Salomon Speedcross Vario 2 Men's Trail Running Shoes, Hard and soft surface Grip, Foothold, and Protection

Product Information

When it has been cold and wet, these shoes protected my feet well. I did feel them getting a bit damp, but that was later on in a wet cross country race, so it’s hardly surprising. In terms of sizing, these shoes are pretty true to size. I take a size 10 and have slightly wider feet. I find them a little snug width and lengthwise in the toe box compared to some of my road shoes, but not to an uncomfortable level. Comfortable fit A trail shoe is a different proposition to a regular road shoe. You want to be reassured in its sturdiness and durability, but you don’t want to feel like you’re running around in clogs—tough gig! Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. The big thing with trails shoes is the extent of the compromise to comfort and speed resulting from the adaptation to perform on slippery terrain. The Vario 2’s have minimal cushioning, so these feel quite hard, particularly on firm ground.

This ability to deliver performance on harder surfaces was a key performance aim of the Vario 2. And while you wouldn’t go too far because of the firm insole, they will carry you well on hard, firm surfaces as well as on trails. One reviewer noted, if you are a biker who doesn't like to be clipped in, these shoes are a good option.

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Interestingly, these Vario 2 versions of the popular Speedcross come with laces while the standard versions have a bungee pull. I’d bought them for a cross country race that day, so I had no time to break them in. I’ve since competed in several other events and run in them socially, and they sit well with me. This is where the Vario 2 derives its character. A lighter, smoother’ more friction-based sole’ is what connects you to the ground in these.

The midsole is injected EVA foam and relatively thin compared to some more cushioned runners. It is ready for muddy stuffLacing up and first run, the shoes were excellent. They felt reasonably light, not much heavier than a road shoe. After speaking with other users, I learned that the bungee pull could be frustrating with cold hands and slippy conditions—fairly typical after a trail run. I have to say, it makes sense, and I do like the lacing option of the Vario 2. The traditional lacing system has worked well for some people allowing them to keep the shoes snug and secure. Pronounced lugs and a hard-wearing Contagrip sole make the shoe look rugged and ready for muddy stuff. Performance of the Speedcross Vario 2

Unboxing the Speedcross Vario 2’s, I found them sturdy but not too heavy. They feel rigid but not overly unwieldy and not noticeably heavier than a well-cushioned pair of road shoes. Also, the tongue position could be a little uncomfortable if it rolled around the right side. In reality, these are minimal intrusions, and once I was running, they settled fine and didn’t bother me.