Salomon SpeedCross 6 Review

Bottom Line

The Salomon Speedcross 6 is one of our favorites for long trail runs on soft terrain. The glove-like fit makes it one of the comfiest shoes we’ve tested. Deep, widely-spaced lugs bite into the ground from sandy washes to sloppy mountain trails, earning the Speedcross a spot on our best trail running shoes for men guide.

Editor Ian Krammer racked up 400+ miles on his pair, including more than 50 Rocky Mountain summits over 13,000’. He finds their blend of great arch support and slightly heavier weight walks a fine line of responsiveness and comfort. We’re big fans of their sleek profile and more affordable price tag, too. All around, the Speecross 6 are an excellent pick whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been running for years.

But, this shoe has some quirks. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop is one of the highest on our trail runners list, a design that can feel unbalanced on steep descents. The unique Quicklace system takes getting used to and may miss the mark if you prefer a more customized fit. It’s not as light as some models we tested. And, testing finds the outsole’s durability is limited, with lugs wearing down faster than we’d like.

This shoe is on the top half of our list for all the right reasons, though: it’s comfortable, grippy, and a fun, fast ride for runners of all levels.

Comfort

If you like a snug fit, the Speedcross 6 is for you. It’s sleek design all but eliminates sloppiness and slippage with a true-to-size profile that’s comfortable out of the box. Plush heel padding cradles the back of the foot, and defined arch support keeps fatigue at bay even after hours of movement. Salomon’s inclusive sizing is a bonus – including wide and sizes 7 to 14 – so they work well for almost any foot.

Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s favorite thing about the Speedcross? Their excellent balance between cushioning and support. He reaches for them on long days in the moutnains with high mileage. Whether he’s cruising root-filled trails or slogging up a sand-filled mountain gully, the 6’s rarely feel cumbersome.

Comfort is subjective when it comes to shoes, though. Many love Salomon’s unique Quicklace system, with a pull-tab and cord that replaces traditional laces. This design takes getting used to, though, and there’s very little nuance to it. Where classic laces can be fine-tuned around your foot shape to alleviate pressure, the Quicklace system eliminates this ability. Pull the tab, and pressure evens out across the foot – fast, but not adjustable.

Traction

We rank the Salomon Speedcross 6 highly for traction. Testing finds it’s a boss on soft terrain, clawing into loose and sloppy ground with ease. These are one of Ian’s go-to’s for high mountain routes full of mud, choss and loose sand and gravel. The deep, well-spaced lugs sink into soft surfaces – even snow – for a reliable ride, even on steep inclines. The aggressive tread pattern extends to the edges, improving braking control on descents.

The multi-directional triangular lugs are spread out to shed debris effortlessly. Ian loves the tacky outsole rubber that thrives on wet days – even performing decently on slick rock and roots – making them versatile for mixed terrain. 

However,the outsoles are not as durable as the rest of the shoe. At 300 miles, Ian’s Speedcross 6 outsoles were wearing nearly flat. We loved the traction up to that point, but lug degradation started around 200 miles, with the softer rubber wearing flat soon after.

Also, the stiff midsoles feel a bit harsh on packed dirt and pavement, reducing comfort on long runs outside of rugged trails. If you primarily run on dry, well-maintained trails – or need a shoe that lasts several seasons – you may want to keep looking.

Weight

At 1 pound and 5 ounces per pair, the Speedcross 6 sits on the heavier end of the shoes we tested. The added weight certainly isn’t extreme, but compared to ultralight models, we noticed the weight on longer distances (more than 10 miles) and days with lots of vert.

The beefy outsole and slightly thicker uppers are great for traction and added protection, though both elements add heft – and bulk.

Don’t let their weight stop you, though. These shoes never felt sluggish during testing. They’re some of the most streamlined shoes on our list, and we like their nimble ride.

Durability

Ian’s rigorous testing finds the strongest elements of these shoes are the uppers. Welded overlays keep this model from shredding on rough terrain. A thick rubber rand wraps around the toe and sides, providing solid protection against sharp rocks and roots. The quicklace system is surprisingly resilient, too, holding up to hundreds of repetitive uses without fraying or breaking.

Small elements like the loop eyelets, tongue, and cuff have also held up well after extended use and maintain their shape, offering consistent support and cushioning.

The outsoles and traction, however, are a different story. We pushed the limit of the Speedcross 6 in extreme terrain – high alpine routes with sharp rock, abrasive trails, and pokey underbrush. Traction was worn down significantly at 200 miles, with the shoes retired at 300 miles.

We’re confident we could squeeze 400 miles out of these on mellower terrain, but the last 100 miles wouldn’t be pretty. If you need a shoe that lasts season after season, this one may not be the best bet, which is why it earns a lower score for durability from our team.

The culprit? Salomon’s proprietary rubber is softer than competitors. It provides great grip for the first 200ish miles, but this pliable compound sacrifices longevity. Runners who hit rocky or abrasive trails regularly will likely need to budget for a couple of pairs if they’re taking on significant mileage in a season.

Breathability

We rank this shoe fairly well for breathability. A generous amount of mesh in the uppers gives consistent airflow and helps vent sweat and heat even on scorching days.

Ian used the Speedcross 6 on days over 70° paired with thin socks, and it kept his feet comfortable. These dry fast after creek crossings and unexpected downpours. When hiking La Plata Peak in Colorado, Ian crossed several streams and his feet were mostly dry about an hour and half later.

But they run warmer than many on our list. The overlays add structure and durability, but traps heat more than ultralight mesh models. On days above 90 degrees, we found the Speedcross feels a bit stuffy, especially during long ascents and slow-moving sections. It’s comfy in hot weather, but it is not the breeziest option out there.

Responsiveness

One of our favorite things about the Speedcross 6 is the snappy, responsive midsole that makes this shoe feel lighter than it actually is. Ian loves fast movement through the mountains, and on days when pushing hard is the priority, he looks forward to the springy ride that feels smooth but not bouncy.

A slightly rockered toe design encourages smooth transitions, keeping momentum high. Especially on flat, moderate, and uphill sections, the taller heel-to-toe drop helps rebound energy on heel strikes to propel us forward. These shoes bring plenty of speed without sacrificing too much stability.

The downside of the high heel to toe drop is it can feel a little awkward – and even off-balance – on uneven terrain and sketchy downhills. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but these shoes demand a bit more focus in sketchy and challenging environments than shoes a bit lower to the ground. There’s been many times where Ian was crossing a boulder field, and his balance was thrown off specifically because of this design.

The other downside of such an aggressive heel is it places more strain on the knees and quads over long distances, which we’ve also noticed on big miles. These may miss the mark if you prefer a more natural ride that’s low to the ground, but for everyone else, we highly recommend them.

Should You Buy the Salomon Speedcross 6?

The Salomon Speedcross 6 is a great choice for runners taking on soft terrain and rough routes. Whether you need reliable traction on mud and sand, extra stability on technical trails, or all day comfort with a secure fit, the Speedcross 6 delivers. The aggressive outsole has multi-directional, well-spaced lugs that reliably grip mud, rocks, and loose trails, and the pattern sheds debris easily. Good arch support and a dialed-in fit, combined with cushy heel padding, makes these feel comfortable right out of the box. The midsole absorbs impact on long runs, and it’s an excellent choice for folks who push limits on mixed terrain that requires precision.

However, this shoe has one of the highest heel-to-toe-drops of any on our running shoes list – that means excellent cushioning, but it can feel a bit tippy on off-camber trails and steep descents. Salomon’s Quicklace system prevents customized lacing patterns, and the single-pull design doesn’t cater to different foot shapes and needs. These are also fairly heavy compared to most shoes on our list, and it runs a bit narrow, so you may want to try these on ahead of time or order wide if you have wider feet. We also find the outsole and lugs wear down faster than the competition.

The Speedcross 6 blends performance and protection, though. Agile, comfy, and grippy, these trail runners are built for long miles on mixed terrain.

What Other Trail Running Shoes For Men Should You Consider?

Are the Salomon Speedcross 6 catching your eye? See how they compare to the rest on our best trail running shoes for men guide. If you liked this shoe, take a closer look at these other winners:

Brooks Catamount 4 Review: Check out the Brooks Catamount if you’re looking for a similar stack height, weight, and fit. These have a classic trail runner look and feel, but they’re more durable and breathable.

Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX Review: The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX shares the Speedcross’ high heel-to-toe drop, premium price point, and similar weight. It’s heavier and pricier, but we prefer this one to help keep moisture out.

Brooks Cascadia 18 Review: The Brooks Cascadia 18 matches the Speedcross 6 in price and also has a higher heel to toe drop for cushioned comfort. It’s heavier and features traditional laces, but a bit more durable.