Are Salomon Trail Running Shoes Good? (A Salomon Review)


Salomon is one of the most recognized brands in the world of trail running. Many of the best athletes in the world including Courtney Dauwalter and Bartlomiej Przedwojewski use Salomon in training and competition. But are Salomon trail running shoes actually good?

I’ve used multiple pairs of Salomon as well as other shoe brands and generally speaking, Salomon shoes are good and durable running shoes, however, it isn’t perfect.

In this article, we’re going to talk about how Salomon trail running shoes perform, the Salomon brand itself, and my experiences with wearing Salomon trail running shoes. In the end, I’ll give you a list of my favorite Salomon trail running shoes. So if you’re thinking about buying a Salomon, read along.

How Does Salomon Trail Running Shoes Perform?

A photo of me standing on a rock wearing my Salomon Sense Ride 4 trail running shoes
A photo of me standing on a rock wearing my Salomon Sense Ride 4 trail running shoes.

The performance of Salomon trail running shoes depends on the shoe model you went with and the terrain you used them on.

Salomon offers a variety of shoes used for different types of activities.

Some shoes are used for fast-paced races sacrificing foot protection and durability to reduce overall weight.

Others are grippy on soft muddy terrain but aren’t compatible with rocky surfaces, while others are made ultrasoft and comfortable but less responsive, making them suitable for slow long-distance trail runs.

For example, using the Speedcross 5 is great for training on soft and muddy terrain, however, it might be too heavy and one-sided if you use them to race on a MOAB event (240 miles of trail running on mixed terrain).

Technically, all of Salomon’s trail running shoes are good. It’s just a matter of finding the right model that fits your needs.

Are Salomon Shoes Durable?

The durability of a trail running shoe is hard to compare and measure because of the differences in terrain and conditions, frequency of use, and the shoe model.

However, in my experience, almost all my Salomon shoes last longer than other shoes used in similar conditions (no kidding).

One thing that I noticed immediately about my Salomon trail running shoes is that the adhesive they use to stick the outsole to the midsole is superb.

One problem I had with one particular shoe was that the outsole started peeling off at the front after only a few uses.

The outsole also started ripping off at the bottom when I used them on rocky terrain often (the shoe are supposedly made for mixed terrain—which includes rocky terrain)

With my Salomon, I never had the same problem with outsoles.

In fact, my Salomon Sense Ride 4 has been used in the toughest conditions (I’m talking sharp rocks, roots, deep mud, and lots of debris) multiple times a week for 6 months and the outsole still holds firmly.

One problem I had, though, was the upper developed a half-inch hole at the side exposing my socks. I believe that was from the frequent abrasion against rocks (seen in the third photo below).

But that is to be expected given the duration I’ve used them and the type of terrain I run on.

Related post: 8 Tips to Make Your Running Shoes Last Longer

Is Salomon a Good Brand?

The Salomon brand is one of the most popular outdoor sports brands in the world.

They are known for their quality products and innovative designs. They produce a wide range of products including running shoes, gears, apparel, backpacks, ski equipment, and more.

Salomon specializes in outdoor sports and is committed to coming up with the best gears. That said, Salomon works side by side with some of the world’s most talented athletes and champions to come up with the best product possible.

Another thing that separates Salomon from other brands is its commitment to protecting the environment.

They use recycled materials in their products whenever they can and they partner with environmental organizations to help preserve the world’s trails and wild places.

So is Salomon a good brand? Yes, they are.

My Experience With Salomon Shoes

I’ve been using different models of Salomon trail running shoes for the past 3 years (with a bias towards the Sense Ride series) and I’m generally happy with the performance and durability.

They are comfortable, durable, and provide good traction and foot protection overall.

I love that mud doesn’t stick as much to them as other shoes I’ve worn. Plus, they’re very easy to clean. I could simply use a garden hose and brush them a little bit then they’d look like they’ve never been used.

The only downside I have with Salomon shoes is that most of their shoes have a firmer cushion.

When I first started using Salomon Sense Ride, I had the impression that the “regular cushioning” was similar to a Brooks Cascadia or Hoka Speedgoat.

However, when I wore it to the trails, I was surprised to find out it was firm even for a shoe with a regular cushion level.

Over time I got used to it and loved how responsive a firmer shoe is so I stuck with it. But it took a few runs before I got used to them, especially since I was used to running shoes with soft cushions.

You do have a few options for maximum cushioning like the Ultra Glide and Pulsar Trail, but the majority of their running shoes are on the firm side compared to other brands.

Related post: Trail Running Shoes: How Are They Different?

What are the Best Salomon Trail Running Shoes?

As mentioned above, the best Salomon shoes will depend on how you match the shoes with the terrain as well as your preference. But here are some of my favorite Salomon trail running shoes:

  • Salomon Sense Ride – I love how it firmly holds your feet and its responsiveness on the trails. The grip is outstanding regardless of the terrain and it’s fairly lightweight. This is my main shoe which I use for training and races.
  • Salomon Ultra Glide – Great fit. Good grip. And best of all, a soft cushion! This is the shoe for those who want comfort above all else.
  • Salomon Supercross – If you’re looking for a fast and really grippy shoe for soft and muddy trails, nothing beats the Supercross.

Please note that I did not include the model number (e.g. the “4” in Sense Ride 4) of the shoe. This is so that I will be able to update these links to the latest version of each model without causing confusion.

So, Are Salomon Shoes Worth It?

Absolutely! Salomon is a great brand that produces high-quality and innovative products.

Their trail running shoes are some of the best in the market with a good mix of comfort, durability, and performance.

Price-wise, they’re not the most expensive shoes yet they aren’t cheap either.

The only downside is that most of their shoes have firmer cushioning which can take some time to get used to. But overall, they are definitely worth the investment.

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Final Thoughts

There are other brands that perform as well, if not, better than Salomon. However, Salomon is a great option to consider if you’re looking for truly high-quality trail running shoes.

Many known shoe brands offer less-expensive options with good grip and cushioning, however, there’s a possibility that you’re not getting a shoe that can handle the extremes of trail running.

In contrast, Salomon specializes in this area. This ensures you that you’re getting a shoe that is well put together by experts in the field of trail running.

So, if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a great trail running shoe, Salomon is definitely worth checking out.

Nicho Mauricio

Running wasn't always my favorite sport. I was a CrossFit athlete and I loved every bit of it. But since the pandemic began, I was forced to stay away from the gym and train at home instead. Things got boring. That's when I decided to trail run with my friends. I instantly got hooked. So I started training and researching all things running. As a beginner, I want to buy only the best running gear and do only the best practices. This blog is where I share what I've learned in my journey and my experiences as a runner.

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