Boot Month: Salomon XA Pro and First Lite Socks

[Matt W.]

Continuing the boot month theme we change the focus a bit here to recognize that a good number of us Roksliders use trail runners as approach shoes and for early season use. Below is article about the Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GTX shoes and also discusses how First Lite Socks completed my boot system.

http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/footwear/319-saloman-xa-pro-first-lite-socks

**Since this was article was written, First Lite has released a new sock called the Triad. Definitely going to try those out soon!
http://www.firstlite.com/mountain-athlete-triad-sock.html

 

[Matt W.]

Anyone else have a favorite trail runner?

 

[MLHSN]

I actually use the same Salomon's you do. Great shoes, I like the laces, and gtx, makes for easy shallow (2-3") creek/puddle crossings without getting feet wet.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I use the non GTX version: the regular XA Pro 3d.

I feel like they really can't be lumped into one category like trail runner or hiker, although they work great for both. Salomon calls them an "adventure" shoe.

I think that fits pretty well.


I really like them for running in the snow, as the soles seem to grip ice better than most.

Like the write up and pics, Matt!

 

[AZGUY]

They're a little heavy for "trail runners" but great all around shoes for any mix of hiking/hunting/running/etc. But this is coming from the person who didn't know what trail runners were until I bought these.

 

[Matt W.]

Update: My Salomon XA Pro shoes started to wear on me. I piratically live in these shoes and they have seen some serious abuse and high mileage. The attached pic shows where on the heal the sole is starting to detach. I contacted Salomon, they asked me the date of manufacture & the lot code (printed on the tongue of the shoe), requested a few pictures of the issue, and then said "shouldn't have happened we have a warranty that covers that." So I have a brand new pair heading my way.

Thumbs up to Salomon for outstanding customer service and a great two year warranty!

 

[texag10]

I used the same shoes on a backpacking trip a few years ago and had the same issue. I ended up returning them and have been using a pair of Inov8 mid height goretex trail runners that have proven more durable. The salomons were extremely comfortable and I love the speed lace system.

 

[Matt W.]

I received the brand new ones over the weekend. They seem to have updated a few things. Old ones are still functional, so now I have a beater pair and a fresh pair. Kudos to Salomon for the customer service. I'll post some side by side picks when I can get to it.

 

[Matt W.]

I am now on my 4th or 5th pair of these shoes. They seem to last about a year for me. I tend to wear the inside of the heels out and the soles off of them. Salomon has sent me two pairs of warranty replacement shoes over this period. Love the shoe, but just wanted to point this out. Outstanding customer service, but I probably ask more of the shoe than it was designed for......