Salomon XR Mission W Review

MSRP $110

Weight 9.7OZ (size 7 US)

Midsole Height- 10mm/20mm

Available NOW in select stores only!

Designed specifically for women on a higher last and with more flexibility,  the world's only women-specific trail shoe is literally one of a kind. This isn't your normal "men's shoe but in women's color" trail shoe either. Both the men's and women's versions are designed differently from the ground up. At first glance, this shoe might seem like just another trail shoe but with a closer look, it's much more.

• Breathable and abrasion-resistant nylon mesh uppers feature asymmetric synthetic leather overlays that wrap and secure insteps for a precise fit
• Women-specific last ensures the shoes work with the natural shape of women's feet, enhancing comfort and efficiency
• Quicklace lacing system with friction-free eyelets takes just a single pull for a perfect fit; lace pocket hides lacing away
• Protective toe caps guard against bumps and abrasion
• Washable, removable OrthoLite® foam insoles enhance comfort
• Polyester linings quickly wick moisture away from feet for enhanced comfort
• EVA midsoles isolate you from trail impacts, and thermoplastic urethane inserts provide a barrier against sharp rocks underfoot
• OS Tendon thermoplastic urethane frames run along the outsoles of the shoes to facilitate better heel-to-toe transitions and push-off efficiency
• Contagrip LT® and Contragrip HA® combination outsoles provide solid traction and tenacious grip
• The Salomon XR Mission trail-running shoes have reflective detailing to increase visibility in low light

Below: Bottom of shoe, OS Tendon is in black from mid to front of foot.

Below: speed lacing system

Below: speed lacing in the lace pocket, also, close up of the scree guard.

Below: sensiFLEX sides of the shoes allow for natural side to side foot movement as well as provides a little extra strech for wider feet.

Below: reflective detailing helps to increase visability.

I tested the XR Mission's on two recent trail runs:

Snow and ice run: Great for all-terrain, short to mid distance runs, I took the XR Missions out for a test drive through the Garden of the Gods after a really good snow. Most of the trail had been walked on already and south facing sections were peppered with muddy spots. Due to the ice and snow, I also had to wear some STABILicers for better traction. The women's specific last provides a snug fit in the heel and midsole of the foot, but I found the toe box to be a bit roomy. I would be excited to try a 1/2 size smaller just to see if the toe box feels a little more snug. No blisters or many hot spots except for a little chafing (probably due to the roomy toe box) under both of my big toes near the ball of my foot. Scree guards are always a welcome addition on any shoes I choose, and with an integrated tongue, it really keeps out the rocks and debris! Below: our 5mi trail run took us to the Siamese Twins Trail and past these beautiful formations. Pikes Peak can be seen in the background and to the left of the rocks.

"Dry" rocky/icy run: Tonight, I took the Missions up the Manitou Springs Incline to test out their response on the quick switchbacks of the Barr Trail. Immediately on my way down the Barr, I noticed extreme tread slip from the bottom of the shoes near the heels. There was no ice at this point, and the descent was quite steep. I found myself on my heels a lot and had to modify my running style to adapt to the slip. Switching directions and stopping quickly on my toes were the strong points of this Conta/Contragrip combo tread. Halfway through the run, I had to throw on my more aggressive Kahtoola ice spikes again due to the majority of the trail being covered in ice! Same issue with the hot spots, under my big toes near the balls of my feet but that was it!

Below: Current conditions of the Manitou Springs Incline include a lot of snow and ice! Photo courtesy of Queen of the Incline, Jill S. 

Overall I really enjoy the features of this shoe: speed lacing, lace sleeve, sensiFLEX for the sides of my feet, OS tendon, women's specific last etc... I normally wear a size 10 trail shoe but these shoes felt a bit big in the toe box and a little sloppy during a muddy snow run. My toes were all over the place but arches felt supported as well as my heels. I would probably get a 1/2 size smaller if I got these shoes again. Did I mention how much I LOVE the speed lacing?!? :)

Adventure On!

~MtnMama