Description of Salomon XT Wings Trail Running Shoe - Men's:
The Salomon Men's XT Wings Shoe boasts the rugged strength and durability for any trail run, but the comfort alone will have you looking for every chance to wear them. With the help of a foot-hugging asymmetrical Quicklace system, and pronation control in the midsole, the XT Wings WP Shoe provides unparalleled fit and comfort both on the trail and off. Salomon's versatile, Running Contragrip sole tames any trail; from rocky descents to sandstone side trips. The antimicrobial Ortholite footbed puts an end to foot funk, while the Agile Chassis Skeleton supports your arches and provides a stable platform for rocky and rough terrain, reducing foot fatigue and chances of a rolled ankle.
Bottom Line: A killer trail running shoe more comfortable than your bed slippers? Believe it.
I am a soldier deployed oversea. I purchased My wings after I had gone through two pair of New Balance shoes. I have a wide foot and they had been the only shoe that worked for me. Needless to say the combination of road, gravel paths and moon dust trails did not do them any good. I heard about the wings and Soloman shoes through another runner here. I looked around for a shoe that would hold up to these conditions. I have since put over 500 miles on them, through all of the same wear and tear of the others and have to tell you I have never been happier. Their first test was the army ten miler the first time I worn them. I never got a blister or even discomfort, they breathed real well and since have not had anything go wrong with them. I highly recommend them to anyone looking at wearing a pair of shoes for these conditions.
The Salomon XT Wings are great shoes. I wanted something that I can use for trails and on the road (I had top-of-the-range Asics for the road before). I took them for its first spin and they behaved well. The heal landing on downhills is very soft and remarkable stable. I did feel some of the larger stones through the frontfoot, but shoes with protective plates to prevent this are much heavier (and squeek). The outer sole seem more durable than a road shoe but still has good grip, but not like sticky rubber. Don't see this as negative as my super grip sticky rubber shoes lasted only 2 months. So if you want a light trail shoe that works on the road too, this shoe will do.. and it looks great.
I ran the San Francisco Marathon yesterday wearing the XT Wings. I had my doubts at first when a small but painful blister formed during an 18 mile combination road and trail training run. One thing I need to point out here is that the 18 miler was also the first time I wore the shoes so a break-in period may have helped with the blister problem. Anyway, as soon as I switched to a slightly thicker socks (Smartwool Adrenalines), all my foot problems went away. The shoes exceeded my expectations during the marathon. It provided adequate traction and support throughout the race, especially over the Golden Gate bridge which was noticeably slippery last year while wearing my Asics Kayanos. It provided a comfortable ride and the laces remained snug and held in place. But my most important criteria in judging a running shoe is how I feel after the race. Absolutely no pain or discomfort. What more can you ask from a running shoe? The only thing I have against this shoe is its weight. It is a bit lighter than my Asics Kayanos but heavier than my most favorite trail-only running shoe... the Salomon Speedcross 2.
