Does the xt wings have some type of rock plate? I have 2 pair of Salomon trail shoes that are 3 - 4 years old. I don't know the model names. It's pretty rocky where I run. I could feel sharp rocks on the ball of my foot with both pair. Also, both pair seem to lack a little in stability control. It would be pretty easy to roll an ankle. I will probably give the xt wings a try so any feed back regarding improvements to this shoe would be greatly appreciated. I have been trying to replace the last pair of my Hardrocks (the original) for a couple of years with nothing coming close so far. Probably many that ran in the original Hardrock can relate to this. Thanks

Hi Larry, if your shoes are 3/4 y.o., the rock plate - that we by the way call "chassis" - is new to the XT Wings. This chassis is called "Agile Chassis System" and aims to provide protection from pinching rock, stability with a great side to side motion control on uneven terrain and runability with a more flexible chassis compare to those you used. Because of the new profile of this chassis we have been able to add new features such as a thicker EVA layer for a better cushioning and an energized heel area with our patented tendons in the heel zone. This technology provides an energized heel to toe transition, in other words a rebound effect.

Hi Larry, if your shoes are 3/4 y.o., the rock plate - that we by the way call "chassis" - is new to the XT Wings. This chassis is called "Agile Chassis System" and aims to provide protection from pinching rock, stability with a great side to side motion control on uneven terrain and runability with a more flexible chassis compare to those you used. Because of the new profile of this chassis we have been able to add new features such as a thicker EVA layer for a better cushioning and an energized heel area with our patented tendons in the heel zone. This technology provides an energized heel to toe transition, in other words a rebound effect.

Not sure if there is a "rock plate" per se, but there is a plastic skeleton that provides nice stability to the shoe. I haven't had any issues with rocks, but it isn't terribly rocky where I run. The shoe provides great stability while retaining a decent amount of flexibility. Comfortable on and off road - just ran a half marathon and my feet felt great.