In our last article we talked about the minimum footwear requirements for hiking Camelback as well as offered some suggestions for the various most common options. This included looking at utilizing simple athletic or running shoes, hiking shoes, boots as well as toe or minimalist shoes.
Follow this link to read this article on Hiking Footwear.
After years of hiking Camelback with various footwear, we have found our favorite shoe thus far. The problem with basic running or athletic shoes is that with regular Camelback hiking they will break down too fast. They also don’t offer the proper ankle support for the jagged rocks.
The challenge with more traditional high top hiking boots is that they are too bulky and heavy. Although they give good support, high top hiking boots hinder performance and speed on both Echo Canyon and Cholla Trail. The good comprise is a light weight yet sturdy mid-top.
The answer….
Salomon XA PRO 3D MID GTX Trail Runner
As the name specifies, the Salomon XA Pro is a trail runner and thus has the light weight necessary for quickness and fast performance. However because the XA Pro is also a mid-top it provides full ankle coverage with a stiff upper to prevent rolling and injury. The following are some additional features…
- Made from synthetic and textile
- Features rubber sole
- Has a protective rubber toe cap
- Sensifit wraps the foot with a precise and secure fit
- Oortholite sockliner – cooler, drier, better cushioned environment under the foot
- Friction free lace eyelet
- Contagrip outsole provides unparalleled grip and durability
One of this site’s founders, Chris Vincent has personally used the Salomon XA Pro 3D MID GTX Trail Runner both for hiking Camelback but also for more involved longer hikes such as the trek, 7,657 feet to the top of Brown’s peak at Four Peaks. Check out the quick testimonial from Chris in the video below.
These shoes are the best all around tool for short to mid-range hikes with a good balance of comfort, performance and support. Salomon offers these shoes in both mens and womens as well as a low top version. There is also a waterproof GORE-TEX version of the same style. Each version of the shoe comes in a variety of colors including Pink on Black, Light Gray, Yellow among other options.
Pictures of used Salomon XA Pro shoes. These have been through roughly 30 Camelback hikes, 2 hikes to the top of 4 Peaks and some other cross training activities.
Despite being very dusty from trail use, it is evident from the pictures that the shoes are holding up very well. There are only minimal signs of wear, with no tears, rips or large chunks missing from the tread.
Salomon XA PRO 3D Price & Review
In summary, if you are looking for a versatile shoe that is perfect for Camelback, the Salmon XA Pro is the best option we have found thus far. Not only will it help you be fast and secure on Camelback, but it will also offer you options for longer hikes and other types of training.
If you are interested in pricing and more information follow the links below to check them out on Amazon.
Update: since the time of this review Salomon has since stopped making the XA Pro 3D but you will find some comparable models below.
