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SALOMON WILDCROSS GTX: THE SPEEDCROSS EVOLUTION FOR ALL RUNNERS, NOW WITH MEMBRANE.
SALOMON WILDCROSS GTX: Shoes for mud and soft terrain, with membrane. Our TRAIL RUNNING GEAR section recently introduced you to the new Salomon Cross 2020 range. The four models are: Salomon Speedcross 5; Salomon Wildcross; Salomon Supercross Blast and Salomon Alphacross Blast. Now let’s go with the winter version of the Wildcross.
The Salomon Wildcross GTX arrives as the most suitable for a veteran racer to get all the juice out of it. In its membrane versioncosts 160€ for 325 grams, with an 8mm drop and new Contragrip TA sole with 6mm lugs.
SALOMON WILDCROSS GTX. REVIEW BY MAYAYO.
In 2019 we presented the new Supercross and Alphacross, which opened the Cross family looking to offer Speedcross image-based shoes to a wider range of runners, with different prices and functions. Now, the French brand is strongly committed to the Salomon Cross range with four new trail models equipped with/without membrane and also with male and female version all of them. In the end, we leave you a comparative summary of the four in membrane version. Without a doubt, a leader’s move to cover all runner profiles.
Let’s go now with this WILDCROSS GTX that we see especially related to veteran mountain runners, with a medium-high technique that will be able to get all the juice out of it.
SALOMON WILDCROSS (160€ / 325GR/ DROP 8MM)
The new WILDCROSS GTX combines newer technologies and fabrics to keep pace without losing confidence in muddy terrain. It is based on the Speedcross to suit more runners and give them more confidence: It makes a wider last, lowers the drop and expands the support surface. Thanks to its 6mm multidirectional lugs offers a greater grip, combined with the elastic side fit of the SensiFit that help the foot not to move from its place. It has also a lowered drop and heel height to the ground to improve stability.
- Price 160€, Shares the Speedcross price 5 GTX. It comes out 30€ more expensive than the Supercross Blast GTX and 50€ over Alphacross Blast GTX.
- DROP 8MM Reduced 2mm from the Speedcross 5 chassis for added stability and terrain feel.
- Weight: 325 GRAMS. It weighs 30g less than the Speedcross 5. A “light” weight if we see to the amount of rubber in the heels, which weighs the most in a shoe.
- GROUND HEIGHT: 17-25mm. The usual height in most of the Salomon range, will not be strange to fans of the brand.
- Sole: Contagrip TA. The rubber Contagrip sole features deep multi-directional lugs to improve mud traction. Built for maximum grip on slippery, soft or bumpy surfaces, this rubber balances durability and grip.
- SENSIFIT: This model changes a lot from the Speedcross from which it starts. Adds toe space, SensiFit shovel side wings and a water-repellent TUP mesh. It is thus sought that the feet are safe and comfortable.
- QUICKLACE CABLE LACES: The Brand Classic is still here. Not everybody like it, but whoever fits, highly values its sturdy, minimalist lace fit for pulling. Easy to put on, easy to remove, no doubt.
- ENERGYCELL AMORTIGUATION: It is a high-bounce midsole compound that offers exceptional energy return, plus great cushioning and durability.
- TWO COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM: Blue and black.
SALOMON WILDCROSS GTX: CONCLUSION BY MAYAYO.
According to its fact sheet, the new Salomon Wildcross GTX shows interesting potential for veteran mountain runners facing soft snow conditions or poor rain often. Part of how much and good Speedcross has bequeathed, like that magnificent foot fit and rising superlative traction. And it combines it with some recent developments such as the Matrix side clamping.
It is a shoe with a wider range of use than speedcross for wider feet. More comfortable. And above all, more stable being more glued to the ground with lower drop and having a wider sole. Less height and more width logically mean much more stability. This is also reinforced with the side strips. So, if you never tried the speedcross because they did not fit, here’s a second chance. Or, if you’re looking for a soft terrain shoe with lots of grips while giving you confidence in holding, this can be your partner.
Doubt enters with/without membrane
I have been living almost 20 years already in the middle of the mountain in Guadarrama National Park. Sunrising every day at 1,200m altitude on the mountain helps a lot to see when and how we should use the membrane, I think. In my case, if there’s a lot of water I don’t like it because it always get in by the ankle and drain slower than it comes in. Now, if you touch soft snow or shallow loose puddles, the membrane helps and a lot to keep us dry and warm. Having a couple in the wordrobe, it is for me forced as I like to go out in the snow whenever I can….
SALOMON CROSS GTX: COMPARISON
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Article in Spanish HERE
Posted by Héctor Rubio @hekruca for Trailrunningspain
