When I was first asked to take part in the Salomon XT Challenge I was wondering what kind of shoes I’d really be getting. It’s hard to argue with getting a phone because you can always find a use for it but I was worried. What if I don’t like the shoes? What am I going to say on my blog?
The truth is that I LOVE them. The truth is they may be the best trail running shoes I’ve worn. I’ve worn some good shoes but these I love for a very important reason. No foot pain. I spent most of last year on the sidelines dealing with an "unknown" soft tissue injury. My doctor said I may have lingering pain for a long time. Most of this year since I’ve been ramping up my miles I would feel slight pain from time to time but didn’t think much of it and it didn’t last.
Enter my XT Wings and the pain seemed to be gone while I was running. No joke. Is is the cushioning? The way the shoes are structured? I don’t know. All I know is that when I ran in another pair of shoes on Saturday I felt slight pain after only 6 miles. The Salomons were off for one run and the familiar feeling of earlier this year was back. I’m sold. I know what my next pair of shoes is going to be for sure.
These shoes have a superb amount of cushioning without feeling too heavy or bulky. I’m not sure how they do that. The shoes are pretty light and low to the ground with good stability for rocky and rought trails. There’s not much more I can ask for!
They will serve me well in my quest to complete 50 miles in just over a month. I have another secret weapon that will hopefully allow me to combat the elevation problem I have. The elevation is the one thing that can hold me back from finishing so hopefully my new trick will work. I won’t say what it is until after the race. The verdict is still out 
Happy Running & Dirty Feet,
Jessica
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Let me know if you want to come out east for some altitude training. San G is a great place to train.
Hi Jessica,
Glad to hear you liked the Salomons. I was a little worried because I had a bad experience with some of their older shoes and know several others that had trouble with them on longer runs. It sounds like they have made some significant improvements.
Sorry that you had to drop out at Holcomb. I am a little nervous about the altitude sickness, too. I am thinking about going to Tahoe several days ahead to get prepared. I am glad that you got a good 21 miles in on the 8th, though. You are strong and will get that 50 done. I will most certainly be behind you at that race, so if I see you at any point slowing down due to discomfort I will catch up, give you some encouraging words, and watch you take off again.
As far as the A-hole that left that rude message, I am sorry that you have to deal with that. It has no place in life and you don’t deserve it. Karma’s a bitch, though, and that person will get a dose of it at some point.
Keep up the hard work and hope to see you at Tahoe!
That’s great that the new shoes have made it so your foot pain stopped!