When it comes to packing for a vacation, I’m always faced with the same dilemma. Do I pack the shoes that will look good with my outfits, or the shoes that will ensure I’m comfortable when walking upwards of 20,000 steps every day?
Well, I just got back from a five-day trip to Portugal, where I only took a carry-on bag. As a serial overpacker, this was a tall order. Although I travelled all over Portugal, my base for the trip was in Lisbon, a city famously known for its steep hills, slippery tiles, and unforgiving cobbles.
With this tricky terrain in mind, I knew that the Salomon XT-6 sneakers were the shoes I wanted to bring with me to take on the challenge. They’re originally designed to tackle tricky trails, but thanks to their good looks, they’ve become well known in street style as the must-have shoe. But when the floors are uneven, and the temperature is breaking 91ºF, can the XT-6 sneakers really hold up? Here’s what happened.
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They can cope with the steps
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My trip lasted five days, and according to my Oura Ring, I clocked 93,337 steps. And anyone who has been to Lisbon can tell you, the streets are unforgiving.
One moment you’re scaling an incline so steep you feel like you might just flip upside-down like you’re on a roller coaster, then you have to precariously walk down a slope you should really be rappelling down. After that, you have to scale 10,000 steps, putting your quads to the test.
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What I’m trying to say is, your fitness has to be top-notch to navigate the city on foot. You also need the comfiest shoes you own, and I had absolutely zero complaints with the Salomons.
Although my legs may have been burning, my feet were the most comfortable they’ve ever been. No blisters, no achy arches, and no sore soles.
Grip on the streets
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The elevation was the least of my worries. Lisbon is a beautiful city. It’s filled with stunning artwork, captivating views, and some of the best food I’ve ever eaten. But it also has slippery cobblestones. Everywhere.
Even on dry days, these are pretty lethal, and on almost every street, you’ll be sure to see someone brushing off a small underfoot blunder. Thankfully, the rubber soles and dramatic lugs of the Salomons kept me steady with every step.
Rubber lends itself to higher friction, meaning that even on the most slippery surfaces, it’s going to offer ample grip.
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I’m going to blame the heat for this one
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On day two of the trip, around 40,000 steps in, I noticed that the overlays on the mesh upper of the shoes were becoming loose. These never fully came off, but they’re now a little lifted.
Before this trip, I’d been walking in these shoes every day for over a month, so I don’t think it’s strictly a wear issue. Instead, I think this one’s actually down to the heat.
The day this happened, the temperature was 91ºF, and with all of the flexing happening as I walked up the steep hills, I’m not overly shocked by this result, although I am a little disappointed since the shoes are still in their first three months of life with me.
Even so, I wouldn’t have wanted to do this trip with any other pair of shoes. The Salomon XT-6s are truly my dream sneaker.
You can find out more by reading my full Salomon XT-6 review.
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