I have been using the non XCR version of this for the last 2-3 years (2 pairs). As per review fit, stability, low-slung feeling is fantastic. Sole grip is distinctly lacking though for UK winter trails. Most winter trails (as opposed to fell) don't require a full-on fell shoe - if this shoe had a better grip (similar to the new Mizuno Wave Harrier) it would be perfect! Its a shame Salomon have not realised this (is it aimed more at the European market perhaps??).

Hi
I'm considering investing in these shoes. But I was just wondering how you think they might cope in more general use. I'm considering buying them for training, specifically cross-country training and for use in the gym. Would you say that they offer good enough cushioning to be used on harder surfaces such as treadmills and roads?

Thanks
Graham P

I tried a pair of these but took them back. I wasn't convinced about the durabilty of the fabric uppers and the lace. It struck me that if the lace breaks it is nigh on impossoble to replace without returning them to the dealer.

I believe that the lace is an aramid (a generic name for kevlar-type stuff) so unless you have a duff one, it shouldn't break. I have worn out the shoes without the lace going. On second pair; very happy.

Agree with JJ, I've never been able to break the lace either.

I'm on my second pair of XA pros's I think their fantastic, I wear them for Hillwalking - Spring/Summer/Autumn.
I'm using the old pair in the gym and for running, they give me fantastic support and I've never had any problems with them.

I wouldn't personally get the XCR type though as I've heard from most users that your feet get too hot in them.

I wear the XA Pro 3D (about £75 but shop around) and if going up the hills and its likely to be wet underfoot I wear SealSkinz socks. ;-P

I've had a few pairs of XA Pros, XCR and standard.

XCR will be hotter, so use them when it's cooler outside. I haven't noticed sweat being a problem - but that may be a personal thing as lots of people bemoan you can't get ordinary walking boots in non goretex but that has never worried me.

I would never rely on not breaking a lace in any boot, but have never broken these either. I simply called Salomon in France and they sent me, free of charge two new spare laces. They do operate differently because the original is sewn together and they come with a couple device to tie them together.

Durability could be an issue with the XCR version but only that they would leak water. Given the punishment that they are likely to get the midsole and even outsole will go first though, followed by the cushioning (although you could replace this).

The comments about the lace are heartening. I might give them another go - not for running in mind you but as an "approach shoe".

Many thanks.

I've had a couple of pairs of XA pros. They are good for pretty ,uch everything apart from running. Shame really as that's what they were designed for

Just bought myself a pair from TK Maxx in Dundee for £39.99 - happy days.

Hi - I have a pair and they are good - haven't had a problem with them being too hot. Everybody said the same about leather gore-tex boots but never had an issue. Trail magazine recently did some scientific (ish!) research that showed the same.

I wouldn't run in them though - much better off with a high breathability and good draining shoe for that.

Salomon XA Pro XCR

anyone know (for sure) where I can find a pair of these size 9 in women's pref.(but mens 9 will do) and in the lovely red colour?!

tried couple of walking shops but they only have the new absolutely revolting lime green colour in these trail shoes. no way i can wear those!

have to buy XCR - waterproof ones!
thank you

Bit Late on this one. Have a pair of the non xcr ones. Have performed well in canada, the italian dolomites and the uk. However, for running on tarmac they're more likely to cause you and injury as they really lack shock absorbtion and have givin me shin splints every times i've worn them around leicester.

Also, ive pretty much compressed the heal and worn the sole out in 9 months so might be worth thinking about before you invest!

Hi folks, can anyone comment on the sizing of these beauts? I remember reading on another site that they were a bit small for the size so as a UK10 I should be looking to buy UK10.5. Anyone into their XA Pros care to comment please?

I find I have to go up a half size in them. But there's not a lot in it.

I've just bought a pair and had to go up half a size - albeit in the women's version

Cheers folks, I have a couple of pairs of good old Salomon Exit Lows which I love to bits and they are 10s and have found that I cant wear thick-ish socks with them or long nails, so 10.5s sound like they will be the ticket. Strange though that 10 is a perfect fit for asics for running trainers and for boots by pretty much every other manufacturer!

I purchased a pair of XCR's today - Went out with the intention of getting a pair of size 10's and came back with 10.5's, as I found them a little too snug.

Salomon do seem to size slightly smaller than other brands, as a few people have commented. I suppose it's blindingly obvious, but go by fit rather than the stated size and remember your feet swell slightly during the day, so a snug fit in the morning, may end up being an uncomfortably tight one by tea time...