Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5: superior grip, stability for trails. Next-gen design with dynamic upper, refined look, peak performance and fit.
Introduction
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is the latest iteration in Salomon’s popular Speedcross trail running shoe line. As with previous versions, the Speedcross 5 is designed for technical trail running and muddy conditions, with an aggressive lugged outsole, EVA midsole, and quicklace upper.
Key features of the Speedcross 5 include:
- Aggressive redesigned outsole with deeper lugs for superior grip and traction in mud and soft ground. The lugs have an updated geometry for better braking and push-off.
- Improved midsole cushioning provides a more dynamic ride.
- Quicklace system for easy on/off and a secure fit.
- Reinforced toe cap protection.
- Available for both men and women.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 performs best on technical trails, muddy paths, gravel roads, and soft ground like snow or sand. It’s an ideal choice for obstacle course races, fell running, or trail running on unpredictable terrain that demands grip. The Speedcross 5 is also suitable for fast hiking pursuits like light mountaineering.
Outsole Design
The Speedcross 5 features a redesigned outsole with deeper and wider spaced lugs compared to previous versions. Salomon increased the size and spacing between the lugs to improve overall grip and traction in varying terrain conditions.
The outsole utilizes Salomon’s proprietary Contagrip rubber which provides exceptional traction on wet and dry surfaces. The lug geometry is specifically designed for optimal braking and push-off propulsion. On descents, the angled heel lugs bite into soft ground for stable braking. During toe-offs, the front lugs channel momentum forwards. Combined with the Occipital padding in the heel, the outsole design promotes a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Testers found the Speedcross 5’s outsole to provide confident traction across loose dirt, rocky trails, snow, and mud. The aggressive lugs excel in muddy conditions where they quickly shed buildup. The outsole design achieves Salomon’s goal of improving grip and control compared to prior versions.
Midsole Cushioning
The Speedcross 5 features a lightweight EVA midsole that provides responsive cushioning and shock absorption on rugged terrain. Despite its light 9.88-ounce weight, the midsole offers plenty of protection thanks to Salomon’s EnergyCell+ foam which is designed to maintain cushioning properties even after hundreds of miles.
This EnergyCell+ cushioning creates a dynamic ride that adapts to the nuances of technical trails and helps propel you forward with each stride. Underfoot sensors map the terrain and stiffness variations in the midsole compress strategically to absorb impact. Together with the rockered profile, this midsole allows a smooth transition from heel strike through toe-off over roots and rocks.
The Ortholite die-cut insole offers additional underfoot comfort and high energy return to reduce fatigue over long distances. Overall the midsole provides a balanced ride – responsive yet protective and engineered for conquering rugged mountain terrain.
Upper
The Speedcross 5 features Salomon’s Quicklace system for easy one-pull tightening and on-the-fly adjustment. This allows you to get the perfect secure fit for your foot.
The breathable mesh upper provides ventilation to keep your feet cool and comfortable even on long runs. Strategically placed overlay provides structure and foothold. Your foot remains stable and supported over uneven terrain.
The Sensifit technology utilizes a precise anatomical wrap to cradle your foot. This gives you a locked-in fit with a personalized feel. The Endofit sleeve hugs the forefoot for added comfort and protection.
Overall, the redesigned upper of the Speedcross 5 offers improved foothold and stability compared to previous versions. Salomon focused on dialing in the fit and security on technical terrain. The updates result in a trail shoe that feels like an extension of your foot.
Fit
The Salomon Speedcross 5 features a roomier toe box compared to previous versions, allowing your toes to splay naturally when running or hiking over rocky terrain. However, the heel cradle is designed to be quite snug in order to lock in your foot and prevent any slippage when bounding downhill.
Salomon redesigned the upper mesh materials to be softer and more flexible while still providing a secure foothold. Most wearers find the Speedcross 5 runs true to size. If you have a wider foot, going up half a size can allow some extra toe room. For those with narrow feet, the standard width works well and prevents the heel from lifting.
Sizing recommendations:
- Try your normal running shoe size first in the Speedcross 5, as they often fit true to size. The upper materials and lacing system allow for some adjustability in fit.
- If you have a wide forefoot or toes, consider sizing up half a size. This allows some extra room for toe splaying without sacrificing heel lockdown.
- If you have a narrow heel and foot, the standard D width is recommended over wide sizes, in order to prevent heel slippage on steep descents.
- For those with high arches, the snug heel cradle and arch support work well without sizing up.
Getting the right size is crucial for a secure fit when moving fast over uneven terrain in the Speedcross 5. Be sure to consider your foot shape and how you plan to use the shoe when choosing your size.
Weight
Engineered for fast speed on technical terrain, the women’s Speedcross 5 is impressively lightweight at just 9.88 ounces per shoe. This light weight helps improve performance by reducing fatigue when tackling long distances or steep climbs on rugged trails. The lightweight build also enhances agility on variable and technical terrain by allowing you to move your feet quickly and precisely over rocks, roots and other obstacles. Overall, the Speedcross 5’s feathery feel helps you maintain speed, go farther and conquer more challenging trails with less effort.
Durability – Built to Last
The Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 Trail Running shoes are designed for longevity and rugged terrain. They feature high quality materials selected for durability, including a reinforced toe cap to protect against rocks and debris.
The tightly woven mesh upper provides structure while allowing ventilation. Underneath, a protective textile called anti-debris mesh helps prevent debris from getting inside the shoe. The Sensifit technology envelops the food for a secure fit to minimize movement and friction that can cause wear.
Salomon uses Contagrip rubber for the durable outsole. This high traction rubber is resistant to abrasion from rough surfaces. The precise lug pattern provides grip without wearing down too quickly.
Testers found the Speedcross 5 very durable even after miles of demanding trail runs. The materials show minimal signs of wear and the shoes retain their protective cushioning and support.
Overall, every element of the Speedcross 5 is engineered for longevity. From the tri-layer mesh upper to the rugged outsole, these trail shoes are built to last many rugged miles.
Technical Terrain
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is ideal for rough mountain trails and off-trail terrain. With its aggressive lug pattern, the deep chevron lugs provide excellent traction on rocky, muddy, and uneven surfaces. The widely spaced lugs allow mud and debris to clear easily to maintain grip.
The aggressive grip prevents slipping on steep inclines, wet roots, and loose gravel. The lugs extend over the edge of the outsole to provide downhill braking traction and stability.
The rubber compound used for the outsole has exceptional durability for abrasive surfaces. It withstands sharp rocks without excessive wear. A rock plate in the midsole protects against bruising on hard impacts.
The upper combines a protective synthetic overlay with mesh panels for breathability. This gives abrasion resistance in key areas while managing moisture. A gusseted tongue keeps out dirt and debris.
Altogether, the Salomon Speedcross 5 provides outstanding technical trail performance. It has the traction, stability and protection required for the most rugged terrain.
Casual Use
The Speedcross 5 can easily transition from technical trail running to casual everyday use. With its athletic yet stylish design featuring bold color accents, this trail shoe looks great when worn around town.
The durable synthetic and mesh upper is protective enough for the trails while remaining breathable and comfortable all day long. And the grippy rubber outsole provides traction even on city streets.
So whether you’re crushing miles on wooded paths or strolling around the neighborhood, the Salomon Speedcross 5 is a versatile trail running shoe that can tag along on all of your daily adventures. Its athletic performance combines with its casual style to make this a trail shoe you’ll want to wear everywhere.
Price and Availability
The Salomon Speedcross 5 trail running shoe has an MSRP of $130, making it competitively priced for a high-performance trail shoe. The Speedcross 5 is available directly from Salomon.com as well as major outdoor retailers and running specialty shops.
With an MSRP of $130, the Speedcross 5 hits a nice sweet spot of balancing performance, quality, and price point. While it’s not the cheapest trail shoe on the market, it delivers excellent traction, cushioning, protection and comfort that make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated trail runners and hikers. The Speedcross is comparable in price to other high-end trail shoes from brands like La Sportiva, Hoka One One, and Altra.
By selling directly on their website in addition to through third party retailers, Salomon makes the Speedcross 5 broadly available to consumers. The shoe can be purchased directly from Salomon.com with free shipping and returns, which provides an easy and convenient buying experience. Meanwhile major retailers like REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Running Warehouse carry the Speedcross 5 for in-store purchases and local try-on. There are ample opportunities for most buyers to get their hands on this popular new trail running shoe from Salomon.