Earlier, I went wild on the Salomon Quest 4 GTX in Wales. From GearPoint, I got the chance to take a closer look at the Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX AND. That shoe is primarily designed for police or military operations. So, it should perform under the most extreme conditions. It shouldn’t matter whether I’m trudging through the mud of the Dutch forests, braving the wilderness of the Belgian Ardennes or dragging myself through the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, right?

The Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX EN is inspired by arguably Salomon’s best-known trail shoe, the XA Pro 3D. These tactical kicks are ISO-certified and officially pass the tests of ISO 20347:2012, including standards for puncture resistance, anti-static properties and grip.

Fabric

The upper material is sturdy, durable and nice and flexible. To achieve this, Salomon has used a mix of dirt-resistant mesh, full-grain leather and ankle-layer mesh, all non-reflective. Thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane underneath, the shoe is suitable for all weather conditions. The 3D rubber toecap protects your feet from impacts and provides extra comfort on gravel paths and rough terrain.

Fit

The sensiFIT system hugs your foot from the midsole to the quick Quicklace lacing system, providing a firm, precise fit. It almost feels like the shoe was custom-made especially for me. Personally, I am a big fan of this system, especially as it is easy to handle even with cold hands or gloves.

The inside of the shoe is as sturdy as a vault, with extra material to support you during climbing and fast rappelling. A lot of attention has also been paid to the sole construction, which is what really matters on terrain. With the Contagrip MA outsole, 3D Advanced Chassis, Enigma Zero HT2 anti-perforation insert and anti-static technology, you have everything you need and more. As if that wasn’t enough, an OrthoLite insole provides that extra bit of comfort and cushioning, while perforations in the sole support a pleasant foot climate. In fact, everything has been thought of with this shoe!

Just a visual representation of the specs:

Note: Salomon usually falls small, so it’s a good idea to consult the size chart to find the right size. You often need a whole size bigger than, say, sports shoes. In my case; I normally wear size 45, but this shoe in size 46. And it fits like a glove.

Comfort

For me, this is actually the first time I have worn semi-high (mid-cut) outdoor shoes. The semi-high design gives solid protection to my ankles, while still allowing them to move freely. That took some getting used to, as did the sole, which is a lot stiffer than that of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX (Dutch) I reviewed earlier.

Comfort is of course essential, especially during those long treks where fatigue lurks. Fortunately, with its cushioned midsole and soft collar, this shoe offers exactly the comfort you need to keep you focused on your adventure all day long. Even with a hefty backpack. No whining discomfort here!

Breathability

The inner lining of the XA Forces Mid GTX EN is lined with Gore-Tex (GTX), a membrane with those tiny pores that are so small they don’t let water through but do wick away sweat to the outside. The outer material consists of a mix of leather and textile, allowing air to circulate easily and keeping your feet dry even in wet conditions. So, no more hassle with sweaty feet due to lack of ventilation.

Note: For those who suffer a lot from sweaty feet, Gore-Tex may not be the best choice. This is because the material does not wick away moisture and condensation as quickly as shoes without Gore-Tex.

Waterproofness

When battling the elements, waterproofing is an absolute must. Thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane, your feet will stay dry even during the most relentless downpours. No puddle is too deep and no stream too wild for the Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX EN.

As mentioned earlier under ‘breathability’, Gore-Tex technology also provides protection against water penetration. So, whatever weather you encounter during your activities, your feet will stay dry and comfortable all day long. No worries, even when the rain is pouring down!

Looks

Tough, stylish and ready for action. The Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX EN exudes power both on and off the trail. Whether you’re trekking through the wilderness or walking the city streets, this shoe makes a statement wherever you go.

Final thoughts

For 209 euro, with the Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX EN, you not only get a top-quality shoe, but also peace of mind and confidence during your adventures. The XA Forces Mid GTX EN is an absolute favourite for adventurers who don’t want to compromise on performance. With its excellent fit, comfort and longevity, this shoe is worth every penny.

In the Netherlands, the Salomon XA Forces Mid GTX EN is available at GearPoint. They also have more Salomon Forces models in their collection. The XA Forces Mid black version is available both with and without GTX and in WIDE.