Active Gear Review is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
I have to be honest, I have never tried Salomon shoes before. When I first started running, many other runners were wearing the S/LAB shoes by Salomon, and I always admired their sleek design. They looked fast, and that was appealing. So when I got my hands on the highly anticipated S/LAB Ultra Glide, I was excited to see if they lived up to my expectations. With its unusual-looking and innovative midsole design, I had high hopes for this shoe. After years of running in various brands and models, I was ready to explore something different. Let’s dive in and see how they performed.
Facts and Figures
Salomon’s latest trail running shoe does not come cheap. Retailing at $250, the S/LAB Ultra Glide is a premium offering. At 10.2 oz (290 g) for a US Men’s 9, it’s not the lightest trail shoe, but considering its deep stack of cushioning, the weight is reasonable.
Key Specifications
- Weight: 10.2 oz (290 g) for US M9
- Stack Height & Drop: 41mm in heel, 35mm in forefoot (6mm drop)
- Best For: Ultra-distance races and long training runs
- Outsole: 4mm lug depth, Contagrip rubber
- Lacing System: Quicklace
- Upper: Textile / Synthetic
Upper
The upper of the Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide features Salomon’s signature Quicklace system, which replaces traditional laces with a cord mechanism. This system is either love-it-or-hate-it. Since this was my first time using it, I found it a bit tricky at first. The locking mechanism wasn’t as smooth as I expected, but over time, I adjusted to it. While the Quicklace system works well after getting used to it, I don’t see a huge advantage over regular laces. I usually just double-knot my laces and don’t have to adjust them – even during ultra races
The ankle collar and heel cup have a moderate level of padding, constructed with a double-layered mesh. Salomon paid great attention to detail, as expected from their S/LAB line. The overlays reinforce key areas, and there’s a solid toe bumper for protection on technical trails. However, the upper wasn’t as comfortable as I hoped. The transition between the tongue and the rest of the shoe created a noticeable bulge, which I could feel pressing on my foot throughout my runs. While it didn’t cause blisters, it was always there, which made me question the long-term comfort.
Upper Features
- Quicklace System: One-pull tightening for convenience
- Double-layered Mesh: Provides breathability and durability
- Reinforced Overlays: Enhances durability in key wear areas
- Toe Bumper: Protects against trail obstacles
Outsole
Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide uses a 4mm lug design with their Contagrip rubber outsole. This provides excellent traction on varied terrain. I tested them in wet, muddy conditions, and they performed well without slipping. The standout feature here is the unique wave-like pattern, which is part of Salomon’s Relief Sphere technology. It’s designed to break down repeated impact and improve comfort over long distances.
Outsole Features
- All Terrain Contagrip: Durable and reliable on wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces
- Relief Sphere: Wavy outsole geometry disperses pressure for long-lasting comfort
- Lug Depth: 4mm for optimal trail grip
Midsole and Performance
Salomon excels in innovation, and this midsole is no exception. The Energy Foam+ provides cushioning and responsiveness, but it wasn’t as bouncy as I expected. However, the balance between comfort and stability was impressive. The 6mm drop felt natural for long runs, and I appreciated that Salomon chose not to include a carbon plate. For most trail runners, a carbon plate isn’t necessary, and the shoe felt more forgiving without it.
Midsole Features
- SalomonFOAM: Lightweight EVA foam for performance cushioning
- SalomonFOAM+: PEBA and EVA blend for dynamic energy return
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm for a smooth stride
Fit and Comfort
Salomon shoes are known for running small, so I initially ordered a size 13, which is what I wear in Hokas. However, they were too long, and I had to swap them for a 12.5, which fit perfectly. The width was also better than I expected, considering that older S/LAB models were quite narrow.
The midfoot felt secure, and the Quicklace system stayed locked in place once adjusted. However, the upper material didn’t conform to my foot as comfortably as I had hoped. The tongue’s bulge was a constant annoyance, and I also experienced some pressure on the outside of my ankle bone. While the cushioning was great, these fit issues kept me from fully enjoying the shoe.
Fit Considerations
- Sizing: Runs slightly long; consider going a half-size down
- Width: More accommodating than older S/LAB models
- Midfoot Hold: Secure and stable
- Comfort Issues: Bulging tongue and ankle pressure points
Final Thoughts
The Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide had a lot to offer—great traction, solid cushioning, and a stable feel on trails. However, the fit wasn’t ideal for me. The upper had a few problem areas that made my runs less enjoyable, and while I didn’t hate them, I didn’t fall in love with them either.
At $250, these are an investment. If the fit works for you, they could be a fantastic long-distance trail shoe. You can find more information and check them out on salomon.com. For those interested, I recommend trying them on in-store before committing to a pair.