Salomon XA Enduro Review

Aviemore store manager Martin Bell met up with the Salomon reps in the Cairngorms to test out the new Salomon XA Enduro running shoes along with the Bonatti Pro Jacket and Trousers.

When you first put on the Enduro shoe you immediately notice the integrated gaiter. It has a pull loop at the front and back to make it easy to get on and it keeps out debris. Our route took us along a track that was used for off-roading and for the most part under water, up a hill and through heather/boggy areas.

Along the sides of the shoe a breathable open mesh allows water to easily drain out. In fact I kept watching the shoe flex and was impressed with how quickly the water dispersed. The sole itself hasn’t got the deepest of lugs but what is does have is ‘Premium Wet Traction Contagrip’ which basically means very sticky rubber with great purchase on all surfaces.

The shoes got a real testing through mud/water/heather/rock/up and down hills and I was genuinely impressed with the grip. The way the lugs are spaced out and with the Premium Wet Traction Contagrip sole meant it gave a lot more than I was expecting.

There was plenty of cushioning with the Dual Density EVA Midsole, with the Sensifit and Quicklace systems my foot was held securely.

The XA Enduro has a 9mm drop and is wider in the forefoot than the popular Speedcross, so if you want a wide-fit, cushioned and grippy mountain running shoe then give the Salomon XA Enduro a try.

As for the Bonatti Pro Jacket and Trousers, they are very light and comfortable with plenty of stretch so you hardly know you are wearing them.

The Bonatti Pro Jacket comes in at 190g, has a full length zip, a chest pocket, hood, waist adjustment and features Pertex shield which is 20K waterproof and 20K breathable. It kept the wind/rain out with ease and the active fit/stretch meant it was another impressive piece of running clothing by Salomon.

The Bonatti Pants weighed in at 163g. You instantly noticed the ease of movement when wearing them, thanks to Salomon’s ‘Motion Fit’ (articulated joints/seams).

I purposely set off carrying the waterproof pants with the aim of seeing how easy it would be to put them on whilst out running. The zip at the bottom of the legs opened easily enough for me to get the size 11 XA Enduro shoes through whilst balancing on one leg in the wind and rain, so that’s a big plus.

As with the Bonatti Pro jacket the pants have an ‘Active Fit’ which made them nice and light to wear. They come with the same waterproofness and breathability 20K/20K as the jacket, there’s a little stow pocket at the back of the pants and both the pants and jacket have reflective safety strips on them.

All in all, I was very impressed with the new trail gear from Salomon.