Tuesday, July 07, 2015

Salomon X-Scream 3D Review 2 - FRIM test, 20th June 2015

I said I wanted to test this shoes out in the FRIM and I finally get to try it on 20th June 2015.


The plan to cover as many different terrains as possible in the FRIM and hopefully I can get to a 20KM run.

The run started with the dream trail which was closed for sometime, I don't remember visiting this trail this year at all, this trail usually is very run-able and it is slightly more technical than the usual urban trail. Expect some roots on the ground covered by the falling leaves and some small climbs over rocks and tree trunks, that is after running in from nice wide open trails.

Easy ascending road for a start
Entering Dream Trail (supposed to be closed)
The trail is pretty much run-able with some occasional roots on the ground and some fallen branches, Salomon X-Scream 3D handle that well and I was able to keep up the pace with the group.

With Gan at the peak of Canopy walk way
Trying to capture video to show the terrain
Technically easy trail but watch out some roots and fallen branches
Broken bridge, we had to cross under the bridge over the slippery rocks
Very Run-able trail

This may look flat but it is all the way going downhill
Quite a steep decent as seen in photo
Downhill
Then we hike up the canopy walkway which practically hiking is the best option, nothing much to comment, it is best for runners to explore themselves with its elevation gain, like Gan said, 3 round trips would be sufficient for a hard training, I agreed with him.
See the roots on the ground?
Coming down from the peak is where the real challenge begin, as Salomon X-Scream 3D is designed for city trail, steep down hill with technical terrain could pose great challenge (or great risk) to the runner. Personally I felt very much restricted as the shoes is light on the top which allow breathing for the feet, but also compromise on support to the ankle area, I could not run to descent, walking become my option, otherwise I may risk twisting my weak ankles should I land on any uneven surface.

The trail was rather dry, thus the shoes handle the landing well.
the number mean serious hike
Go up here for more technical runs
Running on this surface, no problem
Once I exit the canopy trail, the way leading out was pretty much flat with some sandy/pebbles route, this is where Salomon X-Scream 3D handle well.
with Renee, Calvin and Gan
As most of us were pretty exhausted hiking up the canopy walkway, we decided to cut short the journey by skipping the Pines Peak trails (since I already tested the shoes at technically tougher route). We took short cut to shorten our route by about 6km into Botani Garden which is near the 2nd entrance of FRIM.
exit via Botani Garden
Leaving Botani Garden

In summary, Salomon X-Scream 3D handles extremely well on most of the route in FRIM except the canopy walkway hiking route, under dry season, it can tackle the dream trails and pines peak trail too. As what it is marketed for, a combination of trail and road running in FRIM may see the best potential of this shoes than a lake garden or city garden pavement. 

My next test for this shoes? May be a whole day walking in the city should I visit oversea country. :)


My 1st review for this shoes can be found here: