Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX for women. Waterproof GORE-TEX, rubber sole, quick laces. Not water-resistant. Ideal trail runners.
Introduction
The Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 Gore-Tex trail running shoes are designed for rugged off-road runs and muddy, technical trails. As the latest version of Salomon’s popular Speedcross line, the Speedcross 5 GTX improves upon past iterations with updates focused on grip, protection, and waterproofing.
Key features of the Speedcross 5 GTX include:
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane to keep feet dry
- Aggressive lugs and deep grooves in the outsole for optimal traction
- Anti-debris mesh upper to prevent debris from getting inside the shoe
- Protective rubber toe cap to shield the feet on rugged terrain
The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX is ideal for trail runners and hikers looking for a durable and protective shoe that can stand up to the rigors of the outdoors. With their waterproof Gore-Tex construction, grippy outsole, and debris-resistant upper, the Speedcross 5 GTX is built for traversing muddy, rocky, and uneven trails in all weather conditions. They provide the traction, underfoot protection, and element-proofing needed for challenging mountain runs and fast-paced hikes over technical terrain.
Upper & Lacing System
The upper of the Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 Gore-tex Trail Running Shoes features Salomon’s SensiFit technology, designed to cradle the foot for a secure foothold and precise foot wrapping. SensiFit combines a soft heel lining wrapped over the foot with a flexible, breathable, and lightweight mesh that conforms to the shape of your foot. This snug yet comfortable fit allows your foot to remain stable and centered inside the shoe as you conquer technical trails.
Complimenting the SensiFit upper is Salomon’s Quicklace system, enabling easy on/off while maintaining a secure, customized fit. One pull tightens the Quicklace allowing you to get out the door quickly. The Quicklace system also prevents pressure points and hot spots by distributing pressure evenly across the top of your foot. The flat synthetic laces tie and retighten with ease while remaining securely tucked away inside lace pockets on the upper.
Midsole
The Speedcross 5 GTX features Salomon’s 3D Chassis as the midsole platform, providing stability and support on uneven terrain. The midsole is made of injected EVA foam which offers responsive cushioning and protects the feet during impact.
The EVA foam midsole is shaped to cradle the foot for a more precise fit, while still allowing the natural movement of the foot. Salomon uses softer density EVA on the medial side to absorb shock during toe-off phases of the gait cycle. They also incorporate firmer EVA foam under the arch for extra support and stability. This use of targeted densities helps guide the foot through its natural motion path.
In the heel area, the Speedcross 5 GTX has a slightly raised cushioning pad which absorbs impact to reduce fatigue. The EVA foam midsole provides cushioning over long distances while maintaining ground-feedback due to its semi-firm construction. Overall, the midsole design provides a balanced ride of comfort, support and sensitivity.
Outsole
The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX features Salomon’s premium Contagrip outsole which provides excellent traction and grip on all types of surfaces. The outsole utilizes an aggressive lug pattern with deep, multidirectional lugs designed to provide traction and bite in mud, snow, and other soft or slippery terrain.
The shape, spacing, and angles of the lugs enable the shoe to grip well going uphill or downhill and provide braking and stability when cornering on rugged trails. Contagrip is Salomon’s high end rubber compound developed specifically for trail running and hiking shoes to deliver superior wet traction and slip resistance. The material is designed to remain grippy and stable even in wet or muddy conditions when many other outsoles would struggle.
The lugs extend over the tip of the toe to help provide traction and stability on steep descents while extra lugs along the edges give added side-hill support. The aggressive lug pattern also enables efficient self-cleaning and shedding of mud, dirt and debris. Overall, the Contagrip outsole helps make the Speedcross 5 GTX an excellent choice for challenging, technical trails.
Weight
The Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 Gore-tex is a lightweight trail running shoe. It weighs around xxx grams for a women’s size 7. This makes the Speedcross 5 one of the lighter trail shoes available while still providing stability, protection and traction on rugged terrain.
The lightweight construction is achieved through Salomon’s Sensifit technology which wraps the foot in a precise and secure fit using fewer materials. A lightweight single layer mesh upper further reduces weight while still being durable and protective. Salomon has shaved weight from the midsole by optimizing the geometry and specific areas that do not affect cushioning and comfort. Overall, the refined construction makes the Speedcross 5 Gore-tex nimble and fast for attacking trails without compromising support.
Fit & Sizing
The Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 GTX trail running shoes run true to size for most foot shapes. The shoes are offered in standard width options only.
Salomon uses a precise foot shape last to design the Speedcross 5 GTX, aiming for an anatomical fit that locks down the midfoot and heel while leaving room for toe splay. The majority of wearers find the shoes deliver a secure, glove-like fit with no need to size up or down.
However, some users with narrow or very wide feet report sizing up or down for a dialed fit. Trying the shoes on in-store is recommended if you fall outside the average foot width. Online purchasers should consider ordering a half or full size up or down if unsure about the fit.
The Speedcross 5 GTX fits best for neutral to moderate overpronators who don’t need motion control features. The shoes are also suitable for runners with medium to high arches looking for arch support in a trail running shoe.
Comfort
The Speedcross 5 GTX features a cushioned yet responsive ride. The EnergyCell+ midsole foam provides plush cushioning that helps absorb impact while also providing energy return for a responsive feel. This makes the shoe comfortable for long runs while still being agile and lively.
Salomon added extra cushioning around the heel and ankle collar. This padded collar wraps securely around your ankle for a snug, comfortable fit that prevents any heel slippage or hot spots. The padded collar helps lock the foot in place over uneven terrain. Even on long trail runs, you’ll remain comfortable thanks to the plush cushioning around the ankle.
The gusseted tongue is also designed to deliver comfort. It helps keep debris from getting inside the shoe. This padded tongue combines with the sensifit lacing system to provide a custom, secure fit. Overall, the Speedcross 5 GTX offers a comfortable ride over rugged trails thanks to its cushioning and plush padding around areas like the collar and tongue. It balances comfort and protection with responsiveness.
Durability
The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX are designed for maximum durability on rugged mountain terrain. Salomon utilizes strategically placed protective features to enhance longevity.
The high abrasion zones use a durable material to resist damage. Areas such as the toe rand and heel counter experience more friction and are reinforced to prevent excessive wear.
The reinforced toe cap protects the shoe upper around the toes. This safeguards the material from punctures and tears caused by rocks and roots on the trail. The sturdy toe bumper also maintains structure and prevents the toe box from collapsing.
Salomon’s SensiFit technology secures the foot in place to minimize internal movement and rubbing that can degrade materials over time. The Quicklace system keeps laces out of the way instead of exposing them to snagging and fraying.
Overall, the protective features and durable materials of the Speedcross 5 GTX enable the shoes to stand up to many miles on technical hiking and running trails. The strategic reinforcement gives you confidence the shoes will retain their structure, waterproofing, and athletic performance through extensive use.
Waterproofing with GORE-TEX
The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX trail running shoes feature a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. The GORE-TEX membrane is a thin, porous layer that allows perspiration vapor to escape while blocking liquid water from entering the shoe.
GORE-TEX waterproofing technology creates a protective barrier between your foot and water outside the shoe. Rain, puddles, and wet ground will stay outside where they belong while your foot remains comfortable inside the shoe.
The GORE-TEX membrane is designed specifically for athletic footwear to optimize breathability during activity. It maintains a waterproof seal around your foot while allowing moist, warm vapor from your foot to pass through the membrane so it can evaporate. This prevents a hot, damp environment inside the shoe that could lead to blisters and discomfort.
The waterproof GORE-TEX layer in the Speedcross 5 GTX enables you to run and hike in wet conditions without worrying about your feet getting soaked. Stubborn water beading along the upper may occur, but your socks and feet will stay dry thanks to the performance of the GORE-TEX membrane. No need to avoid puddles – just splash through them knowing your feet will come out dry on the other side.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX provides waterproof wet weather protection with breathability for active feet. GORE-TEX technology delivers everything you need to run trails in the rain confidently and comfortably.
Conclusion
The Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 GTX trail running shoes are an excellent option for women looking for a durable and protective trail runner. Some of the key features and benefits include:
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane keeps feet dry without compromising breathability
- Protective toe cap provides durability and protection against rocks and roots
- Aggressive lug pattern on the outsole provides superb traction on muddy, wet, snowy or icy trails
- EVA shaped footbed cradles the foot for a more precise fit
- Quicklace system allows for easy on/off and a secure fit
- Sensifit technology wraps the foot for a precise and secure fit
- Lightweight and athletic design
Overall, the Salomon Women’s Speedcross 5 GTX are a top performing trail runner that offers waterproof protection, excellent traction, and a secure and natural feel. The shoe provides the ideal blend of comfort, protection, grip and performance for conquering the trails in any weather condition. For women seeking a durable, protective, and waterproof off-road running shoe, the Speedcross 5 GTX is highly recommended.
