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Best Salomon Running Shoes
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
A shoe’s upper can be identified as the area of the shoe found above the sole and includes the areas running from heel to toe, the tongue, and the fabric used on the shoe. Many uppers today are made to hold your foot in place while protecting the feet from shock and abrasions as well as keeping out dirt while ventilating the feet so that sweat can escape from the shoe. While it can be difficult to make a shoe that effectively does all of this, and sometimes the manufacturer will sacrifice some elements for other elements, their trail running shoes typically focus on providing all of these benefits to you.
Another popular feature often found in most running shoes is the seamless upper, which adds a level of comfort to the running shoes since it helps cut back on rubbing and skin irritation. While most uppers advertised as seamless are never fully without seams, what you do get when you find seams is a higher-quality fabric that reduces skin irritation and rubbing. If you do find seams inside the shoe, Salomon still makes these seams so well that they are frictionless and don’t rub. Also, seamless shoes hug and fit the foot better, helping to keep out debris and dust as you hit the trails, also providing an extra element of comfort and protection.
Many, although not all, styles of their shoes are made to be seamless and help add a bonus to your protection and comfort. Whether or not you really need seamless shoes is again a matter of personal preference, but it does help to try a few on to see how they feel in comparison to shoes that are not seamless. If you notice a difference that could boost your performance, it might be worth it to spend a few more dollars on shoes without seams, as long as those shoes fit your budget.
Fit
The fit of a running shoe will tell you a lot about the shoe. A wide toe-box allows for full splay and the perfect amount of arch support can really help you go the extra mile. We investigated the ins and outs of every shoe to let you know where it might rub, where it provides extra comforts, and how the sizing runs. Even though you would expect a line of running shoes from the same manufacturer to be more or less sized similarly, that isn't always the case. Depending on the fabrics used, some shoes have a bit more stretch and forgiveness.
Traction
Outsoles on shoes are the piece of rubber you’ll find at the bottom of the shoe that hits the running surface every time you step down, and because of their consistent impact with terrain, they are an important part of any shoe as far as traction and comfort are concerned. Many shoes designed by manufacturers including Salomon make shoes with hardcore lugs nowadays, which helps improve traction and grip on softer surfaces and harder surfaces, making the shoes able to handle the more versatile terrain. Some shoes have lugs that are spaced apart farther, and this helps create traction as you run on mud and other wet surfaces. Shoes that combine these features together usually provide the best traction—like what you’ll find on the Salomon Speedcross shoe.
If you know you’ll be running on muddy surfaces, then you want shoes that have lugs that are widely spaced apart. Also, if you want something that can handle the road and the trail, then shoes with hardcore, sticky lugs will help you tackle both types of terrain better. Once you know where you’ll be running and the types of terrain you are likely to encounter, you’ll be able to more easily make a decision about the type of outsoles you need. Most outsoles made by Salomon offer these better-quality features, so it should be easy to factor that into your choice.
Durability
Salomon has a pretty good reputation for the durability of their running shoes, but that's something that we still like to look at case by case. With such a wide variety of shapes, materials, and traction systems, each shoe has its own strengths and weaknesses. To determine the overall durability of a shoe, we looked into the details of the shoe and then cross-checked its strengths with the customer reviews. In the reviews, you'll find real people from all over who are putting in miles and testing the shoes true durabilities. Depending on how often you run, and even on the terrain, a shoe that would last one person five years, may only survive one season with another.
Top 10 Picks
1. Speedcross 4
If you are looking for a good, comfortable shoe that’s easy-to-use and can keep you going strong running on the trails for hours, then you might want to consider Salomon’s Speedcross 4 Running Shoes. This particular style of running shoes from Salomon has become very popular on the market because of their comfort level and great traction.
Read moreComfort
Salomon’s Speedcross 4 Running Shoes offer excellent comfort. The interior mesh of Salomon’s Speedcross 4 Running Shoes are made with anti-debris mesh, which helps repel dirt and trail debris off the shoes as you run. Salomon’s Speedcross 4 Running Shoes also come in a variety of colors and styles for good fashion and include an Endofit inner sleeve inside the shoe which helps provide comfort and shock absorption. Also, it comes with Sensifit overlays inside of the shoe which add extra support and stability.
Fit
There have only been a handful of reviewers who feel the shoes run small. For the most part, they seem to fit true to size. The new model of these shoes is designed to be more lightweight than previous versions of this shoe. They weigh only 10.0-ounces. Also, the shoes are very easy to get on and off, since they are made with Salomon’s Quicklace system, making them an efficient pair of shoes.
Traction
The aggressive traction of these shoes is made by Contagrip. The specialized design will help you handle snow, mud, ice, or other wet conditions with relative ease.
Durability
As you could guess from the shoe that has taken the number one spot on our list, this shoe has proven its durability time and time again. No matter the abuse or terrain, the Speedcross 4 is ready for it.
2. Sense Ride
The Sense Ride is versatile running shoes that provides optimal energy return and keeps you going for longer. The integrated cushioning systems, the Ortholit insert, and the Endofit internal sleeve provide a great fit and support system.
Read moreComfort
The EnergyCell+ cushioning system in these shoes not only provide optimal comfort, but it also helps to propel you forward to your next step. Having this extra little push from your shoes can keep you running for longer than you thought possible. To further ensure this fact, the shoes are lightweight, at only 10-ounces. The upper of the shoe is made from comfortable and breathable stretch mesh with a padded collar. To add even more cushion and comfort, there is a removable Ortholit footbed insert.
Fit
It really is difficult to get everyone to agree, right? With that being said, almost everyone agrees that these shoes fit true to size. The EndoFit internal sleeve hugs the foot and provides support in all the right places. For extra support, the Profeel Film provides extra structural support as it adapts to your movements. The drop of these shoes are about average, at 8mm. If you are a runner who needs extra stabilization or overpronates, the Sense Ride is a great option. Additionally, the Quicklace system is comfortable and easy to use. You can adjust the shoes quickly and easily with one-pull adjustments.
Traction
Like many Salomon running shoes, the outsole of the Sense Ride is made from Wet Traction Contragrip. This sole is great for most terrains, wet or dry, flat or rocky. The Sense Ride is a great shoe for long or short runs, walks, or hikes.
Durability
Adding on to the great durability of the sole, the dense toe bumper also protects the shoe and your foot. The water-resistant mesh upper is surprisingly resistant to abrasions. Also, the Vibe technology increases shock absorption, allowing the shoes to keep their shape for a longer period of time.
3. S-Lab Speed 2
Salomon’s S-Lab Speed Trail Running Shoe is made for up-tempo runners who love hitting the trails with plenty of speed and comfort at their feet. These shoes are made to help runners move more quickly, and have many features and benefits that boost performance while you run.
Read moreComfort
These shoes don’t just look good- they feel good too. Designed with Salomon’s quick lacing system, these shoes are easy to get on and off. Plus, they are designed to keep trail debris and dirt out of your shoe, which helps add a lot of comfort and security to your run.
Fit
These shoes are also designed with great forefront flexibility and combined with the excellent traction system, these shoes make it very easy to run well. Also, these shoes contain the Endofit and Sensifit technologies that help make them fit well for better performance.
Traction
Salomon’s S-Lab Speed Trail Running Shoe is made with plenty of traction to handle rough, wet terrains, and also provides a secure fit and a lot of comfort with it's cushioning and stability. Designed with Contragrip Technology for traction and grip, these shoes can handle just about any terrain, no matter how wet they get.
Durability
As mentioned, the Contragrip outsole is designed to take on almost anything. Additionally, the toe bumper and breathable mesh upper is surprisingly abrasion-resistant. To further ensure durability, the Kevlar laces are strong and provide a great fit.
4. XA Elevate
If the XA Elevate sounds familiar, you may recognize it as an elevated version of the XA Pro. While keeping the same protection and durability, the XA Elevate has shed a few ounces. Due to the firm midsole, we recommend this shoe more for technical trails and less for road running.
Read moreComfort
When sliding your foot into this shoe, you’ll be pleased to meet your old friend from Salomon, the Ortholite memory foam sock liner. This liner provides a cradled and cushioned feel that Salomon is well known for. These shoes feature less cushioning than some of our other options and they have an 8mm drop. Topped with breathable mesh, you won’t find your feet overheating or sweating. The Quicklace pull system makes adjusting the 10.4-ounce shoes a breeze.
Fit
Hidden under the mesh upper is the Sensifit support system. This system cradles the foot and prevents it from moving from side to side as you run over uneven and unknown terrains. To better enhance the overall fit, the advanced chassis system at the back of the shoe locks your heel in place. This is especially helpful during long and technical descents.
Traction
Again, we are met with the Wet Traction Contragrip. This is a great sole that provides traction over many different terrains. The midsole is slightly firmer than usual, making this a great shoe for technical terrain.
Durability
Aside from the durable sole of the shoe, there are other stand out feature in this shoe as well. The TPU rock plate in the midsole protects your foot from roots and rocks but doesn’t affect your foot’s natural flexibility and movements. The toe cap at the front of the shoe adds an extra layer of protection from roots and rocks. If you are looking to make this shoe even more durable and weather-resistant, it is also available in a Gore-Tex version.
5. Sonic Aero
If you enjoy quick runs when you train and short distance runs, then you’ll love the lightweight Salomon Sonic Aero Trail Running Shoe, which creates a solid heel to toe transition and provides plenty of traction and protection for your feet. You’ll get a lot of stability and support if you decide to buy these shoes, which can help boost your performance on the trails.
Read moreComfort
The upper of Salomon’s Sonic Aero Trail Running Shoes are made to be very breathable, giving you an excellent ventilation system that can help your feet stay dry and cool as you run.
Fit
Salomon’s Sonic Aero Trail Running Shoes are made to be both lightweight and responsive, so they are flexible and move with you, making sure you have plenty of freedom of motion. Also, the cushioning system in this shoe makes them feel springy, which can help boost your running skills as you move.
Traction
The shoe provides an excellent grip that helps with traction and support as you move.
Durability
Salomon’s Sonic Aero Trail Running Shoes come in a variety of style and color options, meaning you’ll both look good and feel good in these shoes. Built to be long-lasting, you’ll get a lot of use out of these comfortable shoes that will help you perform better on the trails.
6. Amphib 2
No matter what you come across on the trail, you’ll be ready for it with the Amphib 2. The name gives away the fact that this is a great option for running on dry land, as well as through water. The Wet Traction grip allows you to run with confidence through many different terrains.
Read moreComfort
Similar to what we have seen in other Salomon shoes, the Amphib 2 also features EnergyCell+ technology doubled with the dual-density EVA foam midsole gives us a comfortable shoe with amazing energy return. This shoe also features an OS tendon that stretches and flexes with each heel to toe transition, providing great stability. To provide breathability and rapid dry-out, there is plenty of mesh panels and drainage windows built into the shoe as well.
Fit
The Endofit sock liner not only fits like a dream but also prevents your foot from sliding from side to side within the shoe. The Sensifit overlays provide great stability and really pulls the whole shoe together. The asymmetrical Kevlar Quicklace system makes it easy for you to quickly adjust the laces with a pull. It has been said that these shoes fit quite snugly. However, when running in and out of the water, that may just be what you need.
Traction
You guessed it. Especially with a name like Amphib, how could this shoe not incorporate Wet Traction Contragrip. The lugs are specially placed to provide impressive traction on wet, dry, paved, and uneven surfaces.
Durability
There is a synthetic toe cap built into these shoes to protect your toes and the shoes from roots and rocks on the trail. Even though it’s covered in mesh, the upper is surprisingly abrasion-resistant.
7. Sense Pulse
For runners who want a lot of extra cushion and support from a neutral running shoe, you’ll get the cushioning you probably want with the Salomon Sense Pulse Trail Running Shoe. These shoes are designed to handle road and trail runs well, and are made with plenty of versatility.
Read moreComfort
Salomon’s Sense Pulse Trail Running Shoes provides runners with ample amounts of cushioning on the inside while including a breathable upper mesh that helps ventilate air out as you sweat. Plus, the ventilation system also features a quick-drying system that will help your feet feel comfortable throughout your run.
Fit
Salomon’s Sense Pulse Trail Running Shoes feature the easy one pull lacing system, which makes it very easy to get the shoes on and take them off. These shoes offer the Sensifit overlay system as well, which helps the shoes fit better around your feet, boosting your running performance.
Traction
These shoes also offer a lot of traction while you run, and work well on different types of terrain. You’ll also feel the ground better since these shoes bring plenty of durability and flexibility to your runs as well.
Durability
For the most part, these shoes have proven to be quite durable. However, the sole of the shoe is fairly soft and causes a bit of concern.
8. Speedtrak
Salomon’s Speedtrak Trail Running Shoe resembles the Fellraiser shoe described above and is a very popular choice for running on a variety of terrains, including obstacle courses. Salomon’s Speedtrak Trail Running Shoes are made with an impressive traction system, can handle muddy or difficult surfaces while outdoors, and are made to be long-lasting.
Read moreComfort
The Salomon Speedtrak Trail Running Shoe comes made with a breathable mesh material that allows the shoes to ventilate, keeping your feet dry. These shoes feature a quick-drying system that will help you keep going even if you find your feet sweating often.
Fit
Salomon’s Speedtrak Trail Running Shoes are also made to keep dirt and debris out of your shoes as you run, creating a more comfortable fit and feel. Plus, they also feature the Quicklace system that allows you to easily get these shoes on and take them off.
Traction
These shoes feature hardcore multi-directional lugs to provide the grip you’ll need on the tricky surfaces you might encounter as you run.
Durability
While these shoes are on the more expensive side, they are a very popular choice amongst runners that feel these shoes give you more than what you’ve paid for, making them a great investment since they are durable and will last for quite some time.
9. Wings Flyte 2
Salomon’s Wings Flyte 2 Trail Running Shoes are a popular option for trail runners since these shoes provide great performance and efficiency while still offering a lot of functionality that’s made for running. These shoes are designed to feel comfortable over long periods of time and will help boost your running performance on the trails.
Read moreComfort
Salomon’s Wings Flyte 2 Trail Running Shoes are made for providing comfort on long runs and have an underfoot cushioning system that absorbs shock and provides stability and support while you move.
Fit
Also, these shoes come with the Quicklace System, so they are very easy to get on and take off, and also make it easy to adjust the fit on the shoe.
Traction
The Salomon Wings Flyte 2 Trail Running Shoes perform well on concrete as well as trails and are a very versatile shoe. There are efficient outsole gripping lugs on this shoe that help add stability and traction on a wide variety of surfaces.
Durability
Salomon’s Wings Flyte 2 Trail Running shoes also come in a variety of colors and styles, help to give you fashion alongside performance. Also, the durability is quite good, and the shoes do a great job of handling mud and other wet surfaces while you run.
10. S-Lab Sense 6
A shoe with an unquestionably attractive silhouette design and much appreciated by runners because the overall construction is light-weight. Feedback on this shoe is conclusive, it is comfortable, even for long runs on challenging surfaces. The first feature to notice is the awesome design of the shoe is vividly attractive, the weight of the shoe is light for a trail shoe and you can really slam on the steam while enjoying a high level of cushioned comfort for challenging short or long runs.
Read moreComfort
Right from the very first moment you put on the shoe the first benefit is the weight, the construction is durable and nicely light, foot security and protection are present to a level wanted by trail runners. The cushion factor works well for long-distance running and the surface grip has a killer performance on all surfaces, a lovely comfortable wide toe area in the forefoot section of the shoe allowing lot's of space for flexing our toes while we run.
Fit
Foot security is enhanced through the sturdy fast lace-up mechanism and the shoe gives very satisfactory durability. The lace-up system is runner-friendly, quick to secure and also contributes solidly towards the stability of the shoe. The Shoe is a well-engineered neutral runner, with an appropriate low drop, performs for trail or competitive running, it weighs in at a solidly comfortable 7.7- ounces.
Traction
The gripping capability is impressively reliable and works equally well on most surfaces.
Durability
Durability is evident and consistent with what we expect from a trail shoe, the cushion level factors in as impressive for all distances and even at a competitive level.
Sources
- , 39 best Salomon running shoes, Blog
- , Salomon Running Shoes Reviews, Running Shoes Blog
- , The 9 Best Salomon Running Shoes, Runner's World
- , 10 Best Salomon Running Shoes for Women for 2019, Buying Guide