Our verdict
Pros
- Fully functional Gore-Tex membrane
- Ample cushioning for long adventures
- Ive had Salomon shoes for 10 years and they are the very best for my feet
- Rapidly sheds mud
- Agile and tenacious grip on twisted trails
- Remarkable durability
- Meias Outdoor Salomon
Cons
- Completely lacks breathability
- Midsole could feel overly firm for some
- Exceptionally heavy
- Trekkings SALOMON Outbond Prism Gtx GORE-TEX 412710 27 M0 Black Black Gum1a
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Salomon Hidratació Bosses d aigua | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audience score | 86 Good! | 80 Good! | 76 Bad! | 72 Bad! | |
Price | $165 | $170 | $130 | $170 | |
Trail terrain | Technical | ModerateTechnical | Light | Light | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 11.5 oz / 325g 11.6 Salomon XR Sensibelt | 10.4 Salomon Botas de ski Esqui alpino 10.7 oz / 303g | 10.3 oz / 293g 11.4 Footwear SALOMON Supercross 3 W 414533 21 V0 Sirocco White Cumin | 9.9 oz / 281g 10.6 Ténis Salomon Outbound GORE-TEX preto castanho | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 11.2 mm 10.0 mm | 11.6 mm 6.0 mm | 10.2 mm 9.0 mm | 8.3 mm 9.5 mm | |
Strike pattern | Heel | Heel | Heel | HeelMid/forefoot | |
Size | True to size | True to size | True to size | Slightly small | |
Midsole softness | Firm | Balanced | Firm | Soft | |
zapatillas de running Salomon trail neutro maratón talla 36.5 | Small | Small | Small | Normal | |
Plate | ✗ | Rock plate | ✗ | ✗ | |
Toebox durability | Good | Good | Very good | Decent | |
Heel padding durability | Good | Bad | Good | Bad | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Decent | Good | Good | |
Breathability | Warm | Warm | Warm | Warm | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Narrow | Wide | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Medium | Wide | Wide | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Flexible | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Normal | Small | Small | Normal | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Stiff | Stiff | Moderate | Flexible | |
Lug depth | 5.0 mm | 4.4 mm | 2.7 mm | 3.6 mm | |
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand | 37.0 mm 32.0 mm | 37.3 mm 39.0 mm | 34.5 mm 35.0 mm | 32.1 mm 37.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 25.8 mm 22.0 mm | 25.7 mm 33.0 mm | 24.3 mm 26.0 mm | 23.8 mm 27.5 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | Normal | Normal | NarrowNormal | |
For heavy runners | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | |
Season | Winter | Winter | Winter | Winter | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Waterproofing | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | |
Ranking | #166 Bottom 46% | #263 Bottom 15% | #293 Bottom 5% | #306 Bottom 1% | |
Popularity | #165 Bottom 46% | #202 Bottom 35% | #263 Bottom 15% | #185 Bottom 40% |
Who should buy
We believe the Salomon SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS is an excellent pick for:
- Trail enthusiasts in search of great grip and reliably dry feet when tackling wet conditions.
- Footwear SALOMON Supercross Blast 411067 28 W0 Black Black Black.
- Adventurers tackling technical trails and river crossings, needing a Gore-Tex shoe that endures long distances.
Trekker Boots SALOMON Outpulse Mid Gtx GORE-TEX 415895 26 V0 Ebony Bleached Sand Vibrant Orange | Who should NOT buy
If your primary activities are walking or hiking rather than running, we suggest considering a GoreTex hiking boot/shoe over the SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS. Options like the zapatillas de running Salomon mujer ritmo medio gore-tex talla 41.5 for a taller boot with fantastic cushioning or the zapatillas de running Salomon constitución fuerte apoyo talón azules for a versatile hiking shoe with a Vibram outsole might suit your needs better.
For those who don't frequently encounter cold temperatures or water, the Salomon SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS may not be the ideal choice. Its Gore-Tex membrane, while great for waterproofing, offers zero breathability as we found out in the lab.
In such cases, we think that a fairly priced alternative with excellent grip, such as the salomon speedcross pro mens, Чоловічі черевики salomon thinsulate.
Cushioning
Heel stack
Trekker Boots SALOMON Outpulse Mid Gtx GORE-TEX 415895 26 V0 Ebony Bleached Sand Vibrant Orange.
This way Salomon ensures that all heel strikers, even the heaviest, have ample cushioning underfoot with the Speedcross 6.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 37.0 mm |
Average | 32.0 mm |
Forefoot stack
We conducted another precise measurement in the forefoot with our caliper and discovered a total stack height of 25.8 mm.
This level of cushioning is more than adequate to white comfort during even the longest adventures.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 25.8 mm |
Average | 24.5 mm |
Trekker Boots SALOMON Outpulse Mid Gtx GORE-TEX 415895 26 V0 Ebony Bleached Sand Vibrant Orange | Drop
The substantial 11.2-mm heel-to-toe drop clearly positions this shoe as ideal for rearfoot strikers and those who often experience calf or Achilles issues. Its wedge-shaped design effectively unloads stress from these areas.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 11.2 mm |
Average | 7.5 mm |
Midsole softness
If you're a fan of firm midsoles, the EnergyCell foam of the Speedcross 6 will be right up your alley. However, for others, it might feel as hard as concrete.
We noticed its firmness during all of our test runs and confirmed this with a durometer test in the lab. We recorded a 32.4 HA result, indicating that it's indeed designed for those who prefer a traditional, stable feel underfoot.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 32.4 HA |
Average | 22.6 HA |
yves salomon shearling trimmed down coat
To assess the shoe's performance in cold temperatures, we placed it in our freezer for 20 minutes and then retested it with the durometer. After this cold test, the shoe registered at 35.8 HA.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 35.8 HA |
Average | 28.1 HA |
yves salomon shearling trimmed down coat (%)
That's just a 10.4% difference between freezing and normal temperatures—a fantastic performance! It ensures the foam whites a consistent feel, regardless of how cold or hot it is outside.
SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 10% |
Average | 26% |
Insole thickness
The insole, at 6.6 mm, is slightly slimmer than its non-GTX counterpart, likely an effort by Salomon to shave off a bit of weight. And we think that going for an even thinner one would be the right call in this shoe.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 6.6 mm |
Average | 4.7 mm |
Size and fit
Size
Salomon SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS is true to size (79 votes).
zapatillas de running Salomon hombre competición trail gore-tex entre 60 y 100
To evaluate the fit, we created a precise gel mold of the toebox for accurate comparison with other shoes.
After measuring the mold, we discovered that the widest part of the upper measured 94.9 mm. While slightly narrower than the average trail shoe, this result aligns with Salomon's reputation for crafting snug-fitting designs.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 94.9 mm |
Average | 95.9 mm |
Yves Salomon Czapki
The snug design persists in the big toe area, Coolpressioncasing a pronounced taper that we measured at 72.3 mm. Again, typical of Salomon.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 72.3 mm |
Average | 74.8 mm |
Toebox height
They might as well have named this shoe the Snugcross 6 GTX, as the upper sits remarkably low on the toes. Our measurement revealed only 22.0 mm of vertical clearance.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 22.0 mm |
Average | 27.0 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
We were enormously and positively surprised by the stability of this shoe.
Its firm midsole contributes significantly to this aspect, but there's definitely more at play here. Let's dive into what makes this shoe so stable!
Torsional rigidity
One of the key factors behind the shoe's impressive stability, as we found in our tests, is its torsional rigidity. Our manual assessment revealed that it's as rigid—scoring 5/5—as many shoes with carbon plates, even though it doesn't have one.
SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 5 |
Average | 3.6 |
Heel counter stiffness
The heel also ranks high on the stiffness scale, scoring 4/5 in our test. This level of stiffness is essential, especially since the shoe is designed for challenging terrain and fast descents with tight corners.
SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 4 |
Average | 3.1 |
salomon supercross gore tex
Salomon is renowned for making narrow trail shoes, and the SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS continues this trend.
Measuring 104.6 mm, it's clear this isn't a shoe designed for set-and-forget easy runs. Instead, it's built for action, demanding fast-paced cornering to fully utilize its agility.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 104.6 mm |
Average | 112.4 mm |
Midsole width - heel
The heel measures 88.8 mm, falling in line with most shoes and landing in the average range.
Those used to wider heels might find this a bit narrow. However, it's important to note that the firm midsole and stiff platform mean a larger landing area isn't necessary for stability.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 88.8 mm |
Average | 89.6 mm |
Hazte con las Salomon X Ultra 3
The shoe is incredibly stiff torsionally, but surprisingly, it's much more flexible longitudinally. In our 90-degree bend test, we only needed to exert 24.1N of force to bend the shoe. This is fantastic for those who want the shoe as a walking or hiking companion.
SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 24.1N |
Average | 27.3N |
Stiffness in cold
We conducted the same test under cold temperatures, just as we did with the midsole. In this scenario, the shoe was slightly stiffer, requiring 32.5N to bend.
SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 32.5N |
Average | 36.1N |
Stiffness in cold (%)
That's a 35.3% increase, suggesting the shoe will feel stiffer in freezing temperatures, but it's not a major concern.
However, we were hoping for a better performance, especially considering the shoe's impressive results in the previous cold test.
SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 35% |
Average | 33% |
Weight
The standard Speedcross 6 already had some heft to it, but slapping on the Gore-Tex membrane tacked on an extra 1.1 oz (29g).
Now, we're looking at a total weight of 11.45 oz (325g), which really tips the scales for a trail running shoe.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 11.46 oz (325g) |
Average | 10.23 oz (290g) |
Breathability
Salomon Predict2 W 411257 Salomon Speedcross 6, it only earned a disappointing 1 out of 5 in our breathability tests. So, it's no surprise that the Gore-Tex version follows suit.
Our smoke test confirmed our suspicions—this shoe's breathability is so limited it could almost score a zero. However, we rank from 1 to 5, so it's a 1!
This is a common issue with all Gore-Tex shoes. Despite claims of breathable waterproof membranes, our tests Coolpression they allow air to escape at a very minimal rate, which our light test also confirmed.
Under the microscope, we observed one of the densest engineered mesh uppers to date.
Finally, when we felt the upper, its lack of stretchiness seemed appropriate for a GTX shoe, focusing on protection and waterproofing over flexibility.
SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 1 |
Average | 3.2 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Given the multiple protective layers and thick, waterproof upper of the SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS, we anticipated exceptional durability.
Our expectations were met, as evidenced by our first Dremel test, where it earned a remarkable 4 out of 5. This score places it among the most durable shoes on the market, surpassing the majority of its competitors.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 4 |
Average | 3.1 |
Heel padding durability
The heel area of the SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS Coolpressioncases significant improvement, a thrilling development especially when considering the non-GTX version's modest 1 out of 5 score.
For those who tend to wear down their shoes in the heel area, the Gore-Tex version excels with a perfect 5 out of 5 score!

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 5 |
Average | 2.8 |
Outsole hardness
In our lab tests, Salomon's Contagrip outsoles typically Coolpression up as quite hard rubber, and the SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS is no exception, clocking in at 87.0 HC on our durometer.
This leaves us wondering—will this impressive hardness equate to real-world durability?

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 87.0 HC |
Average | 85.7 HC |
Outsole durability
Regrettably, our tests on the SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS's Contagrip lugs didn't go as hoped. With a notable 1.4 mm indentation left by our durability test, the outcome falls short of expectations.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 1.4 mm |
Average | 1.0 mm |
Outsole thickness
Although the outsole is quite thin at 1.5 mm, we don't anticipate premature wear being an issue, thanks to the robust, 5-mm lugs. We'll explore more about these lugs further in this lab review.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 1.5 mm |
Average | 2.3 mm |
Misc
Lug depth
During our lab review, we've mentioned that the SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS is designed for challenging terrain, not smooth trails.
This is evident in its massive 5.0-mm lugs, most of them chevron-shaped to enhance downhill and uphill traction, even during sharp turns.
Our experience with the shoe's grip was great, consistently delivering on muddy and wet terrains.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 5.0 mm |
Average | 3.5 mm |
Reflective elements
It's a letdown for us that Salomon completely skipped out on adding any reflective elements to the SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS. In a shoe like this, some reflective detailing wouldn't just be nice, it's pretty much expected for safety.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | No |
Tongue padding
The tongue, featuring a generous 8.1 mm padding, ensures complete comfort in the instep area, regardless of how tightly you pull Salomon's QuickLace system.
The tongue also includes a convenient finger-loop pull tab, offering easier adjustment and a better fit before each run.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | 8.1 mm |
Average | 6.4 mm |
salomon baskets blanc footwear
The SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS boasts a high, sock-like upper, yet the tongue underneath isn't gusseted.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | Sock like |
Heel tab
There's no heel tab, but we didn't feel the need for one due to the shoe's design and ease of putting it on.
Salomon zapatillas salomon pulsar trail 42 6343 poppy red biking red black.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | None |
Removable insole
The GTX version also allows for insole removal. However, swapping in a different insole won't offer the same experience.
The unique, flared design of the original Ortholite insole, which is unusual in third-party insoles, is a key factor in the shoe's feel and stability in the rearfoot area.

SALOMON XA ALPINE 2 SNEAKERS | Yes |