Salomon Speedcross 4

It’s great to find a shoe designed for one purpose that crosses over very neatly between disciplines, and indeed can be worn each and every day! A few years ago, I was sent a pair of Salomon Speedcross Forces shoes to test, and immediately fell in love with them! They were used when I was running and training, but soon proved themselves to be totally at home on the range. I wore them daily for two years, until I wore them out! I was so impressed with them that, when they did go in the bin, they were immediately replaced with another pair!

My second pair, after another two years, are still just about going, which proves that Salomon listened to the likes of yours truly, when I reported back to them, and made some small but important design changes to increase the longevity, and they continue to do so. The latest iteration in the revered Speedcross series, the 2019 Speedcross 4 features an updated outsole pattern for even greater traction and higher durability

Two-way venting

Allowing both air and water vapour to enter and exit the shoe, the material used on the upper is extremely breathable. This means that as you begin to exercise, the air inside the shoe is warm, and the skin will start to sweat. The material will allow the hot air and sweat vapour to escape, which is then replaced by cooler air. This will keep you feeling comfortable, with the temperature maintained to a comfortable level. The upper is also lightweight and abrasion resistant, with highly durable materials deployed around high-wear areas, to minimise damage to your shoes from rocks and branches. The durable toe box provides further durability and impact protection. The addition of an ‘Anti-Debris Mesh’ and a ‘Gusseted Tongue’ provide the wearer with further protection, by preventing pebbles and other debris entering the shoe and causing discomfort.

Quicklace

Externally, the Speedcross 4 features Salomon’s Quicklace system, which provides onepull tightening for a secure fit and easy on/off: simply pull the Kevlar string and the shoe will close evenly for a better fit. A neat ‘Lace Pocket’ has also been included in the design to provide easy storage and prevent your laces getting in your way or getting damaged whilst on the move. Sensifit technology works in tandem with the Quicklace system to cradle the foot from the midsole through to the laces to provide a stable, precise, and snug fit for enhanced support.

The midsole utilises a dual fusion of Salomon’s proprietary LT Muscle and Injected EVA cushioning systems. LT Muscle provides lightweight, highly durable cushioning, whilst the Injected EVA provides soft cushioning throughout the full-length of the shoe. The two midsole compounds have differing densities, and consequently work together to provide both cushioning and support throughout the gait cycle, whilst also providing responsiveness to enable you to feel the contours of the ground beneath you. Finally, an ‘OrthoLite Sockliner’ provides plush underfoot cushioning within the shoe, to give greater support and comfort. The sockliner has been imbued with anti-microbial properties to provide long-lasting freshness.

Conclusion

Overall, the original Speedcross has been updated in very subtle, yet very important, increments to make use of the newest and most innovative technologies available and, as Salomon have added a really nice looking green option amongst the lurid ‘trail’ versions, it’s now a performance shoe that you can happily wear in almost any setting, without looking like you’ve just come back from an endurance event!

Selling at around £110 from most good retailers (mine came from salomon. com) the 2019 Speedcross 4 is available in multiple colour combinations, with sizes ranging from UK 6.5-13.5.