Salomon XT Wings 2 GTX Trail Running Shoe - Men's - 2010 BCS

I had a pair of both the regular XT Wings and gore-tex XT Wings. After wearing out the gore-tex pair, I went shopping for a new set. I mainly use them as winter walking shoes, like walking the dog in the morning, not for trail running.
The original XT Wings were awesome, easily 5 star. These new ones? Not so much. Definitely not as comfortable as the original
There is a stiffness at the top of the toe box by where the laces end. This stiffness does go away after breaking them in.
The sole for the outside of the heel is much more rigid, guess in some way a motion control. Might be more useful for trail runners putting a lot more force on this area, but not so good for walkers.
But the biggest problem is the top of the heel, the split area for your achilles tendon. This is oddly super stiff and will rub and rub and rub till you get a blister, damaging socks, etc. I've yet to see this go away with breaking in like the toe box/laces issue.

Damn shame too, as I've yet to find a gore-tex quick lace shoe as a replacement (the other Salomon shoes were even worse).

First off these are my third pair of these shoes in about 3 years. I love them. They are my daily shoe perfect for any condition, I've used them on trails from Colorado to Alaska and they haven't let me down yet. Greta waterproof and great traction. I had to replace them simply because my bull terrier chewed the clasp and I had to have another pair. Fit is good and supportive for those who have a high arch. I won't buy any other shoe. Thank you Salomon for making such a great product and to backcountry.com for getting me a great price on a great product.

I have had the non-GTX version of the shoe for a few years now and love them. They are super comfortable and I have never gotten a blister. I use the shoes for a bit of running but mostly as light hikers for long day hikes. I was ready to give the shoes a try for backpacking and wanted the GTX version to handle the typical spring and summer conditions in the Sierra (stream crossings, lingers snow fields, etc). I slipped the GTX Wings on when they arrived and immediately knew they wouldn't work. They weren't bad but I was looking for the same fit/comfort as the non-GTX wings. These seems stiffer overall and even slightly wider in the forefoot. I wasn't willing to chance a break-in. If they don't feel good right away it's a no-go for me. These are still fairly comfortable shoes, just not as plush as the non-GTX version. Bummer.

These are my favorite sneaks I've owned. I have 1 GTX pair and 2 non-GTX (one totally worn and one breaking in). These support my feet all day, running, walking, working in the field, hiking, backpacking whatever. I find the "exoskelton" system is sturdy yet light. The GTX do get hot if you are in the sun and it is not muddy etc. so I use them just for wet, muddy runs etc. Leave the meshy ones for the hot days. I have stayed totally dry in all my endeavors also. Good grip (better than the XA line) and great fit with the quick lace system. Wish they'd bring back the more screaming colors though.

First of all, I have worn Salomon shoes for years, and I love them, so it's a bit disheartening to be downgrading these from a perfect score. For years I've loved the quick lace system, the durabilty, and especially the unique look Salomon's have. But in addition, previous to now, I've loved the comfort. This model, however was NOT COMFORTABLE AT ALL to me. (Please notice that I added "to me" in there to ward off any criticism from others who have found them perfect) I had read a review before I bought these that said they just weren't as comfortable as the user had hoped for, but wrote that review off after seeing all the other rave reviews. In retrospect, apparently he was speaking directly to me.
Despite my love for the look of the shoe (which is an EXTREMELY GOOD LOOK) and the functionality of the quick lacing and espescially the GTX membrane I was excited to have, these shoes were WAY TOO STIFF. I understand the importance of good support, but when I am actually wearing them while sitting down or just walking around, and my feet hurt, I think there's a problem, because normally I don't complain about comfort in shoes when others do. I had hoped that a couple runs may loosen them up, or break them in, but after my 2nd 4 miler, I decided I'd better return them before scuffing or scarring them. The return with Backcountry.com went perfect, and I am now in search of the perfect GTX shoe with more comfort. Any suggestions???

Luv the Salomon's they are light and provide stable support. I need a lightweight waterproof shoe that breathes the XT Wings GTX simply do just that. I'm on my feet 12-14 hrs a day with my work and need the best shoes for my feet. The XT wings have a slightly wider base that helps with pronation. This is my second pair of the GTX model as its just about fall/winter season. FYI I wore the GTX model in the summer and my feet were able to breathe just fine. Have already purchased a XA Pro 3D GTX mid for winter.

This is the wettest and coldest spring in memory. It's been so bad in the Wasatch that I've started a political action committee to have Punxsutawney Phil, that so-called prognosticator of prognosticators, removed from his post based on his 2011 prediction for a shortened winter. My only comfort this Spring has been my mud covered XT Wings 2 GTX. Warm, waterproof, and very supportive particularly on descents. These are bombproof trail runners.