Quick and Dirty:

  • Salomon Thundercross GTX Blue Fire Unisex Trail Running Shoes
  • My Unicorn Running shoe! 
  • Price: $160
  • Weight: 300g
  • Color available in store: Black / Surf The Web / Safety Yellow (as seen in image)
  • Pros: Grippy, durable, comfortable over long distances
  • Cons: Not the lightest option out there! Can be on the narrower side for some people 
  • Stats: Salomon quick lace system, 4mm drop, 5mm lug depth, 31mm stack height
  • Jan is wearing a different product color in the product review


Review:

I’ve been on the hunt for a new do-it-all running shoe for several months, something suitable to get me through summer adventure runs and beyond. I wanted something durable, with good traction, that would be comfortable over runs longer than 25 miles. The Thundercross GTX are the full package deal!

When I started my first run in the Thundercross I could hear the soles gripping the pavement. Then, as I reached the steep gravel section I felt them grip rather than slip back like almost every other pair of running shoes I’ve tried (La Sportiva Mutants being the exception!) I finished that first run about 5 minutes faster than my run the day before, faster than my average daily run, and the next run was even faster! As much as I would love to say I’m getting faster, well…I’m still workin’ on it, so I will give the shoes most of the credit.

Their amazing grip and comfort over short distances had me excited to get the Thundercross out into the wild to see if they would perform as well over a longer run, specifically on loose rocky terrain and trails, so I headed to the Mountains! After 35 miles and approximately 5500 feet of elevation gain around Middle and North Sisters, up/down rocky and scree slopes, across snow, even a raging steam crossing, the performance and grip of the Thundercross did not disappoint, and they were still as comfortable at mile 35 as mile 1. No knee pain, no blisters and no hotspots! Next up, experiencing how the GTX upper and grippy soles perform during Fall in the PNW! Since it’s finally raining, this isn’t too far on the horizon! 

  
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Who it’s for:

Anyone who is seeking a durable, grippy trail running shoe that is comfortable over long distances. 


Similar Products:

Salomon Speedcross 6
The traction of the Speedcross in mud and snow can’t be beat by much except maybe studded shoes or microspikes, but they are quite a bit stiffer than the Thundercross.  In my experience, my feet and knees get a bit tired after more than 15 miles, which is understandable given the 10mm drop of the Speedcross. 

 La Sportiva Mutant
I’m still a big fan of this one, but my feet get tired by mile 25, that doesn’t happen in the Thundercross!  

Arc Teryx Norvan LD, LD2 and LD3
They all have amazing confort over long distances and I have put thousands of miles on I don’t even know how many pairs of these shoes, but the equal comfort and superior grip of the Thundercross wins.

Hoka Speedgoat 6
The comfort is great over long distances, but I prefer the lower stack height of the Thundercross. 


Products to pair:

Territory Run Co Long Haul Shorts

Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie

Darn Tough Prism running socks

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles