Salomon XA Pro 3D Review
--Product Information--
Product Name: XA PRO 3D
Product Brand: Salomon
Best Use: To accompany your feet during any activity in which you are not sitting or horizontal
Sizes Available / Specs: Typical sizes for the human foot.
--Test Information--
Location of Test: All over the PNW
Duration: 3+ years
--Ratings--
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9.5
Full Review: I have had these shoes for 3+ years and I absolutely love them. I swear by them and have even put the coveted "Gold DK-Stamp-of-Approval" on them. If you like walking on water, well, I'll wish you luck. We can save that magic stuff for Harry Potter. But if you want the next best thing, trust me and go buy a pair of these shoes.
I have taken the Salomon XA PRO 3D on countless day-hikes and multi-day hikes in dry and wet conditions. They are literally the only pair of shoes I've owned that, even after a multi-day trip, I was still comfortable enough driving home in and not begging to be in another pair of shoes. The shoe overall is relatively light, especially when considering the strength/rigid/stiffness of the sole of the shoe. The XA PRO 3D somehow feels really sturdy and secure, yet forgiving and comfy all at the same time.... they're kind of like my Mother.
And don't even get me started on the traction!!!!. I could've left skidmarks!!! But seriously, Folks..., the traction has been great in dry, wet, solid, or scree-like conditions. Additionally, the comfort of the footbeds is Ah-MAZE-ING. Whether hiking in them, bike-commuting, or just wearing them to work and standing for 9+ hours, the XA PRO 3D has been extremely comfortable. I made the mistake of trying to wear Superfeet with them to make them super comfy. I removed the SuperFeet within a week and was much happier with the factory footbeds Salomon already has!!
I will admit that I have not worn these shoes everyday, so I don't want the "3+ years" to be misleading as far as durability goes. However, I feel I have worn them on enough trips, even for golfing (Sam, Seth, Mike... where I probably won, too), to attest to the overall durability and longevity of the shoes. I also had a ton of conversations with customers that were in the process of purchasing a brand new pair of the XA PRO 3D's just to replace their old pair of 3D's.
The Good List:
- Light-weight, yet super sturdy.
- Long-living.
- Multi-purpose.
- Great traction.
- Mother-like.