These shoes are my third pair of Salomons. I like them more then any other pair I have had. The size is perfect and they feel amazing. The Hawks have a great arch that you can really feel and are also exceedingly breathable. They are also exceptionally light and feel great for running or walking - highly recommended.

After five years of running mountain trails in Salomons, I'm still surprised by how well their shoes perform. The XT Hawk is very light and offers good ankle support, which I need because I have weak ankles. Also, the Quicklace system is still the most outstanding lace system I have come across, creating a quick and easy way for loosening and tightening the shoe. The only reason I gave this shoe four stars is because I like the Salomon Speedcross 2 better as an all around trail-runner. The Speedcross 2 gives more traction on rocky trails and has a little more support for the sole of the foot than the XT Hawk. The XT Hawk, as I saw pointed out in another review, can sometimes feel like a street-running shoe, depending on the terrain you're on. I would recommend this shoe for runners that use the same shoes for street and light trail runs. If you need something for intense mountain trails, I would recommend the Speedcross 2. For anyone debating what brand of shoe to buy, Salomon is the right choice.

My favorite attribute of the shoe is how light and comfy it felt. My 8.5's weighed in at 11 oz. even. It felt like a running shoe, not a trail shoe, and as a consequence the XT Hawk offered little protection under foot on technical rocky terrain. The forefoot felt close to the ground but the heel was little more elevated than I prefer for trail running. The forefoot of the shoe feels completely disconnected from the mid to rear part of the shoe, and flexed considerably more than I am used to, giving me a blister at the flex point in the arch of both feet. The shoe felt right at home on the pavement that I used to connect to a separate section of trail and would serve someone well that needs a shoe for non-technical trails and occasional road running.
Pros: lightweight, lacing system, nice insoles, toe protection.
Cons: no protection under foot, considerable mid-sole flex.

These are pretty good shoes. I love the lacing. I love the colors, the fabric has been durable. I really like the lightweight, stable outsole with the mini-wings architecture. The only problem is the forefoot; it's too big. I have big feet, (12/13) but the forefoot on these shoes (I ordered a 13) is loose and lets you slide around. They toebox is the right width, and the shoes fit true to length, but the forefoot is "tall." There is a lot of room above my feet, which is really disconcerting. Everything else is great, but the weird forefoot sizing has me all thrown off.

These are pretty good shoes. I love the lacing. I love the colors, the fabric has been durable. I really like the lightweight, stable outsole with the mini-wings architecture. The only problem is the forefoot; it's too big. I have big feet, but the forefoot on these shoes is loose and lets you slide around. They toebox is the right width, and the shoes fit true to size, but the forefoot is "tall." There is a lot of room above my feet, which is really disconcerting. Everything else is great, but the weird forefoot sizing has me all thrown off.