Salomon is once again taking gear to another level at the Outdoor Retailer 2011 Winter Market, with a new AT ski boot that’s even more advanced than the Quest 12, and updated trail running shoes designed around the needs of elite runners, but made for you, the consumer, to use on your own adventurous trail runs.
Salomon’s ski boot line will get a whole lot more burly, as if their boots weren’t burly enough. The Quest 14 is a step above the Salomon Quest 12, with a new V-Shape cutout on the back of the lower shell for more range of motion in the upper cuff during hiking or skinning. The Magnesium Backbone locks to the V with a flip of the ski/tour mode switch. It’s a touring boot made with race-boot materials that doesn’t sacrifice performance on the ski down thanks to a true alpine flex.
Other features include a CustomFit race liner, forward pressure plate, and a thicker, insulated boot board to stiffen the sole and ensure a more precise fit. After having skied the Salomon Quest 12 boots last year (and loving them,) I’m very curious in what the Quest 14 can do on the mountain.
New in Salomon’s running-shoe world is the XR Crossmax. This training shoe is built for athletes who rack up lots of miles on the trail, and are looking for features like pronation control, stable cushioning and weather protection. There is also a neutral version for runners without pronation problems.
The XR Crossmax features the unique Climashield™ membrane, for runners who prefer lightweight breathability and quick drying over waterproof protection. Essentially, the membrane is only in the forefoot and tongue, while the back of the shoe (without membrane) acts as a vent for moisture management.
The Crossmax is a true “door-to-trail” running shoe that can tackle runs on both pavement and dirt.
The Salomon Speedcross 3 CS is a winter racing shoe with Climashield and a very aggressive tread for traction on wet, muddy, or snowy surfaces.
The Spikecross is exactly what the name implies. Here Salomon has built a shoe with embedded metal spikes in the sole’s tread for the ultimate in trail-running traction during icy conditions. The Spikecross also features Climashield for protection from winter’s wrath.
Finally from the rainbow of Salomon shoe colors and styles is the XT SLAB 4. It’s a hybrid shoe that combines the racing features of the Salomon S-Lab shoe with the stability and support of the best-selling XT Wing that you see trail runners wearing all over the Wasatch Mountains.
Salomon is also amping up their technical T-shirt and tights lines with the EXO XR 1/2 Zip Tech Tee and EXO XR Tights. The EXO XR is a base layer appropriate for winter running or even skiing. According to Salomon, “the EXO XR technology and seamless construction provides support without chaffing for training.” The light muscle support on these base layers allow the user to go longer and recover faster after a hard workout on the trail or in the mountains.
Look for these and other new products from Salomon to be released this year. Check out Salomon’s website for more.
Like the look of the speedcross3..