Last week, we showed you a sneak peak of the Speedcross 3 Forces, part of Salomon’s upcoming Forces line of footwear for Law Enforcement and Military. Now, we are honored to have been selected by Salmon to host a giveaway. Here’s a chance for 4 lucky readers to get their hands on a pair of this new model for themselves.
To enter, we want to here how you’d “twist” any currently available Salomon footwear to make it more in line with Military or Law Enforcement purposes. What design adjustments or products technologies would you add to make your ideal Military/LE Salomon shoe or boot?
To enter:
1. In the comments section of THIS article on SSD, share your “twist” on any currently available Salomon footwear. Text, photos, and drawings are all accepted – for any image entries, we suggest providing a link through a popular image sharing website such as imgur or Photobucket. Only entries here are eligible to win.
2. Comments are open from now until 1700 Zulu December 12, 2014.
3. Use any alias you want to post but be sure to use a valid email address since that’s how we’ll contact the winner.
4. Four (4) winners will be chosen by the Salomon Forces team based on their selection from among best submissions.
5. Winners will be announced on December 24th, 2014.
6. One entry per email address. We will delete entries that violate this policy.
7. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited.
Good luck!
Tags: Salomon Forces
Taller boot height and wide width.
Higher/at least over ankle.
Official colors-meet each service regs.
wide toe-box. a bit more cushion
longer lasting outersole/more aggressive(maybe like the old Saucony Jazz
laceing system. I love it but needs to not break-be easy to replace
Given that we are transitioning back to a garrison Army, PT belt material all over the running shoes.
Make it in multicam, then add a couple rows of Molle, then finish it off with velcro everywhere.
Blacked-out version, wide widths for those of us with hobbit feet.
Berry Compliant is a good start… (although I’ll admit I’m ignorant of whether they are or aren’t).
https://soldiersystems.net/2014/06/23/salomon-speedcross-ltr-ltd/
Along with having the XA Pros, Speedcrosses, and felllraiser, in coyote, urban gray, and murdered out. I would like to see some more all leather models in both brown and black. They would be useful in low-profile operations especially when u have to be a bit dressed up doing protection. To have the performance and grip of trail running shoes in a shoes that could pass for casual dress shoe would be very useful if you had to response to incident or evacuate the area. Having shoes for all the different foot types like neutral and stability would also be beneficial given the long how’s many guys spend on their feel. As of now the only thing I see on the market that guys are using are the leather skechers or like Steve maddens. Given the way security and operations are going I think here would be a huge market for a low profile model as I described above.
I love Salomon products!
I’d take the gore text and contect it together all the way under the foot bed to make it completely waterproof. Otherwise they’re only kinda waterproof.. But still wouldn’t wear anything else
Love Salomon trail running shoes! Fortunate to have narrower feet; however, on swollen feet days it is snug…can’t have it all! What I would love; however, is potential for Gore-Tex without complicating the weight?
Well, pretty much everyone sorted it out. Some applied more to what they do daily or the situation they are.
But if we take a bigger picture, the use off full black color boots (no more grey-ish or yellow), coyote AND Tan 499. Many countries are going with Tan 499 or accepts its. I’ve never use the 4D Quest because mostly of the color-based problem.
From what I’m reading also, the fast lace system seems to be a problem. It should most definitely get fixed because it’s a big plus when SHTF. Size looks another big factor, long live 10,5 and Reg size haha!
A non-GTX version couldn’t be a mistake.
That’s my 2 cents.
– Wider widths
– Option for ‘ regular ‘ lacing system i.e.. paracord laces instead of speed laces
– Non GoreTex models ie Quest 4D for hot/desert environments & for law enforcement in summer
– Sticky rubber and/or longer lasting rubber soles
– Different lug patterns on soles for different environments
– Insulated versions for cold climates/winter use i.e. Quest 4d with 400 grams thinsulate
– Subdued/flat colors with minimal contrasts i.e. coyote/ brown/ ranger green/ wolf grey/ more murdered out black models
– Ankle supported models ( higher tops ) on various low top models i.e. Speedcross 3 Mid
– If possible, Berry compliant or models at least made in USA
– Discounted purchasing program for large orders i.e. Platoon, Battalion, Police Department orders
I have more or less reiterated was many have said here, which I believe is a goo thing that many of us want to see the same developments. Obviously Salomon has listened to the end user by bringing out a Forces Range, here’s to Salomon taking it further by listening to these posts and others in the professional and private field. Thank you for a great product ( only shoes I wear ).
Good luck to everyone.
Stay Safe.
I have never owned Salomon footwear but have heard they are the ticket for 3 Gun, that’s why I’ve entered this contest.
I’d make a dual compound sole for the Speedcross 3.
The sticky rubber offers great traction, but my last pair showed significant wear in 3 weeks and were done in 8 weeks.
I would create a recessed “web” pattern in the sole roughly following where the larger lugs are and a corresponding insert made with the lugs in place. The result would be a dual compound sole identical in dimensions to the current one, but with harder material on the protruding lugs and softer, grippier rubber in between that would wear significantly better than the current design without giving up much in terms of traction. I’d be happy to pay a bit more for a Speedcross 3 shoe that would last a full year rather than replacing them every couple months.
Wider widths, a tan option, and a no Goretex option.
i would like to have xa pro 3d ultra 2 gtx mid(!) but without gore tex like in a short version.
I like the support it gives to my uncles, but gore tex in those boots it’s just not working for me;)
it’s something that was bothering me for a long time
Make a quest 4d boot without Gortex so that these awesome boots work better in the summer! Why must everything have Goretex?
The biggest thing people want is adaptability from their equipment. Instead of having to buy shoes that give good support for climbing the hills overseas, to being comfortable and light weight for every day use back at home.
So to be a duel role boot they need ;
-lightweight, no one wants a big clunky boot when assaulting or chasing someone. This is also helps if your involved in maritime activities as they won’t take in water and make you feel like lead weights.
Sole, need a strong material to protect from sharp rocks etc, non slip for use on ships and runner style narrow fit so again it has that light weight feel to it.
-gortex and non gortex, most buyers have a preference with what they like but selling only one style may send them looking elsewhere
-mid cut, gives it ankle support without feeling really clunky
-protection, needs material to protect for fast roping and also a small amount of toe protection for climbing shipping ladders or general wear and tare.
-colurs, you need a boot that is adaptable and can be worn with civvies or military uniform and is not out of place. Your not always going to be in uniform when doing a job but you still need that support and reliability.
This is a terrible photoshop but my skills are not in the graphic design area. Basically just tan 499 in 8 inches tall. The boots done even have to be modified past that. One of my buddies wears a pair of Quest 4D’s with tan paracord laces and a coat of spray paint. Just blouses his ACU’s real low and manages to get away with it in the field.
http://s4.postimg.org/kde1k1uq5/Solomon.jpg
As an owner of the old Speedcross’, newer CityTrail X-Screams, and XA Pro Mids I’ve found numerous features from each shoe that could be applied to building a single kick ass duty shoe/boot for first responders, military, and law enforcement personnel. Here are a few of my top suggestions:
1. “The Speedcross Mid”
-Take the Speedcross 3’s and give them the ankle support of the XA Mids.
2. Outsole
-Blend the X-screams OS Tendon with the XA-Pro’s contra grip. I think this will make the, “Speedcross Mid” a good all around shoe for both the field and the streets.
3. Flame Resistant Materials
-At the very least the interior of the shoe should be comprised of materials which are heat and flame resistant for military and rescue personnel who may be exposed to such conditions. The material should also be moisture wicking or breathable while somehow maintaining the waterproof capabilities.
-The link here shows a very rough photoshop mockup of what I have in mind: http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f42/elduderino007/speedcrossMid_mockup_zpsb77cc8a0.jpg
Damn that’s a pretty good photoshop!
I honestly haven’t worn a pair of Salmons I didn’t love. I have the XA Pro 3D in murdered out black and I wear them on duty every day I work. Keep doin you thing Salomon and putting out great gear !
Speedcross 3 as pictured above but in crocodile color (khaki-green as used by Arcteryx)
Pic here: http://i.imgur.com/bqy7QKe.jpg?1
With:
Ankle suport
Goretex lining
A bit thicker abrasion resistant rubber sole
Heat shrinked rubber sleeve over aglets to pull on
Non reflective decals
A blank nametag on underside of woven label
Machine washable and dryable
I use Snowcross 3 as my IPSC competition shoes.
A section of rubber on the side of the shoe, high enough to protect the arch and side of the inner foot from rope during a fast rope or inverted rappel.
I would take any pair and add 3m reflective tape around the outer perimeter to replace the Army reflective belt requirements that commanders insist on following…all in the name of safety 🙂
While the colour is a given (coyote 499 for next summer please), I would also like to see a non gore tex version.
I also found the sole very slippery in the mountains of southern Afghanistan. While the sole was very stable and provided a lot of great ankle support, the slightest moisture in a rock and it was like ice. I also found the soles rather “squeaky” when walking down halls, not very easy to sneaky-sneak with the ones I’ve been wearing….
I have the XA pro 3d which I think is an excellent start for a duty shoe. The only improvement I would like to see would be a little lighter feel without compromising the great support it offers. I also think a boot form would be excellent.
I know I’m not the first one to say it but I’d really like to see a Coyote Brown 499 Quest 4D.
I would take the Salomon Quest 4D GTX Hiking Boots and have it with composite toe.
8″ Quest so it’s 670-1 compatible. Please!
Quest 4D in a color closer to Burro brown with olive trim, no reflective anything, and a more temperate weather version.
Two thoughts/ideas
1.Wide widths and X-PRO/QUEST PRO in Crye MultiCam Arctic
Fed and para cord laces.
FDE
1. Wide widths. The range and is excellent jut too narrow.
2. X-PRO/QUEST PRO in Crye MultiCam Alpine!
XA pros (low and mid) in an all-green (ranger/OD) color scheme.
A more “uniform” all black low top for Law enforcement or similar applications. My old CO had a big problem with me wearing “sneakers”.
I have a bad back, hurt it in the Army and it’s hard for me to find good comfortable shoes and of course hurting feet will soon be a hurting back!
I got a pair of Salomons a while back and I think I have worn them every day since!mof course now I can’t when he is around. I know they make a all black one but I still think he will call them sneakers!
I think Salomon should make the Quest’s or some other hard-use and durable boot in CB for the new Army OCP. I know Rangers that love the Quests, but with the new OCP they could get issued across the branch. Better yet, if they were made in the USA!
Reflective bright yellow PT belt wrapped diagonally across a OCP pattern. Call it the deployment especial.
Harder tread compound to last longer on hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. also an inclosed lace system or covered lace system so there is nothing to snag on or debris to get in.
Please make a blacked out version that is readily available, not a limited time thing.
Black is fine…. but the reflectors have to go. But tan would be welcomed as well.
Also I find that when I tighten the laces hard they start digging into the top of my feet/ankles when moving quickly. More padding on the tongue where the laces rest and have a hook to keep the laces centered on the padding would be great.
OR I’m thinking reverse the laces so they lock near the bottom so all the pressure of the tightened laces are down there.
ALSO having the option to integrate a S&S shiv somewhere would be very cool. Maybe on the back of the boot near the heel and have it look like a part of the molding.
http://i.imgur.com/OlC9KuYl.jpg
Steel toe cap for XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GTX Camo
Definitely a black and coyote/tan option. However, if Salomon could incorporate silver anti-odor technology into their footwear, they could more effectively combat odor.
Take the QUEST 4D GTX for this twist. For a more military boot: Keep the tread aggressive but hard enough to handle hard use on asphalt to prevent quick excessive wear, and sew the toe down as the glue can fail after continual scuffing. Dull the Carbon fiber support to remove glare. Increase boot height to 8″ and make all eyelets speedlace. Multi-hue, slightly, the various materials to diminish boot outline. Add wear surface over inside boot area for fast roping.
Wider widths…otherwise I think they’re perfect!
I have been wearing the standard XA 3d pro mid gtx on patrol for two years. I’m lucky that I work nights and the powers that be have between relatively relaxed on the boot standards.
The boot is nearly perfect for my needs. The outsole wears slowly, tho there is some slight peeling around the edge. The insole stands up to to patrol work and even SWAT use. The material cleans very well and easily.
Things to improve that the forces model hasn’t addressed:
Increase the durability of the quick lace system. We wear the boots 40+ hours a week. Mine seem to fail prematurely and they are no fun to replace. The pouch on the toe for the laces when in use also wears prematurely.
For the guys with more stringent standards, at the least a polishable toecap. Ideally, a simplified outter skin that could also hold a shine for court appearances. Essentially the same inner workings but a simplified appearance.
Here’s my submission. I’m a huge fan of this site, so here’s my contribution. This is a combination of the speed cross and the quest 4d with a desert earth, dark grey color scheme.
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y540/truckdesigner78/shoe1_zpsf6f4ff96.jpg
Desert earth? I must have been tired..how about FDE
Kryptek Yeti with bike clip ins would rock.
A goretex model with kryptek pattern- preferably in typhon but other kryptek patterns would be cool.
Also, a reenforced toe using carbon fiber would be interesting.
Add durable, elastic (or similar material) under the insole for “loading” the shoe. Shims, key, Kev thread, razor etc…..
I would go all blacked out and a shine able material so they may be worn on duty. Also on my eskapes a little bigger lace holes so paracord laces fit more readily.
Blacked out and polishable toe for LE.