Salomon Speedcross 6 review

We consider the Salomon Speedcross 6 a great choice for:

• Enthusiasts of firm midsoles and Salomon's QuickLace system looking for a speedy, agile trail running shoe.
• Those seeking a rugged trail shoe optimized for winter running and early-season trails.
• Trail runners with wide feet who prioritize speed and agility on technical terrain over long-distance adventures.

The Salomon Speedcross 6 offers a firm midsole providing ground feel, but it might not appeal to those who prefer squishy cushioning. If you fall into that category, we favor alternatives like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 or the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7, which offer a softer ride.

Additionally, this shoe can get incredibly warm during summer runs. For mountain adventures in warmer months, we believe you'd be better off with a shoe featuring exceptional breathability, such as the Brooks Cascadia 17.

The Salomon Speedcross 6 ranks as one of the least breathable shoes we've tested in the lab, matching even Gore-Tex models like the Nike Pegasus Trail 3 GTX with a score of 1/5 in our tests.

When we examined the shoe under a powerful light, it only reinforced our findings of poor breathability.

Further scrutiny under the microscope revealed a lack of ventilation holes, confirming the shoe's limited breathability.

The thick, solid mesh upper traps heat inside the shoe.

In summary, the poor airflow and limited flexibility raise concerns about potential discomfort during long runs. But it shouldn't be a problem in short or medium training sessions.

In summary, the Speedcross 6 will excel in harsh, extremely cold winter conditions, but it is not advisable for warm weather runs, as it could become uncomfortably hot and lead to blisters.

On the bright side, equipped with a thick mesh and tons of protective layers, we expected robust durability, and the Speedcross 6 certainly delivered during our Dremel test.

We were thrilled to give it an impressive 4/5 rating!

Unfortunately, the heel padding durability test didn't measure up, falling short compared to other trail running shoes.

However, this should only be a concern for those who typically experience wear in this area of every shoe they use.

The outsole of the Speedcross 6 is made with Contagrip rubber, a widely used and trusted compound by Salomon.

It registered 93.9 HC on our durometer, one of the highest readings we've ever recorded. This clearly indicates that Salomon is prioritizing durability in this model, putting less emphasis on other aspects.

However, we were surprised to find a 1.2-mm indentation in the outsole after our third Dremel test.

This wasn't the outcome we anticipated from a 93.9 HC rubber. It's important to note, though, that the huge lugs on this shoe—which we'll discuss later—do offer the benefit of being almost indestructible because of its size.

The outsole measures 1.9 mm, which is below average, but there's no cause for concern. As we mentioned earlier, the lugs on this shoe are really large and makes sense to use a thinner outsole.

Just by glancing at the Speedcross 6, it's clear it won't be the epitome of lightness, but it's actually lighter than we anticipated!

Weighing in at 10.4 oz (296g), Salomon has done an excellent job in keeping the weight surprisingly manageable for this type of shoe, especially considering the robust upper it boasts.

We measured a stack height of 36.5 mm in the Speedcross 6, categorizing it as a maximal shoe numerically, but there's a caveat.

Due to its large lugs and thick insole, there isn't much space left for the midsole. So, don't expect the extreme cushioning found in shoes like the Nike Ultrafly, and it's definitely not suited for ultra-long distances.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the Speedcross 6 does not include a rock plate. However, considering the thick layer of rubber that separates the midsole from the ground, we believe omitting the rock plate was a smart decision.

With a mere 22.4 mm thickness in the forefoot, the foam here is minimal. This makes it a less-than-ideal option for forefoot strikers who typically seek more cushioning.

The drop on this shoe is quite remarkable. We measured a 14.1 mm drop following the official World Athletics procedure.

However, due to the shoe's unique geometry, it feels more akin to an 8-to-10-mm shoe. Regardless, it's definitely designed with heel strikers in mind.

We previously noted that the insole was thick, and indeed it is. Measuring 7.3 mm, it's nearly double what we typically find. Frankly, we would have preferred more foam and less insole underfoot, but that's how it is.

Based on our test runs, we anticipated a high reading on our durometer since the shoe definitely feels firm. 

With a measurement of 34.4 HA, it's mainly appealing to those who prefer a firm, almost stone-hard running experience.

In cold temperatures, the midsole retains a similar feel, and to quantify this, we remeasured it after 20 minutes in the freezer. The outcome was a slightly increased stiffness, registering at 37.8 HA.

The Energy Cell+ is an EVA-based midsole, typically expected to underperform in cold temperatures. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find only a 9.7% difference in stiffness.

It's important to note, though, that being a notably firm midsole in mild temperatures means it becomes proportionally less hard than a softer foam in colder conditions.

Employing a hard foam works wonders for stability, and the Speedcross 6 capitalizes on this.

The midsole slightly flares out at the heel for added support, while the insole is curved, creating a bathtub-like embrace for your feet. Overall, it offers a remarkably stable ride!

The stiff sensation of the Speedcross 6 extends beyond just the upper to encompass the entire shoe. In our torsional rigidity assessment, it scored a 4 out of 5.

Similarly, the heel counter contributes to the overall experience by adding a stiff feel, enhancing stability.

This could potentially trade off some comfort, but it's a key factor in the shoe's support. We also rated it at a 4 out of 5.

We were quite surprised to find that the shoe weighed less than 11 oz, considering its tank-like construction. But the reason became clear when we measured the midsole dimensions.

Measuring just 104.9 mm, Salomon has designed a narrow platform. This design choice aims for agility in corners and a nimble feel, while also keeping the weight down.

The heel, measuring 87.3 mm, is more on par with what's typical for the average trail shoe. This design makes sense as the shoe is specifically tailored for heel strikers.

Although the Speedcross 6 is quite stiff torsionally, it's surprisingly flexible longitudinally. In our 90-degree bend test, we only needed to apply 18.2N of force to bend the shoe to the required angle.

This is great news for those who need the shoe to double up for long walks or hikes, offering the right blend of flexibility and support.

After placing the shoe in the freezer a second time to simulate cold conditions, we repeated the test. This time, the result was a slightly higher 23.4N of force required.

This shows just a 28.8% difference from milder temperatures, once again surpassing the average shoe's performance. Kudos to Salomon for achieving such impressive results with an EVA compound.

As we mentioned earlier, the lugs on this shoe are gigantic. Measuring 5.8 mm, they are almost twice the average depth.

This design has a few implications. First and foremost, this shoe isn't made for easy, blazing-fast flat trails. Instead, with almost 6 mm of depth, these lugs are clearly designed for muddy, challenging terrains. The large gaps between them help clear mud, and their shape is also crafted to aid in this process.

Given its narrow platform, we initially expected a tight upper, but we were pleasantly surprised.

Measuring 103.4 mm, the upper is impressively wide, featuring a unique shape that excellently accommodates those with wide feet. Plus, there's an additional perk: Salomon also offers this shoe in a wide size option.

The big toe area is exceptionally roomy, providing ample space for your toes to splay and move freely. We precisely measured it to be 79.5 mm, ensuring a comfortable and spacious fit.

Although the tongue isn't gusseted, it's not a significant issue in this shoe, thanks to its unique, closed design.

With a generous 8.6 mm of padding in the tongue, you can look forward to total comfort on your instep.

The Speedcross 6 comes with the famous Salomon QuickLace system, a feature many users really appreciate for saving precious seconds every time they gear up for a run.

Salomon opted out of adding a heel tab to the Speedcross 6. However, it's not essential for slipping your feet into the shoe, so its absence really boils down to aesthetic preferences.

The insole is removable, but there's a catch—third-party insoles won't feel the same as the Ortholite insole included with the shoe.

This is because the standard insole has a rare, flared shape that enhances comfort and stability.

For a shoe designed for wild adventures where weight isn't a major constraint, it's disappointing that Salomon didn't incorporate any reflective elements.