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Salomon Xa Wild GTX
Editor’s Conclusion
The Salomon Men's Xa Wild GTX Trail Running Shoe is an all-terrain wet-weather shoe.
With a combination of protection, comfort, durability, and a Contagrip outsole for reliable traction, this shoe will carry you for hiking/trekking or trail running.
The designed-in 3D chassis provides more stability for taking on those longer hikes or runs in challenging outdoor environments. For those looking for a shoe with versatile use and solid water protection, the Xa Wild may well be the right option for you.
With a combination of protection, comfort, durability, and a Contagrip outsole for reliable traction, this shoe will carry you for hiking/trekking or trail running.
The designed-in 3D chassis provides more stability for taking on those longer hikes or runs in challenging outdoor environments. For those looking for a shoe with versatile use and solid water protection, the Xa Wild may well be the right option for you.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Comfortable
Protective
Water proofing
Grip
Stability
Good overall lockdown-wrap
Cons
Breathability in warm weather
Feels heavy for some
Key Features
Comfort
This shoe wins when it comes to comfort; the 3D chassis is designed for comfortable stability on tricky terrain surfaces. The GTX Uppers give good protection against water to keep your feet dry and comfy. The ever-popular
The EVA-based foam (EnergyCell+) will absorb shocks while providing a fast, comfortable bounce-back. The OrthoiLite liner ensures breathability and durable comfort. A quick lace system works efficiently to lace up and secure the shoe; the lacing system feeds through the tongue to ensure it does not slip and cause any discomfort.
User feedback is mixed regarding the break-in time needed for the shoe, and opinions vary from good out of the box up to a few days.
Durability
The Uppers are 100% durable synthetic materials, and the Outsole has a rubber composition that ensures durability for multiple types of trail terrains. The inner of the shoe is built with quality materials to prolong comfort and durability. Reviews and user feedback do flag up that the Xa Wild GTX is a durable shoe.
WaterProofing
Reviews and user feedback are positive. The GTX-engineered uppers are impressive for water-proofing. In very wet conditions, this shoe does the work for keeping your feet protected and dry.
The shoe has a below the ankle cut, so if you wade through water, be aware of the water depth limitations. If you do get out of your depth, the heavy-duty shoe will take a while to dry out. If you do get the shoe wet, it tends to feel heavier.
FIT
The shoe has a good lockdown wrap for a secure, supportive FIT. The quick lace system is great for a quick, secure lock, and for fine-tuning to a comfortable fit, you may need a little practice. This shoe has a Sensifit system with wings that connect the sole to the lacing system and allows for a more secure, comfortable FIT.
The FIT with Salomon shoes can have a slightly narrow feel for those with wider or non-standard width feet. If you know you have wider than usual feet, refer to the Salomon sizing chart when selecting a shoe.
A pull tab is designed into the upper heal area to make it easy to pull on the shoe quickly. Overall, user feedback for fit is positive.
Protection
The Toe cap protection is a durable thick rubber that will protect against bumps and knocks from rocks or sharp objects. The Contagrip, while giving good versatile traction, also offers protection from any sharp surface objects.
The underfoot cushioning provides effective protection through effective shock absorption. The GTX uppers are 100% synthetic textile and do protect against scuffs and sharp branches or stones. The uppers give good protection against water, and the lacing system secures to close the below ankle cut against the entry of grit and dust. A draw-back, if you wade in water above the cut of the shoe design, waterproof protection will be challenged.
Traction
The Contagrip outsole is tried, tested, and known for good traction. The compounds come in three versions; they are mixed for use on different surfaces. This outsole is created to give traction on wet, muddy surfaces.
The lug layout is designed to give a good grip, and user feedback clarifies there aren't any problems with grip.
3D chassis
The chassis is specific for tricky wet, muddy unpredictable surfaces. The 3D chassis works with the Contagrip outsole to provide stability, support, and reliable traction.
This shoe wins when it comes to comfort; the 3D chassis is designed for comfortable stability on tricky terrain surfaces. The GTX Uppers give good protection against water to keep your feet dry and comfy. The ever-popular
The EVA-based foam (EnergyCell+) will absorb shocks while providing a fast, comfortable bounce-back. The OrthoiLite liner ensures breathability and durable comfort. A quick lace system works efficiently to lace up and secure the shoe; the lacing system feeds through the tongue to ensure it does not slip and cause any discomfort.
User feedback is mixed regarding the break-in time needed for the shoe, and opinions vary from good out of the box up to a few days.
Durability
The Uppers are 100% durable synthetic materials, and the Outsole has a rubber composition that ensures durability for multiple types of trail terrains. The inner of the shoe is built with quality materials to prolong comfort and durability. Reviews and user feedback do flag up that the Xa Wild GTX is a durable shoe.
WaterProofing
Reviews and user feedback are positive. The GTX-engineered uppers are impressive for water-proofing. In very wet conditions, this shoe does the work for keeping your feet protected and dry.
The shoe has a below the ankle cut, so if you wade through water, be aware of the water depth limitations. If you do get out of your depth, the heavy-duty shoe will take a while to dry out. If you do get the shoe wet, it tends to feel heavier.
FIT
The shoe has a good lockdown wrap for a secure, supportive FIT. The quick lace system is great for a quick, secure lock, and for fine-tuning to a comfortable fit, you may need a little practice. This shoe has a Sensifit system with wings that connect the sole to the lacing system and allows for a more secure, comfortable FIT.
The FIT with Salomon shoes can have a slightly narrow feel for those with wider or non-standard width feet. If you know you have wider than usual feet, refer to the Salomon sizing chart when selecting a shoe.
A pull tab is designed into the upper heal area to make it easy to pull on the shoe quickly. Overall, user feedback for fit is positive.
Protection
The Toe cap protection is a durable thick rubber that will protect against bumps and knocks from rocks or sharp objects. The Contagrip, while giving good versatile traction, also offers protection from any sharp surface objects.
The underfoot cushioning provides effective protection through effective shock absorption. The GTX uppers are 100% synthetic textile and do protect against scuffs and sharp branches or stones. The uppers give good protection against water, and the lacing system secures to close the below ankle cut against the entry of grit and dust. A draw-back, if you wade in water above the cut of the shoe design, waterproof protection will be challenged.
Traction
The Contagrip outsole is tried, tested, and known for good traction. The compounds come in three versions; they are mixed for use on different surfaces. This outsole is created to give traction on wet, muddy surfaces.
The lug layout is designed to give a good grip, and user feedback clarifies there aren't any problems with grip.
3D chassis
The chassis is specific for tricky wet, muddy unpredictable surfaces. The 3D chassis works with the Contagrip outsole to provide stability, support, and reliable traction.
Comparison
A good comparison for stability, support, protection, comfort, and traction in the cooler and wet seasons is the Salomon Women's WILDCROSS GTX.
This shoe is also designed for use on muddy wet trails. Gore-Tex membrane, A quick and stable design with an impressive multi-directional lug layout, SensiFit wings to keep feet secured in place, and a purpose design for all types of trail surfaces in wet seasonal weather.
The WildCross has impressive pro's which are comparative to the Xa Wild GTX:
Good Overall protection. It weighs on average 11.96 ounces, mesh nylon uppers, and a Sensi-Fit overlay.
The tongue has a mesh overlay to prevent the entry of debris and dirt. A quick lace system and the shoe are constructed on an 8mm drop platform.
This shoe is available for ladies and men at a mid-range affordable price for those looking for a good comparative option.
This shoe is also designed for use on muddy wet trails. Gore-Tex membrane, A quick and stable design with an impressive multi-directional lug layout, SensiFit wings to keep feet secured in place, and a purpose design for all types of trail surfaces in wet seasonal weather.
The WildCross has impressive pro's which are comparative to the Xa Wild GTX:
Good Overall protection. It weighs on average 11.96 ounces, mesh nylon uppers, and a Sensi-Fit overlay.
The tongue has a mesh overlay to prevent the entry of debris and dirt. A quick lace system and the shoe are constructed on an 8mm drop platform.
This shoe is available for ladies and men at a mid-range affordable price for those looking for a good comparative option.
Verdict
For trekkers and runners looking for a shoe with a design purpose for various trail environments, lots of puddles, and mud, this shoe is a good option.
Offering a combination of stability, comfort, and waterproofing with proven durability, this shoe does have a following of appreciative users.
The price tag is mid-range, and the Xa Wild GTX is a good addition to hiking or running gear for wet season use.
Offering a combination of stability, comfort, and waterproofing with proven durability, this shoe does have a following of appreciative users.
The price tag is mid-range, and the Xa Wild GTX is a good addition to hiking or running gear for wet season use.
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