| Overall rating | (211 reviews) |
This lightweight, all-conditions tactical boot is designed for pushing the limits, every day. Based on Salomon's iconic racing XA PRO 3D, this Special Forces boot is ultradurable in every way – from the stitching to the outsole and waterproof GORE TEX membrane – offering stability and comfort.
Weight: 675g (UK 8.5)
SOLE CONSTRUCTION
Outsole: Contagrip® MA
Midsole: Dual density midsole • EnergyCell
Chassis: 3D Advanced Chassis ™ •Puncture resistant
UPPER
Upper material: Anti-debris Mesh • Non-reflective materials • Nubuck leather 2mm thick • Single layer Mesh • Water Repellant
Upper construction: Gusseted tongue • Lace pocket • Protective toecap • SensiFit™ • Protective mudguard • Medial protective pad • Closed hooks
LINING
Lining material: Mesh and textile lining
Membrane: GORE-TEX
FIT
Sockliner: Molded OrthoLite®
Lacing system: Regular laces
Anatomical fit: Standard fit
Sstack height: 21mm/11mm
ISO 20347:2012
| C0259 ex02 - SALOMON SAS - N°0075-729-161-02-20-0259 EXT 02-03-20.pdf |
| Decl_conf_XA_FORCES_8_GTX_EN_SS21.pdf |
| Overall rating | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
— Show original| Overall rating |
After a couple of weeks of use, these are great shoes. The overall feel of the shoes is very tight. The shoe feels like it's licking your foot from almost every direction and for a while I considered changing them to a larger size. However, I believe I made the right decision when I wore these because despite the tight feeling, the shoes haven't rubbed anywhere, which would indicate that the size is just right. I wouldn't wear anything thicker than regular socks with these, though. It's possible that I wouldn't even be able to fit my feet in them with wool socks.
I have slightly flat feet and these shoes apparently have some kind of support insoles built in. I don't know if they're the right kind, but after a couple of weeks of use, I'd say that the support is a really nice thing. My previous shoes didn't have any design in the insoles, which is why these were a bit of a shock at first. In the first few days, the shoes even caused a little pain and aching in the soles of the feet, but now either the feet or the shoes have adapted to each other. Assuming that the design of the insoles is properly supportive of the foot, I would say that the support provided by the shoes is only a plus. Of course, you can always get loose support insoles, but not all shoes fit them. And even if you do, they may not stay in place properly (especially half-insoles). In that sense, good built-in support insoles are a good addition.
The only real minus I would give the shoes is the tongue in the front, which I think is too narrow at the top. When you put the shoes on and tie the laces, there is a clear air gap on both sides of the upper part between the tongue and the actual shaft of the shoes. I don't know if it's intended for ventilation of the feet or for some other reason, but I think the end result looks really strange. Fortunately, that doesn't matter in the end because the shafts of the shoes usually stay hidden under the legs of the pants. Maybe if you ever step into a deeper puddle, water will get into the shoes more easily because of that. Of course, these are not intended as rubber boots.
The laces that come standard with the shoes are controversial. The laces are somewhat flexible, which makes them a bit strange to use, and I think the flexibility makes them difficult to tie. However, I do appreciate the small pockets at the top of the laces, where you can stuff the laces after they have been tied. First of all, the pockets make the end result look neater, and they also help the laces stay tied. A really successful detail, and I would like to see a lace pocket like that in all my other shoes.
I can't say anything about the durability of the shoes yet, because that will only become clear with time. These are clearly assembled with glue, which is the basic bulk stuff that shoes are made with these days. However, the overall impression is high-quality and I think the shoes will last me for years.
I recommend the shoes unless you like to have a little air inside the shoes for example for wool socks. These shoes feel quite narrow and they are clearly made to be very tight and supportive of the foot. These are good things but not everyone will like them.| Overall rating |
Based on the first bite of a month, it's a pretty decent shoe for daily use, in urban environments and a little outside of them. The water has stayed out, and the socks haven't been wet from sweat. It's fine in mild frosts, but in harder frosts I think the toes can get cold. Despite the length of the shaft, the support for the ankles is not exceptional, although the primary purpose of these is probably not hiking. The grip of the sole in wet conditions seems to be decent.
I personally found the shoe to fit my foot best one size larger than usual, and there's plenty of room for a slightly thicker sock.