Mountain shoes
Product 2019
Woman, Man
Even though Salomon had a successful and perfected product, which sold well, the brand decided to modify the S / Lab ULTRA that we tested last year). The new version of this bestseller, the S / LAB 2 may not be a revolution, but it is an evolution, and the changes are important.
We immediately notice the almost disappearing “straps” that allowed the distribution of the very low lace’s tension around the foot, and therefore giving better foothold. We had both aesthetic and mechanical reservations about this kind of solution. Version 2 of the ULTRA has only one strap (on each side of the foot), on the top of the instep. It has been modified compared to the previous model: it does not reach the sole; its shape and design have been changed. We wondered: what would S / LAB 2 be like without this strap? Would foothold be reduced? In any case, the shoe has been made lighter, the front of the foot is more refined. The strap remains flat against the shoe and pebbles, dust, or muck don’t get the chance to wriggle there way underneath.
The ankle region is well held and the overall support is very good. We noticed that the base of the stem has been slightly modified, there is less mesh.
The weight test surprised us a bit, it is almost identical even though Solomon removed two straps. The S / LAB 2 displays 290g in size 42 2/3.
The sole and the foot strike, no surprises, you have the same sensations as with the S / LAB ULTRA. A very nice running shoe, reliable on terrain needing a forefoot grip (uphill), good grip on a cross-slope and a heel restraint in the downhill. The lugs never clog up with mud. We found the only downside was the lack of crampons under the arch.
The cushioning is identical, very little at the forefoot and more present at the heel to absorb but without disturbing balance or losing energy. For long runs, the S / LAB 2 has dosed its filtration well. The despite the lesser cushioning at the forefoot you don’t feel stones underfoot.
Good stability, well-connected with a 8mm drop. Remember that François d’Hæne chose this rating specifically not to put too much pressure on the calves in long runs.
We loved the heel envelopment, the dense, thin but comfortable materials bring comfort and precision. You don’t have the thick foam padding (that loads with water) that some manufacturers use in this area.
The S / LAB 2 are easy to put on, the strap on the tongue helps to position all the elements in the axis. The Quicklace® ensures an ultra-fast and powerful lacing, do it carefully to avoid pressure points on the instep. It doesn’t matter if the lacing doesn’t slide a lot at the front of the foot because the shoe’s envelopment is already good.
The excess lace is stored in the pocket on the tongue. It’s ingenious but a little tricky when you have cold fingers. The entrance is a bit small. Another remark, we would have made the lace shorter (you don’t need an extra 10cm of available length …). Once stored in its compartment, you have nothing flapping around and the laces never come undone.
The stone guard, as always with Solomon, is uncritical. We noticed at the toe joint some folds in the mesh (binding with the plastic reinforcements). We also see some bits of glue, but we had the very first series, which may explain it.
Last remark, on this S / LAB 2, there are a lot of seams. The general tendency is to reduce them as much as possible, or even make them disappear by using other technologies. You gain in aesthetics, weight and sometimes strength.
Last but not least, Salomon announces an increased durability. The price remains unchanged.
Salomon S / LAB 2 is an evolution of the old version. We find dynamic qualities, the ability to face technical terrain and long distances. This is one of the shoes you should rely on this season in your Ultras.
18 mm8 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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