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Salomon Speedcross 6 review

7 expert score
3 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 03rd April by Katherine Takai Long Distance Runner, former Sprinter.
19 other reviews

Salomon Speedcross 6 Verdict

The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a durable and responsive shoe that is built for terrain where traction and protection are critical, including early season trail and road conditions and technical terrain.

The pros

  • Excellent traction on most types of terrain
  • Durable
  • Reliable protection in the upper, especially from dirt and debris

The cons

  • Stiff, highly structured upper
  • Collects mud in sticky conditions and can be slick on smooth, wet surfaces
  • Softer outsole absorbs energy on hard-packed surfaces


Rating breakdown

Comfort
7.0
Build quality
9.0
Upper
7.0
Sole unit
7.0
Landing
6.0
Transition
7.0
Toe-off
7.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
9.0
Value / Price
8.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
Speedcross 6
Previous model
Type
Weight
10.5 oz (298 g)
MSRP
$140.00

Heel
35.5 mm.
Toe
25.5 mm.
Heel drop
10 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
Buy half size smaller
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Tight
Toebox fit
Normal

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Very stable
Flexibility
Rigid

Trail specs

Rockplate
Not present
Traction
Provide Traction
Water resitance
Good

Best for these distances

Road-to-trail
Max cushion
Trail racing
Technical  

Best for these terrains

Moderate trails  
Technical trails  
Rocky areas  
Muddy areas  
Through creeks and streams  
Through snowy or icy sections  
Dirt trails  
Paved trails
Through grassy sections  

Who should buy the Salomon Speedcross 6 ?

For the trail runner (or winter weather road runner) looking for a nimble, responsive shoe with excellent protection that is exceptionally reliable on soft surfaces.

Who should not buy the Salomon Speedcross 6 ?

Road-to-trail commuters, racers on mostly flat, hard-packed trails, or trail runners looking for a cushioned shoe to reduce the impact of longer efforts.

Salomon Speedcross 6 Introduction

Picture of Salomon Speedcross 6

The Salomon Speedcross 6 is the grippy trail shoes for technical terrain in the Salomon lineup.

This update on a classic, aggressive trail runner features reduced weight and a revamped upper.

The Salomon Contagrip® outsole technology on the Speedcross 6 utilizes a rubber compound and lug profile that optimizes performance on mud and loose surfaces. The outsole on the Speedcross 6 has wider spaces between lugs so that it’s easier to shake out mud.

At $160, the Salomon Speedcross 6 price is on-par with its high-traction competitors, like the Saucony Peregrine ($140), Brooks Catamount ($160), or Hoka Speedgoat ($155).

The Speedcross’s 5mm lugs (reduced from 6mm on the Speedcross 5) are the most aggressive of the group.

Despite the drop in weight (about 10.1 oz. in Men’s and 9.2 oz in Women’s) these are a bit heavier than competitors, but they do have the most sturdy and durable construction.

Salomon Speedcross 6 Impressions

Picture of Salomon Speedcross 6

The Salomon Speedcross was my very first trail running shoe. After owning a pair, I abandoned hiking boots forever in favor of agile and lighter-weight footwear to go faster on the trail without sacrificing grip or protection.

In its early iterations, the Speedcross fit the bill perfectly. The lure of higher stacks and rocker technology moved me away from the Speedcross since then, so it had been years since trying out this oldie but goodie again.

Upon pulling the shoe out of the box, the first thing I noticed was the unique upper design that extended over the midsole.

These shoes look aggressive and protected, especially in the Black / Biscay Green / Fiery Red colorway. The large “Speed Cross 6” printed on the tongue draws the eye and emphasizes the continuity of the upper mesh layer that hugs the foot from the midsole to the lacing system.

While different from other trail running shoes, the upper design is intentional for creating a secure fit.

I primarily tested these in early season conditions in the Tetons, which were the ideal conditions for this shoe.

The first run in these shoes was on a muddy singletrack trail with some steep sections. A thick, sticky layer of mud accumulated on the outsole making them about a pound heavier each; but the upper fully prevented any mud, debris, or wetness from entering the shoe.

Once the mud was shed, the 5mm lugs inspired confidence on soft surfaces up and downhills where the mud wasn’t too heavy.

On subsequent runs, I found that the Speedcross 6 handles early season snow fields and dirt with spots of mud well. The lugs need an opportunity to shed mud, so with sustained muddy conditions the lugs will become fully coated and then start to accumulate.

In conditions where the lugs can bite into the ground, they’re the most reliable shoe that I’ve tested. This traction is especially noticeable in steeper dirt sections both on the uphill and downhill.

Salomon Speedcross 6 Protection

Picture of Salomon Speedcross 6

Despite the Speedcross 6’s lack of rockplate, the 32mm of stack height in the heel and 22mm under forefoot provides sufficient underfoot protection.

The Contagrip outsole is purposely soft but certainly not penetrable. While I didn’t have any issues with the underfoot protection, there were times that I felt some impact.

The upper coverage and protection is exceptional for ensuring that no debris entered the shoe. The structured, thick upper material and toe bumper ensure that the top of your foot and toes are protected from trail hazards.

The covered upper and midsole construction prevent water from entering between the midsole and outsole. Unfortunately, these protective measures cannot be supplemented by a gaiter because there are no specified gaiter attachments.

Salomon Speedcross 6 Durability

Picture of Salomon Speedcross 6

Durability is not a limiting factor for performance in the Speedcross 6. Although these shoes retained dirt after my first (very muddy) run in them, they have proven to be remarkably durable after over 100 miles.

Despite having run through wet, muddy, and rocky terrain in addition to road miles, there are minimal signs of wear. The upper has no visible abrasions, and the lugs have not been worn down at all.

I have no doubt the Speedcross 6 would hold up reliably during an ultra distance run on tough mountain terrain.

Salomon Speedcross 6 Responsiveness & speed

Picture of Salomon Speedcross 6

The aerodynamic shape of the Speedcross 6 allows you to move quickly when the trail opens up and nimbly in rockier, more technical terrain. Salomon’s Energy Cell+ EVA midsole is built to maximize energy rebound, and it feels adequately firm and responsive.

The midsole flares out slightly in the heel to add stability. The 10mm drop is most natural and comfortable for runners who strike with their heel first.

This shoe has the advantage over others in its traction. Some energy is lost in the softness of the outsole. The Contagrip® Mud outsole is purposely softer for maximum grip in dirt, sand, mud, and snow; so the Speedcross 6 makes up time when the conditions get more slippery.

The sticky grip inspires confidence on the surfaces it’s built for (with the exception of mud that is too deep for any shoe), especially in steeper sections. The lugs bit into snowfield surfaces, making these the ideal shoes for most early season conditions.

Salomon Speedcross 6 Conclusions

Picture of Salomon Speedcross 6


The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a delightful upgrade on an old classic.

Their exceptional traction, protection, and durability make them ideal for early season snow, mud, and dirt. They’re a stable, reliable, and confidence-inspiring choice for running on snowy roads and up or down steep trails when the trail surfaces are soft.

The snug Sensifit locks down for a secure fit that actually enhances responsiveness and keeps out debris and wetness. For their ideal use cases, you’ll want to grab the Salomon Speedcross 6 over any other shoe.

For other conditions, they can be overkill and sacrifice speed and comfort. On hard-packed surfaces, you may feel like you’re running in cleats and the softer outsole will not be as fast or responsive as other options.

On longer runs and ultra-distances, the Speedcross 6 does not have sufficient cushioning to feel comfortable after hours of sustained impact. In hot weather, they can run hot.

For softer trail terrain and shorter distances (3-10 miles), I am happy to have the Speedcross 6 in my quiver for early season conditions.

Now that the mud season in the Tetons has passed, I will probably store these away and switch to a more responsive and cushioned shoe for higher mileage on harder-packed terrain.

How does the Speedcross 6 compare?

Hoka One One Challenger 7
Salomon Speedcross 6
Nike React Terra Kiger 9
Expert score
10
7
6
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$145
US$139.95
US$149.95
Shoe type
Weight
8.9 oz
10.5 oz
9.8 oz
Heel Drop
5 mm
10 mm
3 mm
Recommended for
Moderate trails, technical trails, through creeks and streams, dirt trails, paved trails, through grassy sections
Moderate trails, technical trails, rocky areas, muddy areas, through creeks and streams, through snowy or icy sections, dirt trails, through grassy sections
Moderate trails, muddy areas, through creeks and streams, dirt trails, paved trails, through grassy sections
Cushioning type
balanced/plush
balanced
responsive
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
medium
rigid
medium
Stability
some stability
very stable
not particularly stable
Sizing
true to size
buy half size smaller
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Salomon at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.

Reviewed by Katherine

This review was written by Katherine Takai on 03rd April.
Katherine Takai is a consultant and endurance sport enthusiast in constant pursuit of new running adventures and the optimal shoes to take her there. Over 15 years ago, she was a sprinter who turned long distance event runner. Ultimately, she found her greatest passion in trail running and has spent the past five years running around the mountains of Colorado and her current home near the Tetons in Idaho.

User feedback (1)

  • avatar-comment-1032747
    Robert author rateauthor rateauthor rateauthor rateauthor rate
    1 year ago
    3 score

    Nice looking shoe however the sole has already started to wear after only 3/4 Wks of moderate usage.

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