Salomon XA Meta Review: Premium Made-in-France Trail Shoe
The Salomon XA Meta is something different in the trail shoe world. Made in France at Salomon’s Annecy facility, it represents the brand’s commitment to local manufacturing, premium materials, and reduced environmental impact. At around £180, it costs significantly more than most trail shoes. The question is whether the “Made in France” premium delivers tangible benefits on the trail, or whether you are paying for a story.
The Made in France Story
Salomon manufactures the XA Meta at their facility in Annecy, France, using locally sourced materials where possible. The upper uses recycled content, the packaging is minimal, and the manufacturing process has a measurably lower carbon footprint than shoes produced in Asia and shipped globally. The stitched construction (rather than glued) is designed for longevity and repairability. You can see and feel the craftsmanship — the seams are precise, the materials feel premium, and the overall build quality is a step above mass-produced shoes.
On the Trail
Beyond the manufacturing story, the XA Meta is a genuinely capable trail shoe. The Contagrip outsole provides confident grip on mixed terrain — wet rock, packed earth, gravel, and moderate mud are all handled securely. The midsole cushioning balances protection and ground feel well, letting you read the trail surface while keeping stones from bruising your feet. Weight is reasonable at around 310g.
The fit is classic Salomon — snug midfoot, secure heel, and a standard toe box. The stitched upper provides a structured, supportive feel that differs from the flexible mesh of most trail shoes. It feels more like a well-made hiking shoe than a disposable runner, which aligns with the product’s philosophy of longevity over planned obsolescence.
Strengths
- Build quality: Visibly superior craftsmanship with stitched construction and premium materials.
- Sustainability: Locally manufactured with recycled materials and minimal packaging.
- Contagrip outsole: Reliable trail grip across mixed surfaces.
- Longevity: The stitched construction is designed to outlast glued shoes by a significant margin.
- Distinctive design: A clean, European aesthetic that stands out from mass-market trail shoes.
Weaknesses
- Price: At £180, it costs 2 to 3 times more than comparable trail performance from Adidas or ASICS.
- Weight: Not the lightest option for trail racing. This is a training and hiking shoe.
- Breathability: The stitched upper is less breathable than open mesh alternatives. Warm in summer.
- Limited availability: Harder to find than mainstream Salomon models. Often requires ordering online.
The Verdict
The Salomon XA Meta Made in France is a shoe for runners who care about how their products are made and are willing to pay a premium for local manufacturing, quality materials, and reduced environmental impact. On the trail, it performs well — good grip, comfortable fit, solid protection. But you can get equivalent trail performance for half the price from other shoes. The premium here is for craftsmanship, sustainability, and a product designed to last. If those values matter to you, the XA Meta delivers on its promise.