Racing shoes
Product 2021
Woman, Man
We’ve plenty to say about this Salomon S/Lab Cross. This shoe combines a certain minimalism and a stylish technicality. Firstly, there is the construction, on a Matryx-mesh base and there’s virtually no seams. With the integrated stretchy gaiter, the shoe has a very fluid form, extremely snug fitting.
The first surprise comes when you put them on: it’s very easy! When we saw the height of the gaiter and the untraditional opening we immediately assumed they would be difficult to get on, it wasn’t the case at all. The Salomon S/Lab Cross slips on like a sock. The traditional Quiklace and a minimalist storage pocket for the excess laces are ever present. You need thin fingers to handle the pocket.
The gaiter surrounds the ankle and prevents most intrusions from foreign bodies: effective, comfortable, and easy to use. The term “comfort” curiously returns constantly to this Salomon S/Lab Cross, not about the outer sole but about the very soft overall foot envelopment: you don’t experience any uncomfortable stitching or pressure points. That said, don’t expect strong foot support from the upper. It is very flexible. Torsional stiffness is low, and the stride is very fluid.
As the Salomon S/Lab Cross is designed for soft and wet terrain, it fulfills its function: you retain great proprioception, permanent contact with the terrain, as well as great grip.
Although it isn’t designed for it, we ran it on technical, mountainous terrain with stony sections. The overall comfort deteriorates, and you can feel stones underfoot. Also, as there is very little cushioning (because it is designed for soft ground) you will suffer if you heel strike. The drop is 4mm. On hard ground you can feel the lugs under the heel, nothing really annoying if you don’t do long distances (this is not what the Salomon S/Lab Cross is designed for anyway).
The lightness of the Salomon S/Lab Cross was very appreciated: we weighed it at 230g in size 42 2/3.
You can’t test the Salomon S/Lab Cross without talking about its grip. Its grip is even more powerful as the sole does not clog with mud. The lug geometry has been revised on this model. It works perfectly in damp areas and on rock slabs. The outer sole does wear out quite quickly, probably a consequence of the soft rubber.
The sole is not wide at the heel, almost a Salomon trademark. Combined with the “soft” and high lugs, you get a slight roll.
Last but not least, be careful when choosing your socks, with a shoe with this kind of snug-fit, it would be a shame to opt for thick socks.
The Salomon S/Lab Cross is a very good lightweight shoe that targets wet terrain and short distances. Both very elaborate in its construction and comfortable, it is aimed at runners who are very precise in their foot placement.
19 mm4 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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