Hardwear
Product 2020
Woman, Man
We really liked the Salomon Sense Ride version 2, to the point of awarding it a Test4outside FIRST Award.
Unfortunately we didn’t feel the same way about the 3rd Sense Ride version, it’s still a very well made shoe but we think they have lost what made them great: clever cushioning coupled with being reasonably lightweight.
Straight away we noticed the weight difference at the back of the shoe. Could this be due to the Optivibe technology that is designed to protect the runner from vibrations? We wanted to be sure so we weighed a pair of Sense ride 2 next to the Sense Ride 3: the same size, 42 2/3: 267g Sense 2, 317g the 3. First impression confirmed.
Once running the Salomon Sense Ride 3 has different sensations, especially in terms of cushioning. Contrary to what Salomon states, our field experience (trail + road) shows us that the version 3 has less cushioning than the 2. The filtration under the forefoot is not obvious (little difference with the Sense Ride 2) and especially not under the heel. After running for a while, the shoes become a little more flexible but they do remain stiff. Over long distances, we suffered a bit. On the other hand, our feet seemed better held laterally, the insole or the combo insole + sole do a great job in this area. The torsional stiffness is also different, slightly more assertive on the Sense Ride 3.
For the rest, they are very comfortable with good foot envelopment around the ankle region and a well-held heel. The top height is the same and the modified shape of the stone guard remains very effective.
The Quicklace is identical and we can say, unlike some publications, that the length of the laces isn’t longer than the previous model. Therefore, it can be easily stored in the elasticated pocket at the top of the tongue.
The design of the sole has been modified, it remains consistent and efficient on terrain that is not very technical. The grip under the forefoot allows you to tackle steep slopes with ease. When descending, the lugs provide good support. Only downside: the rigid sole forces you to slow down if you are not in the right position. The major positive point concerns foot protection: you barely feel stones underfoot.
The toe box volume is practically identical, the Sense Ride 2 mesh probably stretches slightly more. The 8mm drop is identical.
The manufacturing quality is excellent, we didn’t see any glue blobs or bad assemblies. To be a spoilsport, there’s one tiny detail: the seam that goes around the eyelets is not ultra-aesthetic.
What about the super beautiful white sole when the new shoe gets dirty? If you are a fanatic you can brush them from time to time with soap and the Salomon Sense Ride 3 are revitalized (you would however need to check their UV resistance: yellowing).
The Salomon Sense Ride 3 have lost a little of what made them attractive: the smoothness and clever cushioning. We now have a firmer and more direct shoe, yet effective spring. Light runners, who aren’t very technical, would suffer with these soles.
19 mm8 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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