8.8
/10
BEST FOR WIDE-FOOTED COMFORT & VERSATILE GRIP (IN DRY CLIMATES!)
8.8
/10
BEST FOR WIDE-FOOTED COMFORT & VERSATILE GRIP (IN DRY CLIMATES!)
Last Updated:
Jun 30, 2025
Thundercross: Wide-Foot Travel Comfort King (If It Stays Dry!)
Dream Cushion & Grip for Wide Feet, Nightmare When Wet: The Traveler's Dilemma.
The Salomon Thundercross is SO close to being the ultimate travel shoe for wide-footed explorers who crave comfort and versatility. It boasts amazing cushioning, aggressive grip for any path, and that crucial wider fit. But its tendency to become a leaden sponge in the rain is a massive travel flaw. This review weighs its dreamy comfort against its soggy reality.
👣
Wide Foot Comfort
9.5
Finally, a Salomon with a genuinely more accommodating fit, especially in the forefoot. A game-changer.
☁️
Max Cushioning
9
The Energy Foam midsole is incredibly soft, bouncy, and highly protective – think Hoka-level cushioning.
🐾
Versatile Grip (Road/Trail)
9
Deep 5mm Contagrip® lugs provide fantastic, confidence-inspiring traction on soft, loose, or muddy trails.
💧
Wet Condition Performance
5.5
The upper materials soak up water and hold onto it, making the shoe heavy and very slow to dry.
Perfect For
🦶
Finally! Comfort for Wide Feet
☁️
Cloud-Like All-Day Walking
👍
Confident on City Streets & Trails
🥳
Happy Feet on High-Mileage Days
🏜️
Dry Climate Adventure Comfort
Quality & Comfort
For travelers with wider feet, the Salomon Thundercross offers a five-star comfort experience – when it's dry. The generous volume, particularly in the toe box, is a relief for those accustomed to being squeezed by narrower shoes. The Energy Foam midsole is exceptionally plush and bouncy, making it feel like you're walking on clouds, even after a 20,000-step day exploring a new city like Tokyo. This kind of cushioning really helps reduce foot fatigue on long travel days. The SensiFit™ system ensures your midfoot feels secure, so you're not slipping around despite the width and softness. It’s also surprisingly good on regular pavements, making it versatile for trips that mix city walks with park explorations, perhaps in a dry climate like Arizona.\n\nBut here's the deal-breaker for many travelers: getting it wet. The upper material acts like a sponge. If you hit a downpour or a deep puddle, the shoe gets heavy and takes an incredibly long time to dry. This is a massive pain if you're moving between hotels or don't have a good spot to air them out. So, for dry destinations, it's a top-tier comfort shoe for wider feet. For anywhere with a chance of rain, its sogginess is a major drawback.
Durability
The Salomon Thundercross seems to be a solidly built shoe in its core components, likely offering good durability for general travel use. The Contagrip® outsole with its beefy 5mm lugs is made from Salomon's durable rubber compound, which should withstand many miles of walking on varied surfaces, from city pavements to park trails without premature wear. The textile upper, while being the source of the water retention issue, generally feels robust enough for the typical scrapes and wear of travel. As a newer model, extensive long-term travel-specific durability data isn't as deep as for stalwarts like the XA Pro 3D, but there are no immediate red flags suggesting it will fall apart quickly under normal travel conditions (aside from potential material degradation if \constantly\ soaked and improperly dried over a very long period). For typical travel in mostly dry conditions, its lifespan should be good.
Packability
The Thundercross is not the most packable shoe if your priority is ultra-light, minimalist travel. All that wonderful cushioning and the aggressive outsole add some bulk. It won't compress down like a pair of travel flats or minimalist sneakers. It's about average for a max-cushion trail shoe. You'll notice it in your bag. \n\nBut for wide-footed travelers who prioritize comfort and versatile grip above all else, making space for the Thundercross is often a worthwhile trade-off. It can potentially replace both a cushioned city walker and a light trail shoe, which could save space overall. Many will wear it on travel days to free up luggage space. It's a shoe you pack because it solves a comfort/fit problem, not because it’s tiny.
Functionality
For the traveler, the Salomon Thundercross primarily functions as an exceptionally comfortable, wide-fitting shoe that offers versatile grip for various dry-weather travel scenarios. Its plush Energy Foam and accommodating last make it great for long days of city walking, minimizing foot fatigue. The 4mm drop and rockered sole encourage a natural walking gait. The 5mm Contagrip® lugs are surprisingly adept on paved surfaces yet provide excellent traction on park paths, light trails, or even uneven cobblestones. The Quicklace system adds significant travel convenience. Its key functional limitation for travel is its poor water management; when wet, it becomes heavy and impractical for travelers who need shoes to dry quickly.
Value
The Thundercross is a premium-priced shoe, and its value for travelers is a tale of two climates. For wide-footed individuals traveling to predominantly dry destinations, it offers excellent value. The rare combination of a truly accommodating fit, outstanding cushioning for all-day comfort, and versatile grip can make it the perfect one-shoe solution for many active trips. However, if your travels frequently involve rain or wet conditions, its poor water management severely undermines its value proposition, as a waterlogged shoe is a travel nightmare. If you can guarantee dry weather and need that specific fit and feel, it’s a strong investment in travel comfort.
"They are wider in the toe box so they work better for my wide feet."
Zappos verified reviewer
Did You Know?
Thundercross evokes a sense of power and capability to cross ("cross") challenging terrain with force and confidence ("thunder") – and with these, a good bit of bounce! It's a name that promises adventure.
Quick Verdict
✕
Performance Scores
Wet Performance
5
Grip
9
Cushioning
9.5
Fit (Wide)
9.5
Wide-Foot Comfort
9.5
All-Day Cushion
9.5
Versatile Grip
8.5
Wet Weather Fail
5
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
Performance Analysis
Pros and Cons
Pros
✓
A genuinely wider, more accommodating fit than typical Salomons – a massive win for travel comfort.
✓
Super plush Energy Foam midsole provides exceptional, Hoka-like cushioning, perfect for all-day city walking or light hiking on your trip.
✓
Aggressive 5mm Contagrip® lugs offer fantastic traction on varied surfaces, from park trails to uneven streets, yet feel surprisingly smooth on pavement.
✓
100% waterproof knit (no coating)
Cons
x
The upper material acts like a sponge in the rain, getting very heavy and taking an extremely long time to dry – a major problem for travelers.
x
Its max cushioning makes it bulkier to pack than slimmer travel shoes.
x
The technical, trail-focused look might not be versatile enough for all urban travel styles or smarter occasions.
x
As a newer model, extensive long-term travel-specific durability data is still building.
Final Verdict
8.8
Conditional Champ
Amazing wide-fit comfort and grip for dry travel; a soggy liability in the rain.
The Salomon Thundercross is a dream come true for wide-footed travelers seeking maximum cushioning and versatile grip – IF their travels are mostly dry. It’s incredibly comfortable for all-day exploring and handles varied surfaces with ease.
Its Achilles' heel is water: the upper soaks it up and stays wet, making it impractical for rainy destinations or if you're likely to get your feet wet. For dry adventures where wide-fit comfort is paramount (think desert US National Parks, a Mediterranean summer, or exploring Australia's outback), it’s a fantastic, albeit slightly bulky, travel companion. For wet trips, look elsewhere.
SHOP NOW
Compare Alternatives
Salomon Thundercross
$140
Quicklace™ System
Energy Foam Cushioning
All Terrain Contagrip® (5mm lugs)
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
You Might Also Like
Wide-Foot Comfort (Dry Trips!)
Salomon Thundercross
Dream Cushion & Grip for Wide Feet, Nightmare When Wet: The Traveler's Dilemma.
8.8
SCORE
Amazing wide-fit comfort and grip for dry travel; a soggy liability in the rain.
Last Updated:
Jun 30, 2025
The Salomon Thundercross is SO close to being the ultimate travel shoe for wide-footed explorers who crave comfort and versatility. It boasts amazing cushioning, aggressive grip for any path, and that crucial wider fit. But its tendency to become a leaden sponge in the rain is a massive travel flaw. This review weighs its dreamy comfort against its soggy reality.
✓
Strengths
A genuinely wider, more accommodating fit than typical Salomons – a massive win for travel comfort.
Super plush Energy Foam midsole provides exceptional, Hoka-like cushioning, perfect for all-day city walking or light hiking on your trip.
Aggressive 5mm Contagrip® lugs offer fantastic traction on varied surfaces, from park trails to uneven streets, yet feel surprisingly smooth on pavement.
Maintains Salomon's excellent Quicklace system for travel convenience.
X
Consider
The upper material acts like a sponge in the rain, getting very heavy and taking an extremely long time to dry – a major problem for travelers.
Its max cushioning makes it bulkier to pack than slimmer travel shoes.
The technical, trail-focused look might not be versatile enough for all urban travel styles or smarter occasions.
As a newer model, extensive long-term travel-specific durability data is still building.
View Current Price
Compare
👣
Wide-Foot Comfort
9.5
☁️
All-Day Cushion
9.5
🏞️
Versatile Grip
8.5
💧
Wet Weather Fail
5
🌧️
Weather
9.2
Performance
🦶
Finally! Comfort for Wide Feet
☁️
Cloud-Like All-Day Walking
👍
Confident on City Streets & Trails
🥳
Happy Feet on High-Mileage Days
🏜️
Dry Climate Adventure Comfort
Perfect For
Quality & Comfort
For travelers with wider feet, the Salomon Thundercross offers a five-star comfort experience – when it's dry. The generous volume, particularly in the toe box, is a relief for those accustomed to being squeezed by narrower shoes. The Energy Foam midsole is exceptionally plush and bouncy, making it feel like you're walking on clouds, even after a 20,000-step day exploring a new city like Tokyo. This kind of cushioning really helps reduce foot fatigue on long travel days. The SensiFit™ system ensures your midfoot feels secure, so you're not slipping around despite the width and softness. It’s also surprisingly good on regular pavements, making it versatile for trips that mix city walks with park explorations, perhaps in a dry climate like Arizona.\n\nBut here's the deal-breaker for many travelers: getting it wet. The upper material acts like a sponge. If you hit a downpour or a deep puddle, the shoe gets heavy and takes an incredibly long time to dry. This is a massive pain if you're moving between hotels or don't have a good spot to air them out. So, for dry destinations, it's a top-tier comfort shoe for wider feet. For anywhere with a chance of rain, its sogginess is a major drawback.
Durability
The Salomon Thundercross seems to be a solidly built shoe in its core components, likely offering good durability for general travel use. The Contagrip® outsole with its beefy 5mm lugs is made from Salomon's durable rubber compound, which should withstand many miles of walking on varied surfaces, from city pavements to park trails without premature wear. The textile upper, while being the source of the water retention issue, generally feels robust enough for the typical scrapes and wear of travel. As a newer model, extensive long-term travel-specific durability data isn't as deep as for stalwarts like the XA Pro 3D, but there are no immediate red flags suggesting it will fall apart quickly under normal travel conditions (aside from potential material degradation if \constantly\ soaked and improperly dried over a very long period). For typical travel in mostly dry conditions, its lifespan should be good.
Packability
The Thundercross is not the most packable shoe if your priority is ultra-light, minimalist travel. All that wonderful cushioning and the aggressive outsole add some bulk. It won't compress down like a pair of travel flats or minimalist sneakers. It's about average for a max-cushion trail shoe. You'll notice it in your bag. \n\nBut for wide-footed travelers who prioritize comfort and versatile grip above all else, making space for the Thundercross is often a worthwhile trade-off. It can potentially replace both a cushioned city walker and a light trail shoe, which could save space overall. Many will wear it on travel days to free up luggage space. It's a shoe you pack because it solves a comfort/fit problem, not because it’s tiny.
Functionality
For the traveler, the Salomon Thundercross primarily functions as an exceptionally comfortable, wide-fitting shoe that offers versatile grip for various dry-weather travel scenarios. Its plush Energy Foam and accommodating last make it great for long days of city walking, minimizing foot fatigue. The 4mm drop and rockered sole encourage a natural walking gait. The 5mm Contagrip® lugs are surprisingly adept on paved surfaces yet provide excellent traction on park paths, light trails, or even uneven cobblestones. The Quicklace system adds significant travel convenience. Its key functional limitation for travel is its poor water management; when wet, it becomes heavy and impractical for travelers who need shoes to dry quickly.
Value
The Thundercross is a premium-priced shoe, and its value for travelers is a tale of two climates. For wide-footed individuals traveling to predominantly dry destinations, it offers excellent value. The rare combination of a truly accommodating fit, outstanding cushioning for all-day comfort, and versatile grip can make it the perfect one-shoe solution for many active trips. However, if your travels frequently involve rain or wet conditions, its poor water management severely undermines its value proposition, as a waterlogged shoe is a travel nightmare. If you can guarantee dry weather and need that specific fit and feel, it’s a strong investment in travel comfort.
"They are wider in the toe box so they work better for my wide feet."
Zappos verified reviewer
You Might Also Like
Conditional Champ
Amazing wide-fit comfort and grip for dry travel; a soggy liability in the rain.
8.8
The Salomon Thundercross is a dream come true for wide-footed travelers seeking maximum cushioning and versatile grip – IF their travels are mostly dry. It’s incredibly comfortable for all-day exploring and handles varied surfaces with ease.
Its Achilles' heel is water: the upper soaks it up and stays wet, making it impractical for rainy destinations or if you're likely to get your feet wet. For dry adventures where wide-fit comfort is paramount (think desert US National Parks, a Mediterranean summer, or exploring Australia's outback), it’s a fantastic, albeit slightly bulky, travel companion. For wet trips, look elsewhere.
SHOP NOW
Salomon Thundercross
$149
✓
Quicklace™ System
✓
Energy Foam Cushioning
✓
All Terrain Contagrip® (5mm lugs)
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited