Weight: 11.6 ounces (Men’s 9)
Trail Use: Good
Off Trail Use: Excellent to Very Good
Stack Height Heel/Toe: 35mm / 25mm
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm
Width: Medium to narrow
Fit: True to size
Waterproof: No
What We Like:  Excellent shoe for athletes looking for a higher drop with plenty of traction

MSRP: $130

Traction: 4
Support: 3.5
Long-Distance Comfort: 3.5

The Salomon SpeedCross 5 trail shoes are designed with excellent traction and stability in mind. Their 10 mm drop is well-suited for hikers and runners that are used to a traditional, higher drop shoe. This is one of the more minimal shoes in the Salomon lineup, so it is excellent for those who are looking to shave a few ounces or transition into lighter trail runners. Despite this, the shoe still features all the durability and traction that Salomon is known for.

These shoes are comfortable out of the box, and their wider fit is suited to a wide range of feet. We recommend these shoes for runners and hikers who will trade extra traction and stability for a bit of extra weight. Though these are not as light as similar models in other brands, the reinforcement makes them an excellent pick for the extra protection.

Read our complete guide | Best Hiking Shoes

PROS:

• Excellent traction and durability for a variety of trails
• Wider fit works with a variety of feet
• A good shoe for transitioning between heavier hiking shoes into lighter trail runners
• More cushion than many lighter shoes
• The traction is sufficient for off-trail travel

CONS:

• Heavier than many similar shoes
• High drop is less versatile

BEST FOR:

• Athletes who are looking to “tear up” the terrain; the high lugs provide lots of traction
• Transitioning from true hiking shoes to a lighter shoe
• Backpacking trips with off-trail travel or rock scrambling