Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
9 mm
Breathability
5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• NEW Profeel Film for protection• NEW 3D Air Mesh upper with enhanced durability• NEW larger, grippier outsole lugs• NEW more protective toe box• NEW upper overlays for better support• Contagrip outsole is resistant and grippy• EVA midsole cushioning• SENSIFIT technology for tight fit• QUICKLACE system• ENDOFIT system provides snug foot wrap• Plush and comfortable inner liner
Upper
This shoe features a much more durable upper than the non-SG version. The 3D Air mesh is breathable but also resistant and capable of keeping dirt and mud out of the shoe. SENSIFIT technology in the upper ensures wearers get a snug fit. The shoe also features an ENDOFIT inner sleeve that wraps the foot tightly to eliminate slippage. A QUICKLACE system makes it easy to slip the shoe on and off and adjust the tightness without needing to fiddle with laces. Inside, there’s a comfortable lining that wicks sweat and at the front of the shoe, there’s a protective toe bumper. In the SG version of the shoe, the toe box is much more protected than before. The upper also features added overlays for enhanced stability. Reviewers like the fit of the shoe but some did find the midfoot area a bit too wide.
Midsole
The midsole of the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG is made up of EVA foam. In the SG version of the shoe, there’s also a Profeel Film. This layer is fitted between the cushioning and the outsole to provide extra protection from trail debris. Overall, reviewers found the midsole cushioning to be quite responsive and the shoe a great choice for running at faster speeds.
Outsole
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG features a super grippy outsole for handling technical trails. The outsole is composed of heavy-duty Contagrip rubber which performs superbly even on wet ground. In the SG version of the shoe, the outsole’s lugs are much more aggressive. They’re larger and grippier making them better suited to tougher trail conditions.;Reviewers agree that the outsole provides plenty of grip and that the lugs provide traction on muddy and technical surfaces but don’t hinder performance on flat ground. The tough outsole can definitely handle daily trail running.
Breathability
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG provides okay breathability. Reviewers felt that the shoe could do better in this regard. Even with the newly designed upper, reviewers felt that breathability was compromised. The more resistant upper reduces air circulation and the 3D Air Mesh is comfortable but not the best in terms of ventilation. There’s room to improve here. The shoe, however, does provide excellent drainage and the interior is capable of wicking sweat. If Salomon can find a way to improve the shoe’s breathability, they’ll have a near perfect trail shoe on their hands.
Comfort
This shoe is a fairly comfortable shoe say, reviewers. The new 3D Air Mesh upper fits well thanks to SENSIFIT technology. The upper fits tightly so wobbling isn’t an issue. The QUICKLACE system makes the shoe easy to wear and plush interior lining makes slipping on the shoe feel extremely comfortable. Breathability could be better, but the fit is nearly perfect. A few reviewers did have issues with the midfoot area being too wide but they were in the minority.
Style
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG, oddly enough, comes in only one colorway. The shoe is black and red and has white accents for a little added interest. The look of the shoe leaves something to be desired and reviewers also complained about the lack of color options. The color that is available just isn’t that attractive or interesting. It’s a unisex shoe so the look is fairly gender neutral but it’s hard to believe anyone will find the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG a stylish addition to their running shoe closet.
Durability
The S-Lab Wings 8 SG is very durable largely due to a seriously tough outsole. The Contagrip outsole provides grip but also provides a protective first layer underfoot. It’s not going to start peeling or falling apart after a few miles. It’s made to last. The upper gets the same tough-guy treatment with the SG version. It’s more resistant to tearing. A drawback of this is poorer breathability but reviewers did appreciate the fact that the 3D Air Mesh upper could not easily be torn.
Protection
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG delivers in spades when it comes to protection. The outsole protects itself from wear and tear and makes it practically impossible for runners to slip and fall on rugged terrain. You might trip or step wrong, but the aggressive lugs provide enough grip to keep you otherwise upright. The upper is tougher than in the non-SG shoe and keeps runners stable. A toe bumper protects the front of the foot, even more so compared to the non-SG version. A new Profeel Film also helps to protect wearers from sharp ground debris. Reviewers appreciated the aggressive lugs, tough outsole, and protective nature of the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG.
Responsiveness
This Salomon shoe is extremely responsive. The midsole does have a fairly rigid feel which helps runners get a responsive ride out of the shoe. The Profeel Film protects underfoot but doesn’t hinder ground feel, which reviewers really liked. The shoe provides feedback despite having a Profeel film between the EVA cushioning and outsole. The outsole, thick as it may be, doesn’t hinder the runner’s connection with the ground either.
Support
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG provides support thanks to firm EVA cushioning and a solidly constructed upper. The newly introduced overlays offer up enhanced support for the wearer in tandem with the SENSIFIT tech and ENDOFIT sleeve also part of the upper.
Terrain
The S-Lab Wings 8 SG is made for technical terrain. From bottom to top, each component of the shoe makes it trail ready. The outsole is covered with aggressive lugs and grippy Contagrip rubber for traction and protection against wear and tear. The midsole has plenty of EVA cushioning for protection against rough terrain obstacles and debris. Sandwiched between the EVA and Contagrip outsole is another protective element: the Profeel Film layer which acts almost like a rock plate to dampen the forces of impact when encountering hard objects on the trail. The upper, too, is made for trail conditions. The 3D Air Mesh keeps out debris and is tough enough to resistant rips and tears. The snug fit also helps ensure runners remain stable on varied terrain. The shoe also features drainage holes so stepping in puddles is no big deal.
Price
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG is priced pretty high. Runners didn’t appreciate the expensive price tag of the shoe and it is a fairly steep price to pay compared to other shoe models but there’s little doubt about the amount of value you get with the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG. From top to bottom, the shoe is made specifically for trail running. It’s protective without being too heavy, it fits exceptionally well, and the amount of grip provided is almost unmatched. For the price you pay, you’re getting superior quality. The biggest downside, really, is the lack of color options. That’s about it!
Drop
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG features a 9mm drop. It’s kind of a strange drop height but reviewers didn’t find that the odd number created an uncomfortable drop. Even with the fairly standard drop, reviewers said that ground-feel was optimal and the ride felt smooth.
Stability
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG is quite stable thanks to the super grippy Contagrip outsole. There’s little chance that you’ll feel unsure when you land on the trails with the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG because the lugs can really tackle anything. The shoe is lightweight without feeling unstable and the upper’s fit technologies including the SENSIFIT system and ENDOFIT technology ensure the shoe stays put on the foot and sliding around inside doesn’t occur and compromise stability.
Flexibility
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG is slightly flexible though reviewers had neither anything negative or positive to say about this aspect of the shoe. There are no Flex Grooves in the outsole and the midsole cushioning leans more towards a firm feel than anything else.
Traction
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG provides superb traction. The outsole is super grippy and can handle nearly any kind of surface with ease. Wet or dry, the Contagrip outsole won’t fail you. The lugs jut out far enough to grip all sorts of trail surfaces but the outsole doesn’t stand in the way of performance if the wearer chooses to train on flat ground. The result is a shoe that can handle almost anything underfoot making it a great racing shoe for the trails.
Bottom Line
The Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG is a unisex trail shoe that’s made for performance but is plenty capable of handling daily runs on technical trails. It’s the perfect option for the trail junkie with a neutral gait who wants extra protection in a comfortable, properly fitting package. Although it has a high price tag, there’s no doubt about the value offered by the Salomon S-Lab Wings 8 SG. The shoe provides nearly unmatched grip, is lightweight considering how protective it is, and provides good drainage and a tough construction that won’t easily break down. It’s a fantastic trail shoe update for both men and women. With really only one downside: there’s just a single color option!
