The Salomon Supercross offers a comfortable fit. The heel box is nice and snug, which is something I really look for with my boney heels. The accentuated tab at the rear entrance of the heel-box helped to make for easy on and off. You can see the massive difference between the height of the foam underfoot in the forefoot and the heel. The heel is very protective, while the forefoot is rather sensitive. You can also see that while there are a lot of overlays on the upper, the crease point on the forefoot is left exposed to abrasion and early tearing. This shoe hit my training cycle right at the perfect time. My long Ultras are done for the year, and my mileage has tapered off a bit, but the trails around Missoula are still pretty run-able. Unlike the popular Salomon Speedcross, the Supercross was designed to be worn on paved trails rather than rough terrain. The lacing system, sole profile, lug design and upper material were largely adopted from the Speedcross. With a weight of approx. 330 g per shoe in an average size, the Salomon Supercross 4 GTX is relatively heavy, but 20 g lighter than its predecessor. In addition, the weight improves the surefootedness and stability of the running shoe. With a 10 mm drop, it is particularly suitable for heel runners and beginners. Very Good Traction on Various Surfaces The upper is fabric and is injected with lateral bands of smooth rubber that tie into the reinforced rubber of the lacing system. These created a strong girdle of support around the foot without adding a bunch of unnecessary weight.

A super-charged trail shoe that channels grip from the ground up. The Supercross 4 GORE-TEX is a no-compromise trail renegade with even bigger lugs and extra grooves for maximum mud shedding and powered grip. Its tire-like outsole acts in fusion with the toughened, waterproof upper and Sensifit construction for superior hold, fit and undeniable comfort. A very aggressive sole allows for some semi-rugged trail running but does not deter a leisurely run around an urban trail area. The shoe is lightweight for a trail runner, has a responsive feel, and boasts a comfortable fit. The shoes upper felt a little bit chilly on the cold days I had it out, but it is December in Montana, so go figure. These were just enough to handle everything short of what might require a waterproof shoe or something with additional traction.With their high heel counter and a large 10mm drop, we don't feel these shoes are the most stable, especially when bombing downhill, as we are here in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. That didn't stop us from putting them to the test, but we think they could do with a little bit less under the heel. A dedicated trail running shoe to be certain, the Supercross finds its home on a variety of terrain and even felt pretty good on a gravel pedestrian trail. With five different color options, the Supercross will also fit nicely into the color palate of any runners wardrobe. Fit of the Supercross GORE-TEX Membrane - Offers enhanced breathability as well as providing complete protection from water.

My initial test runs in these shoes were all done in late fall and early winter conditions, basically a mess of snow, ice, water, and mud. These shoes were right at home in these conditions. The padding of the sole is most aggressive in the heel and as perfectly suited for those heel strikers out there. The weave of the upper material reminded me of rip-stop fabric used in tents and other outdoor gear. It looks pretty rugged but retains a high level of breathability. The Contragrip compound that Salomon uses has excellent grip in wet conditions. The shoe cushioning is pretty decent, considering the weight of the shoe. I found it to be ample. Fuze Surge Foam Midsole - Provides exceptional energy return while also delivering substantial cushioning and durability.

These shoes seem perfect for my 8-12 mile runs on semi-aggressive trails with an odd wintery mix of conditions. The toe cleat is nice for that those short and fast bursts up small, steep climbs. The Salomon Supercross is an excellent choice for someone looking to have a shoe that’s ready to take their trail running up a notch.