Review: Salomon Speedcross 3 Trail Shoes

Jungle Approved – Salomon Speedcross 3

In the summer of 2015, I relocated to the sleepy Costa Rican surf town of Nosara [Get the full story at TemporaryTicos.com]. One of the first things I realized after the move was that my tried and true street running shoes weren’t going to cut it. In the jungles of Guanacaste, all running is trail running. And whether I’m churning up loose gravel, pounding down dusty dirt motocross cut-throughs or jumping over tree roots, dedicated trail shoes were a must-have.

After doing some research, polling both friends and the internet at large, I chose the Salomon Speedcross 3 design. They promised to be light, durable and comfortable, my three main objectives. The Salomon brand had significant cache as everyone I spoke to about trail shoes brought them up early in the conversation. The specific Speedcross 3 model was more of a dart toss, decided upon the great colorway and sexy silhouette. Yes, I’m shallow and often buy shoes based solely on their appearance. This time, the gamble paid off.

Buy Salomon Speedcross 3 Trail Shoes at Amazon.com

The unboxing immediately presents the full visual impact of the sweet Cobalt Blue/Granny Apple Green/Black upper. The next thing you notice is the lacing system. The Quick Fit laces mean fast on and off while still providing excellent tension across the top of the foot. For those that want a sleeker look, there’s a pocket to tuck the excess line into. Function and a high level of finish. Off to a good start.

The treads on the Speedcross 3 are beasts. The rubber cleats provide enough clearance for most trail trash while still being pliable and comfortable across rocks, dirt, clay, grass or sand. The toe guard is thick and has no problem protecting you from an errant kick against a root or stone. These shoes tear up the trails, gripping and spinning but never slipping.

They look good, are functional and the Speedcross 3s are also crazy comfortable. The inner sole has just the right blend of cushion and firmly molded support. The only time they don’t feel good is when you leave the trail for asphalt. But that’s not what these shoes are designed to traverse. Bust out our favorite neutral road running shoes, the Asics Cumulus series if that is your game. For softer surfaces, the Speedcross 3 shoes not only protect, they swaddle.

The surface fabric is a tight mesh that allows some breathability but keeps out dirt and water. The cupping below the ankle limits the amount of debris that can enter the shoe from the top. Yes, shoes that can handle a run on the beach without filling up with sand.

The Salomon Speedcross 3 is an amazing trail shoe. It’s everything I wanted and a beloved addition to my running kit. They have handled everything Costa Rica has thrown at them with authority and style. Highly recommended.

Buy Salomon Speedcross 3 Trail Shoes at Amazon.com