The Salomon X-Scream 3D marks the trail running brand’s first attempt to create a hybrid road shoe. Salomon’s blends many of its trademark trail running features (quick lace system, toe protector and trail technologies) into the X-Scream 3D to target urban runners. For Salomon, this means a niche market of runners who train on a variety of surfaces from pavement to gravel, grass or stairs. Salomon combined its SensiFit upper—an adaptive system designed to securely cradle the foot—with the Salomon EndoFit inner to create an extremely secure upper. A dual density midsole with thin TPU horseshoe shaped film creates multidirectional stability. Both compressed and injected EVA produced firm cushioning.

Comfort
The overall fit of the Salomon X-Scream 3D is narrow from heel cup to forefoot. Most testers found forefoot hotspots and heel blisters after longer runs. The upper consists of welded overlays, airy mesh with only minimal stitched seams. The quick lace system reminded us of Salomon’s trail shoes and proved one of the best lacing system we tested. Internally a gusseted tongue and three-quarter sock liner provided plenty of room and cushioned lace tension.

Speed
At 10.7 ounces, the heavy Salomon X-Scream 3D was not made for speed. A rigid midsole provided a stable platform for propulsion yet turn over was sluggish.

Responsiveness
The offset felt higher than reported, but that could be because we were testing pre-production samples which may have been slightly off the listed specs. Heel strikers reported a slapping sensation from heel strike to flatfoot, which created high stress on the shin muscles (tibialis anterior). Mid- to forefoot striking was challenging due to offset and a large heel.

Value
The technology put into this shoe is solid but the engineering and end product was poor. Fit and comfort with walking felt fantastic however this shoe was built for running and performed poorly.