Salomon Elios Mid XCR Tested
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Price:
£89.99
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Weight: 910 grammes (men's
43)
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Features: Mid-high
walking boot with Gore-Tex XCR lining, water-resistant split
suede and oiled nubuck leather upper, mesh ventilaton
panels, gussetted tongue, 3D fit padding, protective toe
cap, molded EVA mid-sole, Ortholite footbed, Contragrip sole
unit. Also available in women's version.
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What's It For?
The Eliios XCR is Salomon's new for 2007 all-terrain shoe and the
Elios Mid XCR, as you might have guessed, is simply the mid-height
version of the low. Salomon describes it as the 'ultimate hiking
shoe', so we're guessing that it's intended as, well, a hiking shoe,
but not really a full-on mountain walking and scrambling one.
The mid-height ankle cuff makes it feel a little more supportive
than the shoe version which may appeal to walkers who aren't quite
sure that a shoe will provide enough support for them.
The Techy Bits
The Elios is more of an Evolition from previous Salomon shoes than
a revolution and comes with features we've seen on other Salomon
footwear before. They include the 3D internal foam padding - in this
case on the tongue of the boot - and Salomon's own-brand Contragrip
sole - below.
Meanwhile the upper uses water resistant materials plus a Gore-Tex
XCR liner for waterproofing. Cushioning is courtesy of an EVA
mid-sole. EVA's the material used for running shoes and is both light
and much more cushioned than traditional walking footwear giving a
soft, comfortable ride underfoot. It can, however, deteriorate with
use and lose its resilience.
How They Perform
The first thing we noticed about the Elios is that the sole is
incredibly flexible and easy to twist laterally as well, generally we
look for more support underfoot, but this is more like a lightweight
trainer or running shoe than a more traditional walking shoe.
The fit is close as well, snug and, well, glove like really. Some
users may find them too narrow, but the close fit and internal
padding makes them immediately feel instantly comfortable and
connected. No breaking in required.
Cushioning on hard surfaces is good thanks to the EVA mid-sole
making them a good choice on smooth rocky paths and even pavement
where the slipper-like flexibility is fine. On rougher, rockier
ground you can feel the terrain through the sole of the shoe, which
some people with a more traditional bent won't like and the lack of
stiffness means you won't be edging on narrow rocky scramble holds
any time soon.
Grip from the Contragrip sole was generally okay, but we found
them slightly slippery underfoot on damp rock.
Finally, on a mild May day we already found the boots slightly
sweaty thanks to the Gore-Tex XCR membrane and past experience
suggests that on hot summer days, they will simply be too warm for
many users. It's becoming increasingly difficult to buy lightweight
footwear without a waterproof lining, but the reality is that we've
yet to find one breathable enough to cope with hot weather.
It's a shame that there's no non-Gore-Tex version available as we
reckon the XCR liner limits the shoe's versatility.
Snug-fitting, repectably light, cushioned and very comfortable
the Elios has a soft, very flexible ride that you'll either love or
hate and the higher ankle cuff gives slightly more support and
confidence than the shoe version. We'd have preferred slightly more
lateral stiffness and support underfoot, but it's very much a
personal preference - just don't expect boot-like levels of support
or underfoot protection.
We also thought the grip from the Contragrip sole was slightly
iffy on wet rock and last but by no means least, we think the
Gore-Tex liner limits the shoe's versatility in hotter conditions,
though it's handy when puddles rear their puddly heads.
More of a built-up trainer than a cut-down boot in other words,
but ideal if that's what you're looking for and you walk mainly on
good trails.
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Light, cushioned and comfortable.
Laterally flexible underfoot and can be uncomfortable in hot
conditions.
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Performance
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Value
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Know more or want to?
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