SALOMON S-LAB CROSS: TEST PERFORMED BY IKER MARTINEZ FROM THE NAVARRE PYRENEES. Our TRAIL SHOES section recently introduced the many models of Salomon 2021-22. Today we go with the full test of a shoe that we presented you in November here.
The Salomon Slab Cross for level runners who have had a great reception of critics and audiences. The Salomon Slab Cross arrives to compete to the fullest for mud, rain and soft snow with the elite. Aritz Egea himself already bet on her in the recent Salomon Golden Trail Azores, for reference. They are 180€ for 230 grams, with a drop of 4mm, Contagrip TA sole and an integrated legging. Let’s go with the analysis by Mayayo first the thorough test by Iker Martínez.
SALOMON SLAB CROSS. REVIEW BY MAYAYO.
A year ago we presented the pioneering Supercross and Alphacross, which opened the Cross family looking to offer a Speedcross image-based to a wider range of runners, with different prices and functions. This 2020 we have seen how the French brand bets heavily on the Salomon Cross range with no less than five new trail models equipped with/without membrane and also with male and female versions all of them. In the end, we leave you a comparative summary of the first four launches with the membrane version. Without a doubt, a leader’s move to cover all runner profiles.
Let’s go now with this SALOMON SLAB CROSS that like the entire Slab range is designed to compete in the elite, for performance….and for those 180 € of price.
SALOMON SLAB CROSS (180€ / 230GR/ DROP 4MM)
The brand officially presents it to us like this. “Inspired and tested by elite athletes, the new S/LAB CROSS is ready to conquer any terrain, no matter how technical. Its innovative stud geometry maximizes traction on muddy or wet terrain, while the ankle legging does not let dirt pass. We’ve also incorporated a breathable Matryx® padel racket that wraps around your foot for a safer and more precise grip” Sounds good, of course. Let’s take a closer look at the technical elements combined in it.
- PRICE 180€. The usual in the Slab range. Identical prices as her sisters Slab Sense 8 and Slab Sense 8 SG .
- DROP 4MM. A classic also in the Slab range that maintains the rise traditionally considered as optimal biomechanics for the elite.
- WEIGHT: 230 GRAMS. A real featherweight, though, with that built-in sock weighs a little more than the Slab Sense 8 (195gr) and Slab Sense 8 SG (205gr)
- 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.
- UPPER SENSIFIT SETTING: This model changes a lot from the Speedcross last from which it is part. 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 likes it, but whoever fits it, highly values its sturdy, minimalist lace fit for pulling. Easy to put on, easy to remove, no doubt.
- MATRYX LATERAL REINFORCEMENT. A new side support from this 2020 is woven with aramid fiber, which offers comfortable and efficient support throughout the foot.
- ONE SINGLE COLOR: Black.
SALOMON S-LAB CROSS: FULL TEST REVIEW BY IKER MARTINEZ
As some of you already know, I am a mountain runner who enjoys all kinds of alpine activities. Climbing, mountain skiing, walking and of course running.
At the athletic level, I am one of those who fight to go below 3 hours in an asphalt marathon, something I got already a while ago in San Sebastian. Living in Navarra, my training outings often take me through limestone ridges, grassy valleys, deep forests… And often, we run well on stretches of snow in the highs, or by mud in the lower parts. Soft ground shoes that I can get a well adjusted to the foot and with prominent lugs gives me the way throught.
That’s why I’ve been wanting to try some sock or legging shoes for a long time. That’s how I end up with these machines on my feet. 
The first few kilometers I took them out on firm ground and the sensations were still a little weird. I didn’t get overwhelmed because there was no mud yet… As soon as I got to the… bingo. This is their habitat! In a good belly, good chocolate, they cling like beasts.
Their lugs work really, really well. Its sock adapts perfectly to the contour of the ankle foot and even without membrane, (actually, I am not very in favor of any membrane in running shoes) the thikness of the upper prevents moisture and the mud from getting into your feet. It is now quick to summarize the pros and cons that I see him: PROS
- They adapt perfectly to the foot.
- Its sock does the job, preventing moisture, stones or objects from entering.
- Brutal lugs bite the mud and claw at it perfectly, leaving you in control and avoiding those uncontrolled landslides.
- Very comfortable quick tying system
CONS
- Exclusive shoe for soft and muddy terrain, hard because it does not have much cushioning you can feel all the terrein.
- In wet stone areas the sole slips, I think it may be because of its hardness or compound, for me it is not its terrain either, although in principle they should work.
- The pocket to insert the tying system is somewhat narrow and it is difficult to put it in and if you force it too much it can begged to tear down the sides.
- I was surprised that the shoe does not completely close the foot, to see if I explain, it does not go in a single piece case and sock like its sisters the SLAB SENSE, these do go in one piece. And I miss it because of that separation come in small stones that can be annoying.
SALOMON SLAB CROSS: CONCLUSIONS AFTER THE THOROUGHLY TEST.
Shoes for specialists. They are not good for everything, butwhat they are for, its done very well. And it is, you can tell that it has been designed from the beginning to go all out on soft ground. And you notice, as soon as you put them in their natural elements, mud. Its lugs are configured and designed for this purpose, achieving great performance. Also noteworthy is a mind-blowing foot adaptation by its Matrix system.
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Read the article in Spanish HERE