I've been enjoying some fun runs here in Squamish for the past few weeks in the new Salomon shoe that will be launching in Spring 2011 - the XR Crossmax.
This shoe was designed as the "door-to-trail" shoe, ideal to fit the needs of handling both pavement and trail. I had a sneak peak of it at Advanced Week this past spring in France but because it was not available in my size at the time, I wasn't able to get a good feel for it. However, it is quickly becoming my daily shoe of choice as I mix its use between the Speedcross and the S-Lab. The XR is ideal for runs that are non-technical and where there might be some hard pack cement/concrete/trails etc involved. I love the cushion and the fit of the shoe as it allows for the foot to still move through it's natural range of motion on each stride. I'm using mostly on 10km tempo runs and on my speed sessions right now (usually done on double track, non technical trails) and its performing great.
I think the XR Crossmax provides that missing link in the Salomon shoe line up for just a great all round minimalist shoe - adequate for both road and trail. If you run some road, some trail, a mix of both, whatever, you will want to look at this shoe for 2011. Rather then buying just a road shoe or just a trail shoe, this hybrid may be just the answer.
Keep warm out there and keep adventuring onwards.
