Customer Reviews Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GORE-TEX®

Had high hopes for this model. I've had a similar model for over 5 years and feels like a glove on my feet. This version is very stiff. Feels like I'm wearing boxes on my feet. However, the plus is you want to have sturdy shoes especially when trail walking or hiking. I also love the killer looks, and goes well with most jeans and casual pants. Would I buy again? Probably yes, for its Gore-tex and long life. (Not sure if the place of manufacturing has anything to do with it, but noticed my older pair is made in China, and these are made in Vietnam). I'm just sayin'.

First and foremost; love these shoes. Now, an explanation so you can decide for yourself if they are for you. Live in the Bay Area (San Francisco) of CA. It doesn't get too cold or too wet too often here. However, when it does, I always found that my feet would be cold and/or wet all day long. I walk fast, super fast, whenever I am alone, and I don't stop for puddles; I plow through them. My Keen casual-looking shoes I always liked the style and fit of, but they didn't keep my feet warm or dry. My brother (who is in Seattle) recommended these. Perfect. My feet have been warm and dry since I put them on. True, you can feel the "breathing" of the Gortex material, meaning that my feet might feel like air is blowing on them, and yet, my feet are still warm. The wacky lacing system on them is a bit overdone, and too long too, the excess (after tightening) flops around as I walk at my fast pace, but I don't let it bother me since, again; my feet are warm and dry. I hope these last since I HATE shopping, and I HATE spending so much on shoes. These were/are worth it to me, but they had better last longer than my Keens so that I feel I get my money's worth. Style-wise, I'd prefer that these looked more simplistic, muted colors and such, but I don't care, 'cause my feet are warm and dry!

Overall I really like this shoe. When I put it on, compared to others, it felt right. Having said that, after getting out and walking outside, I began to notice few things: 1. The collar is somewhat higher and rubs against the inner knob of my ankle - I only noticed this after some real walking outside, not the insider pacing around. However, after getting these shoes out on the trail, they broke in and the problem has gone away. 2. The arch is really pronounced and somewhat further back that what feels natural; again, once I got out and really used them on the trail, this has proven to be a non-issue. 3. Given that the other two issues were simply "breaking-in" related, this is probably the most significant negative I have about the shoe. That is, the sole is too "slippery" on rocks and roots. What I mean is that I have had your basic Vibram, black rubber soles and never slipped on surfaces the way these do. The materials is somewhat hard and does not seem to flex around the contours of surfaces and grip the way Vibram soles do. Other than that, these are top quality shoes and very comfortable once they are broken in.

I REALLY like these shoes! The are comfortable, have good tread and keep my feet dry! I really like these shoes, and wouldn't hesitate to repurchase if and when needed. They feel really durable, I just wish they came in more color options (reason for "4 stars Style"). They are perfect for Spring, Fall and Winter. They would be too hot for summer, and because they are water proof, they do make my feet sweat a little. My only minor complaint is... (even when the soles are dry) they seem to have acquired a little squeak when the shoe bends (reason for "Over All 4 stars"). Great shoes, if debating, try it! Zappos return policy is simple and easy. Great shoes for trails, walking, working or whatever else you need shoes for!

I was looking for a tough waterproof shoe that I could use for mountain biking and my search brought me to this pair from Salomon. Since most of my riding is offroad, my requirements were quite specific. I wanted something that had good lugs to maintain traction on uneven, dry and at times slippery surfaces. I also wanted a shoe that would have some toe/heel protection. And finally it had to be reasonably waterproof for those times when I had to step in the water. These shoes have been put through the rigors of mountain biking and they have held up pretty well. They are quite stiff out of the box and after having worn them 20-25 times, the stiffness still exists. Am not sure if they will soften or remain the same. The lace system is not the greatest and I had to apply some wax to smooth the strings out. It could use some improvement.

I owned two identical pairs of the prior version of this shoe, Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GORE-TEX (this is the "Ultra 2"). I loved my old shoes - my two pairs lasted me six years (mainly because I couldn't find a suitable shoe to replace them with). They fit perfectly out of the box, with a good mix of softness and support and provided a generous toe box for my wide feet. Then they obviously redesigned the shoes for production cost savings and ended up taking a big step backwards. The sole material feels stiff and thin, there is no cushion - you feel every stone in the trail. I still love the quicklace system - so much easier and more secure. And the waterproofness is great. But the shoe fit is a big "meh."

I have owned the same pair of shoes for about two years. I wear them for work which is usually wet and dirty. They always seem to (blow out) rip where the toe bends. But I like the look and style so I bought another pair. Just wish they would hold up better!

After reading reviews I purchased these shoes. I had read where people wore these for work and said they get a year out or more out of them I have had these shoes for four yes four months and the soles are wore off of them. There is no more tread left on the bottom. I work on my feet all day in a wet environment they kept my feet dry and are super comfortable they have worn evenly just way to fast for my liking.

These are very unforgiving shoes that did not break in quickly. I walked over 100 miles before giving up and buying another brand. The lacing system is great, but the toe box is too narrow for moderately wide feet and does not give much, even after repeated wearings over long distances.

Shoes look nice and walk decent, but durability is quite low, like most other Salomon shoes I had. With this type, the quick lace system completely cut through the fabric after several months, leaving big holes behind.

After 2 years of moderate use, there is a hole forming at the edge of the toe box and the outsole is starting to peel away. At this price, my expectation was for a longer life. Maybe my standards are too high?

Love the look and comfort. True to size. But lacing system will not stay tight. Will be replacing with a different system as there is plenty of life left in the shoe. Very rugged, yet lightweight. Other than the laces, the only regret I have is getting the Gore-Tex version since I recently relocated to a warm climate from Chicago.

While I don't dislike the shoe, it is definitely not a favorite at this point. It's just so much heavier, bulkier and hotter than the Merrell shoes I've had the last few times. I do really like the footbed in the shoe, it conforms very nicely to my foot. Haven't had a problem with the lacing system but I've only had them for a couple months now.

These are not my favorite Salomon's. They are comfortable and the Gore-Tex is okay, but they are very hard and not very forgiving. I enjoy wearing them on cold days to work, but would not recommend them for trial running.

These shoes would have been perfect had it not been for the lacing system. I love the styling, the construction seems solid, and there was adequate support/comfort. Unfortunately, the laces are like wires that cut into the top of my foot, and no matter what I tried, I couldn't get the laces to stay tightened. Also, I didn't like the fact that should the lacing system break, there is no repairing/replacement options, rendering these expensive shoes useless. Wish they would've worked out, I'm switching to Patagonia.

A little stiff and may have needed a break-in, however I would not be able to find out. The heel would slip although I laced it as tight as I could and wore sweat socks. I couldn't risk finding out if it would not rub my heel raw after a long walk. They were light as a feather, sure wish they would've worked for me.

I've owned three pairs of this Salomon model shoe, and I've worn them year-round in all weather conditions thanks to the Gore-Tex. The fit is perfect for me. I probably won't buy them again for two reasons: 1) The lacing system is wonderful and enhances comfort, but is notorious for breaking down the lower loop. I have had to replace laces when they fray also, but the kicker is when the lower loop rips. This renders the shoe useless. I wish they would redesign (please!) this part of the shoe to withstand the punishment of the quicklace system. I'd buy a pair every year if they did. Maybe make it more like the Exit Peak GTX model? 2) The sole does not wear well over time either. I'd like to see another material used for increased durability. I admit that I love these shoes, but they simply do not hold up. Since this whole line fits me so well, I will try Salomon's other models.

If it wasn't for the fact that all Salomon shoes seem to be designed for people with narrow feet, I love the look and rugged toe cap on these shoes. I wear a size 11. The 11 was too narrow in the toe box, but the 11½ was perfect in the toe box, but overall too long. The flex spot for bending the sole was off on the 11½. If you have a very short big toe, or feet that are pointy, these shoes might be perfect for you. I personally hate shoes that taper in and cut off space for the big toe. The shoes would be nicer if they were just slightly wider. Aesthetically, they should be slightly wider in the soles too. They do not look very meaty when you are wearing them looking down, they look narrower than my New Balance Trail Runners. I am used to wearing tactical boots and running shoes, so when I put them on and looked down at the top, their narrowness made affected the styling by making them look less aggressive and too feminine.

I have had a pair of the Salomon XA Pro Goretex trail shoes for 18 months. I bought them for their style, fit and waterproofing. They were my everyday shoes on a worldwide trek. I've worn them exclusively for weeks on end, often hiking or walking in them 10 to 15 miles a day. I picked them as a lightweight less bulky alternative to both running shoes and hiking boots. I knew they were a compromise but in hindsight I would not select them again. Like others have reported the outer material of the shoes has worn through anywhere the laces touch the fabric. This has left the shoes with numerous spots on the toe and tongue where moisture can now seep in. In addition, the waterproof nature of the shoes does not allow them to breathe. The shoes quickly picked up a sour smell. In extended wear my feet sweat and the shoes trap moisture. The lack of much arch support has exacerbated an existing knee problem. On rough terrain the soles transmit blows from broken ground and rocks and the shoes provide no ankle support. Finally the lacing system wore out fairly quickly. The outer cover of the kevlar laces frayed preventing the laces from sliding up and tightening the shoe. The laces are impossible to find in many developing places and are difficult to replace without the spare parts and instructions and tools including a lighter. I wanted to love these shoes. For the price I expected better fit and durability. For casual use I think they would be ok. For serious hiking and trekking they have not worked for me.

I love the shoes but, the soles separated after 10 months. Zappos replaced them but said they were replacing them and not Salomon and it was a one time deal. Thank you, Zappos. 10 months later the sole are separating big time on both shoes again. They provide great support and are very water proof but I should not have to epoxy the soles back on such shoes after 10 months!

These shoes couldn't even stand 6 months of average use. The exterior rapidly wears apart leaving you with holes in your shoes.

These sneakers run really small and narrow. Got mens size 8 wide, no good (I wear a women's 9 1/2 wide). Ordered mens wide 8.5, no good also.