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Salomon XA Pro 2 Trail Running Shoe - Men's
Built for the rigors of adventure running on rugged terrain, the XA Pro 2 is a high-performance shoe that will allow you to kick butt in your next ultramarathon. Built with a dual density EVA midsole, the XA Pro 2 remains comfortable as you bound lithely through the hills. Durable, multi-layer mesh throughout the upper allows your feet to breathe freely as you run, and is flexible for comfort while descending. The XA Pro 2's low-cut profile lets feet move without restriction, while a gusseted tongue (material connecting the tongue to the upper) prevents pesky debris from getting in your shoes. As always, Salomon's one-pull Quickfit lacing system makes lacing up a cinch and provides adjustability at each eyelet for a precise and customized fit.
On Sale
$89.95 $71.95 
Great ventilation
When I wore these running on a local trail, the first thing I noticed was the breeze I felt coming through the shoes. Talk about breatheability! Not to mention when you have the occasional creek crossing, the water drains out like a gutter has been built into the shoes. The traction and sole wear is exceptional as well. I'll be coming back to the pro2, it's a winner!
Great trail runners!
I usually run Asiac 2080's on the road. This is my first try at a trail specific shoe. These are significantly lighter with better grip on wet rock and mud. I usually run between a 9 and a 9 1/2 size... with these shoes, I recommend going to the 9 1/2. They are a tad short and a little narrow in the toe box. I love the shoe, and will buy them again.
Better design
Unlike the first generation of the XA Pro, these are far more run-able. I thought that the first go-around felt a little clunky, and I preferred the Flagstaff to the XA Pro. The re-design of the midsole and chassis gives the forefoot the flexibility for fast running without making the shoes too flimsy. I don't know if I'd recommend adjusting the size you typically order. My standard sizing works fine.
XA Pro 2 a.k.a. Smurf Shoes
I bought these because they were on sale, and I've had success with them before. I used them exclusively in the recent Subaru Primal Quest. They have reasonable stability, are slightly more beefy than other trail runners, and put up with PQ's Trekking sections quite well. The molded toe bumper is a very nice feature. I have Planar Fasciitis, and the included footbeds don't give enough arch support or cusion. - I found the best combination of inserts were a low volume "Dr. Sholes" type of Gel insole underneath the Black lower volume Superfeet insoles. The Gel footbed gave longer lasting cusion, and the Superfeet worked well for the Arch support. The mesh upper, although it breaths well, is absolutely terrible if you plan on running cross country, like in Briones Reginal Park, CA. Watch out for the common native "Bromus carinatus" grass. It get's in the mesh, and is an absolute BIAATCH to get out. I definitely recommend Gaitors for these shoes if your running cross country for that reason. The kevlar? laces are absolutely awesome. Pull, pinch, push and your done. Excellent for fast transitions and can easily be adjusted to as snug or as loose as you want. Last but not least, the color. I don't remember ordering the Smurf Blue, but that's what I got. It's VERY loud and honestly on the gaudy side. Fine for racing when they get covered with mud and dirt, but I definitely don't use them "around town". Overall, good support, stability, and robustness. Held up to the 300+ miles of PQ without a hitch. Mesh could stand to be improved as to not collect grass, and the blue color is horrible. I'd buy them again.
impressive traction, solid feel
Also own the XA series (the lightweight version) and I find these to be by far superior with only a slight increase in weight. This model has excellent traction (been doing some recent runs on snow/ice covered sidewalks and well packed snowy trails). The lighter weight XA series only has 3 attachments for the lacing on each side while this has 4 - it disperses the pressure much better. The weight difference is minimal - these seem to still weigh less than all other trail shoes I've owned and are similar to most road trainers. I consider these either the best or one of the best trail running shoes I've owned and will definitely use them for lightweight overnighting this summer.
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Training Tips
If you want to make progess in your training, join a running group. A commitment to meet on a regular basis with a group of like minded individuals will help you keep your focus.
An efficient long distance running stride will have you landing on your heal first and rolling to the front of your toes.
One of the most mentally toughening things you can do as a runner who trains daily is to add a morning run into your routine. This means you are doing two runs a day. The morning run is simply more of a mental challenge then anything else.
Have two pairs of running shoes, especially if you live in a wet climate. Consider replacing your shoes no later than 500 miles into the life of the shoes.
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