Trail Tested: Salomon Ultra Glide
We took the Salomon Ultra glide for a test run. Well, several test runs.
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It has taken a while for Salomon to have a real contender in the max-cushion market, but the Ultra Glide marks their entry into the scene in style.
Fit & Feel
Not only does the Ultra Glide level up in terms of cushion, but it also sports a wider, more generous fit than many of Salomon’s other offerings. It does run a bit long (similiar to other Salomons) so consider going down a half to a whole size from your normal running shoe. While it sports a 32mm stack, the wider footprint prevents it from feeling unstable for such a well-cushioned shoe.
The Sensi-mesh upper is quick-drying and breathable, and has just enough give to let your foot swell into the later hours of an ultra. Sensi-wings lock the foot and place, and give the Ultra Glide excellent control and precision compared with other max-cush shoes. A generously padded collar and cushy tongue help dial in fit, while Salomon’s proprietary Quicklace system and tongue garage ensure that your laces won’t come untied during a key workout or race.
A 6mm drop gives it a low, but athletic feel for good control. Found in Salomon’s other, sportier shoes like the Phantasm and Pulsar, the Energy Surge foam provides a bouncy, soft ride.
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In Action
The midsole/outsole are molded with a fairly aggressive rocker shape that makes for a smooth landing, roll-through and toe off, though doesn’t fare as well in technical terrain.
We tested the Ultra Glide for 100-plus miles on various terrain. It performed great on packed trail and gravel, but it wasn’t ideal for extremely rocky and technical terrain in the alpine, like snow or scree fields.
The shoe drains and dries well after creek crossings, and sheds mud reasonably well (though the shallower lugs feel slippery on wet terrain). The Ultra Glide shines on very long runs, and is a great choice for ultras up to 100 miles in mildly technical terrain.