Salomon XA Pro 3D

8.9
8.9 score
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Salomon XA Pro 3D Review Facts

The Salomon XA Pro 3D shoes are a well-used and well-loved flagship model worn by runners and hikers alike. The XA Pro 3D has become a best-selling shoe by Salomon for good reasons. It is in the top 20% of favorite running shoes. The shoe features the most significant and latest technologies. It performs well on nearly any terrain.

The XA Pro 3D was designed for trails. Traction is not an issue that will cause concern. Excellent updates and changes have been made to previous versions. Some of the features include Sensifit technology that permits a customized fit, self-cleaning lugs for improved traction, and a new, improved outsole using Contragrip technology.

The soles are among the shoes with the most grip compared to any on the market. The Quick-lace system does away with tying shoes. This is a heavy-duty, durable shoe that manages to maintain comfort and flexibility. The 3D Advanced Chassis is a term used to describe a highly versatile, stable shoe for running and hiking.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Customized fit with Sensifit technology
  • Ultimate traction provided by Contragrip technology and
  • lugs
  • Durable, water-resistant outsole
  • Does well on nearly all terrain
  • Confident quick-lace system provides extra security
  • Ortholite liner that reduces odor
Cons
  • Weak shock absorption in the heel
  • Lacks support in the ankle
  • Too heavy for some runners

Outole

The outsole was designed for durability. It is made of Contragrip rubber that has lugs attached for additional grip on challenging and technical trails. The lugs are considered to be 'self-cleaning.' An intelligent design puts enough space between each lug to prevent mud from clinging to the shoes and adding extra weight. The XA Pro outsole provides the best possible responsiveness, traction, flexibility, and protection.

It is the outsole of the shoe that receives the most raves from customers. They are shocked to learn how well the shoe grips. The outsole is among the most well-designed available. It performs well on nearly any surface under wet or dry conditions.

Midsole

A dual-density insert made of EVA foam provides full-length cushioning in the Solomon XA Pro 3D. Being dual-density adds overall support and comfort to the shoe. It ensures the feet receive the right amount of cushioning in all the proper places. Salomon calls the heel cup the 3D Advanced Chassis. It is incredibly flexible but still maintains its durability.

The midsole is made of shock-absorbent foam, designed to cradle the heel comfortably and keep it securely locked in place. The rock plate of the midsole is inflexible and sturdy. It provides excellent protection.

Upper

The material in the upper dries quickly after being worn in wet conditions. It is designed to be super breathable. The materials used constructing the upper are quick-drying mesh and synthetic leather. The lightweight mesh is woven with nylon which makes it an incredibly lightweight construction that is still durable. Sensifit is a brand of Salomon technology that cradles the foot, providing an exact and customized fit.

When running in hot temperatures, most people find their feet do not get excessively sweaty or hot. The exterior is supposed to be water resistant. Some runners report that water that gets inside takes a long time to dry. An Ortholit sockliner lines the upper interior. It has anti-sweat and anti-bacterial properties. Those are great features for running shoes. They help maintain a healthy and clean environment inside the shoe.

A covered tongue prevents debris and pebbles from entering the shoes. Salomon uses the minimalist QuickLace technology on the XA Pro 3D. It provides a simple one-pull tightening for easy on and off. The rubber cap of the forefoot serves as an extra barrier of protection.

Breathability

The mostly mesh constructed upper earns an excellent score in the breathability category for these shoes. Runners feel comfortable running in the shoes, even in extreme heat. They do not have to worry about feet becoming excessively sweaty or hot. The material is breathable as well as moisture-wicking and quick-drying. The design is meant to alleviate worries about absorbing water and getting weighted down if running in the rain.

Comfort

Most runners find the XA Pro 3D very comfortable. Various features were added solely for comfort. The Endofit sockliner provides a soft feel. A quick-lace system secures the feet firmly and securely in place. Traditional laces often feel constrictive. This lacing system achieves the ideal secure fit without the need to over-tighten the laces. The toe box is somewhat wider than the average running shoe.

Runners enjoy the toes not feeling smashed together or the feet feeling restricted. It is an excellent quality of shoes when mid-run swelling is an issue. Added arch support is a quality that is welcomed by some and not others. It depends on a person's level of comfort and whether added arch support is needed.

Many runners make positive comments about the heel area comfort. Blisters do not occur with these shoes. They are available in wide widths to accommodate the shape of different feet. The runner does not have to break-in the XA Pro 3D.

Style

The quick-lace system of this shoe gives it a modern look. It is not overly, bulky but it does have a heavy-duty, thicker look than some running shoes. There are various colors available including green and blue, red and blue, green and gray, blue and gray, orange and gray, red and black, and all-black.

Durability

The XA Pro 3D is designed for durability. Improvements have been made in terms of durability when compared to previous versions. Technically a trail shoe, it is extremely resistant to hazards and elements such as rocks.

A slight amount of weight added for extra durability is a worthwhile tradeoff when the number of miles the shoe can endure is taken into account. Customers have reported the shoe holds up even after many, many miles of running.

Lugs are a frequent complaint of many other running shoes. They are quickly damaged or break off. Lugs are not a concern with the XA Pro 3D. The traction system and high-quality outsole are built so well that durability issues are not a concern.

Protection

No brand or model competes with the protection provided by the XA Pro 3D. The shoe utilizes Mud Guard Technology. It provides a barrier that surrounds the shoe completely. The technology protects runners from pebbles, mud, and other unwanted materials. The protective toe cap has an optimized design that protects the toes from injury. A specially designed tongue prevents debris from getting into the shoe.

Responsiveness

Runners confidently tackle a variety of surfaces. Contragrip rubber soles have enhanced non-slip properties. The shoe enables the feet to naturally feel the ground while running, yet provide excellent grip and protection. The cushioning in the shoe is neither no little nor too much.

The cushioning of the XA Pro 3D hits the sweet spot. At the front of the shoes is an upward arching toe spring design that aids in forwarding momentum. It feels cushiony and soft, but the extra weight makes the shoe feel more like the cross between hiking and trail shoes rather than lightweight trainers.















Support

Throughout the run, feet feel fully cushioned and supported. "Sensifit' is a trademark system that claims to cradle the foot as it provides a secure and precise fit. The feet are supported and snugly fit. The heel has plenty of support. The Ortholite foam adds support and cushion the EVA shaped footbed. Support is provided in all the right areas. The shoes help those with pronation.

They are incredibly well-cushioned and stable. Added arch support is a feature appreciated by people whose feet fall on the flat end of the spectrum. The support provided by the shoe is incredible when the relatively lightweight is taken into consideration. These shoes offer great support while running and when worn as everyday or casual shoes.

Terrain

The XA Pro 3D is multifunctional across any kind of terrain. It has the excellent traction that provides comfort when running offroad, on the track, on a trail, or anything in between. Runners who run on technical and trick terrain frequently are impressed with the stability the shoes provide. Runners can expand their horizons and try running on terrain not previously attempted.

A runner can feel confident the shoes will tackle any chosen terrain. The shoe is well-designed for trails. There is plenty of grip and support to provide traction on any trail. The shoes handle tough off-trail and offroad terrain rocky and woodland areas with ease. Navigating any terrain will not cause a problem except for mud areas that are wet, deep, and boggy. No trail shoes are suited for such terrain.


Price

The XA Pro 3D ranges around a high price point but provides a great shoe for the cost. It has added stability, comfort, protections, and extras including the Ortholit insole and lace pocket. The slightly heavy mass makes it a lightweight shoe that is well worth the money.

Extra weight can be an issue for running trail races, but as a solid trail hoe, provides support and protection on the trail that makes the shoes worth the investment. When compared to other brands of trail shoes, the XA Pro 3D is averagely priced considering the comfort, durability, and high-quality construction it provides.

Traction

A sturdy grip is provided in both dry and wet conditions by the Contragrip outsole. When deciding if a trail shoe is worth the price, traction is likely the factor given the most consideration. The lugs and Contragrip outsole of the XA Pro 3D are designed for excellent traction.

The lugs do a great job of digging into the ground, even in muddy or snowy conditions. They provide a stable, confident ride. Woodland with plenty of rocks and tree roots, compact and soft mud, and canals can all be navigated confidently.

Stability

Stability control is contained in the midsole of the XA Pro 3D. The heel cup provides stability even on rough trail runs. A quick-lace system tightens the shoes comfortably around the feet, holding them firmly in place.

The heels are wider than the uppers which assist with stability. Throughout the whole shoe, high-level stability is present, making it the ideal choice for runners who want to achieve better balance.

Having a better sense of balance when running means achieving better push-off with each stride. Between the midsoles and outsoles in the 3D chassis feet are stabilized without sacrificing forefoot mobility.

Drop

Stability control is contained in the midsole of the XA Pro 3D. The heel cup provides stability even on rough trail runs. A quick-lace system tightens the shoes comfortably around the feet, holding them firmly in place.

The heels are wider than the uppers which assist with stability. Throughout the whole shoe, high-level stability is present, making it the ideal choice for runners who want to achieve better balance.

Having a better sense of balance when running means achieving better push-off with each stride. Between the midsoles and outsoles in the 3D chassis feet are stabilized without sacrificing forefoot mobility.

Key Features

Bold colors and eye-catching design
Protective toe cap
Quick-lace system
Lace pocket that prevents laces flapping
Covered tongue prevents debris and mud from entering the shoe
Handles on multiple terrains
Contragrip outsole
Lugs for added traction
Added arch support
Sensifit technology for a customized fit
Endofit sockliner
Midsole has dual-density EVA FOAM INSERTfoam insert
Mid-guard technology

Bottom Line

The Salomon XA Pro 3D is among the most versatile running shoes on the market. They perform well on any type of terrain. Salomon left no doubt that they knew what they were doing. On rough trails or smooth pavement, dry or wet, the XA Pro 3D can be counted on to comfortably carry a runner through a run with great traction. Some of the most impressive technology went int the high-quality construction of these shoes.

Runners get what they pay for. The Salomon XA Pro 3D is highly recommended for outdoor enthusiasts and trail runners. The shoe compares admirably with other brands of trail shoes when it comes to traction.

It offers more protection than a great many trail shoes. Support and comfort are strong features with some minor complaints about ankle support. The slightly heavy nature of the shoe is a compromise for the added support and comfort.