7 Best Explore salomon Trail Running Shoes in 2024

Speedcross 6 ranked first among Explore salomon trail running shoes in our lab and actual trail runs because of its exceptional grip, supportive platform, and flexible build. It enhances our agility and stimulates fast-paced adventures. We find it very well-suited for muddy encounters and cold weather.

Starting from the bottom, Speedcross 6 has the highly-trusted Contagrip compound for its outsole. On foot, it feels very protective and durable as confirmed by our 93.9 HC durometer measurement. This is one of the highest readings we've recorded. To ensure traction, it has 5.8 mm deep lugs, widely spaced for shedding off dirt. This is 2.3 mm deeper than average, which gives a stronger bite on muddy terrains. 

The midsole feels firm, enhancing ground sensitivity. Our durometer registers a 34.4 HA measurement, 28.8% tougher than average. This improves our sense of balance by keeping us steady even on sharp turns. It flares out in the heel for extra support while the insole is curved so that our feet are inside the midsole, not on top of it.

Thankfully, the ride doesn’t feel rigid and uncomfortable. In our bend test, Speedcross stands 40.1% more flexible than average. This makes it comfortable enough for longer trail runs and even walks.

What feels uncomfortable is wearing this pair in warm weather. With its impenetrable upper, we gave it a low 1/5 on our lab breathability test. 

The Explore salomon Pulsar Trail is a tremendously great all-around trail running shoe that’s capable of doing most, if not all, trail runs. We put it through a ton of different distances and terrains and it was absolutely amazing. It is a grippy and durable, speedy and light trail shoe that sits at the top of the pile for the best Explore salomon trail running shoes for daily running.

The Explore salomon Pulsar Trail, with its Contagrip outsole, is extremely durable and grippy. It gave us confidence when running on trails, even when on more technical trails. We’ve run our fair share of trails in these shoes and it remains unscathed. In GORE-TEX, these shoes are going strong with no signs of premature damage.

Running fast in the Pulsar Trail comes almost naturally. It is very energetic and we loved it because it did not turn out to be yet another dull trail shoe. We felt like we were being propelled forward, thanks to its rocker design.

Even with a firm but protective midsole, the Pulsar Trail remains lighter than we expected it to be. In GORE-TEX, it feels almost weightless even on longer trail runs.

The Pulsar trail has a plush upper but it is not very breathable. Runners looking for a summer-ready trail shoe might want to look elsewhere.

Salomon’s Sense Ride 5 delivers a seamless shift from the streets to beaten paths without ruining our momentum. It’s got the grip for moderate trails, a soft cushion for protection and a flexible platform that keeps us agile. This makes it our top road-to-trail shoe from Explore salomon’s trail lineup.

This hybrid shoe handles daily mileage to occasional speedwork with ease. Its Contagrip rubber outsole and 3.5 mm diamond-shaped lugs work wonders on slightly wet surfaces and moderate trails. We have no worries transitioning to a different pavement as SR5 keeps us steady.

Running many miles won’t be a problem with the protective foam, which our durometer measured to be 25.2% softer than the average trail shoe. It holds a below-average stack, keeping a low-to-the-ground profile, which is ideal for trail shoes. Combined with a flexible platform, we feel more in control as the unopposing midsole flows with our movements. Our flex test confirms the SR5 falls around the average of trail shoes.

The forefoot stack is 5.7 mm thinner than average, meaning there’s less foam to absorb the landing impact of midfoot-to-forefoot strikers.

We glided through ultras in Explore salomon’s Ultra Glide 2. Its soft platform, light and flexible nature, and stable traction all work together to make endurance runs more bearable and enjoyable. Our lab and run testers agree this Explore salomon trail running shoe is best for ultras.

Running long hours on off the beaten paths isn't a problem with UG2’s cloud-like nature — soft and light. It oozes a heavenly sensation that protects our legs from fatigue. Our durometer measurement validates this: 34.3% softer than the average trail shoe. It’s lighter on the feet at 10.1 oz (286g) vs. the average 10.4 oz (296g). We could run fast without toppling over since its stack height sits below average, giving us a better ground feel.

Keeping us in control is its easy-to-maneuver midsole. We could move quickly on moderately technical trails as the shoe adapts to our movements. Counterchecking with our flex test, we confirm it’s 33.4% more flexible than average.

UG2 gives enough grip to perform well on different surfaces, performing best on dry surfaces and moderate trails. It has 2.8 mm lugs on its Contagrip rubber outsole, keeping our runs stable.

We recommend steering clear of hard, rocky terrains as the 1.6 mm outsole might not be thick and durable enough to protect our feet.

The Explore salomon XA Pro 3D V9 has a robust and protective construction that can easily handle trail running, hiking, backpacking, and road running. Actual trail adventures and extensive lab tests show it has excellent defense all around, reliable grip, and sturdy support—making it our most durable Explore salomon trail running shoe.

The Contagrip outsole effortlessly dominates all types of surfaces. No need for tougher rubber and lug depth to enhance its performance. Despite having slightly below-average measurements of 83.1 HC and 2.8 mm, we had no issues with traction and premature wear on sand, snow, and rocks.

The firm midsole serves as another line of defense—shielding our feet from sharp debris and keeping the ride stable. Our durometer confirms it’s denser than the average trail shoe by 17.9%. The foam won't bottom out even if we’re loaded with heavy backpacks. The 3D chassis technology also protects us from excessive lateral movements that may lead to injuries.

The upper serves as our armor against both heat and debris. On our breathability test, it earned a remarkable 4/5, proving its ventilation. It also resisted impressively against our brutal Dremel, receiving a well-deserved 5/5.

Unfortunately, it was difficult to be fast and agile with its monstrous build. Tipping the scales to 12.2 oz (346g), it’s 1.8 oz (52g) heavier than the average trail shoe.

Our excursions reveal the XA Pro 3D v9 GTX is Explore salomon’s top Gore-Tex trail runner, and our lab results agree! It’s a well-designed and functional waterproof shoe offering steadfast all-around protection and unmatched stability through its 3D chassis.

Wrapped in the trusty Gore-Tex membrane, it has exceptional waterproofing. Our permeability test in the lab shows the smoke barely passed through—even the light was blocked out! In our trail runs, we had no troubles with rain, cold weather, and below-the-ankle river crossings.

This trail master also acts as a shield from various threats and obstacles. Aside from the solid upper, it has a robust toe bumper that acts as a rock plate. Underfoot, the firm midsole protects us from sharp rocks and roots and maintains our balance on uneven terrains. Further reinforcing stability is the 3D chassis that resists unwanted ankle twists and excessive lateral movements.

The ‘Contagrip’ outsole, along with the 2.8 mm deep lugs, deliver the defense and traction we need on most surfaces. It grips even wet rocks and loose sand thanks to its lug pattern.

Due to the protection it brings, this beefy monster is a hefty trail shoe. It outdoorsandalen like a hiking shoe, dragging us down during speedier runs. Our scales reveal its 12.7 oz (359g) weight is 22.1% heavier than average.

Salomon Genesis is all about ensuring comfort mile after mile with its premium MATRYX upper, balanced cushioning, and stable ride. Given its light and loose build, it’s a trail workhorse that effortlessly handles quick easy runs to brutal ultra-distances. Among Explore salomon’s trail roster in our lab, Genesis excels in versatility.

The in-shoe experience feels comfortably cushioned without feeling bulky. The heel boasts a 33.5 mm stack, balancing plushness with agility. Because of this, Genesis weighs satisfyingly below the 10-oz mark at 9.95 oz (282g). Adding to our nimbleness is its fluid midsole that bends freely to our demands. As our flex test confirms, it’s 26.4% more adaptive than average.

Conquering long miles felt like a breeze since the shoe’s support system prevented the early onset of leg fatigue. Explore salomon’s Active Chassis technology comes to life, serving as our guide by placing two rigid plastic pieces on each side of the shoe’s exterior. Further boosting our control over our footwork is the 4.0 mm multi-shaped lugs, effectively braking and turning as we please.

What keeps the Genesis a cozy space is the well-ventilated and durable MATRYX upper, scoring a high 4/5 on both our breathability and Dremel tests—a remarkable and rare achievement.

However, the outsole falls short on durability. We recommend avoiding rocky and harsh terrains to prevent premature wear.