So what’s the best shoe – Salomon Speedcross 3 or Salomon Fellraiser?

I keep seeing this question pop up on websites and social so given that I’ve had extensive use out of both shoes I thought I would try and answer this question for people looking to buy one of the 2.

Both shoes come under Salomons Technical Trail banner which, according to Salomon, allows you to ‘Run with confidence on technical trails in these shoes that deliver protection, stability and precise fit’.

From the Salomon website each show is designed for:

Salomon Speedcross 3: Grip, lightweight, Precise fit

Salomon Fellraiser: Breathability, Grip, Low to the ground

Comparison table

Salomon Speedcross

Salomon Fellraiser

Price

On the Salomon website Speedcross retail at £100 whilst the Fellraiser is £90 but there are offers available on both shoes if you shop around.

The best prices currently available online:

Salomon Speedcross 3 – Amazon – £71.58

Salomon Fellraiser – Amazon – £49.99

So the Speedcross is 20% more expensive than the Fellraiser so in terms on cost it’s the Fellraiser that comes out on top.

Winner: Salomon Fellraiser

Cushioning

The Fellraiser is a low profile fell running shoe with a 6mm drop and a 12mm heel height.

Compare this to the Speedcross 3 that features an 11mm drop and a 20mm heel height and you can see the Speedcross is the more cushioned shoe.

Featuring LT Lightweight Muscle which provide dynamic cushioning and molded EVA for better underfoot cushioning and foot protection The Speedcross features a much more technologically advanced midsole than the Fellraiser so wins hands down in this category.

The Fellraiser has a much more basic midsole as it’s a more minimal shoe and on longer runs this does become apparent. I find that the Fellraiser can become uncomfortable after the miles start to clock, but with that being said I did complete the Hardmoors 55 in my Fellraisers.

If you are looking for a more cushioned shoe then the Speedcross is the one to go with.

Winner: Salomon Speedcross 3

Grip

Both shoes feature non marking contagrip® which delivers optimal traction on varied surfaces.

The Contagrip® outsoles use the ideal combination of specialized rubbers for each specific use.

The Fellraiser feature a harder compound rubber and have slightly deeper lugs than the Speedcross. Although you can see the tread pattern is very similar the Fellraiser grip is much more aggressive.

I’ve found the Fellraisers have better grip when the terrain is wet and muddy so if this is the type of terrain you will be running on then the Fellraiser will take some beating.

There is a drawback to the tread on the fellraisers though, which is that if you have to run on hardpack surfaces fro any length of time you do get the feeling that you are running on points and it becomes uncomfortable to the point that it is painful at times.

The Speedcross are much more comfortable on harder surfaces but with the soft compound tread you do have to be careful of them wearing down.

Winner: Salomon Fellraiser

Durability

I have wide feet and as a result I split the Speedcross in the crease where your feet bend after roughly 100 miles.

Now, this isn’t necessarily an issue with the shoes, more they were the wrong fit for my feet. More of that below.

I do know of people getting 500 – 600 miles out of a pair of Speedcross so they do last.

The Fellraisers on the other hand still look like new after about 400 miles. There is some wear on the tread but the uppers are still pristine which is impressive given the conditions they have been used in.

The Fellraisers do feel like a cheaper shoe than the Speedcross and don’t look as though they will very durable or hard wearing but they continue to surprise me with how well they are lasting.

Winner: Salomon Fellraiser

Fit

Fit is always a difficult one to judge as it’s a personal thing and depends on the size and shape of your feet so I’m going to call this one a draw but give you some of my personal experiences with both shoes.

I have wide feet and Speedcross have a narrow fit so are more suited to people with narrow feet.

Fellraisers are a much broader shoe and fit my wide feet much better and just feel right.

Both shoes feature the Sensifit system which works to cradle the foot and provide a precise and secure fit.

On top of this the Quicklace system offers a minimalistic and strong lace for one-pull tightening. This makes the shoes easy to get on and easy to get off. It also offers a secure fit at the quicklace system doesn’t come loose like some traditional lace up shoes can.

So, which shoe offers the best fit? Put simply if you have narrow feet, go for the Speedcross and if you have wife feet then go for the Fellraisers.

Winner: Draw

The winner

At the end of the day it all boils down to what you want from the shoe, the terrain you will use it in and your own personal preference but in my opinion the Fellraiser is the best of the 2.

Not only is it cheaper and more durable but it has been grip and feels much more stable when out running on the trails.

The Speedcross has more technology and is better cushioned but you can’t get away from the fact that the Fellraiser is exceptional value and long lasting.

So there you have it, the best shoe is… the one that fits your needs the best, which in my case is the Fellraiser.

What’s your favourite shoe, is it the Speedcross or the Fellraiser? Let us know in the comments below: