Salomon XA Comp 4 GTX Trail Running Shoe - Men's - 2009 BCS

I bought these shoes with the intention of doing some winter trail running but regardless of which socks I wear I always end up with a blister on the inside of the ball of my foot. I have never had wide feet before but these might be too narrow for my feet for running. For hiking, however, they are outstanding. Pair the goretex with a good pair of light wool socks and you are ready for all conditions. I have even snowshoed in these and my feet were toasty warm. Highly recommended but check your foot width for trail running.

If mountain Goats wore shoes, they would wear the Salomon XA Comp 4 GTX. It throws down messy trails like it is its job (... which it is...) Absolutely unstoppable grip on dirt, rocks, and other detritus, whether wet or dry. Like any non-spiked shoe, it will slide a little on ice/snow over a hard surface, like bedrock, but can you blame it?
-Favorite part: Running through icy puddles/snow/slush and having dry feet.
- Least Favorite part: Arch support (Note: I have a very high arch- can't blame Salomon)

After having used these bad boys for 2 months, I am pretty impressed. I initially ordered the 10.5 (which is my true foot size) to find out that I needed an 11 due to thickness created by the gore-tex insulation. As some have heard, the gore-tex does make the shoe a little hot depending on the conditions and the type of sock you are wearing. I love the lacing system because I can really lock in my foot. I find the shoe to be fairly stiff especially around the toes. Because I was in the middle of a half-marathon training schedule, I began using the shoe quickly. I ran the actual race in this shoe and experienced some wear on the top of my toes. The foot sole is extremely comfortable however I am not sure its best for a high-arched foot like mine. I have used these shoes on pavement, running on muddy trails, and hiking through small creeks. You can't beat the multi-purpose capabilities these salomon's offer.

I have had three pairs of the Salomon XA Comp. The last two were the Comp 3. The reason I continue buying these shoes is for the quick cinch and release mechanism.....it really beats tying and untying the shoes particularly for travel as well as the gortex which makes them all weather, the graphics are low key-so they can be used for many occaisions-from gym/run to casual get togethers. A great all around shoe.

I tried the Comp 4 this time around and found it ran a bit larger than the Comp 3, but not unacceptably so, and it has softer cushioning. Also the cinch cord is- inexplicably and undesireably- longer.

For a good every day, all around, all weather shoe these are my choice.