Best Salomon Trail Running Shoes of 2026: Which Model Should You Buy?

These are our best salomon trail running shoes 2026 picks. Prices shift often, so check the buttons for today's deals.

Amazon listings for these shoes carry few details, so we added specs from Salomon's own product pages where we could match the model.

1. Best Overall: Salomon Speedcross

Salomon Men's Speedcross Trail Running Shoes

• Drop: 10 mm (Salomon, Speedcross 6)
• Lug depth: 5 mm, Mud Contagrip outsole (Salomon, Speedcross 6)
• Weight: 11 oz per shoe (Salomon, Speedcross 6)
• Lacing: quickLACE one-pull system

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Why it made the list: The Speedcross is the shoe most people picture when they think of Salomon. Salomon's page for the current Speedcross 6 lists 5 mm lugs built for loose, soft and muddy ground, moderate cushioning and high foot protection. The Amazon listing is titled simply "Speedcross" and is highly rated by buyers, with thousands of ratings.

Highlights:

• Deep, sharp lugs for mud and soft dirt
• quickLACE one-pull lacing, easy on and easy off
• Huge rating pool for a trail shoe

Trade-off:

• The aggressive lugs feel less smooth on hardpack and pavement

Best for: Runners who face mud, wet grass and loose, soft trails most weeks.

2. Best Budget (Under $150): Salomon Alphaglide

Salomon Men's Alphaglide Trail Running Shoes for Hiking

• Build: lightweight and breathable (per listing)
• Outsole: all weather grip
• Insole: foam
• Weather: not water resistant

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Why it made the list: No current, well-rated Salomon trail runner came in under $100 in our search, so we raised this award to Under $150. The Alphaglide was the lowest-priced credible current option, and its listing covers both trail running and hiking. It is well rated by buyers, with hundreds of ratings.

Highlights:

• The most affordable current Salomon trail shoe we found
• Lightweight, breathable build for warm days
• Works for both runs and day hikes

Trade-off:

• The listing gives few technical specs, and there is no weather protection

Best for: Runners who want the Salomon fit for everyday trails without the flagship price.

3. Best Premium / Upgrade Pick: Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX

Salomon Mens Xa Pro 3D V9 Gore-tex

• Membrane: GORE-TEX waterproof (Salomon)
• Drop: 11 mm; lug depth 3.5 mm (Salomon)
• Weight: 13 oz per shoe (Salomon)
• Terrain: rocky and mixed, high foot protection

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Why it made the list: Salomon describes the XA Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX as super stable and super tough, with a waterproof membrane and tailored lugs. That makes it the upgrade for wet seasons and rocky routes where soft-ground mud lugs are less suited. It is well rated by buyers, with over a thousand ratings.

Highlights:

• GORE-TEX membrane for rain, dew and puddles
• Stability and high foot protection for technical ground
• quickLACE system, like the Speedcross

Trade-off:

• Heavier than the Speedcross, per Salomon's listed weights, and warmer in summer

Best for: Runners and fast hikers who need a waterproof, protective shoe for rough terrain.

This guide is researched and compared, not based on hands-on testing. We looked at fit and comfort, weather protection and breathability, weight and packability, durability, and value. Our sources were Salomon's product pages, Amazon listing details, and rating averages with rating volume, which we used instead of summarizing individual salomon trail running shoes reviews. We only boxed models that Salomon still sells as current versions.

Type

• Cushioned: More foam for long runs and hardpack; smoother but less ground feel.
• Zero drop: Level heel and forefoot. Salomon's picks here have 10 to 11 mm drops, so zero drop fans should look elsewhere.
• Waterproof: GORE-TEX versions keep water out at the cost of breathability.
• Wide: Some models come in wide sizes; check the size menu.
• Lightweight: Less mass per stride, often with thinner protection.
• Carbon plate: Stiff race shoes; rarely needed on the trail.
• Minimalist: Thin soles and low stacks for maximum feel.

Fit & sizing tips

Salomon shoes are often described as snug through the midfoot, so try them with your running socks and leave a thumb's width at the toe for descents. Our best trail running shoes for men and best trail running shoes for women guides cover more fits.

Waterproof vs breathable

Mesh versions drain and dry fast after creek crossings. GORE-TEX versions, like our premium pick or the Speedcross GTX, suit cold, wet months but run warmer.

Layering & season

Pair breathable shoes with thin socks in summer. In winter, use merino socks and a waterproof shoe, plus gaiters if you run in snow.

Care & durability

Rinse mud off after runs, remove the insoles and air dry away from heat. Deep lugs like the Speedcross's wear faster on pavement, so keep road miles low.

How much should you spend?

• Under $100: We found no current, well-rated Salomon trail runner at list price here; older generations and sales sometimes land in this range.
• Under $150: Current models like the Alphaglide and the standard Speedcross, with real trail outsoles and Salomon's lacing.

Waterproof GORE-TEX versions such as the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX usually cost more than $150.

Which salomon trail running shoes is best depends on the ground under your feet. Here are the salomon trail running shoes models compared, using only models we could verify.

Compared with brands like Hoka or Altra, Salomon leans toward secure, locked-in fits and grippy outsoles rather than maximum cushion. If you plan to hike more than run, our best trail running shoes for hiking guide includes sturdier options. Watch for a salomon trail running shoes sale on older colorways, but make sure the listing is the current version.

What is the best salomon trail running shoes?

The Salomon Speedcross is our pick for most runners. Salomon's page for the current Speedcross 6 lists 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, moderate cushioning and quickLACE, and the Amazon listing is highly rated by buyers, with thousands of ratings. For rocky, wet routes, the XA Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX is the stronger choice.

Is salomon a good trail running shoes brand?

Yes. Salomon is one of the best-known trail running brands, with models for mud, rock, long distances and wet weather. Are salomon trail running shoes good for everyone? Not always: the fit tends to be snug, and some models have high drops, so try them on first.

Which salomon trail running shoes should I buy?

Buy the Speedcross for mud and soft trails, the Alphaglide for affordable everyday runs and hikes, and the XA Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX for rocky, wet or technical routes. Match the shoe to the terrain you run most, then check fit and width before you order.

How long do trail running shoes last?

Salomon does not publish one official lifespan. Wear depends on mileage, terrain, body weight and care. Deep lugs wear quickly on pavement, foam loses bounce and uppers can tear on rock. Replace shoes when grip clearly fades, the midsole feels flat or new aches show up.

Are expensive trail running shoes worth it?

Often, if the extra money buys a feature you need. A GORE-TEX membrane, tougher chassis or better rubber matters on wet, rocky routes. For dry, easy trails, a mid-priced breathable shoe does the job. Fit always matters more than the price tag.

How do you clean trail running shoes?

Let mud dry, then brush it off. Remove laces and insoles, scrub with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush, and rinse. Air dry at room temperature with paper stuffed inside. Skip the washing machine, dryer and heaters, which can weaken glue and membranes.

What is the most reliable brand of trail running shoes?

Salomon, Hoka, Brooks, Altra and La Sportiva all have long track records and large rating pools. Reliability also depends on how well a shoe fits your foot and suits your terrain, so the best brand for you is the one whose fit works on your trails.

The Salomon Speedcross is our pick for the best salomon trail running shoes, with deep lugs for mud and a huge rating pool. The Alphaglide is the most affordable current option under $150, and the XA Pro 3D V9 GORE-TEX is the waterproof upgrade for rocky routes. Check price on Amazon and choose the model that matches your trails.