Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Review

Overview

The XA Pro 3D V9 is Salomon’s long-running crossover shoe, a trail runner with a hiker’s chassis, a reinforced upper and a pull-cord lacing system that has become the brand’s signature. It suits backpackers who want support and protection on rough ground without stepping up to a boot. The trade-off is feel: this is a firm, structured shoe, and it makes no attempt to compete with the cushioned, flexible runners that dominate long-trail footwear.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	601 g per pair (manufacturer spec)
Heel-to-toe drop	11 mm
Stack height	28.7 mm heel / 17.3 mm forefoot
Waterproof	No (a separate GTX version exists)
Outsole	All Terrain Contagrip
Chassis	3D Advanced Chassis
Lacing	Quicklace
Best for	Rough trails, off-camber terrain, loaded day hikes and multi-day trips

Performance

Stability and support. The chassis is the point of this shoe. Treeline Review’s testers, who ran the GTX version over rooty, rocky coastal trails, singled out the firm chassis as giving more control than most running-based hybrids. Better Trail’s reviewer found a planted, off-camber confidence that suited loose terrain better than smooth, high-mileage trail. In Bears Ears the shoe handled canyon boulder-hopping, sand and slickrock scrambling with a multi-day pack on. RunRepeat’s testers called it incredibly stable and supportive, with surprisingly little stiffness in the forefoot for a shoe with this much structure.

Cushioning and comfort. This is where the V9 divides reviewers. The ride is firm and the upper is thick. Better Trail’s tester, who normally wears Altra Timps, reported foot fatigue at the end of each day and rated comfort 2.5 out of 5. Switchback Travel’s Patagonia testers found it lacks the plush feel of modern trail runners, though it fills a niche for people who want a traditional hiking-shoe experience at low weight. Owners who come from older XA Pro models, or who walk on mixed surfaces, tend to be happier. REI’s reviewers rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 386 reviews, and several describe a roomy toe box and no break-in. RunRepeat’s lab, by contrast, found the upper stiff enough to need breaking in.

Traction. The All Terrain Contagrip outsole has medium-depth lugs in a conventional pattern. Treeline’s testers found it steady and predictable on dirt and gravel, and adequate for braking on steep, loose sections. They would want more bite for something like the Stawamus Chief’s granite. Better Trail noted the rubber is less grippy than Salomon’s Megagrip compound on rock and soft ground, though the lugs feel firmer and more durable than those on softer-lugged trail runners. Owners in mountain terrain still report confident grip both up and down.

Protection and durability. The reinforced toe cap and overlays give the shoe a tank-like feel, according to RunRepeat, and the Quicklace system causes no lace bite. Better Trail logged about 200 miles with no significant wear, though it also said the materials feel cheap and show wear quickly. One owner of the wide GTX version expects the instep fabric to tear eventually where the Quicklace cord exits diagonally. Many repeat buyers, some on their fifth pair, describe the shoe as durable.

Quicklace and fit. The pull-cord system is quick to use and stays tied, and the excess cord tucks into a pocket on the tongue where it stays clear of brush. It is also polarizing. One of Treeline’s testers felt odd pressure points under it. The shoe fits true to size for most testers. Owners replacing a V8 report that the V9 is narrower and runs a little short, and one could no longer fit custom orthotics. Treeline notes that the wide option exists only in the men’s range. Because it is not waterproof, the standard V9 breathes better and cools more easily than the GTX version, but the thick upper still dries more slowly than a thin-mesh runner.

Weight. Salomon’s listed 601 g per pair is competitive for this much structure. RunRepeat’s lab weighed a single men’s shoe at 12.2 oz (346 g). Its testers called the shoe a little heavy, but said the protection justified it.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Firm 3D chassis gives stable, planted footing on loose and off-camber ground
• Tough, protective upper and toe cap
• Quicklace is fast, stays tied and has no lace bite
• Non-waterproof build is more breathable than the GTX
• Contagrip outsole is predictable on dirt, gravel and mixed terrain
• Roomy toe box for many owners; a wide option is available in men’s

Cons

• Firm ride and limited cushioning can cause fatigue over long, smooth miles
• Upper feels dated, thick and slow to dry
• Contagrip is less sticky on wet rock than Megagrip
• The V9 runs narrower and shorter than earlier versions, according to some owners
• Quicklace creates pressure points for some feet, and the instep fabric is a possible wear point
• Heavier and more structured than most thru-hiker trail runners

Who Should Buy This

The V9 suits hikers who have outgrown flimsy mesh runners and want more support, underfoot protection and structure, but not the weight or slow drying of a leather boot. That includes scramblers, loaded-pack hikers, and anyone covering rocky, loose or off-camber ground. It also suits people who have worn XA Pro models before and like the fit. Thru-hikers logging big days on smooth, graded trail, and anyone who wants a cushioned, flexible ride, should look at a softer trail runner. Wet-climate hikers who want to keep their feet dry should look at the GTX version.

Verdict

The XA Pro 3D V9 is a stable, protective shoe at a reasonable weight, and it is a good choice for rough terrain and loaded packs. It is a poor choice if you want comfort over long smooth miles. Buy it for the chassis and the toughness, not for plushness.