Reviews by User: Michael L. Gable (1)

I actually purchased 2 pair of Salomon GCS Pro trail running shoes this time around. This makes them my 3rd and 4th pair. I've tried many other trail shoes (Adidas Equipment, Nike, Vasque, Montrail, Teva, Keen and La Sportiva) and these particular Salomon's are by far the best. I used to be a natural body builder so I carry considerable weight for my height and frame and therefore tend to breakdown shoes fairly quickly. I run 25+ miles per week and cover as much of that as I can on trails, although with the shortened daylight hours I am forced to run more on the roads. I live in a small town (Emmaus) in eastern PA. I tend to run on fairly rocky trails so foot protection is key. These shoes are wonderful @ protecting your feet. Both the toe guard and the side panels work well and still allow the shoes to drain well (lots of wet footed runs here in PA due to the wet year and many streams to cross). The weight of the shoe isn't bad particularly if you consider the amount of protection you get. The tread is wonderful and allows you feet to stick and stay where you place them. This stick and stay element is quite critical this time of year as all of the leaves have fallen off the trees and the underlying trail structure is hidden from view. These shoes are great right out of the box. I can run 6 to 8 miles immediately without needing to consider a break-in phase. The shoes also look really cool. The quick lace and store system is also great and works well. Once you have all things tightened down things stay as you set them even after running through mud, muck, water and rocks. Two issues with the shoes: First the shoes are quite expensive and second the shoes tend to breakdown quickly, which in turn makes the shoes even more expensive due to the need to acquire another pair. Keep in mind that due to my build, the amount I perspire and how I use these shoes (running on wet, muddy and rocky trails) I tend to beat the daylights out of the shoes. So as a wrap: Great looking shoes, very functional and comfortable right out of the box although I wish they were a bit less expensive and/or lasted a bit longer. Enjoy the trails, MLG