Salomon Speedcross 2

by Weldon Thomson
(San Diego, California)

These are like off-road tires for your feet. I have run in these everything from 5K to half marathon and they are by far the most comfortable shoes of any I've yet tried (inov8 295, Brooks Cascadia 5, Asics Gel Trail Sensor, and a variety of road shoes).

They are light-weight, give great traction and ground feel, and I basically forget they are there. They are also very flexible, though they do have a small amount of stability control built in which, for me, seems just about right.

I recently ran a 15K which included a shin deep stream crossing and I was concerned about how quickly the Speedcross 2's (not Goretex) would dry out. Luckily they dried very quickly and, also wearing Drymax socks, the water was no problem at all and my feet felt great.

I've worn them, too, on short (3-5 mile) road/mixed runs and they work surprisingly well on pavement although I'm concerned about wearing off the deep and relatively soft lugs (which do help to cushion) too quickly.
I love the Salomon lacing system as well - never feel tight spots and very quick/easy. I've already got two pairs and I'm thinking I should buy another pair or two to be safe.