I'll be straight with you — the Salomon Speedcross 6 is not technically a hiking boot. It's a trail running shoe. But after 200km in them across some of the most varied terrain the Jurassic Coast has to offer, I'm calling it: for dry, clear-day hiking on mixed trail, these are the best thing on my feet.
Lightweight, grippy beyond reason, and with a lacing system that has never once come loose or needed adjusting mid-walk — the Speedcross 6 has earned a permanent spot in my kit. Here's the honest review.
Who is this shoe for?
The Speedcross 6 sits in an interesting gap. It's marketed as a trail runner but it hikes superbly — particularly if you:
- Prefer a lightweight, low-profile shoe over a heavy traditional boot
- Walk predominantly on dry, clear days on mixed or rocky terrain
- Value grip and ground feel over ankle support
- Cover distances where foot fatigue from heavy kit is a genuine concern
It is not the right choice for muddy, boggy winter conditions, prolonged wet weather, or walks where ankle support is essential. For those days I reach for the Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid GTX — more on that below.
First impressions
Out of the box the Speedcross 6 feels almost comically light. At 298g per shoe it's a significant step down from most hiking boots, and you feel that difference immediately when you pick them up. The upper uses ripstop fabric and anti-debris mesh — it feels robust without being heavy, with a welded construction that hugs the foot without pressure points.
The aggressive lug pattern on the outsole is immediately striking. These are not subtle shoes. The deep, directional lugs of the Mud contaGRIP outsole look like something designed for motorsport rather than a walk along the coast path — but they work.
The Quicklace system — genuinely one of the best things about this shoe
Salomon's patented Quicklace system has been around for over a decade and it remains one of the most practical innovations in trail footwear. Here's how it works:
Pull the single lace cord upward to tighten it uniformly across the foot. Then slide the S-buckle down toward the shoe to lock the tension exactly where you want it. The excess lace and buckle tuck neatly into a small pocket on the tongue, keeping everything secure and out of the way.
The result is a shoe that takes about three seconds to put on and adjust, produces completely even lacing pressure across the entire foot, and — crucially — never comes loose. In 200km of walking I have not once needed to stop and retighten these shoes. Not once. Anyone who has spent a long day on the trail stopping to re-tie traditional laces will understand what a genuine quality-of-life improvement this is.
One fair caveat — the Quicklace system doesn't offer the fine adjustment that traditional laces do. If you like to lace differently around the ankle or forefoot to address pressure points, you won't have that option here. For most walkers this won't matter, but it's worth knowing.
Grip and outsole
The Mud contaGRIP outsole uses 5mm deep lugs in a directional pattern specifically designed for soft, loose and uneven surfaces. The compound itself is engineered for adhesion rather than just hardness — which means it grips rather than slides, particularly on wet rock and loose trail.
In practice the grip is exceptional. On rocky Jurassic Coast terrain — the kind of mixed limestone, chalk and flint paths you encounter between Corfe and Swanage — the Speedcross 6 feels planted and confident. Going over rocky sections that would have me picking my way carefully in softer-soled shoes, these handle without drama.
The firm midsole compound is a significant contributor here too. The EnergyCell+ foam provides cushioning and energy return, but it's not the marshmallow softness of some trail shoes — there's enough structure underfoot that rocky terrain doesn't transmit into your foot painfully, while still maintaining ground feel and proprioception.
Comfort and fit
The Sensifit construction wraps the upper around the foot for a precise, secure hold without creating pressure points. The fit is snug but not narrow — I found the standard width worked well, though Salomon does offer a wide version if needed.
The OrthoLite insole provides good step-in comfort and does a reasonable job of moisture management. Combined with the anti-debris mesh upper, ventilation is good — I've had no significant issues with sweaty feet, which matters on longer days.
One thing worth noting: the Speedcross 6 has a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, which is higher than many trail runners. This gives excellent cushioning on long days but can feel slightly tippy on very steep off-camber descents. Nothing that affects safety, but worth being aware of if you're transitioning from a lower-drop shoe.
GTX vs non-GTX — which should you choose?
The Speedcross 6 comes in two versions: standard and Gore-Tex (GTX). I opted for the standard non-GTX version and I think that was the right call for how I use them — but it's a genuine decision worth thinking through.
The case for non-GTX: Gore-Tex adds waterproofing but reduces breathability. On dry clear days — which is exactly when I wear these — the mesh upper of the standard version breathes well and keeps feet comfortable over long distances. Reduced sweating means reduced blister risk, which matters more to me than occasional moisture protection.
The one situation where I've wished for the GTX version is walking through long, damp grass — the kind of moisture that soaks up through the mesh without there being any actual rain. It's not soaking, and the shoes dry out quickly, but it's noticeable. If your walking regularly takes you through wet vegetation rather than actual rain, the GTX is worth the premium.
The case for GTX: If you walk in mixed weather, can't always predict conditions, or simply prefer dry feet as a non-negotiable — the GTX version makes sense. The Gore-Tex membrane adds meaningful protection in light rain and wet conditions, and the breathability sacrifice is less significant if you're hiking rather than running.
My honest take — buy the non-GTX for dry-weather use and invest the price difference in a good merino hiking sock or a dedicated wet-weather boot for the days that warrant it.
Buy Speedcross 6 (standard) on Amazon Buy Speedcross 6 GTX on AmazonOn the Corfe to Swanage and Worth Matravers circular
The route that's given the Speedcross 6 the most varied test is the Corfe to Swanage and Worth Matravers circular — approximately 30km with around 680m of elevation gain. It takes in everything from well-maintained coast path to rough chalk downland, rocky ridge walking and some surprisingly technical descents.
Across this kind of mixed terrain the Speedcross 6 is in its element. The grip on the limestone ridge sections is reassuring, the light weight reduces fatigue on the longer flat sections, and the Quicklace system meant I was never fussing with footwear while trying to enjoy some of the finest coastal scenery in England.
I walk this kind of route regularly and track everything on AllTrails — if you want to follow along or find routes near you, follow me on AllTrails where I log all my walks.
What I'd change
No honest review is complete without the negatives. Two things worth knowing:
Durability — the Mud contaGRIP rubber is softer than some competitor compounds, which means the lugs wear faster on abrasive terrain. At 200km mine still have plenty of life, but they're noticeably less aggressive than they were at 50km. On very rocky, abrasive routes expect the outsole to wear faster than a traditional hiking boot.
Not for wet or muddy conditions — this is not a failing of the shoe, it's just what it is. The non-GTX version is a fair-weather trail shoe. In mud, sustained rain or boggy ground you want something else. For those conditions I use the Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid GTX — a proper hiking boot with ankle support and Gore-Tex waterproofing that handles the days the Speedcross 6 can't.
What to pair them with
Two things I'd recommend alongside the Speedcross 6:
Darn Tough hiking socks — I wear these with the Speedcross 6 on every walk. Merino wool construction, genuinely durable, and they manage moisture well — which matters in a breathable non-GTX shoe. They're not cheap but they last years and come with a lifetime guarantee. Read my full review.
Salomon X Ultra 360 Mid GTX — my wet-weather complement to the Speedcross 6. Where the Speedcross is light and fast on dry trails, the X Ultra 360 Mid GTX is the serious boot for muddy winter walks, sustained rain, and terrain where ankle support earns its keep. Read the full review or buy on Amazon.
Verdict
The Salomon Speedcross 6 is one of the best things I've put on my feet for trail hiking. Not because it's a traditional hiking boot — it isn't — but because for dry, clear-day walking on varied terrain it offers a combination of grip, weight, comfort and convenience that nothing else in my kit matches.
The Quicklace system alone is worth the price of admission. The grip is exceptional. The fit is precise and comfortable over long distances. At around £120 for the standard version it's not cheap, but it's a shoe you'll reach for constantly.
If you walk predominantly in dry conditions on mixed terrain and want a shoe that's lighter and more agile than a traditional boot — these are worth every penny.
The Salomon Speedcross range at Blacks
Prices pulled live from Blacks, updated daily. Links are affiliate links.
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