I am currently wearing this shoe in rocky, sandy, and dry terrain. The ground is hard and unforgiving. I replaced combat boots with this shoe and the relief was instant.
There was no break-in time and after three weeks of wear they feel as good as they did on the first day. I wear these shoes for about 16 hours per day. I can comfortably wear these with the laces loose walking around short distances. They are light and cool in 115-120 degree heat.
The shoe is a trail runner, so they may not be suitable for terrain where you need high ankle support. On a thick layer of small rocks, my feet are comfortable and secure. There are no signs of breakdown on the shoe and they are holding up exceptionally well.
Bottom line, I would buy these again without hesitation.
Then I spent many days hiking and climbing in the Grand Tetons where they broke down for me. The lace system would not stay tight. Whenever I would descend steep rock, my foot would press hard against the tongue / front of the lacing system and it would loosen. I finally had to tighten the boot as much as possible and then tie a figure-8 knot with the remaining lace right behind the slide-lock.
Because I didn't notice the gradual loosing of the boots until it was too late, I got sores/blisters on the outside of each ankle (even though I had heavy socks on). Other reviewers have also mentioned soreness on the ankles. For the rest of the week it was agonizing to walk in the boots even with blister pads.
I also found that the laces would flop around when I was walking or catch on under brush, so I'd tuck them under most of the laces as they criss-cross over my foot.
UPDATE 3-4-13
these boots have been amazing and very durable, great traction, great fit, the lightness of these pays off on the trails. the lacing system is working better than i thought with no complaints. these boots fit the same as the first day i wore them so if the dont feel good at first they probly never will, unlike leather that will shape to your foot. once again i cant believe how lightweight yet durable these boots are. highly recommended
There was no break-in time and after three weeks of wear they feel as good as they did on the first day. I wear these shoes for about 16 hours per day. I can comfortably wear these with the laces loose walking around short distances. They are light and cool in 115-120 degree heat.
The shoe is a trail runner, so they may not be suitable for terrain where you need high ankle support. On a thick layer of small rocks, my feet are comfortable and secure. There are no signs of breakdown on the shoe and they are holding up exceptionally well.
Bottom line, I would buy these again without hesitation.
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I wish I didn't have to return them as these were so-close to the perfect boots for me. During break-in hikes on moderate terrain, they were a pure joy, quick to lace, lightweight yet durable, and comfortable.Then I spent many days hiking and climbing in the Grand Tetons where they broke down for me. The lace system would not stay tight. Whenever I would descend steep rock, my foot would press hard against the tongue / front of the lacing system and it would loosen. I finally had to tighten the boot as much as possible and then tie a figure-8 knot with the remaining lace right behind the slide-lock.
Because I didn't notice the gradual loosing of the boots until it was too late, I got sores/blisters on the outside of each ankle (even though I had heavy socks on). Other reviewers have also mentioned soreness on the ankles. For the rest of the week it was agonizing to walk in the boots even with blister pads.
I also found that the laces would flop around when I was walking or catch on under brush, so I'd tuck them under most of the laces as they criss-cross over my foot.
Best Deals on Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D MID GTX Trail Runner
Due to the physical nature of my occupation, having a comfortable and reliable shoe is vital. Salomon provides the best quality for an extremely reasonable price. When it comes to shoes, I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for. Whether I'm going through mud, water, sand, rocky terrain, or just walking on asphalt the Salomon XA Pro has surpassed all my expectations. It is in all reality a running shoe, but can also be used as an everyday work boot. Fresh out of the box they are already extremely comfortable. It takes no time to break them in, and when you do they feel amazing!! I recommend this particular shoe to anyone whose job keeps them outdoors for extended periods of time (like mine) and for those avid outdoor sportsmen.Honest reviews on Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D MID GTX Trail Runner
The Salomon ultra is is great hiking boot. Not only is it light weight and comfortable but it is able to handle the toughest of trails. Just finished a 30 mile trek from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley traveling through snow, water, mud and rocks including an almost 6000 ft verticle descent and my feet were comfortable and dry the whole way.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Salomon Men's XA PRO 3D MID GTX Trail Runner
Just got these today from shoes on the web, after 9 days. i wear a 12 4e so i got the 13 m and they fit better than i thought. as far as the lacing system well it is what it is, a gimmick if anything i think it will be a hassle compared to regular laces, just in the hour of walking around ive had to retighten them twice. but the pros on this boot far outway the cons. great fit, gore tex, fully attached tongue. the little sock on the top of the heel that seals your foot in ingeneous. the colors are way more vibrant in person. I guess this is my first real hiking boot , i cant believe how well made but how light these are. another thing that i love is a great sole, thats why salomon was a winner for me, they dont use the crappy vibram soles that many people think are great. ive had many hunting boots and hiking boots with vibram soles and their useless for bigger guys, every rock, stick and root you step on you feel it the next day. overall these are the standard for mid high gore tex boots except for the fashion lacing system that looks cool.UPDATE 3-4-13
these boots have been amazing and very durable, great traction, great fit, the lightness of these pays off on the trails. the lacing system is working better than i thought with no complaints. these boots fit the same as the first day i wore them so if the dont feel good at first they probly never will, unlike leather that will shape to your foot. once again i cant believe how lightweight yet durable these boots are. highly recommended
