Details
Brand
Salming
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
8.3/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Minimalist
Key Features
• TOC66 (Traction Outsole Control 66) provides support• 8mm high lugs to make ascending and descending steep trails easy• The TGS 62/75 design provides stability from the ball of the foot to the heel• 2 Layer Construction outsole with ExoSkeleton design• 4mm drop• Roomy toe box• Adaptive heel cup
Upper
The 2 layers upper construction is designed to be lightweight and durable while also providing a maximum amount of breathability. The first layer of the 2 layer construction offers a big air mesh which creates that plush feel. The second layer of the shoe is the thin mesh net that keeps rocks and dirt out while also providing ventilation around the foot. This layer is called a RocShield. While the shield keeps out rocks and dirt, it also provides a space for water drainage to occur, making this shoe perfect for running in any weather condition. This shield also prevents the outsole from scuffing. The tough Exoskeleton helps to stabilize the foot. While providing a stable fit, the Exoskeleton also relieves the pressure on the MTP (Metatarsophalangeal) joints. The heel cup design is what brings the whole shoe together by providing an adaptive fit to anyone’s foot while still being lightweight.
Midsole
The material of the midsole in the Salming Element is Salming ‘s Runlite, which is absorbs negative impact forces and releases those forces at toe off. The Salming Runlite material makes running over rocks, sticks, roots, and other obstacles easy and with no uncomfortable impact on your foot. This material features a High Abrasion Injection EVA, which is designed to provide a responsive ride while still being flexible and allowing you to feel the ground while running. The TGS 62/75 design will provide extra stability from the ball of the foot to the heel. The 62/75 translates to 62 being the distance from the heel to the ball of the foot (62%) and 75 being the angle of the tip of the shoe.
Outsole
The Salming Element trail running shoe has a lightweight outsole for maximum comfort. The outsole is made of TOC66 (Traction Outsole Control 66) compound featuring 8mm lugs. The Traction Outsole Control 66 supports you by enabling you to run at your top speed without a worry of falling or slipping. The lug lengths provide a great advantage when it comes to descending on steep slopes. The strong grip will hug the trail closely to prevent any slips. These features combined together provide the best grip possible on a multitude of surfaces including gravel, rocks, roots, loose dirt, and other trail surfaces, wet or dry.
Breathability
Salming has created this shoe with breathability in mind. On the upper layer of the shoe, there is a RocShield added to help with this. The shield protects the shoe from rocks, dirt and other debris from coming into the shoe but also provides a high level of breathability and water drainage when running in wet conditions. The mesh netting of the shield allows for a good amount of airflow around the foot.
Comfort
The Salming Elements has many features that make it comfortable. The shoe’s tongue is well padded along the top. This will add comfort for the top of your foot while running. The padded heel collar is another feature that provides comfort. The tongue and heel are made of a soft material that will reduce the chance of blisters.. The lightweight material used in this shoe means that when it comes to comfort, your foot will not be weighed down. The breathability of this shoe adds to its comfort as well. The mesh layer on top allows for proper ventilation, keeping the foot cool and dry. It also allows for water drainage. The fit is snug to keep you secure while running over trails. Despite the snug fit, the shoe is not uncomfortably tight. There is space in the toe area for movement, but without sliding.
Style
The Salming Elements shoe delivers when it comes to style. However, the shoe only comes in two colors: one for the women’s version and on for the men’s version. The men’s shoe comes in a Gecko Green color with a navy exoskeleton. The women’s shoe comes in a Safety Yellow Color with a pink exoskeleton. The lack of choices may be disappointing, or if you are looking for a shoe with a more neutral color combination. The structure of this shoe gives it a sleek and light look while still giving you the best possible fit.
Durability
This shoe is designed for durability. Since it is a trail running shoe, the Salming Elements needs to hold up under all different types of conditions. In rain or shine, this shoe will hold firm against the elements. The 8mm high lugs not only provide traction, but they also help to extend the life of the shoe’s sole. Mountain trails require durable shoes, and this shoe is built to handle the toughest of trails. You can run easy with the assurance that while you’re scaling those trails, your shoe will not fall apart under your foot.
Protection
This shoe is a lightweight shoe, so it does not provide the thickest layer of protection. It does not have a rock plate or a toe guard that many trail running shoes have. Luckily, the thick sole and 8mm lugs will protect your feet from rough terrain underfoot while the two-layer upper will prevent debris such as dirt and rocks from entering the shoe.
Responsiveness
This lightweight shoe is very responsive. The light materials are built to hug your foot for a secure fit, allowing you the shoe to move with your foot. The RunLite midsole is very responsive, providing energy at toe-off. Because of the secure fit, you will not find your foot sliding in this shoe as you run over the trails. The shoe will respond to your foot movements so you can move over tough terrains with ease.
Support
The Salming Elements is overall a pretty supportive shoe. The heel cup keeps your heel secure while the TGS 62/75, which is the 75-degree angle from heel to toe that allows for a guided, but natural foot movement. The ExoSkeleton construction of the upper locks the foot in place so that your foot does not shift around inside the shoe.
Terrain
The best terrain to use the Salming Elements shoe on is trails. Whether it is loose gravel, rocks, dirt or mud, this shoe can handle it all. Be warned that if you do take the Salming Elements on the road, the 8mm lugs can wear down prematurely. This shoe will hold up in different weather conditions as well including wet, icy, or snowy conditions.
Price
As far as pricing goes, the Salming Elements is on the higher end of trail running shoes, but well worth the price. The cost falls around $130 for both the men’s or women’s version. While you can find other trail running shoes at a lower price, the quality won’t be there. With this price, you are getting a quality shoe with many features to give you the support and durability that you need.
Drop
The Salming Elements has a 4mm drop. This makes the Salming Elements a minimal running shoe. Runners who are used to a higher drop should be careful and slowly transition so that you do not get injured.
Stability
This shoe keeps your foot secure in several places so that you can feel stable while running across all types of terrain. The strong outsole provides a stable platform, and the lugs give you a better grip on rough terrain. It does not provide much arch support as it was designed for the neutral runner. This flexible, more minimalistic design was created to be more of an extension of your foot.
Flexibility
This shoe is extremely flexible. There is no rock plate in the shoe, meaning that it molds better to the surface you are running on. The top of the shoe is a sturdy mesh material which also is extreme flexibility. The shoe can be folded in half in order to prove the flexibility. This high level of flexibility gives you a responsive, natural ride.
Traction
Since the Salming Elements is designed for trail running, the traction you will get with this shoe is top of the line. The 8mm lugs on the bottom provide a strong grip for going up for downhill. You will be able to run over any type of terrain in any type of weather without a fear of slipping or falling. Whether you are heading uphill at the start of your run or heading downhill after a long workout, this shoe will keep you securely on the trail.
Bottom Line
The Salming Elements was created to improve every athlete’s ability while running on trails. Running over tough terrains requires a durable shoe with good traction and the Salming Elements can keep up with the active trail runner. This Salming shoe company has supplied runners with a lightweight, yet still durable, trail running shoe. The upper mesh layer provides proper ventilation and a secure fit. Unfortunately, it only comes in one color in the men’s and women’s version. However, it does have a sleek, stylish design that will get you noticed on the trails. This shoe is a top of the line, stylish and high performing trail running shoe fit for any runner’s shoe rotation.
