SALOMON, the renowned sports brand specializing in the world of mountain and trail running makes a foray into less rugged terrain with a line of clothing and footwear that aims to bridge the gap between such different environments as asphalt and mountain. In this case we have the X-SCREAM to test.
At least yes, to encourage us to discover trails that we have very close to us, starting from the hard cement of the city, attacking the obstacles that we find there and moving on to different surfaces that, without being very technical, appreciate an appropriate shoe that adapts well throughout the training.
The design of the shoe already anticipates this intention to pass with flying colors wherever we take them. At first glance we might think that it is an asphalt model, but a little more robust where the toe reinforcement and a powerful EVA midsole with a 9 mm drop stand out. It incorporates the classic QuickLace lacing system, which you soon get used to, with a pocket on the tongue where you can store them and forget about them during training.
The upper fabric seems to be resistant to rubbing and bumps while at the same time comfortable and breathable. A simple, but correct insole covers the seams and the arch of the heel area is designed to protect and stabilize during the race.
The outsole lugging is not as prominent as in the mountain models and the flexibility is a bit tight, perhaps a little less stiffness is needed. The final weight for a size 10 USA barely exceeds 310 grams.
As soon as we put them on to start training, most of our first impressions are confirmed. The fit is very comfortable, its wide last allows not to have a feeling of suffocation in the foot, but at the same time that nothing is left over; it has space where it is needed, heel fit and stability. The upper fabric itself and the SENSIFLEX system incorporated in strategic lateral points try to help a good fit and the effect of testing an almost asphalt.
On this surface it behaves really well, with remarkable cushioning and responsiveness; it feels comfortable on urban stretches and you even forget what you are wearing. The toe cap reinforcement does not bother, not even on downhill sections when the toes slide towards it with each step, but I miss a little more flexibility to better adapt to all kinds of obstacles that we want to attack as stairs and slopes or when we go out to other types of surfaces.
The grip is good in the city and also does not penalize the transition as long as it is dry, but certainly insufficient in the wet, which causes insecurity when making turns, changes of direction and sudden movements under certain weather conditions.
When changing to trails and tracks, it demonstrates its versatility, highlighting its studied and successful adaptation. On these surfaces, as long as they are not very technical, is where I think you can take advantage of its full potential: good fit, comfort and protection; the contact with the ground is safe and the transition is balanced to favor the subsequent take-off.
On more difficult surfaces that we find occasionally in these outings does not fail, keeps the type all reasonably well that can be asked although here also plays an important role the runner's own experience and technique when moving between rocks or rough terrain.
The X-SCREAM invites you to have fun, to take away the fear of leaving the asphalt and discover those nearby places for which we need versatility and adaptation in order to enjoy them.
With this first model for what SALOMON has baptized as City-Trail they have marked a path to develop a product that can have its place and its reason for being.
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