The Friendlier Version of the Speedcross

Most would say that the Supercross is a friendlier version of the Speedcross series from Salomon. Price-wise, it’s only a few dollars less, but the Speedcross-like traction is still retained. One of the main differences is the forefoot fit. If you find the Speedcross 5 too narrow for your needs, you might want to give this pair a try.

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Salomon’s Supercross, in a lot of aspects, is very similar to Speedcross 5. In fact, most refer to it as the friendlier version of the Speedcross series. It was designed for the everyday runner or hiker who may not traverse the trail like a mountain goat. With a wider forefoot and a more agreeable price tag, the Supercross might just be your next trail buddy.

Grip & Foot Protection

The Supercross outsole was designed to grip on all terrains. It is made out of Contagrip TD which is a sticky rubber compound. Combine that with multi-directional chevron lugs that have been widely spaced apart, you have yourself a robust outsole that is pretty reliable on slippery surfaces like snow, mud, and tundra as well as soft ground. It doesn’t provide total protection, but the outsole material is enough to give runners and hikers a decent level of shielding from sharp objects that might be encountered on the trail. 

The material that the upper is made of is called ripstop. It’s tear-resistant and keeps tiny debris from getting into the shoe. To provide a bit of structure to the upper, overlays were added. Both of these materials are protective, but it’s mostly protection from scrapes and scratches—not impact.

Your toes, on the other hand, are safe—thanks to the thick protective toe cap on the upper. It is thick enough to lessen the impact caused by accidentally bumping into common trail hazards. Lastly, a technology called the EnergyCell is on the midsole. It’s a high rebound ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) created by Salomon. It helps reduce the shock experienced with each step.

Durability

As mentioned, the upper is resistant to tearing, ripping, and abrasion because it is made of ripstop fabric, which is durable but still allows the shoe to move with the runner or hiker. Despite this, we need to keep in mind that it is not indestructible. Eventually, after putting in enough miles it will show signs of wear and tear. 

The same goes for the Contagrip TD outsole. It may be durable, but it will eventually break down when it has reached the end of its usage span. It will be a while though before this happens, so feel free to surrender to your adventurous nature with the Salomon Supercross.

Stability

When it comes to landing stability, you will benefit from the wider forefoot platform of the Salomon Supercross. Compared to the Speedcross 5, which has a slightly more narrow platform, your landing and toe-off will be much easier because your toes have more than enough room to spread out.

How stable the shoe feels, however, is up for debate. Because the forefoot is wider, it’s possible for the fit to be loose depending on the shape of your foot. Most runners and hikers appreciate having enough room for the toes to splay, but this may not be ideal for those who have to ascend and descend while hiking or running on the trail as this requires a snugger fit. 

Comfort & Fit

The upper was put together without using any stitches. Each component was welded to make the appearance smoother and the fit from the inside more glove-like and comfortable. To enhance the snugness further, Sensifit Arms were added to enclose the foot. These are the zigzag lines on the side of the shoe that’s connected to the lacing system. When the Quicklace system is tightened, so will the Sensifit Arms. 

Despite having technologies that focus on delivering a secure fit, the forefoot still has more than enough room when you compare it to how narrow the forefoot is in the Speedcross 5. 

While most who plan to use these trainers for casual runs or hikes will appreciate the slightly wider forefoot, serious trail runners or hikers who always tackle uneven terrain might struggle with the roominess of the forefoot. You never want your foot to move around too much, as it doesn’t encourage a secure landing.

On the inside of the shoe, you will experience the comfort of the Die Cut Ortholite. It’s an insole that acts as an extra layer of comfort beneath your foot. Aside from this, the Ortholite insert also brings other benefits to the table. It promotes a healthier environment inside the Salomon Supercross as it has a moisture management system that draws moisture away from the foot.  

Versatility & Value for Your Money

With a $110 price tag, the Salomon Supercross is only twenty dollars less than the Speedcross 5. If you want Speedcross-like traction and grip but a slightly lower price and a bit of a wider forefoot, then the Supercross may be a good option for you. You can use it for less-intensive training on the trail, an easy hike, or low-end mountain running. 

It’s important to keep in mind that the Supercross may not be ideal for highly technical terrain. If your goal is to save a few bucks but still get a high-performance shoe, it’s not going to happen. You will get better value for your money if you spent a few bucks for upgraded features.

Additional Features

The Supercross has a Quicklace system that enables a user to tighten the fit with one pull. At the same time, it also allows for quick loosening of the laces, enabling the runner or hiker to slip the shoe off quickly.

The Bottom Line

The Salomon Supercross has plenty of merits for you to consider it as your next trail partner. As an all-around trail shoe, it’s more comfortable when compared to the Salomon Speedcross 5. The grip and traction it delivers are also up to par with its slightly more expensive counterpart. However, if you’re looking for a trail shoe that has better performance on highly technical terrain, you may want to spend a few extra dollars.

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