Salomon Toundra Pro CSWP Review

Salomon actually makes two versions of this boot: The consumer-focused Toundra Pro CSWP and the military/tactical Toundra Pro FORCES version. What's the difference? The FORCES version shares the same build as the CSWP but it has a darker, less shiny finish with darker, non-reflective eyelets.

Warmth

If you're active in the boots, Salomon says the Toundra Pro CSWP can keep your feet warm down to -40°F. Temps rarely drop that low in our testing grounds, but we can attest that these boots easily kept our feet warm in temperatures well below freezing while hiking through snowy landscapes. In side-by-side tests with other winter boots, we rank them near the top for warmth.

Weather Protection

The Salomon Toundra Pro CSWP uses full interior ClimaSalomon waterproof booties to protect your feet from moisture. We could stroll through deep icy puddles without fear, and out standing water tests resulted in zero leaks up to an impressive maximum puddle depth of 8.25 inches. While you could theoretically tuck your pants into these boots, we think they're far more effective with snug lacing and pant or snow pant legs that drop down over the top.

Comfort and Fit

Weighing in at just 3.82 pounds in an admittedly large size 14, these lightweight boots deliver a lot of protection and warmth without feeling clunky or clumsy. Sizing is spot on, with enough room for thicker socks. Our testers also appreciated the lacing system, which allowed us to dial in the perfect fit while wearing thin or thick socks. We experienced almost zero heel slip, making this boots comfortable knocking out cold-weather miles on frigid landscapes. All of this combined to give us a remarkable sense of stability with outstanding ankle support. If you have weak ankles, this might be a good option that's much better than cushier boots.

Traction

The Salomon Contragrip tread feels a bit harder than some leading winter boots, but it's also very stable and bites well off trail on steep terrain. The lugs aren't wildly deep, so the bite into snow isn't the best — but it's definitely not bad. Because these boots offer such great ankle support with a stable footbed, we sometimes felt the traction was better than it is because most slips and slides felt more controllable and expected than they do while wearing sloppier boots.

Quality of Construction

The Toundra Pro CSWP appears to maintain typical high-quality Salomon construction throughout. Stitching and seams are precise, and most elements of the upper are reinforced and ready to fend off ice, sticks, and rocks with ease. However, the Toundra Pro has also been dogged by persistent consumer reports of split seams near the forefoot of the boots. Some users say these seams are a weak spot in the design and have separated or cracked, creating leaks that allow water inside. We reached out to Salomon, who told us they are aware of the reports and pointed us toward their two-year warranty, which can be utilized by those who experience premature seam failures. We haven't experienced this in multiple pairs that we've tested — and will continue to test these boots long-term — but we recommend that buyers keep their receipts just in case.

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Should You Buy the Salomon Toundra Pro CSWP?

If you're looking for a full-size yet lightweight and nimble waterproof snow boot, the Salomon Toundra Pro is a very stable, supportive choice. We're fans of the modern design, warm insulation, and overall fit and finish — but the persistent reports of forefoot seam failures are concerning. We expect most good snow boots to last at least two seasons with frequent use, which is in the window of Salomon's warranty. Still, our recommendations here tend to error toward those who are looking for excellent ankle support or prefer a stable, non-cushy ride and are willing to bank on Salomon's good reputation.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?