Salomon Speedcross, the Review for People Who Hate Shoes

By: Jillian Johnson

In the realm of product reviews this is one you're going to want to read if you're looking for a new pair of shoes. Why, you ask? Because I HATE shoes. I will do anything and everything to avoid wearing them. As soon as cold weather approaches I wear my sock and TEVA combo until it's just not bearable anymore. My toes want to be free, my calluses hate to be softened and I prefer the sweet ripe earth, stained on my soles. And yet, here we are. Writing a review for what might be the only athletic sneaker I will ever wear.

It all began when I upped my hiking game and started longer, harder and more technical hikes. In addition, I no longer walked down mountains but found myself in a steady trot most of the way. My TEVA’s just couldn’t cut it any more. The extreme hikes, not to mention my middle age creeping up and the word bunions being added to my vocabulary had me scrambling for a solution.

I was forced to do the worst and try shoes on. I knew what I wanted but didn't know what that would look like. To be honest I didn’t have much hope. After trying on a couple pairs and feeling slightly defeated, I slipped into the Salomon Speedcross and knew I had met my match.

These shoes have taken me hundreds of miles. Across the Himalaya in Nepal to the many peaks surrounding lake Tahoe as well as the rocky sandstone in Utah's Mighty 5. I love these shoes and probably held onto them longer than I should have before getting a new pair. But, we have history!

So without further ado, here is what I love about this shoe!

Weight: These shoes are super light. For someone who doesn't like shoes this was really important to me! In fact, every part of this shoe is light. The sole, which we will get to, doesn't have that dragging feel you get with a hiking shoe. (Cough, chacos)

Ease: Part of why I love these shoes is there are no shoelaces. You can slip your foot into them easily then pull the quick lace adjuster and tuck it away. This was important for me because I like to have my shoes looser when ascending and tight when descending.

Grip: Another wildly amazing aspect to this shoe. I never knew a shoe could grip so well. I’ve worn sneakers in the past and was always stunned at how much I slipped on the stone. Much of the reason I always stuck to my hiking sandals was because if I was going to slip my toes might as well be free.

Well folks, the Speedcross is a different animal of grip. I find myself going on muddier, rockier, and more diverse trails at a faster pace because I’m confident in what is on my foot. I was intimidated by the deep, large, lugs on the bottom at first, but quickly switched gears when I realized how efficient they were. 

Comfort: I call them my marshmallows. They feel light and ary. The inner padding holds your foot securely while the insole provides you with lift and a cushion. 

My favorite things:

How quick they dry: Great when running through streams, mud and tall grass. (So many current conditions of 2023!)

Easy to clean: Not many nooks and crannies for mud to get stuck in. Easy to spray down and clean, Or as I do, walk into an alpine lake, give a little swish and let them dry while I take a dip!

Comfort: Secure and airy!

Cons:

I don't really have any. 

Some might say the lugs wear down but in my opinion the grip has lasted longer than any other shoe, even so.

The quick lace has stretched a bit over the year, and hundreds of miles I've worn them but again,  that's to be expected. It still works and has never failed me.

These also come in a Gortex option, perfect for the wetter spring we are having! 

Author: Jillian Johnson

Jill has been obsessing over the Sierra Mountains for the past 11 years. When she isn't sleeping under the stars, identifying trees or sniffing bark she is adding to her certifications in the healing arts. She enjoys spreading her passion for nature and its healing powers through guiding. If you live in Truckee she has probably pet your dog. If you own a cow she will be your best friend.