In this Salomon XA Collider 2 GTX Review, we’ll take a look at what the shoe has to offer, focusing and three key areas – upper comfort, midsole cushioning and outsole grip.
Salomon XA Collider 2 GTX Trail Running Shoes
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Waterproof Gore-Tex Upper
The Salomon XA Collider 2 GTX trail shoes offer a lightweight and breathable upper, giving a generous fit that makes the shoe a comfortable piece of trail footwear. A new oversize toe cap on the XA Collider 2 will give you additional confidence on the unstable ground because your toes will be able to flex and move and help balance the foot on tricky terrains. If you are not a fan of Gore-Tex, then there is also a non waterproof version available.
The shoe’s upper section keeps you on track as it does not weigh you down or allow your foot to overheat. The reinforced push-bumper toe cap helps provide excellent stability with that locked-in feel, as well as protecting from loose rocks and debris you might encounter out on the trail. A high-quality Gore-Tex membrane on the upper offers ultimate waterproof protection, blocking exterior water and moisture from entering the shoe. Furthermore, it also allows built-up moisture, vapour, and heat to escape the shoe. Your feet remain dry and fresh so that you can concentrate on your running and performance over any distance you choose to challenge.
Salomon XA Collider 2 EnergyCell Midsole
The shoe’s midsole is constructed from EVA in the form of the EnergyCell midsole, which delivers outstanding shock-absorbing properties. This feature will help protect the foot from shock and impact forces on more challenging trail terrain runs after a long run. Salomon’s multi-functional midsole supplies both comfort and protection – neither one is compromised, and this is thanks to the dual-density EVA.
Dual-density works in the following way, towards the bottom of the midsole, the EVA is quite firm so that it can absorb shocks instantly and effectively, easing pressure and strain on your joints and muscles. The energy produced on foot strike is funnelled and returned as light, bouncy rebounds, which give you an added spring in your step. As a result, EVA means you will be expending less energy, and you’ll be able to go further for longer. As you get higher up on the midsole, the EVA foam becomes less densely packed, making it feel more comfortable and cushioned underfoot.
Contagrip Outsole & Grip
Whilst the construction is pretty lightweight, no compromise has been made and off-road essentials – including extra grip from the optimised Contagrip outsole. The outsole grip and lug patterning will help to keep you cruising freely and safely on the trail. Salomon’s Contagrip rubber outsole supplies runners with the durability and traction they need on the trail. Confidence and belief in your grips are crucial to allow you to move at pace on the trail, particularly when the path becomes uneven or wet.
If you are looking for another option, I would suggest going for the Salomon Sense Ride 4 – I find the grip works better on a variety of terrains.
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