Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex Review: Tested on Trail
Hands-on Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex review covering grip, waterproofing, fit, and trail performance. Are these trail running shoes worth $165 for hiking?
By Jill Robinson 
Whether you're a trail runner or use trail-running shoes as lightweight hikers, a great shoe is an essential tool for comfort and stability. I can't count how many of them I've gone through over the years, but I always have at least a couple pair close at hand. Unless I'm on an especially hardcore trail, I generally choose trail runners as my hiking shoes instead of hot hiking boots.
The Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex shoes are a beloved model in the trail running world, and recent upgrades have made them even better. They're lighter and grippier than previous versions, and I've been putting them through their paces on the coastal trails near my home in Northern California for the past several months. Here's what I found.
Quick Look: Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex
- Category: Waterproof trail running shoes
- Weight: 11.1 oz / 315 g (men's US 9), 9.5 oz / 270 g (women's US 7)
- Drop: 10 mm (36 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot)
- Lug Depth: 5 mm
- Upper: Gore-Tex waterproof membrane with anti-debris mesh
- Outsole: Contagrip MA (wet traction compound)
- Lacing: Quicklace system
- Price: $165 (men's and women's)
- Best For: Muddy trails, wet conditions, mixed terrain hiking
Grip and Traction
The standout feature of the Speedcross line has always been its aggressive traction, and the Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex doesn't disappoint. The 5 mm lug depth bites into soft ground and loose terrain with real confidence. Salomon updated the outsole pattern so the shoes shed mud more quickly and deliver a better grip on wet surfaces — two improvements I noticed immediately on the slick, fog-dampened trails near Mavericks.
On hard-packed dirt and dry rock, the grip is adequate but not exceptional. These shoes are built for soft, technical terrain. If most of your hiking is on well-maintained gravel paths, you'd be better served by something with a less aggressive tread pattern.
Waterproofing and Breathability
The Gore-Tex membrane does exactly what it's supposed to: keeps your feet dry in wet conditions. I've worn these through morning dew, light rain, and puddle-adjacent trails without any moisture getting in. The waterproofing holds up well as long as the water level doesn't overtop the shoe — splashing through a creek or stepping into extremely deep puddles will still soak your socks.
The trade-off, as with any Gore-Tex shoe, is breathability. On warm days above 75°F, your feet will run hotter than they would in the non-GTX version of the Speedcross 6. For summer hiking in hot climates, the standard Speedcross 6 without the Gore-Tex membrane is worth considering instead.
Fit and Comfort
Salomon's Sensifit construction wraps the midfoot snugly and delivers a precise, locked-in feel. The shoes fit true to size in length, yet the toe box runs a little narrow — a consistent trait of the Speedcross line. If you're not using them for competitive racing where a tight fit matters, consider going up a half size for more comfort on long hiking days.
The cushioning is firm rather than plush, which I actually prefer for trail stability. You get enough underfoot protection to handle roots and rocks without feeling disconnected from the terrain. For runs or hikes under 10 miles, the comfort is excellent. For longer efforts, runners with wider feet may want to look at the Salomon Sense Ride or Hoka Speedgoat instead.
The Quicklace System
A small thing that makes a big difference is the Salomon Quicklace system. You pull the laces to tighten them around your foot uniformly and make adjustments on the fly. It's far easier than having to stop to tie your laces just right, and the lace pocket on the tongue keeps the excess tucked away so nothing snags on brush or roots. After using Quicklace for years, I have trouble going back to traditional laces on trail shoes.
Who Should Buy the Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex
These shoes are ideal if you regularly hike or run on muddy, wet, or loose trails and need waterproof protection without the weight and stiffness of a hiking boot. They're a particularly good choice for:
- Trail runners who train in rainy or dewy conditions
- Day hikers who want a lightweight, grippy shoe for technical terrain
- Travelers who need a versatile shoe that handles everything from coastal paths to mountain trails
- Commuters and dog walkers who deal with wet, muddy paths year-round
They're less ideal for wide-footed runners, hot-climate hikers who need maximum breathability, or anyone who mostly sticks to smooth, paved, or hard-packed trails.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Aggressive 5 mm lugs grip mud and loose terrain exceptionally well
- Gore-Tex membrane provides reliable waterproofing in rain and wet conditions
- Quicklace system is fast, secure, and snag-free
- Updated outsole sheds mud faster than previous versions
- Lightweight at 11.1 oz for a waterproof trail shoe
Cons:
- Narrow toe box may require sizing up a half size
- Less breathable than the non-GTX version on warm days
- Firm cushioning may not suit runners who prefer plush underfoot feel
- Aggressive tread is overkill for smooth, groomed trails
- Gore-Tex won't help if water overtops the shoe in deep crossings
Pricing and Color Options
The women's Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex trail running shoes list for $165 on the Salomon site and come in these color combinations: black/phantom, moonscape/black/bird of paradise, flint stone/black/heather, and lime cream/mahogany rose/black. The men's version lists for the same price on the Salomon site , and come in these color combinations: black/phantom, black/sulphur spring/bird of paradise, grisaille/carbon/tea, and black/peat/deep lichen green.
You can also find the Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex at major retailers like REI, Backcountry, and Amazon, sometimes at a discount from the full retail price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex shoes good for hiking?
Yes. The Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex works well as a lightweight hiking shoe, especially on muddy or technical trails. The aggressive lugs and waterproof membrane handle conditions that would challenge most trail runners. They lack the ankle support of a full hiking boot, but for day hikes on mixed terrain, they're an excellent choice.
What's the difference between the Speedcross 6 and the Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex?
The Gore-Tex version adds a waterproof membrane that keeps feet dry in rain and wet conditions. The trade-off is slightly less breathability on warm days. The non-GTX version is lighter and more breathable, making it better for dry conditions and hot climates. Both share the same outsole, midsole, and Quicklace system.
Do the Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex shoes run true to size?
They fit true to size in length, but the toe box runs narrow. If you have wide feet or prefer extra room for long hikes, going up a half size is a smart move. For competitive trail running where a snug fit matters, your regular size should work.
How waterproof are the Salomon Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex shoes?
The Gore-Tex membrane effectively blocks water from rain, dew, puddles, and wet grass. However, because these are low-cut shoes, water can still enter from the top if you wade through deep puddles or creek crossings. For full waterproofing in those conditions, you'd need a higher-cut boot or gaiters.
Are the Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex good on rocks and hard surfaces?
The deep lugs are designed for soft, loose terrain and perform best on mud, dirt, and gravel. On hard rock and pavement, the aggressive tread pattern provides decent grip but wears faster and feels less stable than shoes designed for harder surfaces, like the Salomon X Ultra or Sense Ride series.
