Salomon Exvantage Waterproof Review: Tested in British Weather
The Salomon Exvantage Waterproof is built for the kind of weather that dominates British running — persistent drizzle, damp trails, and puddles that appear from nowhere. After testing them through autumn and winter across mixed terrain, I can say they do exactly what they promise. They keep your feet dry. But there is more to a waterproof shoe than just the membrane, and here is the full picture.
Waterproofing Performance
The waterproof membrane works well. In steady rain and damp trail conditions, my feet stayed completely dry for runs up to 90 minutes. Shallow puddles and wet grass are no problem. The membrane only fails when water gets in over the collar — deep puddles or fully submerged crossings will defeat any shoe that is not a welly. The trade-off is breathability: on warmer days, your feet run noticeably hotter than in the non-waterproof version. This is a shoe for autumn through spring, not summer.
Fit and Comfort
The fit is typical Salomon — snug through the midfoot with a secure heel. The waterproof membrane makes the upper slightly stiffer than a mesh shoe, but it softens after a few wears. I found the sizing accurate to my normal Salomon size. The cushioning is moderate — enough for easy runs and walks up to 10 miles without foot fatigue, but firmer than premium options like the HOKA Clifton.
The Contagrip outsole provides dependable traction on wet pavements, packed earth, and gravel paths. It handles greasy conditions better than most road shoes but lacks the deep lugs needed for serious mud. For the kind of mixed surface running most of us do in winter — roads, towpaths, park trails — it grips confidently.
What It Does Well
- Keeps feet dry: The waterproof membrane is effective in rain and damp conditions without adding excessive weight.
- Versatile outsole: The Contagrip handles roads and light trails equally well, making it a genuine all-rounder for mixed-surface running.
- Salomon build quality: Well-constructed with no weak points or premature wear after several hundred miles.
- Looks good: Clean design that works for casual wear as well as running — a genuine dual-purpose shoe.
Where It Falls Short
- Breathability: Your feet will sweat in warmer conditions. This is inherent to all waterproof running shoes and not a specific flaw, but worth knowing.
- Not for deep mud: The outsole pattern is not aggressive enough for seriously muddy trails. If your routes are consistently boggy, look at the Speedcross or an Inov-8.
- Cushioning limits: Beyond 10 miles, the midsole feels firm. For long runs, you will want something with more underfoot protection.
Who Should Buy This Shoe?
The Exvantage Waterproof is ideal for runners who train year-round in the UK and want dry feet without switching to a heavy trail shoe. If your winter runs involve roads, parks, and light trails in typical British weather, this shoe handles all of it. It also works well as a waterproof walking shoe for daily errands in the rain. For dedicated trail runners tackling mountain paths or deep mud, look at Salomon’s more technical range instead.