This new Salomon trail running shoe is absolute Marmite – and we might just love it

Having ran in this shoe for a few months now, the annoyingly named Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX will definitely polarise opinion. It has some big pros and big cons, and whether it’ll be right for you depends on your preferences and what type of trail runner you are.

If you’re a speed guru who likes to feel fast, light and agile in the mountains, steer well clear of this shoe – for you it’ll be excessively heavy (356g per shoe, men’s UK 8.5) and feel far too chunky, clunky and sluggish.

However, if you prioritise stability, protection and durability over speed, agility and underfoot sensitivity, then this trainer will suit you well. It’s also ideal for those seeking versatility – the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX works very well as a hiking shoe, as well as a trail running trainer. So, if you’re on budget and don’t want to buy two pairs, it’s a great kill-two-birds-with-one-stone option.

The positives

Here are the main positives of the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX. It serves up premium levels of protection and the build quality feels highly durable and robust. The construction is sturdy and the design is pretty bombproof and rugged. You get a Gore-Tex liner for waterproofing, a grippy Contagrip outsole for traction on mixed terrain, and a tough-as-nails toebox for rocky ground.

The quick lacing system is pretty neat too (although it may polarise opinion) and aesthetically the shoe looks stylish and on-trend. There’s a reasonable amount of stiffness and rigidity to the construction, which gives confidence over technical terrain, yet you also get decent flex at the toe for added comfort.

The not so positives

Each shoe weighs 356g (men’s UK 8.5) and thus feels heavy and slow on your feet. You don’t get an energetic or bouncy sensation, and there’s little speed, agility and nimbleness here.

Underfoot the cushioning is rather firm, lacking the spongy, plush feeling you get from maximalist trainers, and arguably the upper may require some breaking-in due to its heftiness. I also struggled with a little bit of heel slippage, finding it tricky to fully lock my foot in place – however that could just be an issue with my specific foot shape.

The full breakdown

Having said all of this, during my test outings, I did come to enjoy the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX experience. It wasn’t a shoe for full-send fast sessions, trail races or anything too speedy, but for general weekly trail runs at lower paces it did hit the spot, and it may make a great ultra running shoe.

I found it robust and stable, with impressive all-weather performance and all-round protection. Grip was good, comfort levels were fine (and improved over time) and, ultimately, I grew to rate the shoe quite highly. Here's a full breakdown of each part of this shoe, with my final verdict to round things out:

Upper

The upper of the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX is made from a combination of synthetic materials and textile, incorporating a Gore-Tex membrane to provide waterproofing and breathability. The construction is designed to hold the foot securely, aiming to deliver a snug and stable fit – although I struggled a little with heel slippage.

The Quicklace system allows for fast tightening with a single pull, although some users may find it less adjustable than traditional laces. There is a protective toe cap integrated into the design, which helps shield against impacts from rocks and debris.

The overall construction of the upper prioritises durability, though it results in a somewhat rigid feel compared to lighter, more flexible trail running shoes. Something like the Salomon Sense Ride 5 will feel softer and more agile.

Midsole

The midsole features EnergyCell+ cushioning, which is intended to provide shock absorption and energy return. While this contributes to underfoot comfort, the shoe maintains a firm feel, aligning more with a stable, controlled ride rather than a plush or highly cushioned experience.

A 3D Advanced Chassis is placed between the midsole and outsole to enhance stability and reduce excessive foot movement, which can be beneficial on uneven terrain but may make the shoe feel less natural for those accustomed to more flexible designs.

Outsole

The XA Pro 3D V9 GTX is equipped with an All Terrain Contagrip outsole, designed to provide traction across a range of surfaces, including wet, dry, hard and loose terrain. The lug pattern is relatively moderate, offering a balance between grip and durability.

While this allows for reliable performance on mixed terrain, the outsole may not be as aggressive as those found on shoes specifically designed for deep mud or very technical trails, such as the INOV8 Mudtalon which appears in our roundup of the best fell running shoes.

The rubber compound prioritises longevity, which can be advantageous for those looking for a long-lasting shoe, but may result in a firmer feel underfoot.

Features

A key structural component of the shoe is the 3D Advanced Chassis, a low-profile insert placed between the outsole and midsole to enhance stability. This feature contributes to the shoe’s controlled feel but also makes it stiffer than more minimalistic or highly cushioned trail running shoes.

The overall weight of the shoe is on the heavier side for a trail running model, which could be a consideration for those prioritising speed and agility.

Conclusion

The Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX is a durable and stable trail running shoe with a focus on protection and weather resistance. Its firm cushioning, structured chassis and waterproof upper make it well-suited for rugged trails and wet conditions. However, its stiffness and weight may not appeal to those looking for a more responsive, lightweight, energetic and speedy option.

About the author

James Forrest writes regular features and route guides for Trail and has been one of our main gear testers for the last few years. James is based on the edge of the Lake District so when he isn’t off on his latest crazy adventure or challenge, he’s running around his local fells.