Have you ever dreamed of a pair of shoes that would provide unparalleled comfort from your first step to the finish line? Salomon introduces the S/Lab Ultra Glide, a brand new model to the world of ultra running. Designed to meet long-distance challenges, this model is built for ultra running. Its innovative midsole reduces foot fatigue, disperses pressure, and adapts to changing terrain. It’s for those who want to run farther and longer without compromise!
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide is a perfectly cushioned shoe designed for challenging terrain, ranging from forest paths to mountain trails. It offers long-distance comfort, responsive dynamics, and a lightweight, breathable design. It is suitable for less experienced runners as well as those who compete in ultra runs. The level and amount of cushioning it offers can handle even the longest runs.
Pros
- very high and soft cushioning
- pleasant elasticity
- good stability
- breathable upper
- good fit
- grippy universal outsole
- low weight (among the 14% lightest off-road shoes)
Cons
- high regular price
Salomon running shoes – lineup
Salomon categorizes its products based on runners’ expectations for footwear and their level of expertise. Currently, there are three main categories: speed, support, and comfort. If you are looking for shoes for long-distance running or ultras, you should focus on the comfort category. This is where you will find the S/LAB Ultra Glide, a model designed for maximum comfort.
Within each category, the shoes vary in sophistication level, reflecting the type of runners they are aimed at. The most technologically advanced models are at the top and are from the S/LAB series. They are designed for ambitious athletes who expect the highest performance. The basic models are at the other end of the lineup and are designed for those who are just starting their trail running adventure or who don’t need advanced technology.
| PACE | SUPPORT | COMFORT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S/LAB PRO RACING CONCEPT |  S/Lab Pulsar 3 |  S/Lab Genesis |  S/Lab Ultra Glide  S/Lab Ultra |
| PERFORMANCE AND RACING |  Thundercross  Speedcross 6 |  Genesis  XA Pro 3D |  Ultra Glide 3  Vision  Ultra Flow  Sense Ride 5 |
| OCCASIONAL |  Supercross 4 | ||
| RECREATIONAL |  Alphacross 5 |
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide alternatives
In response to the growing popularity of maximalist trail shoes, Salomon introduces the exceptionally soft and comfortable S/LAB Ultra Glide. Thanks to its innovative design, it rivals leading models from other brands and may become a real alternative to the iconic Hoka Speedgoat — one of the most recognizable models in this category.
However, the S/Lab Ultra Glide is not the only trail shoe with such high cushioning. If you’re looking for maximum comfort on long runs and challenging trails, check out our guide to the best cushioned trail shoes.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra | 42/34 | 8 | 270 | 270 | 230 |
| Hoka Mafate Speed 4 | 33/28 | 4 | 295 | 241 | 180 |
| Hoka Tecton X 3 | 40/35 | 5 | 286 | 223 | 250 |
| Salomon S/Lab Genesis | 34/26 | 8 | 269 | 242 | 200 |
| Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide | 41/35 | 6 | 280 | 280 | 250 |
Cushioning with energyFOAM+ and more
The S/LAB Ultra Glide midsole is an innovative combination of two foams that create a balance of cushioning and stability. Inside, an energyFOAM+ foam core is embedded in an energyFOAM foam platform. The former provides softness, cushioning, and responsiveness — everything you could want in a shoe. The second foam acts as a stiffer shell, making the shoe stable and controllable.
The Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide truly delivers both softness and stability. It is the second softest trail model in the brand’s lineup, alongside the S/LAB Genesis. It’s hard to say which offers more noticeable softness; both provide exceptional comfort on difficult trails.
However, the S/Lab Ultra Glide stands out for more than just its cushioning; it also offers excellent stability. This is due to the construction of the sole and the side elements in the rear of the shoe. These foam elements overlap the sole and effectively limit lateral movement, making it easier to control the shoe on uneven terrain.
There is ample foam and midsole thickness. According to the manufacturer, there are 41 millimeters of foam under the heel and 35 millimeters under the ball of the foot. This is a lot for running shoes, providing more than enough cushioning to make them soft and comfortable. These features make it the softest and most comfortable Salomon shoe designed for ultra running on rocky terrain.
An interesting construction can be found on the bottom. This is the new relieveSPHERE technology, which takes the form of a wavy surface with circular indentations. This is something unheard of in running shoes. It has been designed to distribute pressure evenly across the ground, making the shoes comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Outsole – relieveSPHERE
Similar to the midsole construction, the outsole is wavy. This is where the relieveSPHERE technology is most visible. According to the manufacturer, this pattern is the result of six years of research at the Salomon Science Laboratory.
From a practical point of view, the large amount of rubber covering the entire sole of the shoe is also notable. This should ensure the durability of the entire construction as well as traction. The manufacturer claims that the studs are 4 millimeters high. However, I measured them at 3.6 millimeters. These values are high enough for the shoe to perform well on a variety of surfaces. It should perform well on dry trails and the height of the lugs should be sufficient for wet conditions as well. At the same time, the fairly wide spacing of the lugs should prevent dirt and mud from accumulating in the outsole.
Fit and construction of the upper
The S/LAB Ultra Glide’s upper is both light and durable, making long runs comfortable. Made from stretchy synthetic mesh, it’s breathable and durable enough for trail running.
This model is designed primarily for warm days and summer runs, not for navigating mud or rain. It is neither waterproof nor water-resistant, so if you are looking for shoes for wet conditions, you may want to consider other options. However, it is perfect for dry, demanding trails!
The S/LAB Ultra Glide is narrower than average inside. The measured width of the upper at its widest point is 102.6 millimeters, which is slightly less than average for shoes of my size. For this reason, it may not be the best choice for people with wide feet. However, the front of the shoe is different. Thanks to the flexibility of the upper, the toes have more space, and the width is optimal and comfortable for long runs. This is what this model is praised for. Additionally, the front is reinforced with a durable material that creates a kind of “bumper” to protect the toes from impacts with roots or stones. Of course, this protection is only effective if you choose the right size with a little extra room.
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide uses the proven QuickLace system: a thin cord with a clip that allows you to quickly adjust the shoe to your foot. Just pull and tighten the clip! Remember to hide the excess cord in the special pocket in the tongue. Unlike most Salomon models, however, the cord is hidden in a pocket from the top rather than the bottom. It’s worth doing this because it’s difficult to break the line, and catching an unhidden line on a root while running can be dangerous.
The heel counter of the S/LAB Ultra Glide is designed for comfort and a natural fit rather than maximum stiffness. Foam elements on the sides of the shoe provide rigidity, while the upper is soft in the middle. This construction uses gentle stiffening and stiffer applications on the upper. As a result, the heel remains soft and flexible, providing greater comfort, especially during long runs. However, if you prefer a stiffer heel, you may feel that it lacks stiffness.
Lightness that makes an impression
As with other shoes in the S/Lab series, you can expect the Ultra Glide to be lightweight. According to the manufacturer, it weighs 280 grams, a good result. My measurements for a size 12 US showed 306 grams, placing it among the lightest trail shoes — it ranks in the top 14% of lightest models.
While weight is not typically a key parameter for trail shoes, especially those with high levels of cushioning, the S/Lab Ultra Glide stands out with its exceptionally lightweight construction, which runners will undoubtedly appreciate.
Summary
The Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide is an exceptionally lightweight and well-cushioned trail shoe that is ideal for long distances and ultra runs. Thanks to its soft midsole, stable construction, and breathable upper, it is a very comfortable shoe. However, its narrower fit and soft heel counter may not appeal to runners who prefer a firmer hold. This model is ideal for dry, long, and demanding routes. However, due to its lack of waterproofing and aggressive outsole, it may struggle in muddy conditions.
