Why They’re CoolTo keep the mesh uppers on the XA Pro 2 adventure-running shoes from stretching after repeated dunkings, Salomon topped ’em with a polymer exoskeleton this year. » These shoes protected me from sketchy terrain better than tall models: Their ground-hugging profile meant I had less chance of rolling an ankle. » Transitions during multisport races couldn’t be faster. » A one-tug lacing system grants more flexibility for quick adjustments, not to mention less hassle in general. And the eyelets are smart—clips rather than holes—expediting the usual battening-down process.
Hmmm . . .It’s a shame that so much contact with Mother Nature requires so many man-made compounds.