Salomon XA Pro 3D CS WP
Salomon has become one of the most popular and trusted trail shoes brands on the market. It seems each edition they put out has a new feature, invention, or else additional promise that makes buying one of their trail shoes an attractive investment. Perhaps this is due to their stellar warranty, which promises to replace a runner’s shoes if any damage is incurred under 400 miles of use. Or maybe they just make a solid, durable trail shoe that can’t be beaten.
With their varied approach to constructing a fantastic product, Salomon strikes again with the XA Pro 3D CS WP, which encapsulates a number of its proprietary technologies. This model is a solid upgrade from the standard version, as it includes ClimaShield lining, a comfortable, warm, and waterproof material that runners running in cold weather will appreciate.
Stability is another factor- the stability of this shoe is superior and is thanks to two separate technologies. The first is its Sensifit overlays that heavily enforce the upper to provide excellent support and hold after lace-up, and the other is its midsole stability, made of a TPU that runs from heel to forefoot and helps guide the foot across uneven topography.
The CS WP is a trail-specific shoe that is built to hold up to rugged outdoor conditions. With a thick mudguard, toe guard, and lace garage, these elements add durability and offer the runner extra protection against potential hazards while trail running.
With its ClimaShield, high stability, and superior durability–all backed by Salomon’s warranty–trail runners looking for a shoe that will stand up to the manifold dangers present when running over rocks, through water and uneven terrain, and will retain its integrity even after hundreds of hard-charging miles are put on them. Trail runners who have previously experienced difficulty finding a shoe that can keep up with them may want to give the Salomon XA Pro 3D CS WP a chance–they may have met their match.
Exceptionally comfortable
Offers a great amount of traction
Excellent midfoot
Highly durable
Great stability
QuickLace system
Self-cleaning lugs
Some runners have complained of its stiffness
Tends to run a little small and narrow
Breathability compromised by ClimaShield lining
Outsole
With moderately sized lugs designed for multi-directional grip, trail runners will not only feel the difference when out on the trail but when the going gets tough and snow, ice, and sludge present themselves as obstacles to conquer.
Tenacious without being overwhelming, trail runners will find its outsole something they can depend on when the going gets tough.
Midsole
To enhance the overall stability of the CS WP, a TPU shank--known as the 3D Advanced Chassis system--is included in the midsole, which also helps the runner transition quickly and more efficiently throughout the gait cycle.
With durability, stability, and comfort, the midsole of the 3D CS WP is another stellar element of this well-constructed trail runner.
Upper
With a thick mesh that offers breathability, the CS WP technology beneath the mesh--which translates to its ClimaShield tech--offers great protection against winter elements and waterproofing.
The lacing system is Salomon’s QuickLace that allows for a customized fit that helps every shape of foot find a comfortable cinching. In addition, its heel tab helps foot entry and exit.
Weight
Coming in at 15.6 ounces/442 grams for men’s and 12.6 ounces/357 grams for women’s, the CS WP is a somewhat hefty trail runner. But considering the kind of overall protection and performance demanded of it, this weight is understandable.
Breathability
One has to decide whether they’d like their foot to be warm and dry during a hike in cold conditions or if they’d sacrifice that security for breathability, but that’s a decision the CS WP has already made.
Comfort
Style
With its thick, sturdy Sensifit overlays that cover the upper and similarly tenacious outsole made of blown and carbon rubber, combined with its tenacious lugs and overall solid look and feel, the CS WP is a trail shoe that looks like it means business--which it does.
While it may not be the most subtle shoe on the market, for a trail runner that weighs in at nearly a pound apiece, runners will know just from one look that this is a trail shoe that will stand up to whatever the great outdoors throws at it.
Durability
It doesn’t hurt that its backed by Salomon’s standard 400-mile warranty that guarantees the replacement of the CW SP if it comes apart before such a milestone. Considering this is a guarantee that Salomon attaches to all of its shoes, it’s less than likely that it will.
Protection
Its thick Sensifit overlays provide great protection to the upper of the foot while its carbon and blown rubber outsole, complete with earth-gripping lugs, keep the soles of their feet safe from a number of hazards.
Responsiveness
Add to this the sticky grip of the outsole, multi-directional lugs, and the shoe’s overall low profile, and runner and hikers will feel secure as they traverse the unpredictable topographies that necessitate quick thinking--and even quicker footwork--from one step to the next.
Support
Terrain
The CS WP has you covered. Or maybe you can stand the rain and enjoy the challenging mud and sludge present the runner? Your feet will be dry and secure through this, as well. With a sticky outsole and well-protected, waterproof upper, the CS WP is a trail runner for all seasons.
Price
But knowing that your feet are in shoes made from a company that specializes in creating a product to take on often dicey terrains, the extra few bucks that the CS WP may cost is well worth the investment.
Traction
Flexibility
Stability
Drop
Key Features
- 3D Advanced Chassis offers greater stability on the trail
- SensiFit overlays provide a snug, comfortable fit
- Quicklace system ensures a secure and customized fit
- Contagrip outsole made of both carbon and blown rubber for superior grip and traction
Bottom Line
Not only will they last a long time but depending on how extreme one wants to go in their pursuit, they offer superior protection in moments when you need them most. For adventurers and dreamers alike, the Salomon XA Pro 3D CS WP is made to keep up the pace and never let their guard down, no matter the conditions in which one finds themselves.