13 Editor-Tested Salomon Sneakers That'll Take You to New Heights

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SALOMON SHOES are always having a moment. From starring in Rihanna’s Super Bowl to being the mecca of outdoors enthusiasts and athletes, the French sports brand has carved a reputation in anything from skis to trail running shoes to hiking gear to mountaineering. When it comes to performance footwear, however, Salomon sneakers are in a league of their own. Whether it’s running shoes, walking shoes, or dad shoes, Salomon always brings it.

If you're ready to tackle any adventure, investing in Salomon sneakers is a smart choice. There are a few things to keep in mind before you dive in. For outdoor pursuits, the best Salomon sneakers should be able to withstand all kinds of terrains and weather conditions, which is why the brand never falls short on traction and protection. For your daily active lifestyle, the best Salomon sneakers need to provide ample cushioning and support while ensuring a comfortable fit, no matter the hours or activity, hence the brand delivers a wide range of ergonomic designs, plush midsoles, and responsive outsoles. Lastly, the best Salomon sneakers are modern-, sporty-looking and should look great with any fitness, outdoor, or casual clothes you put on.

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To lend you a hand, our style, fitness, and gear editors have tested dozens of the Salomon sneakers since 2019 to put together a list of the 13 best salmon sneakers. Whether you're hiking, trail running, or simply living an active, outdoor life, these performance juggernauts from Salomon will take you to new heights.

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Speedcross 6

A top-seller and hero item of the brand, the Speedcross 6 is simultaneously one of the best arch support shoes as well as the best running shoes for wide feet we've ever tested. Built for rough terrain, Speedcross6 offers aggressive arch support and a sticky grip, which helps ensure traction when you're walking or running through the mud and creek. (Their Contagrip outsole with chevron-shaped lugs provides even more grip to ground your step.)

We were impressed by how the lugs are spaced widely apart to prevent mud and debris from getting caked in, meaning they will require less upkeep than your typical trail shoe. The upper is made of anti-debris mesh that also keeps dirt and rocks out. The midsole features Salomon's EnergyCell+ technology which provides responsive cushioning and energy return that you won’t typically get out of a trail shoe.

Bonus: An OrthoLite insole adds even more support and comfort through the arch and under the heel. In our testing, we also feel that its Quicklace system makes it easy to adjust the fit of the shoes on the go, and the lace pocket keeps laces out of the way.

XT-6

Things were changed when Salomon released XT-6 back in 2013. The style is everything you can ask for in Salomon: technology-backed design and consistent comfort. As a pair of running shoes, the XT-6 has an aggressive outsole and multidirectional lugs built for heavy-duty activities on foot, and the lightweight upper locks your feet in place while keeping them cool with quick-drying materials. We especially love the brand's SensiFit™ technology which cradles your foot for a secure and precise fit that feels comfortable all day. Coupled with a responsive cushioned midsole, the XT-6 also helps reduce fatigue after a long walk.

The look is also iconic and attention-grabbing. We tested them with anything from joggers to chinos to jeans, not only did they look good, but they also added a flair of ruggedness to the fits.

XT-4 OG

A predecessor to the XT-6, the XT-4 OG is also a trailblazer that lets you embrace the thrill of the outdoors, and its performance is still at the top of the game after over a decade. For instance, the dual-density cushioning in the midsole lets you enjoy optimal cushioning and responsiveness, powering you through long runs or challenging hikes—and we love how it delivers an extra boost with each step in our running tests. The overall construction which Salomon calls a "Skeleton" feels lightweight yet sturdy, and we found it to be extra stable on muddy paths, rocky trails, and everything in between.

Sense Ride 5

A winner of both our Outdoor Awards and Fitness Awards, the Sense Ride is a versatile trail running shoe that will help you go fast on short distances, and go steady on long runs. We were truly amazed by how smooth a trail run could be with these on our feet. The very grippy outsole keeps you grounded regardless of terrain—bumpy, wet, uneven, and the like. The responsive midsole feels extra plush but also has shock absorption, which means you can spend less energy on your feet and more maxing out your breath. The mesh upper, lastly, also grabs our attention thanks to its lightweight build made with Sensifit which provides just the right amount of comfortable hold without pressing on your skin.

XT-WINGS 2

Having claimed its cult footwear status in recent years, Salomon also has joined the bandwagon of retro sneakers and dad shoes, like the XT-WINGS which has everything you’d expect from Salomon: durable, breathable, and waterproof.

Designed in the vein of a hybrid SUV, the XT-WINGS is geared to be both speedy and stable on pavement, but more importantly, off. They stand out in performance with an oversized chassis that's particularly pronounced in the heel to attenuate shock and cradle the foot. And unlike the flimsy fabric of other dad sneakers, these kicks are wrapped like a roll cage to resist abrasion. Also notable is the Quicklace lacing system; one tug tightens the entire upper with no knots to snag or come undone.

Aero Glide

These bad boys are the real deal when it comes to running shoes. With a high-stacked midsole that maximizes shock-absorbing and cushioning in a lightweight build (in fact, Aero Glide has the most cushioning in Salomon's footwear category), they'll make you feel like you're flying on the pavement. We love how bouncy our feet feel while running in them as if they're propelling us forward with every stride, even over a long distance.

The upper construction is also runner-friendly. With a soft padded tongue and an airy feel, it cradles our feet and molds to each move to keep our ride smooth. And they should have a snug fit that prevents blisters and offers stability on changing terrains as well. Really, out of all the Salomon sneakers we tested, these are perfect for lacing up and hitting the road.

RX MOC 3.0

Salomon abandoned all the wild aesthetics and crazy zig-zag motifs and instead settled for an effortless, easy sock-sneaker-like profile for the RX MOC, which we've found to be perfect as a pair of everyday sneakers. We love how the build is light and breathable overall to reduce all physical stress or pressure on the foot, whether it's the mesh upper or the soft footbed. We also wear them with socks and have experienced no irritation, courtesy of the seamless fabric.

The midsole here, however, is the true hero. It provides responsive support for a high-energy return, and our Fitness Editors love wearing them as recovery shoes for soothing their tired feet as well.

ACS Pro

Find your footing and your style with Salomon's ACS Pro which is a perfect blend of form and function, tailored to everyday as well as mountaineering life. Performance-wise, it's as technical as it can be with a treaded sole meant for the trails as well as the bumpy sidewalks, a robust structure on the upper that helps stabilize your walk without taking away mobility, and side openings that optimize breathability to keep your feet cool and dry. We love their multi-textured design that screams both performance and style, but not as much as we love how comfortable our feet feel in them while walking on the city streets.

XT-6 EXPANSE

Our fitness editors love how fashionable these walking shoes are, with a look that bridges the gap between urban and off-road wear. But aside from being a looker, we were equally impressed by their performance and made-to-last quality. Designed for long sessions on the trails and being on your feet for hours on end, the waterproof, breathable upper makes this shoe a solid choice in any weather, while the high-energy return cushioning and lugged rubber outsole help you to drive forward with every step on your path. The locked-in, sturdy support

X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex

Whether you're navigating slippery rocks or muddy trails while hiking, these sneakers will keep you steady on your feet. The innovative outsole designs, featuring aggressive lugs and multidirectional patterns, offer superior grip and traction on various surfaces. We also love that their overall fit and build are stable without curtailing mobility, and the technical GORE-TEX fabric is truly ready for all kinds of curveballs Mother Nature throws at it.

XA Pro 3D v8

As trail running shoes, Salomon's XA Pro 3D is designed to tackle the great outdoors with ease. The grippy outsole ignores the wet and the slippery with a lugged design to keep you surefooted on the road. The 3D Advanced Chassis technology delivers stability and reduces fatigue through cushioning, allowing you to go the distance. But that doesn't mean the flexibility is compromised with such as robust build. We love how easily we navigated the paths in them and how smooth our steps were. In addition, the XA Pro 3D now comes in a thinner and softer upper, which we found to ramp up the comfort point even more.

Speed Assault 2

These monsters boast a performance that is as aggressive as their name, with a practically impermeable build. For starters, the upper is made of lightweight, quick-drying materials that are welded together to fit like a glove but reinforced to be able to guard against debris, tearing, ripping, and abrasion. The grip of the outsole is built with adhesion in mind to work on loose, soft, rugged, and uneven surfaces.

What we were most impressed by in the Speed Assault is how agile our feet and motion still are even wearing these tough-as-nail sneakers. Thanks to the mid-cut wrap on the ankle, our steps are grounded with extra support and stability even when moving fast. From walking in the desert to maneuvering in the jungle, these hardcore kicks will be able to survive—and thrive—through it all.

Pulsar PRG

Even when making a pair of fashion-forward sneakers, Salomon does not scrimp on performance. We love how lightweight the Pulsar feels when fitted on our feet which also makes them easy to pack for traveling. The mesh is incredibly breathable as well, thin but sturdy. For a walk around town or logging that milage on your Apple Watch, these will let you do it in style.

What to Look for in Salomon Sneakers?

Durability: Look for Salomon sneakers made with high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities, for years on end. Strong construction and reinforced areas, like toe caps, ensure long-lasting performance.

Comfort: Cushioning plays a crucial role in keeping your feet happy during long hours of activity. Look for Salomon sneakers that provide ample support and shock absorption in the midsole, which should feel plush and responsive, to minimize fatigue and prevent discomfort.

Fit: In all of our Salomon sneaker testing, we've found the brand's sizes run true to size for a perfect fit right out of the box, so no need to go up or down a size. However, some very performance-oriented models have thick uppers which might squeeze your feet a bit. The good thing about Salomon shoes is that they pretty much all use the Quicklace system to allow for easy adjustments and a snug fit that stays in place while you're on the move.

Traction: Since many Salomon sneakers target trail running and hiking or all in all treading on mixed terrains, we feel that the grip of each pair's outsole is pretty solid. Still, some models have an advanced outsole design that offers excellent grip on various terrains to provide stability and therefore safety. For instance, some models have a sticky, adhesive-like outsole that's also lugged to provide two times as much traction.

Purpose: Consider the specific activity you'll be wearing Salomon sneakers for, since the brand Salomon offers a range of kicks tailored for different outdoor pursuits, such as trail running, hiking, and mountaineering. Select the pair that best suits your needs. Although, in our testing, we found that many Salomon sneakers are versatile enough for everyday walking. In addition, the brand also has fashion sneakers and lifestyle sneakers in its catalog.

How We Selected

At Men’s Health, our Style, Fitness, and Gear Editors have carefully curated the best Salomon sneakers using our expansive brand knowledge, thorough research, as well as hands-on testing such as wearing Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex to hike, running in Aero Glide, and walking long distances in XT-6 EXPANSE. We tested each style’s comfort (sizing, fit), performance (cushioning, support, energy return), traction (outsole, grip), as well as durability (materials, upper) to see whether it’s the best at what it does. Finally, we narrowed the selection by their style, price, and versatility.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

Why Trust Us

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

For instance, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

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