The Salomon XA Pro 3D is my go footwear anytime I’m hiking, trail running or working outside in questionable terrain or weather. Read more to learn how I have tested this shoe throughout the years.
About Salomon
Founded in 1947, Salomon is a company whose purpose is to help people unleash the best version of themselves through fulfilling outside sports experience. MAN – if that does align with Price-Points, I don’t know what does. The company makes shoes, clothing, accessories, and a plethora of other items for men, women and children. Since the company started in heart of the French Alps, they tend to focus on colder, winter-ish items.
Salomon XA Story
The Salomon XA Pro 3D launched back in spring of 2005. Salomon spent 2 years working closely with elite athletes to develop this shoe, and it shows how great this product development team was given the longevity of this shoe line.
Personal Experience
Now, I’m no elite athlete but I do wear the hell out of these shoes. In fact, my current pair have been with me since 2019 and they’re still going strong! These shoes have survived a couple of trips to Alaska, the Appalachian Mountains and an epic trip to Iceland!
Two Continents One Shoe: Salomon XA in Iceland
Back in 2019, I took a vacation of a lifetime by going to Iceland. This was a trip I’d wanted to do since taking Viking History in college (shout out to Dr. Jim Ward) and I was finally able to make the voyage to the land of vikings.
Before I ventured to the island of ice, I wanted to make sure I was fully ready fully prepared. After doing my homework, the goal was to hike as much as possible and I needed footwear that is waterproof and comfortable. Due to my personal preference, I decided to opt out wearing boots and wanted a trail shoe. Now, I had only ran a couple of trail runs prior to this, so my knowledge was limited when it came to trail runners. I reached out to a couple of friends who are avid trail runners, and they highly recommended Salomon XA Pro 3D. Fortunately, my friends were right! I quickly learned these shoes were not only waterproof but felt pretty comfortable.
When I say I wore these shoes all over Iceland, I really mean it. My trip was a total of 8 days and not once did I wear another pair of shoes. These stayed on while walking the streets of Reykjavik and Borgarnes. The shoes kept me warm while hiking inside a glacier and through a snow-covered beach. They were also stylish enough that I could wear them while out eating and visiting other local establishments.
These shoes truly helped make my trip to Iceland and memorable one!
Long Lasting Hiking Shoe
Now, the trip to Iceland was a few years ago, and I’m still rocking the same shoe in 2023. It is my go-to hiking option, and I occasionally swap out to these shoes due to:
- Short, summer waterfall hikes where I opt for chacos.
- Situations where I’m resting my calves after a long race or run, and I slip on hiking boots.
- Trying out new shoes based on solid recommendations.
These shoes continue to withstand a variety of hiking conditions. My Salomon XA trail shoes allow me to hike fun sections of the Appalachian Trail, hit up my favorite state and national parks, and add to my personal mileage of the Great Eastern Trail in spots like Pine Mountain and the Cumberland Trail.
If you can’t already tell, I highly recommend the Salomon XA Pro3D series. If you interested in getting your own pair, check out this affiliate link to Amazon. You won’t regret it!
Get Your Pair Now
If you can’t already tell, I highly recommend the Salomon XA Pro3D series. If you interested in getting your own pair, check out Solomon’s website or select the link below this message. You won’t regret it!