Details
Brand
Salomon
Breathability
8.5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Racing
Key Features
• Contagrip outsole with Wet Traction technology for outstanding grip• EnergyCell+ cushioning provides great energy-return, high cushioning, and durability• EVA foam also present in midsole• Profeel film provides support and protection for the wearer• Debris blocking mesh upper• Drainage holes• Sensifit upper provides snug fit• Endofit interior sleeve wraps foot securely• Quicklace system
Upper
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG features a mesh upper that’s made to keep out debris, mud, and dirt. New to this version of the shoe is two upper technologies: the Sensifit system and the Endofit technology. The Endofit technology includes a sleeve that acts as the first upper layer. This sleeve layer helps to wrap the foot securely for better stability and overall fit. The Sensifit system also helps with keeping the foot stable and produces a next to skin feel which reviewers raved about. The upper also features a Quicklace system, another new addition, which makes putting on the shoe – a breeze. No need to bother with re-lacing, just a quick pull and the shoe becomes tighter. Reviewers liked the lightweight feel of the upper and the fact that the fit felt so comfortable. Reviewers also noted that the upper felt and acted more resistant than before. They also felt the Quicklace system was a convenient addition.
Midsole
The midsole of the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG is made up of EnergyCell+ cushioning. This type of cushioning provides excellent energy-return and is super durable. There’s quite a bit of EnergyCell+ cushioning in this shoe so it provides plenty of impact protection for wearers. It would be considered a fairly well-cushioned shoe. The midsole also features EVA foam and running the length of the shoe is a Profeel film that acts to support the wearer as they move from heel to toe. The supportive film also enhances stability and acts as a rock plate to protect wearers from hard trail obstacles. Reviewers explained that they liked the well-cushioned feel of the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG. The midsole material is supportive without being overly rigid.
Outsole
The outsole of the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG is made of Contagrip rubber but it also features wet traction technology for excellent grip. The soft-ground designation of the shoe means that it’s better suited for muddy trails and reviewers agreed that the shoe was definitely able to perform as required on soft terrain. Reviewers also liked how well the shoe gripped a variety of surfaces and felt that the SG version provided even better traction than the non-SG shoe. The outsole, however, is not well-suited for running on hard surfaces. You’ll likely get a decent amount of traction, but the friction wears the shoe down faster than with softer surfaces.
Breathability
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG features a well-ventilated upper made of lightweight mesh. Stronger than before, the mesh doesn’t fail to help with air circulation. A better fit, due to the Endofit and Sensifit technologies, also helps to ensure proper ventilation. The shoe also features drainage holes to let out water. Reviewers noted, too, that the upper material was quick-drying.
Comfort
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG is very comfortable thanks to the new Endofit and Sensifit technologies which ensure an excellent fit. The shoe breathes well and drains water effectively to eliminate any potential for waterlogging. It’s also lightweight, which helps to make running feel effortless. Reviewers also liked the lower drop height which helped to produce a more natural stride. Quick drying material ensures the wearer’s foot never stays wet and the midsole’s EnergyCell+ cushioning is generous enough to ensure the wearer is protected from impact but also enjoys a comfortable ride.
Style
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG comes in only one color, a vibrant all-red color that definitely stands out. The rearfoot is black and aggressive lugs are viewable from the side profile of the shoe. The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG looks like it’s made for aggressive performance.
Durability
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG is quite durable. The outsole is made for running on soft ground, so it’s not great when it comes to hard surfaces. Reviewers noted that frequent running on pavement may cause the sole to wear out quicker than desired. If you stick to the trails, though, the Contagrip outsole should be able to handle plenty of mileage. The midsole cushioning is durable as well. Reviewers liked that the EnergyCell+ cushioning did not compress and lose bounce after some training. The upper is more resistant than before so it’s well-protected from the elements and potential trail dangers.
Protection
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG’s first layer of protection comes from the outsole, which has aggressive lugs and is made of Contagrip rubber. Both features provide superb grip on soft surfaces and protect wearers from experiencing unstable footing on technical trails and muddy terrain. The midsole is packed with EnergyCell+ cushioning, which absorbs impact and acts to add comfort underfoot. The upper is made of special mesh that helps to keep stuff like dirt and pebbles out of the shoe. Finally, the shoe also features a Profeel film. The film runs from heel to toe and protects wearers from instability and hard debris on the trails.
Responsiveness
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG’s midsole EnergyCell+ cushioning provides plenty of energy-return which reviewers very much appreciated. The lightweight construction paired with the midsole material acts to propel wearers forward. The well-cushioned midsole is comfortable but not too soft and produces a very smooth ride for wearers. A breaking in period is required, according to some reviewers, after a few runs the ride really begins to come into its own.
Support
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG features a supportive Profeel film along the length of the shoe. It not only protects wearers from impact injuries with debris, it acts to support them, too. The new upper technologies also play a part in providing support for the wearer. Both the Sensifit and Endofit technologies ensure wearers are properly supported by the upper material. Reviewers found the shoe extremely supportive.
Terrain
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG is made especially for soft ground running. This means that the shoe performs best on muddy and non-hard surfaces. The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG can handle some hard-surface running but frequent runs on pavement may cause premature wear to the outsole. The shoe is made for off-road running and racing thanks to a debris shielding upper material, a tough outsole tread pattern with superb grip, and a well-cushioned midsole with a protective Profeel film. The shoe also breathes and drains exceptionally well. It’s a great shoe for running in crappy weather. When the trails turn muddy, the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG is perfectly suited to handle a quick change in trail conditions.
Price
There’s very little that’s wrong with the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG but if one had to pinpoint the biggest drawback, it would be the higher price tag. There’s no doubt, though, that users who choose the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG will get excellent value out of the shoe. It’s protective, comfortable, durable, and much more. Basically, the high price tag is worth it.
Drop
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG is about 4mm. Reviewers liked the closer to the ground feel and found that it provided a bit more stability. Being closer to the ground helped give trail runners moving quickly more confidence in their movements.
Stability
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG provides plenty of stability for the neutral trail runner. The outsole, made of Contagrip and thick lugs, protects runners from feeling unstable on uneven, uncertain terrain. The midsole’s Profeel film acts to enhance stability for the wearer. The mesh upper features both Endofit and Sensifit technologies which also help to stabilize the runner by ensuring a comfortably tight fit. A Quicklace system ultimately gives runners control over the tightness of the shoe and allows them to customize fit accordingly.
Flexibility
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG requires a breaking in period to become a bit more flexible but over time a comfortable natural feeling ride is produced, say reviewers. The midsole cushioning is not overly rigid and does not hinder a smooth ride feel.
Traction
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG provides plenty of traction for soft ground surfaces. The shoe doesn’t perform as well on hard surfaces like pavement, but that’s mostly because the hard surfaces have a tendency to wear the outsole down quickly. Otherwise, the lugs underfoot do their job exceptionally well. Muddy conditions are no match for the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG. The outsole of the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG also features Wet Traction technology which is specifically suited for running on slippery surfaces. The combination of an aggressive lug pattern and super grippy outsole material makes the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG not only great for running in muddy conditions but also for handling runs over wet rocks and gravel.
Bottom Line
There’s really almost nothing negative to say about the Salomon S-Lab Sense 6 SG. It’s a great trail running shoe. It features an excellent fit that’s not too narrow or wide, the ride feels smooth, materials used in construction are durable, the shoe is lightweight, and it provides superb traction for muddy trail conditions. A short breaking in period is all that’s needed to produce a comfortable, smooth and flexible ride. The drawbacks? A higher price tag than other trail shoes and it’s only available in men’s sizing. There also aren’t any color choices. But these are small issues that don’t negatively affect the quality and value of the shoe. The neutral performance trail shoe is an excellent option for any trail runner who wants to feel confident and fast when heading off-road.
