grip provides solid traction on ascents and descents in wet and dry conditions.  The highly breathable stretch air-mesh upper is great at keeps the air circulating and your feet cool on the hottest of days.

A trail running shoe provides stability, super grip and important protection against the harshest of conditions.  A road shoe needs support and cushioning to absorb the impact of long distance runs on hard surfaces.  As many of us run respectable distances both on and off road, the XR Crossmax is a great transitional shoe if you are just getting into trail running and still enjoy your road sessions, or if you are a trail runner needing a shoe for the days when your route takes in more road than cross country.

Hours spent on challenging trails or high road mileage would quickly push this shoe beyond its designed ability.  But then if you find yourself doing more off road, than on, or visa-versa you need a terrain specific shoe.

The XR Crossmax is a uniquely versatile shoe that adapts to the terrain, gives super grip, cushioning, great support and comfort...guess that's why Runner's World named it as the 'best debut' trail running shoe last year!

Be great to hear your thoughts on the XR Crossmax, or any other door-to-trail shoe and if you have any pics we'd like to see them too.

See you on the trail!