Salomon Elios Mid XCR Tested

Salomon Elios Mid XCR Tested

 

Price: £89.99

Weight: 910 grammes (men's 43)

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.

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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.

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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.

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Verdict

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.

Performance
Value

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Salomon web site

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