Comments: This shoe is well made, light, and comfortable. The sole provides great traction on technical trails and the shoe did not need a break in period. For me however, and I suspect for other forefoot strikers, the heel to toe drop was excessive and caused me to have to alter my normal gait (run with my heel higher than normal) in an effort to keep the heel from striking the ground with each step. The only other issue I found is that the sole is not very flexible on the trail which makes stepping on trail junk (roots, sticks, etc.) hazardous to your ankles. The shoe provides little flex and instead of the sole twisting to help your feet absorb the object, the whole shoe seems to tilt, with your ankle as the pivot. Turned ankles are a constant concern on rough trails in these shoes. I can't keep these as runners for fear of injury and so I have a great pair of hikers now.
From: Rob, Winter Springs, Florida
Comments: Beautiful shoe - lots of comments on cool look. Great tread which would probably take you anywhere. However, I have never had a more unstable shoe. My first clue was slightly twisting my ankle in the garage putting gas in the mower while breaking them in before Pikes Peak Marathon. Have done dozens of ultras and trail races, so I'm no newbie. These shoes have a great fit, felt good, but I believe the heel is too tall for slender heel width. Went ahead and ran PP marathon for the ninth time. Couldn't wait to get off that mountain at the end. Spent the entire downhill portion of race (13 mi) simply trying to keep from twisting both ankles. Never before had such a problem as I usually finish in the top 15 percent of runners. The damage - three black toenails and one messed up ankle. Still get lots of comments now on how good they look, though, as kick-around shoes only.
From: Jeff, Witchita, KS, USA
Comments: Great shoes for serious trail running. Very light and comfortable and I really love the lacing system. The sole is thin compared to most of my other shoes, especially in the forefoot, and you can definitely feel the trail beneath your feet - in a good way. I've worn them for short runs (about 3 miles, tops) on pavement and they were fine but I'd be concerned about going much longer on road. They are very flexible yet stable on trails and traction is excellent. I like that they look like off-road knobby tires for my feet.
From: Weldon, San Diego, CA, USA
Comments: Amazing Shoe.
From: Joey, Chicago, IL, USA
Comments: I've owned the first luminous incarnation and now the second, more muted version. Both have been great for trails, and general travel when weight is an issue. I used them for all sorts of activities in New Zealand and they stood up well despite their lightweight construction. I finally had to retire them in Switzerland due to the smell, the new ones are just as good, but I really wish I could still get a pair in the original day glow coloring, as they just rocked!
From: Will, Unknown
Comments: These shoes are one of the best pairs I have ever owned. They are especially good if you have a more narrow foot. Right out of the box, they felt like I had already broken them in. I would definitely recommend them for shorter, faster races on slippery surfaces. I just ran a 50k trail run in the mountains, and they don't provide much protection from sharp rocks under foot. All in all, a great shoe for almost every situation.
From: Daniel, Alabama
Comments: The SpeedCross 2's are the best pair of trail shoes I've ever owned. The fit out of the box is unbelievable. If you prefer fast performance trail shoes, then these are for you. I would recommend to size up 1/2 size because these are a little narrow in the forefoot. I could not believe how much cushioning these shoes have along with just enough pronation control. The traction and cornering are second to none. The lacing system is awesome because they won't loosen as you run and you don't have to worry about your shoes coming untied.
From: Rod, Carlisle, OH
Comments: I own the first incarnation Speedcross, the grey/yellow ones, in my usual size 13. Don't doubt it, they're trail-only alright. As a rookie runner, I once tried them on a 5 mile pavement run. In a hurry, before breakfast. I had not yet found out about the blessings of forefoot landing, so I got myself hurt. There actually is not damping to mention in the heels, apart from the rubber lugs. You better run on really soft soil, or master forefoot landing. The comment offered by Dan that they're awesome in snow helps me a lot, that's what I bought these for mostly, but have yet to get a good snow run in on them.
From: J, Rotterdam, Unknown
Comments:SPEEDCROSS 2. Had a pair for one year from REI. FAST. STABLE. AGILE. Have held up great, still 25% tread life left. Trail only--awsome in snow. Great traction--like a billy goat. Strong construction. Very light weight. Speed lacing has worked well. Snug fit. FAST, FAST SHOE. Just ordered my second pair from Running Warehouse for smoking deal! I will retire old ones for "daily driver"-- I get tons of compliments on their looks. My favorite shoe--excellent craftsmanship and comfortable from day one. NOTE: I wear an 11 in Mizunos, Asics and Inov8's but had to order 11-1/2 in these. Seem to be sized a little small.
From: Dan, Anchorage, AK
Comments: The SPEED CROSS 2 In one word....AMAZING! Trust me you will not find a shoe better for running trails that humans have no business running on. If you run trails that are well maintained then this is not the shoe you were looking for. Salomon makes many shoes for that kind of trail, but if your idea of trail running is something of a suicidal nature then look no farther. This shoe is made to fit kinda like a climbing shoe. many people have said go a size bigger, but this is a mistake. If you don't want the shoe ripped from your foot you had better get your size. You see the tread is so so good that once you plant your foot it will not slide at all and with a looser fit it might just come off! It's true what they say.. "A ninja could not ask for a better shoe!" Feelings while running in this piece of art: As you start up your first hill bouncing off of rocks and boulders the shoes scream at you, "Faster Fatty!" making you feel like less of a man and out of shape. On your first decline as you fly down the trail heart rate out of control eyes tearing up from the wind and using all of your senses to not trip off the next switchback in a moment of silece as you are airborne the shoes wisper.......faster......
From: Rick, Grand Junction, CO
