TRIATHLON
Product 2018
Man
Before checking out the results of the field test of the surprising S/Lab Sense Ultra, I must admit that Salomon has really reworked their materials in trail running shoes. The previous ranges gave the impression that Salomon was just riding the success wave.
In 2017 the products remain in the same lines but they have been intelligently and diligently refined. The S/Lab products are numerous and must be chosen with the utmost care because each characteristic has been carefully thought out.
The really good retailer should know all the subtle differences for each model that are written at the bottom of each product sheet. For the S/Lab Sense Ultra here are the down to earth facts: Weight: 3 (on a scale of 5). Cushioning: 4 (the S/Lab Sense 6 SG is a 2). Stability: 4 Protection: 4. Even the breathability is scaled for each model (4 for the S/Lab Sense Ultra). Even more surprisingly the shoe has been classed for durability: 3. You really know exactly what you can expect (even if it depends on usage and frequency).
You mustn’t forget the quality of the foot strike, mid-foot for the S/Lab Sense Ultra; its drop is 9mm (27mm/18mm) and a volume that suits medium to narrow feet.
These figures and this type of precision in the design and manufacturing cannot be substituted for experience out on the trails, which remains the only true judge.
It’s not the easiest shoe to put on, Salomon haven’t put a small loop on the heel to help. The search for weight loss is ever present, (278g on our scales, for 225g for the S/Lab Sense 6 SG) shows there is little in the way of comfortable foam with a minimalist construction. The first look is deceiving because this is a very technical shoe that provides exceptional foot envelopment; you feel it immediately you start running.
Foot-strike is beautifully accurate in its precision, it doesn’t budge, the heel stays firm and the forefoot hold is perfect. The automatic lacing system has at last matured to perfection: it slides well, no longer crushes the forefoot and doesn’t cut-off circulation in your tendons. Ultra-fast to adjust and doesn’t move once out on the trails. The surplus sits neatly in the compartment at the top of the tongue: it’s clean, efficient and nothing moves.
First sensations are: great foothold and a very reassuring foot-strike. The stride is fluid and torsional rigidity is well measured. The grip bites well and gives a good feeling of confidence in the foot-strike. Kilometers after kilometers pass with ease and serenity.
Personally for very long sessions a little more cushioning would be appreciated. The first kilometers are always well managed in the mid-foot but once fatigue starts setting in and you lean back and rely on a heel strike the shoe becomes quite hard under foot. The grip in all situations is very good, mud, rocks, etc. we couldn’t test them on wet tree roots or damp limestone…
Even if Salomon classes this shoe as 3 on their scale of 5 for durability the foam of the outer sole squashes down rapidly, and of course even more so if you have a hefty build and are slightly pronator.
Despite the foam’s limited presence, it is comfortable, at one point we thought it was rubbing at the heel, but the feeling passed. The stone guard is well designed, protective enough but not over the top to disturb the inertia of the front of the shoe.
The look is standard. For durability we haven’t had enough time to test it in the long-term. We hope that Salomon’s reputation for deterioration has now been quashed with this new model, and that finally the folding point near the big toe will no longer tear after a short time.
This is a shoe that has been carefully designed, well-researched, lightweight, stable and good grip for going far and wide on any type of terrain.
27 mm9 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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