Among hikers and runners, Salomon has earned a reputation for crafting some of the industry’s most durable outdoor gear, and their shoes are no exception. With a lineup that includes a mix of aggressive trail runners and hiking shoes, these footwear options are built with deep lugs and additional foot protection to tackle even the rockiest trails. Salomon shoes have a distinctive appearance that is certain to make a statement while remaining well-equipped for any weather condition. Today, we will take a closer look at two of the brand’s most popular hiking shoes: the Salomon Speedcross vs X Ultra. We’ll break down the key differences, specifications, provide videos and images, and much more!
Salomon Speedcross vs X Ultra
- The Salomon Speedcross is a neutral hiking / running shoe. Meaning it is going to be a good choice for the majority of people.
- While the Salomon X Ultra is a “support” hiking shoe. Meaning it has built in support to help prevent overpronation.
- The Speedcross is considered a hiking & trail running shoe. The Ultra X is listed as, and is considered more of a hiking shoe.
- Salomon’s Ultra X is the heavier of the two shoes by a good amount. Weighing 12.7 oz, compared to the Speedcross at 10.5 oz.
- While the Speedcross has a slightly higher stack at height. At 32 mm compared to 30 mm on the Ultra X.
- The Ultra X has a larger 11 mm drop. Compared to a 10 mm drop on the Speedcross.
- Both shoes are listed as having a “regular” cushion. And a “high” level of foot protection.
- Neither of the two shoes feature any waterproofing in their base models. And they both feature the Salomon quicklace system.
Salomon Speedcross
MSRP Price: $140
Men’s – Men’s Link Click Here
Women’s – Women’s Link Click Here
Surface: Trail
Weight Men: 298 g / 10.5 oz
Weight Women:
Support: Nuetral
Men’s Drop: 10 mm
Women’s Drop:
Men’s Offset: 32 mm / 22 mm
Women’s Offset:
Stack Height: 32 mm
Width: Standard
Cushion: “Regular”
Foot Protection: High
Lug Size: 5mm
Salomon X Ultra
MSRP Price: $120
Men’s: Men’s Link Click Here
Women’s: Women’s Link Click Here
Surface: Trail
Weight Men: 360 g / 12.7 oz
Weight Women: 8.2 oz / 234 g
Support: Stability
Men’s Drop: 11 mm
Women’s Drop:
Men’s Offset: 30 mm / 19 mm
Women’s Offset:
Stack Height: 30 mm
Width: Standard
Cushion: “Regular”
Foot Protection: High
Performance Summary
Founded in 1947 by Georges Salomon in France as a small company specializing in ski edges, the Salomon brand has been producing sports and outdoor gear for over 75 years. They offer a diverse range of products, including a wide variety of shoes, vests, packs, and hiking poles. It’s no wonder that many people gravitate toward Salomon footwear, often finding themselves comparing two of the brand’s best-selling hiking shoes: the Salomon Speedcross vs X Ultra. One is the brand’s original neutral trail shoe, with its origins in the French mountains and a design that combines sturdiness with speed. The other is a robust trail shoe designed with added support to prevent overpronation when navigating challenging trails. But which one is the right choice for you? Let’s delve into the details below.
Salomon Speedcross
The Salomon Speedcross is among the brand’s most popular shoes, catering to trail runners, hikers, and OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) enthusiasts alike. When I first unboxed these shoes, I was struck by their aggressive appearance, in a positive way. Resembling an enhanced trail runner, the shoes boast a larger 10 mm drop paired with 5 mm lugs, giving them an imposing stance. The red color I chose strikes the right balance between being noticeable without being overly attention-grabbing.
Based on several reviews, I decided to go half a size up, a decision I’m glad I made. Upon trying them on, the extra space provided by going half a size up was perfect. They fit snugly but comfortably on the sides with just enough room in the toes. While they may be a bit heavier compared to typical trail runners, they are ideal for hiking. The lugs clearly indicate their off-road capabilities, and I was eager to put them to the test on the trail.
On the trail, the Salomon Speedcross feels right at home. Its aggressive traction handles any terrain nature throws at you, including wet rocks. They also feature quick draining, which comes in handy for creek crossings. My only real complaints about the shoes are that they feel somewhat rigid overall. However, some people appreciate this support and added foot protection. I would also prefer a bit more cushioning, even if it means a slight increase in weight.
Salomon X Ultra
I must admit I didn’t know much about the Salomon X Ultra before trying them out. They are one of the brand’s relatively newer models, primarily designed as hiking shoes rather than trail runners. Out of the box, the X Ultra looks like a hybrid between a beefed-up trail runner and a compact hiking boot, complete with added foot and toe rock protection and Salomon’s quicklace system. The bottom features an aggressive lug pattern, although the exact lug size isn’t specified; I estimate it to be around 5 mm.
When I first put on the X Ultra shoes, their weight immediately caught my attention. Overall, they might be considered heavy for a “hiking shoe,” but if you’re transitioning from a hiking boot, you’ll find them quite lightweight. Another notable feature is the inner guard rail, which feels a bit intrusive. These shoes are designed for added support to prevent overpronation. In terms of fit, I’m glad I opted for half a size up because they run narrow. If you plan to wear heavier socks, you might even consider going a full size up. While standing in them, they don’t feel overly tall, and the 11 mm drop should be advantageous for tackling steep terrain.
When hitting the trails in the Salomon X Ultra, they perform admirably. The cushioning feels well-balanced, and the combination of height and drop works well for both ascending and descending steep terrain. Where the X Ultra truly excels is in traction and foot protection. Their grip remains reliable even on wet rocks, and the toe protection has saved me from injury on several occasions. However, a few drawbacks include the tongue, which is not attached and tends to move freely while in motion, and the padding around the ankle, which feels somewhat lacking. Additionally, it’s worth noting that there are negative reviews regarding the long-term build quality of these shoes. At the time of writing this, I’ve only logged 40 miles in mine and have encountered no issues thus far.
Image Comparison
Below is a side by side image comparison of the Salomon Speedcross vs X Ultra.
Salomon Speedcross Profile
Salomon Speedcross vs X Ultra
From the top the two have a very similar shape. But you can see the added toe guard protection on the Ultra X.
Speedcross Top View
X Ultra Top View
While both have aggressive lugs. You can see they have very different sole designs. The Speedcross has less overall lugs allowing for a bit more flexibility.
Salomon Speedcross Sole
Salomon X Ultra Sole
Salomon Speedcross 6 Video
Salomon X Ultra 4 Video
Conclusion – Salomon Speedcross vs X Ultra
Salomon is renowned for crafting gear designed to conquer the mountains, and both of these models are well-suited for even the most rugged terrain. This is precisely why many individuals find themselves deliberating between the Salomon Speedcross and X Ultra. However, in my view, these two shoes are intended for different purposes, catering to distinct types of people. So, which one is the right choice for you?
Which Trail Shoe to Buy?
In my assessment, these two models were created with distinct objectives in mind. The Speedcross bridges the gap between a running shoe and a hiking shoe, making it ideal for those who want to move quickly while enjoying some toe and side protection akin to most hiking shoes. On the other hand, the Ultra X falls somewhere between hiking shoes and hiking boots, catering to individuals carrying lighter loads who prefer to avoid the weight of heavy boots.
If you are a trail runner or an OCR/Spartan Racer comparing the two, then the Speedcross should be your choice, as it is the faster of the two shoes. However, if you are planning an extensive hike, trying out the Ultra X would be a more suitable option.
If you have experience with either of these models, please share your thoughts in the comments below!