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Salomon Speedcross 3 vs 4

Salomon Speedcross 3 vs 4

The Salomon Speedcross is a soft-ground trail running shoe with a neutral foot motion that’s perfect for off-road training and adventure racing. The sneaker has had one fundamental purpose since its inception: to bring you closer to nature. Hence this shoe remains an ideal trail running shoe to take you to new heights, from coastal routes to steep mountains, from nature running to ultra-trail.

However, you might be unsure which shoe to choose between the Salomon Speedcross 3 and the Salomon Speedcross 4. To help you answer your query, here’s a quick rundown of the two shoes.

Salomon Speedcross 3 vs 4: Overview

Salomon Speedcross 3 

The third in the Speedcross series is the Salomon Speedcross 3. It has good protection and a responsive feel to it. This is a traditional shoe with a unique style and good durability. If you’re looking for trailer shoes, this could be the shoe for you.

Key features

Upper

The upper of the Salomon Speedcross 3 is outstanding, with several key characteristics that assist it to protect the foot while remaining breathable and flexible. It features an anti-debris mesh designed to keep ordinary trail debris out of the shoe, which may be very aggravating and irritating. The upper is water-resistant, and this is a nice touch that keeps the shoe from becoming clogged with water when jogging in wet places.

Another unique element of the upper is the Mudguard positioned at the bottom and helps keep mud off the shoe. Salomon’s Quicklace system is yet another element designed to allow for quick shoe tightening customization, which is helpful when a short readjustment is required. Finally, the upper has Sensifit synthetic overlays that assist secure the foot when the laces are tightened. The upper of the Salomon Speedcross 3 is undoubtedly a strong component, with unique features and innovative technology.

Outsole

Salomon Speedcross 3’s outsole is highly durable and unique in various ways. Usage of Salomon’s Mud and Snow Contragrip material is its first feature. This substance is designed to defend against all types of impact and abrasions common on trails. It also extends the overall life of the shoes. The rubber lugs that cover the bottom of the outsole are another essential feature of this shoe. The purpose of these lugs is to improve the shoe’s grip. This is critical since trail runners may encounter rain, mud, snow, and various other hazardous conditions. Overall, the outsole of the Salomon Speedcross three is quite good, offering adequate protection, grip, and durability.

Midsole

Overall, the midsole of the Salomon Speedcross is a vital component. EVA foam is the primary material utilized, and it is a popular choice for running shoes because of its lightweight nature, durability, and ability to return energy. The midsole is made up of two different types of EVA foam: injected and molded. With each stride, this helps to reduce hard impacts and promote stability and energy return. It also includes the LT Muscle that is designed to absorb impacts and create a steadier stride. Finally, an Ortholite sock liner is included, which is designed to provide more cushioning in the underfoot area while also preventing moisture buildup inside the shoe. Overall, the midsole is reasonably durable and provides adequate technology.

Weight

For males, the Salomon Speedcross 3 weighs roughly 11 oz and a little less for ladies. This is a little heavier than many popular trainers on the market today, but it’s understandable given that the Speedcross 3 is a trail running shoe. Trail runners are typically heavier than road runners since they require additional protection and cushioning from all of the trail’s obstacles and dangers that aren’t present on the road. The weight of the Speedcross three is to be expected, and it does not deviate significantly from trail shoe standards.

Salomon Speedcross 4 

This is the fourth shoe in the Salomon Speedcross series. The shoe does not have many upgrades after putting much engineering into the previous series. This is the shoe for you if you’re searching for a robust shoe that can go the distance or even face the trail for a short period.

Key Features

Upper

Salmon’s Sensifit technology is also used on the upper of this shoe, which wraps around the foot and provides a snug fit, especially in the midfoot area. The quick lacing system allows you to modify the fit on the fly, ensuring that you get the perfect fit every time. The mesh is good at keeping debris out and is breathable. The overlays are deliberately placed throughout the shoe to tighten the shoe around the foot while also adding resilience to the top and other wear-prone areas like the toe box. The shoe also has moisture-wicking nylon that is soft and an Ortholite insole that offers anti-odor characteristics to keep your shoes feeling good even after long runs.

Outsole

There haven’t been many alterations to this shoe overall; however, there have been a couple of outsole tweaks. The Contigrip outsole rubber is still used, but Salomon claims it is stickier than before, which helps you handle wet surfaces better. Other minor design alterations can also be found on the outsole. It still has chevron-shaped lugs, but they’re significantly smaller, and there are more of them, and in spots where half a lug was previously used, Salomon has added a full lug along the edge, making it slightly grippier. Unfortunately, if used on harsh terrain, these lugs are still prone to premature wear.

Midsole

There haven’t been many modifications to the midsole material. However, Salmon did manage to eliminate some weight, which is most likely because they were able to fit the same amount of dual-density EVA with much lighter weight. The cushion is strategically positioned throughout the midsole to absorb shock in the heel while still allowing the shoe to maintain its flexibility. The cushion also supports and cradles the foot to encourage proper form and prevent overpronation.

Weight

Salomon succeeded in shaving off roughly 1oz of weight from both the men’s and women’s versions while preserving the same design and adding a full lug on the outer edge of the outsole. While this shoe is still a little on the hefty side, the lightweight design feels terrific underfoot, and the way it clings and glides with your stride makes it feel like an extension of your body.

Final Take

Salomon Speedcross 4 is a significant upgrade over Salomon Speedcross 3. It offers the same amazing Quicklace and Sensifit features as before, but with a lighter weight and a new outsole design. The sole gives additional grip and stability, and it is substantially lighter. The Salomon Speedcross 4 is the trail running shoe of choice for improved comfort and performance.