Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GORE-TEX Trail Running Shoes

The XA Pro 3D v9 is as reliable as it is familiar to hiking, trail-running, mountain biking, and travelling enthusiasts. For its 20th birthday, the shoe has had an update in terms of comfort and durability, with a new asymmetrical design.

Welded Mesh and GORE-TEX Upper

Welded mesh uppers will encase each foot in breathable comfort. Moving naturally with your foot, the welded upper ensures maximum comfort and unrivalled durability whilst the 3D mesh upper increases airflow to keep you cool. The mesh is extremely breathable and allows a steady airflow to enter and exit the shoe, which will work to remove moisture from sweat out of the shoe. Once sweat is removed, the material will dry off quickly, and cooler air will replace it to keep you feeling comfortable. The material on the upper of the shoe is lightweight, which helps keep the overall weight of the shoe down to a minimum. This will allow you to push on and go faster, as you will have less to weigh you down. To avoid damp feet, and therefore dampened spirits, a GORE-TEX membrane resides inside the boot; supplying a combination of durable waterproofing and optimised breathability. Sometimes it's hard to stay dry without developing that distracting clammy feeling, but GORE-TEX keeps water on the outside while letting perspiration escape from the inside; keeping sweat to a minimum and you, cool and comfy. Sensifit technology employs welded overlays to wrap the foot in a firm, customised fit; they help to anchor you to the midsole and reduce in-shoe slippage so that you can enjoy smooth, distraction-free strides. Completing the upper is a Quick Lacing System which provides a minimalistic and strong lace for a one-pull tightening ensuring you get the shoes on and off with minimal effort. A lace pocket is useful as it allows the laces to be stowed away making sure the laces do not get caught or snagged on any sticks or bushes out on the trail, reducing distractions. It also has a robust toe cap to protect your foot from rocks and tree stumps.

EnergyCell Midsole

The XA Pro 3D v9 is made with an EnergyCell midsole that provides energy return and cushioning over the long haul. This multi-functional midsole will provide both comfort and protection, as it has dual-density EVA. Towards the bottom, the EVA is extremely firm, which will absorb shocks instantly and effectively, preventing them from causing any damage to the sole of the foot. The energy produced from this will also be returned as rebound, which will give you an added spring in your step. The higher you get in the midsole, the EVA becomes less densely packed, which will make every step feel comfortable. The midsole ensures your feet are protected against unpredictable and rocky terrain as you move through the trails. An Ortholite die-cut insole is extremely soft and comfortable and works to wick away moisture keeping the feet cool and dry at all times. Lastly, the midsole has been fitted with Salomon's low-profile advanced chassis, which is placed between the outsole and midsole to maximise security, motion control, energy management and push-through protection for a high-performance, stable and responsive ride.

All-Terrain Contagrip Outsole

The outsole of the XA Pro 3D v9 from Salomon features a new specific lug geometry and pattern that combines the previous pattern of the XA Pro 3D v8 with the pattern of the X Ultra hiking shoe. This combination has been paired with a new compound, the All-Terrain Contagrip, in this new, updated version to create unbeatable grip and durability. The full rubber outsole provides premium traction on loose terrain ensuring a solid bond between you and the ground. The Contagrip outsole is built for the widest variety of surfaces; it ensures confidence on wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces whilst still offering long-term durability so you can go further for longer with complete confidence in your footwear. As well as this, the outsole also features multi-directional lugs which dig deep into the ground when braking or changing direction. The deep lugs are able to anchor the foot into wet and muddy ground, securing you into place whilst also forming a solid base to push off from.