Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX Trail Running Shoe - Women's - 2008 BCS

Light for a trail shoe, but ultra durable, these shoes can withstand a lot of rough terrain and varying ground but don't weigh you down. They are sturdy enough for peak climbing in Colorado as well for big mountain rocky/snowy approaches, yet agile enough for up and downhill trail running and maneuvering. Offers good breathability and are extremely comfortable with good foot and arch support. The gortex also keeps your feet really warm, and resists snow and water quite well. Excellent winter and cold weather shoe. I wear an 8.5 in shoes and the 8.5 in the Pro fits perfectly.

I love these shoes. My feet stay dry on wet, muddy trails. The lacing system is nice and they fit me well. I am hooked. Could the best trail shoes I have ever worn.

I have been running in the XA Comp GTX Pro shoe for 3-4 years now with no problems (size 9.5). I use them mainly for running in the snow, and my feet have stayed dry, even on long (1.5-2 hr) runs. However, I am having bad luck with this new version (XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX). I originally ordered a 9 because of multiple reviews about the large sizing; the length was great but the toebox was very tight. So I replaced them with a 9.5, which felt much better in the toe box. However, this model puts your heel closer to the ground and the arch is narrow - combined with the additional length, my feet ended up sliding in the shoe too much, and irritating the inside of my heel bone. It seems the heel platform is quite narrow as well as the toe box compared to the XA Comp GTX. I guess my feet aren't made for this newer model or vice-versa. My husband, however, absolutely loves them. If you have wide or flat feet, I would recommend getting the men's size equivalent, as they are wider than the same women's length. If you prefer a more solid platform shoe with the same weight, I would go for the XA Comp GTX.

This is my second pair of Salomons, and I'm pretty convinced this will be the brand I come back to over and over. I used my first pair for week-long backpacking trips in the Southern Sierras, day hikes through snow-covered trails in Montana this summer, and on trail runs (jogging is probably a better word) in the Los Padres in Southern California pretty much year round. I also use these for coaching field sports in rainy conditions. After a year and a half or two years, the laces started to fail and I bought a replacement kit, which worked great. Some of the stitching also started to fail not too long after, so I had to give in a replace them. The tread had also stared to get pretty slick around 2 years in. I have pretty wide feet, so I've always had trouble with blisters or jammed toes in women's shoes with a narrow toebox. These have been great for me and the lacing system seems to really work well for me. Unless something really changes, I imagine I'll be pretty devoted to this shoe for years to come.

Pros: Gore Tex keeps you dry, good fit, love the lacing system, great for short trail runs, durable

Cons: on longer hikes my feet are in PAIN

I really do like these shoes. I have been a fan for awhile. I wear them for trail runs, short hikes, and just around for everyday activities. I wanted to use them for my upcoming backpacking trip and really hoped they could preform. Unfortunately, by the end of a 14 mile day hike with a light pack, my feet were killing me. The next day I barely managed a 6 miler. While I'm bummed I couldn't do distance in them, this was my first ever complaint with them. They really are a great shoe in general.

I buy this shoe every year. It's my go-to shoe for pretty much every activity from running around town to hiking to 14,000 feet. There's no break in time and it holds up to daily, all condition use. I tried the non-gortex shoe for the summer but found that way too much dirt gets inside. I prefer the gortex version year round.

The ONLY problem that I have experienced is the 2010 version sizing (this one). I am a size 10 in every kind of shoe except these. I have been a 9.5 in these shoes for 5 years, but the 2010 pair are way too big. I'm returning them and going for the 9. A full size down from every other brand.

Aside from the recent sizing issue, I highly recommend these shoes!!

Haven't used these as they were intended (wet, trail conditions), but after wearing them out and about, I can tell they'll be great. You can't beat having Gortex, and I like the quick-laces. Prior to these shoes, I had Vasque trail runners which functioned well on the trail but weren't as "strudy" as these feel, if you plan to use them as light hikers.

My only complaint is that the laces are too long and that the heel is a bit loose...we'll see how that works on the trail.

I chose a 1/2 down from what I wear in Asics running shoes.

I was so excited to receive these shoes. I got them for my daily bike commute in Portland, OR. They were recommended for their excellent waterproof properties. However when I got them and put them on they were absolutely HUGE, and not just a little bit. I wear a size 8 so that's what I ordered, but they were at least 1 to 1-1/2 sizes too big. I would recommend trying these on locally before ordering online.

I bought these for a week of backcountry hiking in Yosemite, which was a bit spur of the moment and meant that I didn't have my usual hiking boots with me. I only wore them for one day's hiking before I headed off, so I was a bit concerned about blisters etc. No need, these were awesome. I didn't get ANY blisters at all, and the fact that they were so lightweight was fantastic for hopping over logs etc. Also wore them in snow and they kept my feet warm and dry. They do seem a bit roomy but I wore them in my standard size. I also love how quick it is to tighten/loosen the laces, the adjustment makes them very comfortable. Now to take them trail running...

I got these in the mail and immediately loved them - the arch support was better than I thought it would be and fell in the just right place for my foot, and they seem to be pretty durable. Not sure what to do with the long string that hangs after tightening them, but I'll figure it out I'm sure. Usually wear a 9.5 in running shoes but these were too big in the 9.5. Returned them for a 9.0

These are my first set of trail runners, and I will be back for more once I wear them out. I got them primarily for winter running in Maine- I wanted something with more traction on ice, and something that would keep my feet dry when running through slush. These work PERFECTLY for that! They are really stable and flexible, and they do not let water in! I have also done trail running and light hiking in these, and they have worked excellently for those activities as well. In fact, I hiked in them for a few months when I was "in between" hiking boots, and they worked great. These are very comfortable, very durable, and run true to size- I highly recommend them!

That's my 3rd. Pair, but they don't fit like the first two pairs, they are al,most a size too big, but the widths seems fine, kind of bummed about that as I wore them out on the trail already and can't return them. Thicker socks.....

I've been wearing this shoe for 10 years as a work shoe. ( and the scarpa nitro also no longer made )I'm a horse trainer & walk 5-6 miles a day over hills & uneven ground. My last 2 pairs of this new version didn't make it past 2 month & the fit isn't nearly as supportive, After the 1st pair died so quickly I thought it was because hydrolic fluid got spilled on them but my next pair didn't do any better...bummer for sure .

This is a great trail running shoe. Nice and light but stable over uneven and rocky terrain. The goretex kept my feet dry and they didn't get hot even on a warm summer day. Unfortunately, my foot is a bit narrow and this shoe ended up not being the perfect fit for my petite foot. Sadly I had to send them back as the shoes were too roomy in the heel and arch area. I was bummed and I really thought the shoe was so comfortable and solid for trail running. The good news is that with backcountry.com's satisfaction guarantee return policy I was able to send them back for a refund even after wearing them which is why I think backcountry.com rocks!

I wanted to love these as I already have a pair of Salomon's that are about 5 years old that are finally falling apart and I figured it was time to move on. My current Salomon's are size 8 and fit PERFECTLY. Roomy for fat wool socks but don't rub when I wear lighter low socks. I also need to get shoes with Gore-Tex and tried on a size 8 Comp 5 GTX in REI and they too fit perfectly....so I figured it would be safe to order these in size 8 as well. No good, way too big, my right heel rubs all around, even with large wool socks on. And the toe boxes are huge. And to top it off the left shoe tongue wouldn't lay flat and bunched up uncomfortably every time I tightened them. I really wanted to like them, but reluctantly had to return. Not sure I even want to try the 7.5 for fear they'd be too small or the tongue would still bunch. I must have got the black sheep pair of the lot.

I spent a few weeks researching trail running shoes. I have flat feet and bunions, which makes finding comfortable shoes really difficult for me. I wanted to find a trail running/hiking shoe that would provide me with enough arch support and be comfortable on longer treks.

These Salomons are fantastic! They were a bit stiff out of the box, which worried me a little.. but I went hiking and they started feeling better with each step. They were broken in within the first mile and were very comfortable! I wore them on a 6 mile hike the next day and came back with happy feet!

I highly recommend these! Also, my shoe size was true to size.. I normally wear a 7 and I ordered 7's.

After reading several reviews on these shoes, I was unsure if I should order them online rather than going to a local store because of the sizing issue. However, ordering online was cheaper so I went ahead and ordered an 8. Usually, depending on the brand of shoe, I wear an 8/8.5...so I got a 1/2 size down and they fit PERFECTLY! I was so happy that they fit and I didn't have to exchange them. I wear them whenever I possibly can, and they have become my most favorite shoe! They're super cute and ultra comfy and I was amazed at the support/cushion they had right out of the box. When these go on sale, I will definitiely be ordering another pair. LOVE 'EM!

Wanted to like these and they were comfortable to wear- fit well- sized up .5 like I do for active shoes. But I couldn't get passed the laces- Even though it's supposed to be easy I found I had so much excess "lace" and had to bunch them into the top of the shoe. I tried different ways of doing this - I returned the shoe because of this . It was that much of an issue for me- If the shoe had regular laces I would have kept them.

These trail runners are awesome! One of the most comfortable shoes I have ever had. The only thing is that the Merrell's have a better tread, but these are way lighter, and a bit more flexible.

I was so excited to receive these shoes. I got them for my daily bike commute in Portland, OR. They were recommended for their excellent waterproof properties. However when I got them and put them on they were absolutely HUGE, and not just a little bit. I wear a size 8 so that's what I ordered, but they were at least 1 to 1-1/2 sizes too big. I would recommend trying these on locally before ordering online.

These are great shoes! They took a few days to break them in (they rubbed funny on my ankle) but I love 'em! I don't even need arch supports. Very water proof, shipped fast through Amazon, great price. The only question I have is how do you change the shoe laces if these wear out? They're stitched in.

I have another pair of Salomons without the fancy goretex, so I order these ones in the same size, and they run loose. Since 6.5 is the smallest size, a workaround is to wear the right socks.
Before giving up on them, I wore them in the rain and nothing gets in, and they are comfy (even with the loose fit problem).

I usually wear an 8 in women's casual shoes. These were a full size too large. A 7 fits well with athletic socks. I haven't run in them yet, but the shoe is comfortable - wide and doesn't pinch. The arch isn't as supportive as I'd like, but since the insole is removable, I'll probably replace it with a SuperFeet insert anyway.

Only 1 of 2 shoes my Doctors OK to run during my Dog Agility competitions. The gore-tex is geat for the Northwest climate and they don't hold the grass or dirt. Two years ago I broke my leg and ankle and these shoes supoort my whole foot and keep be balanced. Please don't stop making them!

I have only worn this shoe a couple of times to run in. It is nice and supportive although a little bit more rigid than my usual Brooks Ariel so I did get a little sore in my arches.
The only thing i would say is that I ordered the size based on a recommendation from BackCountry and they are a smidgen too big. Nothing thick socks won't cure and I am uncertain whether I would be able to fit a smaller size but it does mean that I have to lace them pretty firmly.
The lacing system by the way is fantastic!!!

This is my second pair of these, which shows you that I like them enough to buy them again. On the negative side there is not quite enough cushioning, especially under the ball of the foot, and they do come up pretty high around the ankle bones. The shoe collar is stiff in this area -- to the point that it's irritating (I have narrow, low volume feet). My previous pair did not have this problem at the collar. But, that said, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE not having to tie laces (even though the lacing system on my last pair broke -- a chronic problem with Salomon). Also, I have found that the Gore-tex works just great. I am rountinely slogging through wet areas, and these have been terrific at keeping my feet dry, while being comfy and not too sweaty. I wear a 9.5 in athletic shoes and these fit true to size. The roomy toe box may make the fit seem larger than usual, but I think that the length is true to size. One last thing, my previous pair were green and black, which I loved -- I'm not so fond of the current color choices. I have the cerulean and gray pair, and the color is kind of washed out -- not as distinctive as I had hoped.

These are by far the BEST pair of shoes I've ever had! I teach classes at a gym, and had shin splints constantly. I bought these shoes and have not had shin splints since!! They are very confortable, supportive and fit perfectly! The laces are awesome!! I remove/put on my shoes many times a day and love how quick they are. I have had no problems with the laces wearing out or loosening even once in the past year and half I've had them. I will be buying another pair when these wear out!!

Luv this shoe. I own 3 pair. My boyfriend (owns 2 pair) and I rave about these Salomon shoes to everyone. Form, fit, and function excellent. I wear to hike and as everyday kickaround shoes. He wears his to exercise at gym (including recent 1/2 marathon - no blisters), as well as, an all around hiker/everyday shoe. We like the GTX better than the plain Ultra.

Shoe has held up well, however one of the shoelaces broke. Not sure how you replace the factory shoelace as Asymmetrical lacing has multiple loops that are "factory" tied off. I used a conventional replacement shoe lace that was larger in diameter than original shoelace. After repeated attempts ( 30 mins.) I finally relaced shoe, however I was only able to use the upper eyeholes as the asymetrical eyeholes will not work with a traditional shoe lace.

I bought these after returning some Merrell trail shoes, size 8.5, that were painful. I normally wear an 8, but the Merrells were too tight. These were recommended to me because of the large toe box, and I tried them. They are awesome. However, I needed a 7.5, a smaller size than any pair of shoes I own. So, you might want to size down when ordering.

I've been wearing mine for 6 months, and they're almost bombproof. Little wear, still waterproof and extremely comfortable. Grips well on ice, too. They run slightly big, but fit wide feet, well.

Hey all. This is my 3rd pair of Salomon shoes and I love this one best of all. I like these best of all. I love the gore-tex. I teach P.E. so I wear these shoes for a year and then I scrap with them after that. They hold up great. I run, hike, make trails and all kinds of stuff in these shoes. Love em. They don't have a lot of "cooshy" padding like other shoes, but they're still good.

I bought these to replace my Montrail Hurricane Ridge Gortex trail shoe that are no longer manufactured. The Montrail ran small so I would get an 8.5 which compares to 7.5 in the Ultra GTX. I was looking specifically for a gortex trail running shoe. The GTX is a bit more narrow or a smaller toe box than the Montrail. Someone suggested getting the mens version if you can find the correct size. Also mentioned was that they are awfully stiff at first, which is very true but they are loosening up. The Montrail was pretty good at keeping rocks out at the ankle. The GTX is not that good but OK. I personally like the fast lacing system. The Montrail was a softer shoe but didn't really last that long. I have only had these 3 weeks so I can't compare the durability yet.

These shoes are awesome! They seem bomb-proof, but without too much weight. They survived all sorts of wet, slippery terrain on the trails in Alaska. I would definately recommend them!

I was worried about these shoes being too large after reading other reviews on the site, but they are great with a pair of hiking socks. Plenty of toe room for the downhill jogs. I am fine with the size, but wish I could have tried on a 1/2 size smaller first. I bought them to hike and run through the rainforest and on the beaches of costa rica -- my feet stayed dry and were able to breath very well (even with the gore-tex lining). They replaced hiking boots and I won't travel without these shoes. Plus, the zip cord makes like so much easier!

I really expected to love these shoes, especially after reading all the positive reviews. My boyfriend has the men's and loves them. Unfortunately, they just aren't for me. They exacerbate pain in the ball of my foot that I don't feel with other athletic shoes, and at first I thought it was just the shoe being extra-supportive, but I think it's simply the shoe not being right for me. There is support for the rest of the foot, and it feels very sturdy, but the toe lacks padding and you feel it after only a mile or so (at least, I did). I tried all sorts of inserts, but the odd shape of the footbed and lack of cushion just takes its toll, and like the other reviewer, my feet just ache when I wear these. I've had 'em about a month, and I'll have to take 'em back.

Maybe someone with less joint issues will love these as others have.

This is my second pair and they have been great at keeping my feet dry. I hate the laces! Give me regular laces that I can change when they wear out. Other than that and the fact that they do run BIG, I love them. My basic use for them is walking the dogs on the trails in the winter.

First time I wore these, I got stuck in a pretty massive rainstorm. Within minutes the shoes were full of water and I had to stop to wring out my socks! The shoes took 4 days in the tropical sun to dry out properly. Having said that, it was a tropical downpour - so no shoe could have survived it dry.

Since then I have done some pretty good trail runs and mountain hikes in these shoes, and they are supportive and comfortable for both flat road running and for sliding down the side of a mountain trail in the light rain.

I would buy them again for sure.

These shoes are probably the best running shoes I ever had. They fits me perfectly, they protect my feet in every terrain and in bad weather conditions. I can just recommend them.

I really like all the features of this shoe. As far as running goes, they don't actually provide as much ankle support because of the lacing system (which is easy for getting them on and off). They are comfortable to walk and hike in and they're waterproof, which is great.

Bought these for my wife as a birthday gift and she doesn't want to take them off. Trail, wet river bank, hill you name it these are the job. Ireland this time of year is pretty wet and muddy so for grip and dry feet you couldn't get better in a light shoe.

We gave these shoes to our daughter for Christmas and she loves them. I don't think she has had time to run them through their paces yet, but I am sure she will. She actually picked them out herself.

nice shoe, however, they were far too loose in the heel for me. I returned them. I have flat feet and bunions with a narrow heel.

I owned last year's version of this Salomon shoe and I wore it in a size 7, so of course I got size 7 again. Well, I just tried them on and they are easily half a size to one size too big! I thought having worn size 7 before with Salomon I would have been okay, but apparently the sizing has changed a little since the other version. I love these shoes and am so bummed because now I have to wait until my size comes into stock.

This shoe is exactly what I need it to be: functional on the trail with incredible waterproofing to keep my feet dry. It's been a very wet spring in UT and the shoes have held up...they really are water PROOF. I find Salomon trail shoes to run a bit big, so if you are in between sizes, go with the smaller of the two. These are awesome in the Gore-Tex and non-waterproof option, too, depending on your needs. I'd absolutely invest in another pair down the line.

I was ready to love these, but I didn't. I've been wearing these shoes for the past 5 weeks on muddy, wet, sloppy spring trails. While the waterproof lives up, I agree with the reviews here that state that these are just not good for long miles because of the lack of any real cushion in the toe. The balls of my feet get incredibly, almost unbearably achey. The truth is, in the Wasatch, even wet trails have rocks, and the pain has been so acute with these shoes that I have to be careful and tentative with each footfall. This is definitely not what I want in a trail shoe. I need my shoes to be bomber, so I can lean into my runs and be aggressive. I can't do that with the XA Pro. I am going to retire these for now and keep them for snowy months only, when the trails are softer and there are no rocks to make my feet scream.

The only thing I don't like is the lacing system, but the shoe tread, midsole and upper are superb. If you don't like to tie your laces, then this is the shoe for you.

I've been wearing this shoe for 10+ years so I always have a new pair waiting... they have completely redesigned this shoe. they are narrow with a high arch & do not fit Anything like the older models. I gave away a brand new pair because they do not fit !