Details
Brand
Salming
Heel To Toe Drop
5 mm
Breathability
5/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Stability
Key Features
• This shoe offers the patented Salming RocShield• Nylon upper instead of mesh makes this an extra durable shoe
Upper
The upper of this shoe highlights how much this brand puts into its design processes. One of the pitfalls with a good trail shoe is that often times all of the energy is put into the design and execution of the outsole (which is great!) but then the upper is neglected. Not in this shoe. The upper of the Trail T1 is designed for the elements. It is made of a super durable, nylon material. It is covered with different overlays and it is actually heavier than most other uppers I’ve encountered. This upper can go the distance. It’s ready for the elements and it’s ready for whatever you can dish out. On the flip side, because this is a heavier material that is dedicated to durability, this shoe is not going to offer the runner much in the way of breathability. There is very little airflow which leads to a hot, sweaty foot. Blister prevention is going to be an issue in these shoes. Overall, I’m going to say with confidence that this is upper is designed for the more extreme trail runners among us.
Midsole
You can consider it a pro or a con, but it feels like Salming put the majority of its attention into the construction of the outsole and upper. The midsole uses a very firm foam in the heel and midfoot, so if you like a firmer, less cushioned ride, this can be a good option for you. The heel drop is low, and runners reported that they felt like the support provided could have been improved in this model.
Outsole
The outsole of these shoes shows us that Salming knows what they are doing. The outsole is lugged out with extra grippers which make this a great ride for all of the elements. Runners said over and over that this shoe is a great option for the ultra marathon and the most extreme of the trails. Even though this shoe only has a five-millimeter drop, it does provide good cushioning underfoot for protection and comfort. And just like the upper, this outsole is extremely durable (which can justify the higher price tag, but more on that later).
Breathability
This shoe is made for the extreme terrain of mountain trail running. It does a lot of things well, namely its high level of durability, but the one area where it falters is in the breathability category. The upper is designed using a nylon material, and it is covered in durable overlays. This makes it great to stand up against the elements, but not so great when it comes to allowing airflow to circulate through the shoe. If breathability is your top priority, there are other great shoes on the market, but this might not be your number one contender.
Comfort
Comfort can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. If a firmer fit is more in line with your comfort needs, this is a good trail shoe option for you. The heel and midsole cushioning of this shoe are very firm. In fact, you will have a hard time finding a shoe that is more firm in the heel and midsole than the Trail T1.
Style
I’m a person who appreciates a wacky color scheme on their racing shoes, I have to admit it. These shoes hit my taste preference perfectly. The colors are bright and eye-catching. If you want to stand out against the natural background of the trails, this is a great, colorful choice for you.
Durability
This is where this shoe really shines. Runner after runner reported that there is no sign of break-down in the upper or outsole even after high mileage. While the more common upper material is a synthetic mesh, this upper is made from nylon and covered in overlays to keep the foot secure and protected from the elements. The outsole is also extremely durable and helps the runner feel protected against the surprised the trail can throw your way.
Protection
For a variety of reasons, protection is important for a trail running shoe. This shoe provides a great amount of protection for the runner who is out in some of the toughest terrains. For starters, the upper features a patented Salming element called the RocShield. This is a safety detail located at the toe of the shoe to guard against the unpredictable elements of the trail. Another
Responsiveness
Runners report that this shoe has a high level of responsiveness. Runners felt confident and comfortable on the trails and felt that the shoe response well to the quick movements that needed to adapt to the varying terrain of the trail. However, the outsole of these shoes is fairly stiff, so it did feel at times like the shoe did not conform to the contours of the trail as well as I would have liked.
Support
Don’t expect too much in terms of support from this shoe. While the outsole is thicker and heavier than some others, making it a good choice for a heavier runner, there is little in ways of ankle support. This is not a deal breaker by any means because it doesn’t stop the shoe from being a powerful companion on the trails. There are lots of shoes that a designed for added support, but these shoes are more focused on performance.
Terrain
This is a good shoe for the runner who is looking for a more extreme trail running partner. The grip is great on the underfoot of the shoe and the durability found in the outsole and upper make this a great choice for the runner who is looking to attack more than just a groomed trail (but don’t get me wrong, this is a fine shoe for your easier trail runs too)
Price
This one is going to hurt a bit, but don’t worry, there is some good news too! While these shoes originally came on the market for upwards of one hundred and fifty dollars, since their inception there have been many newer models that have come out. This means that the price has decreased and you can actually find them for close to one hundred dollars. While this might still seem like a good amount for some of us, the durability level on these bad boys is super high so you won’t need to replace them as often as you would other trail running shoes. If your main priority is price, there are other great options, but if you can afford it, this is a trail shoe that makes sense to purchase.
Drop
This shoe has a five-millimeter drop, which places it right outside of the minimal or natural feeling guidelines. In general, a minimal drop shoe is any shoe with a zero to four drop. The jury is out on the ideal drop for a trail shoe. On one side of the debate, you have those who prefer a higher drop. This allows for more support and protection between yourself and the unexpected elements of the trail. A higher drop generally provides more cushioning which is generally the option for the heavier athlete. On the flip side, a zero drop (or close to it) promotes a more “natural” running gait. It also helps the athlete feel connected to the ground below. It also tends to be faster and lighter than a higher drop option. This is all about your personal preference on the trail, of course. Getting back to the Salming Trail T1, this is going to give you a very lightweight, natural feel.
Stability
This isn’t a shoe that is designed for the runner who needs extra arch support or necessarily for the runner looking to improve their overpronation tendencies. This is a low drop shoe and really designed with the neutral runner in mind.
Flexibility
The outsole of this shoe has traded its flexibility for durability and responsiveness. The outsole is thick and protective, which is great and helps add powerful traction for the slick and uneven surfaces of the trail, but runners reported that the shoe lacks flexibility. Even after running in the shoe for many, many miles, it never adopts a flexible feeling.
Traction
This is a shoe that was designed for a more aggressive trail, and the traction is there to prove it. Even on steep up and downhill adventures, this shoe keeps the runner feeling safe. They even hold up under tough weather patterns. Rain and puddles and slick rocks are no match for these shoes.
Bottom Line
This is a solid fledgling trail running shoe from Salming. The durability, traction, and firm comfort are where this shoe really shines. It is designed for the neutral runner who is looking for a firm, protective, trail running partner that is just as good on the groomed trails as it is on the most adventurous routes you can find.
