These Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 trail shoes are a flagship model that will appeal to both hikers and runners alike. Featuring a 3D Advanced Chasis is a highly stable, versatile shoe that can run or hike. The Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 stood out as a hybrid shoe. Light, agile, protective, and incredible traction allowed running and hiking with ease. In this Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 review, we’ll take a look at the key features of the shoes, their pros/cons and suitability.

Table of Contents: Salomon XA PRO 3D V8

Salomon XA PRO 3D V8 Full Review

Take a look at the table below to find the best deals on the men’s Salomon XA PRO 3D V8 GTX version. We’ll feature the standard versions further down, along with the women’s models. Due to the cost of Gore-Tex, the GTX models are more expensive than the standard versions.

Men's GTX Model Prices

Grip & Traction On The Outsole

The outsole on the Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 is similar to Contagrip rubber as the Salomon Speedcross range. However, it does feature much different lug patterning than the Salomon Speedcross 4‘s single piece of rubber with large spaced lugs; this shoe features more diminutive and closely spaced lugs. The traction is good on rock, but the Contagrip is soft and wears down quickly relative to other shoes if used excessively on harder surfaces (avoid to much use on roads).

Foot Support & Comfort

This shoe comes with what Salomon call “stability control” in the midsole. The midsole stability control offers added arch support, which prevents the foot from over-pronating. Furthermore, the cinch lacing system does a top job of securing the shoe over the top and sides of the foot and, as a result, holding the foot securely in place.

Women's GTX Model Prices

The comfort level is subjective for this shoe, probably depending on how much you like the added arch support. This shoe needs a little bit of breaking in; until you do, you might feel some pinching on a brand new stiff upper. One thing to note is that shoes run wide in the toe box, a quality some people welcome, especially if you like to layer with a sock liner.

Foot Protection On The Trail

The Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 shoe is a tank of hybrid trail shoes. This shoe feels like it would crush similar hybrid shoes in its class. Think of a 4×4 monster truck rolling over its competition, and you’ll know what I’m getting at. The midsole rock plate is solid and inflexible, giving unprecedented underfoot protection, while the upper is made almost wholly of multi-layered synthetic material. In other words, no other shoe will protect your foot like this one.

Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 Pros & Cons

PROS:

  • Stability on these hybrid shoes will rival other traditional hiking shoes.
  • The shoe offers excellent traction, ideal for various terrains and routes.
  • Remarkably comfortable for long days on the trail
  • A great selection of colours, giving a striking design and look.

CONS:

  • Heavier than competitive trail shoes, probably not suitable for easier trail runs where the ground underfoot is easy going.
  • The high heel drop (11mm) can feel uncomfortable to those who usually use low drop shoes.
  • The stiff design may feel a little restrictive.
Standard Version & Kids Sizes

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Salomon XA Pro 3D is a good trail shoe for runners seeking style, breathability, stability, and protection. It is ideally suited to some more demanding national park trails routes yet is lightweight enough for less technical, drier terrain.

They inspire confidence on the trail and will help to keep your feet happy after many miles. You could even consider wearing it for dry summer fell races where a more aggressive sole isn’t needed.

To sum up, this is a great shoe hybrid of hiking and running shoes. We think it would be perfect for long mixed hike-runs ultra events and challenging multi-day events where foot care is essential and lightweight backpacking.

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