Best For

The Salomon Speedcross line up is a trail running line that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. The Speedcross 6 is designed to provide excellent traction, support, and confidence while running on rough and aggressive trails. This is not a trail shoe for the buffed out trails in your area. As someone who enjoys big mountain trail running, the Speedcross 6 shines on the steep vertical. After testing several iterations from the Speedcross line up since 2019, I was excited to try out the sixth iteration and see how it compared to other aggressive trail running shoes on the marketplace. 

Upper

In terms of fit, the Salomon Speedcross 6 runs true to size and provides a snug and comfortable fit. Keep that in mind if you prefer more splay through the toebox, you will not encounter splay in this trail shoe. The Quicklace system allows for easy adjustments for the fit of the shoe, ensuring that your foot remains securely in place during your aggressive trail runs. If you need to adjust on the fly depending on the terrain, it is easy with the Quicklace system. The lace pocket on the top of the tongue ensures that the laces stay securely in place during your run. 

The Speedcross 6 also boasts excellent durability throughout the upper. The upper is made of a robust mesh material that held up well to abrasions and scuffs on the trail. Whether you’re prone to kicking rocks or roots, the build quality of this shoe will withstand the toughest of terrains. The shoe also features Salomon’s Mud Guard technology, which protects your feet from the inevitable grime and rain, preventing it from seeping into the interior of the shoe. A solid nickname for the Speedcross 6 should be “Mudder,” this is a classic mudding shoe for those slippery days on the trails. The Quicklace system held up well, and I didn’t experience any issues with fraying. The Speedcross 6 has a flashy and stylish design that is sure to turn heads on the trails, look at those colors shine! The upper is also reinforced with a durable rubber toe cap, to help your toes stay happy over the rockiest of terrains.

Midsole

The 10 mm drop midsole of the Speedcross 6 is made with Salomon’s EnergyCell+ technology (32 mm heel, 22 mm forefoot), which provides trail runners with excellent durability and support, while also maintaining a responsive toeoff feel. EnergyCell+ is a high-rebound midsole compound that provides exceptional energy return along with substantial cushioning and durability. The shoe has a removable Ortholite insole, which adds an extra layer of cushioning and support to the shoe. I would not buy the Speedcross 6 for uptempo trail days, but rather aggressive climbing in good and bad conditions alike. The midsole is not soft, just want to be clear on that in case you need more cushion understep. 

In terms of fit, the Speedcross 6 felt snug through the midfoot but not overly tight. The shoe features Salomon’s Sensifit technology, which cradles the foot from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure and comfortable fit.

Another benefit of the Salomon Speedcross 6 is its versatility. The shoe is not only great for trail running but can also be used for hiking, trekking, and other outdoor activities. The durable construction and high-traction outsole make it a great all-around shoe for outdoor enthusiasts.

Outsole

The shoe has a high-traction Contagrip sole that is designed to provide incredible grip and traction on a variety of surfaces. The sole is made with a durable and sticky rubber that ensures maximum grip even on wet and slippery surfaces, like MUD. The lug pattern is strategically placed to provide optimal grip and traction while running on uneven terrain. The lug depth is aggressive. I found that the shoe held up well on steep ascents AND descents, providing plenty of traction and preventing any slips along the way. The traction was also useful when the snow melts and turns the trails to a boggy mud fest, very common in Colorado during the spring months. With regards to durability, you will be hard pressed to find another outsole that competes with the Speedcross 6. Similar to the Speedcross 5, Salomon did not cut any corners with the construction of this outsole. In case you are a Saucony fan, check out the Saucony Peregrine 13 ST outsole for another intriguing “mudder” option.

Would I Buy This Shoe Again?

Overall, I was once again very impressed with the Salomon Speedcross 6. When it comes to aggressive trail running performance, this trail shoe delivers on all fronts. Staying true to its legendary roots and trail status, this iteration is lighter with an even more effective, grippy connection to the ground and faster mud evacuation understep. While it’s not the lightest trail shoe on the market, its build quality and outsole grip far outweighs the weight. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle even the toughest trails, the Speedcross 6 is definitely worth a look early on here in the trail running season.