Trail-Tested Salomon Shoes: The Best Models for Runners in Their 40s

My trail running journey spans 20 years at age 40 but I have found that proper footwear determines the success of your run. Throughout many years of testing different brands I have always kept Salomon shoes in my regular selection. Salomon footwear continues to draw me in because it delivers comfort together with grip and durability that serves me well during mountain ascents and singletrack running and weekend family hikes.

The following recommendations about Salomon footwear derive from my practical trail experience instead of depending solely on product specifications.

The Features of Salomon Shoes That Make Them Suitable for Running in Their 40s

The following overview precedes model recommendations because my body has experienced natural changes since turning forty. At 40 years old my body needs longer time to heal while my joints produce more discomfort than before and stability becomes more important than it used to be. Salomon shoes combine three essential elements of cushioning support and traction which help me maintain active running without experiencing extra strain.

The two factors that stand out to me as a trail runner in my middle age include:

SensiFit system provides precise foot fit that supports my midfoot area without causing discomfort.

Salomon’s Contagrip outsole delivers exceptional grip on various surfaces while providing absolute confidence during uncertain conditions.

Salomon Offers Five Models Which Suit Different Terrains

1. Salomon Speedcross 6 – For Muddy and Technical Trails

The Speedcross 6 serves as an exceptional choice for wet and muddy trail running during spring's early months. The Speedcross gave me superior traction during muddy trail races because it grasped the ground with its aggressive 5 mm lugs.

Why I like it:

The aggressive tread pattern of this shoe includes 5 mm deep lugs which effectively grip mud as well as loose dirt.

Lightweight for its category: Feels more nimble than you’d expect.

The quick-dry mesh material prevents water from transforming the shoe into a heavy brick during wet conditions.

Best terrain: Soft trails, mud, wet grass, and forest paths.

2. Salomon Sense Ride 5 – For Everyday Mixed Terrain Runs

My "Swiss Army knife" shoe is the Sense Ride 5. The Sense Ride 5 serves as my primary choice because I need a versatile shoe that handles gravel and forest paths and light rocky ascents.

Why I like it:

Comfortable cushioning: Just the right balance for long runs.

The shoe provides comfort for running on easy to moderate trails since it maintains stability during 2 to 3 hour exercises.

Quicklace™ system: One pull and I’m locked in.

Best terrain: Gravel roads, dirt tracks, light technical trails.

3. Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 – For Rugged and Rocky Trails

The XA Pro 3D v9 model has remained my preferred choice for handling rocky uneven terrain since I tried it first about ten years back. The stability of this shoe surpasses all others while its weight makes it slightly heavier.

Why I like it:

The 3D chassis underneath my feet functions as a protective mechanism to help me navigate challenging descents.

The durability of my pair exceeds 800 km without any signs of damage.

Grip on rock: Performs brilliantly on dry and wet stone.

The best terrain for this shoe includes mountain trails with rocks and technical sections and extensive hiking paths.

4. Salomon Ultra Glide 2 – For Long-Distance Comfort

My choice of ultra running shoe for extended distances and weekend trail adventures requires both comfort and responsive performance. The Ultra Glide 2 emerges as the best option.

Why I like it:

Soft cushioning: Perfect for keeping legs fresher over hours.

The ultra shoe feels lightweight while maintaining its plush characteristics despite its lightweight design.

A stable platform within this shoe helps prevent ankle rolls that fatigue causes during extended runs.

Best terrain: Mixed trails, long runs, moderate climbs.

5. Salomon X Ultra 4 – For Hiking and FastpackingI enjoy running yet I spend time hiking with my family members while occasionally fastpacking which combines hiking with running under loaded packs. The X Ultra 4 represents my go-to shoe when I need hiking-boot stability in a shoe.

Why I like it:

Support for loaded packs: Great stability even with 10–15 kg on my back.

Waterproof option: The GTX version is perfect for rainy hikes.

Great outsole: Confident grip on dirt, rock, and wet roots.

Best terrain: Hiking trails, backpacking, mixed elevation.

How I Choose My Salomon Shoes

Throughout the years I have discovered that the correct match between footwear and terrain represents a significant portion of the challenge. Here’s how I decide:

Check the ground:

Soft/muddy = Speedcross 6

Hard/rocky = XA Pro 3D v9

Mixed = Sense Ride 5 or Ultra Glide 2

Distance matters:

Short & intense = lighter, more aggressive models.

Long & steady = cushioned, stable shoes.

Weather check:

Wet conditions call for deeper lugs and quick-drying mesh.

Dry, hot days work better with breathable uppers.

Care Tips for Longer Life

The following habits enable me to keep my Salomon shoes running through multiple years:

Clean after muddy runs: A quick rinse keeps the mesh from stiffening.

Dry naturally: Never leave them near direct heat—it damages the glue and mesh.

Rotate pairs: Using two or more models extends their lifespan and gives cushioning time to recover.

Why I Stick with Salomon in My 40s

The current phase of my running experience focuses on intelligent training rather than following every new trend. The shoe lineup from Salomon offers me protection for my joints and terrain confidence along with durability under heavy usage. The shoes have accompanied me throughout various activities which include running races and casual hikes as well as exploration of unexplored territories.

Salomon offers trail running shoes that match every running surface and meet runners at different experience levels.