Best Reviewed
Trail Running Shoes
- Best trail-running shoe Saucony ProGrid Peregrine *Est. $90
- Minimalist or barefoot-style trail-running shoe Merrell Trail Glove *Est. $110
- Trail-running shoe for rugged terrain Montrail Rockridge *Est. $75
- Motion-control trail-running shoe The North Face Double-Track *Est. $110
- Road-to-trail crossover shoe Salomon XR Crossmax Neutral *Est. $130
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- Gore-Tex waterproof membrane
- Single-pull laces
- Versatile for rugged trails, asphalt and snow
- Expensive
- Poorly ventilated upper
Buy from Zappos.comThe Salomon XT Wings GTX is a rugged trail-running shoe that reviewers recommend for those who run in inclement weather or on wet and muddy trails. Testers praise the Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, which keeps their feet dry in wet weather and snow. The lacing system also receives high marks, with users finding the single-pull laces easy to use and tighten. On a negative note, some testers find the upper too stiff and poorly ventilated -- a common complaint for waterproof trail-running shoes. The Salomon XT Wings are expensive, but the high cost may be worth it for runners who need a rugged waterproof shoe. For runners who don't need waterproofing, the top-rated Montrail Rockridge (*Est. $75) earns stellar reviews.
We found the best coverage of the Salomon XT Wings GTX at Running Times, which offers a balanced and critical review. Women's Adventure and Men's Fitness also write brief reviews, but their coverage only highlights the positives of this shoe. Since this model is so new, the Salomon XT Wings GTX has yet to attract many owner-written reviews, although two owners review the shoe on BackpackGearTest.org.
Our Sources
Testers for Running Times find the Salomon XT Wings GTX very stable, while still offering a good amount of flexibility. However, they also find that the inclusion of Gore-Tex waterproofing has made the upper stiff and reduced the shoe's breathability.
Review: Trail Shoe: Salomon XT Wings GTX, Adam W. Chase, Not Dated
2. Women's Adventure magazineDetails/Subscribe
Women's Adventure gives the Salomon XT Wings GTX an Editor's Choice award for 2009, recommending these trail runners for extreme terrain. The testers like the single-pull laces and find the Salomon XT Wings GTX performs well on dirt, mud, rocks, snow and asphalt.
Review: 2009 Editor's Choice Awards, Karina Evertsen, April 2009
The Salomon XT Wings GTX exceeds the expectations of Ken Norris, who writes a lengthy review of these trail-running shoes for BackpackGearTest.org. Norris finds that his feet stay dry even during "freakish" weather in the Pacific Northwest, which includes ice and deep snow.
Review: Salomon XT Wings GTX, Ken Norris, April 7, 2009
Jennifer Estrella tests the women's version of the Salomon XT Wings GTX, although she uses them primarily for hiking and not trail running. Still, for over 160 miles, the shoes keep her feet dry, although she questions the durability of the toe protector.
Review: Salomon XT Wings GTX W, Jennifer Estrella, April 14, 2009
Men's Fitness editors briefly review the Salomon XT Wings without Gore-Tex, and like other reviewers, praise the easy lacing system and find it performs well on varied terrain.
Review: Trail Shoes, Editors of Men's Fitness
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