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, and recent upgrades have made them even better. They’re lighter and grippier with a 5 mm lug depth, and are great for mixed terrain. The updated outsole means that the shoes shed mud more quickly and deliver a better grip on wet surfaces.
The shoes’ Sensifit construction delivers comfort and allows for a precise foothold. The waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex membrane keeps your feet dry in wet conditions as long as the water lever doesn’t overtop the show (like splashing through a creek or extremely deep puddles).
A small thing that makes a big difference is the Salomon quicklace system, which lets 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.
The shoes fit true to size, yet can be a little narrow, so if you’re not using them for competitive purposes, you might consider moving up a half size.
The women’s Speedcross 6 Gore-Tex 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 Solomon site, and come in these color combinations: black/phantom, black/Sulphur spring/bird of paradise, grisaille/carbon/tea, and black/peat/deep lichen green.