Salomon launches roads and trail running shoes
08/03/2011
“With road and trail running, you need two different shoes -- with XR Crossmax, you get both for the price of one,” said Dinah A Lim, AVP of brand management for Primer (distributor of Salomon in the Philippines).
Road running is very different from trail running. Road running is classified as running long distances over an established road.
Trail running, on the other hand, generally takes place on hiking trails often inaccessible by road. The trails tend to traverse varying terrain and narrow passages. This variant of running may require hiking or scrambling of some kind.
According to Salomon, the XR Crossmax Neutral is designed to provide fit, grip and response for athletes who incorporate all surfaces into their training regimen.
“The degree of difficulty differs in both road and trail running. This shoe provides stability and agility for the trail, and, at the same time, possess the lightness and comfort for road running,” said Eric de Mesa, business development officer of Uniglobe Travelware.
The XR Crossmax Neutral was developed in collaboration with Jonathan Wyatt, a six-time World Champion in mountain running and two-time Olympian in the marathon.
The running shoes feature three components: Sensiflex, New Contragrip and Oversize (OS) Tendon.
Sensiflex is Salomon’s new approach to providing support and freedom of movement to the ball of the foot. According to the French brand, it supports the forefoot with no chaffing or binding. This freedom of movement combined with support reduces bunions.
“When you run, your foot expands. XR Crossmax Neutral corrects this without excessive and over-the-top support, at the same time, there’s freedom. It’s snug and yet there’s still freedom. You can hardly find a shoe like this, most trail running shoes are stiff,” said Mr de Mesa.
New Contragrip is designed to maximize traction on all surfaces and improve durability, while OS Tendon aims to help make the shoe more stable as an compound integrated into the midsole of the shoe acts like a tendon. It also claims to improve energy return by helping the shoe snap back into place after flexion which makes energy transmission more efficient.
In addition to the Neutral version, the XR also comes in a motion control version called “Guidance.” XR Crossmax Guidance is for high mileage runners who need motion control and stable cushioning in a lightweight shoe.
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