Salomon X-Adventure 5 Boot

“Well, I got to use these boots under some varying conditions at BSP for the snow ball. They worked very well, and did all I expected of them.

First of all, they are cross country boots, and they did that very well. They are well insulated and made my feet sweat like crazy in the near 50 degree weather. I did not realize this until I took them off and my socks were soaked. I suspect they will be fine in real winter weather.

Second, they actually strap (securely) into my snowshoes and perform double duty. I don't need to change boots because I change from skiis to snowshoes.

Third, they provided awesome traction in the slush and snow. Huge cleats, good grab. Not any noticable back slipping while I walked in them on the snow.

Fourth, while walking on ice and wet ice, I was pleasantly surprised to find they actually had some grab on that also. Much like a rubber car tier on ice. While the traction was certainly not like crampons, and I would not recommend substituting these for crampons, the traction was such that I could comfortably walk across the ice.

And can you believe it, in spite of all this, I was ready to return them on the way home to LL Bean's. These super boots gave me blisters. This was the 4th time I was to use them. Initially, I got blisters after 2 miles. On this trip, that didn't happen until 7-8 miles, on the way in. I tried them again on the way out and about 7-8 miles again, blisters. Pennsy and Twigeater suggested that I could break them in a bit more first, and/or try duct taping my blister spots before we start out next time. Different socks may also make a difference, I think. It will take until next winter to find snow to try them out again, but I did get them from Bean's, so returns are not a problem.

If only they did not cause the blisters, they could well be the perfect boot......”

“Well, I got to use these boots under some varying conditions at BSP for the snow ball. They worked very well, and did all I expected of them.

Salomon X-Adventure 5 Boot

First of all, they are cross country boots, and they did that very well. They are well insulated and made my feet sweat like crazy in the near 50 degree weather. I did not realize this until I took them off and my socks were soaked. I suspect they will be fine in real winter weather.

Second, they actually strap (securely) into my snowshoes and perform double duty. I don't need to change boots because I change from skiis to snowshoes.

Third, they provided awesome traction in the slush and snow. Huge cleats, good grab. Not any noticable back slipping while I walked in them on the snow.

Fourth, while walking on ice and wet ice, I was pleasantly surprised to find they actually had some grab on that also. Much like a rubber car tier on ice. While the traction was certainly not like crampons, and I would not recommend substituting these for crampons, the traction was such that I could comfortably walk across the ice.

And can you believe it, in spite of all this, I was ready to return them on the way home to LL Bean's. These super boots gave me blisters. This was the 4th time I was to use them. Initially, I got blisters after 2 miles. On this trip, that didn't happen until 7-8 miles, on the way in. I tried them again on the way out and about 7-8 miles again, blisters. Pennsy and Twigeater suggested that I could break them in a bit more first, and/or try duct taping my blister spots before we start out next time. Different socks may also make a difference, I think. It will take until next winter to find snow to try them out again, but I did get them from Bean's, so returns are not a problem.

If only they did not cause the blisters, they could well be the perfect boot......”