Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Racing
Key Features
• Rocker profile• Trail running chassis system• ContraGrip outsole• 8-millimeter drop• Profeel Film• Compression EVA midsole foam• Energy Cell + midsole foam• Opal Cushioning• Ortholite Midsole sock liner• bungee lace system• EndoFit internal sleeve design• Recycled material
Upper
The Upper of this shoe is designed to be water resistant and provide an adaptable fit for runners. Runners commented on the roomy toe box that allows for a natural toe splay. The added room combined with the breathable material of the upper creates a blister free running experience, even in warm conditions. Salomon utilizes their EndoFit technology for the upper. There is an internal sleeve that is designed to create a snug fit. It hugs the foot and provides support where runners need it most. This unique foot wrapping design provides great feedback and energy return to runners during their workouts. The lacing system is a single bungee cord system that not only easily tightens or loosens but also eliminates the risk and danger of untied laces.
Midsole
The midsole of the Sense Ride is designed using high-quality technology to create an exceptionally comfortable ride. The shoe utilizes a unique chassis system that is designed with trail running in mind. It supports the gait cycle and encourages a proper toe-off stride. This system links the forefoot to the rear foot and creates a stabilizing effect through the midfoot. The actual midsole material is a compressed EVA foam. Salomon uses their vibe technology that absorbs shock and helps to keep the runner safe and injury free. The Energy Cell + technology provides a high rate of energy return. It is plush yet durable and does a great job of maintaining its form even after extensive use. The Opal cushioning is injected into the midsole of the shoe. It offers another layer of soft cushioning that runners describe as “bouncy.”
Outsole
Trail runners know that a good trail running shoe is built from the outsole, up. Salomon utilizes the best technology to create a slip-resistant outsole that keeps runners safe on difficult, slippery terrain. The outsole is made with Salomon’s patented Contagrip technology that utilizes a premium wet traction design. This shoe is designed to tackle trail running in the rain and on wet surfaces. It also features an aggressive lug system that is designed to keep the runners safe and protected on uneven terrain.
Comfort
Runners raved about the comfort provided by this shoe. From the upper to the midsole to the outsole, Salomon made sure to include elements that keep runners comfortable so that they can stay out on the trails for longer periods of time. The upper is made from a lightweight breathable material. The midsole features a unique chassis system that is specifically designed to provide trail runners with a comfortable, protective fit. The Opal cushioning compound that is injected into the midsole is bouncy and provides runners with a high level of feedback. The Energy Cell + midsole absorbs shock and returns that energy back to the runner. All of these thoughtful design elements provide runners with a very comfortable ride.
Style
Runners appreciated the multiple color options provided by this shoe. One unique option is Snorkel Blue with Indigo Bunting and Sulphur Spring. The style is sleek and stylish. This shoe lacks the abrasive, overly rugged look of many trail shoes on the market today. It has a more inviting, stylish look to it.
Durability
In terms of durability, runners were pleased with how long lasting this shoe proved to be. This can be attributed to the unique trail running chassis system that is employed in the design of this shoe. This chassis system not only creates an aerodynamic toe-off gait cycle, it also provides a system that helps to absorb the harmful shock of each footfall and return that energy to the runner. This system helps the shoe retain its shape for a longer period of time. Additionally, the water-resistant mesh upper has a nearly puncture proof coating that helps this shoe maintain a newer look for a longer period of time.
Protection
The highest level of protection that is provided by this shoe can be found in the ContaGrip outsole system. This system provides a trail running lug system that grips a wide variety of surfaces. It ensures that runners will stay secure and upright regardless of the terrain they are running along. In addition to the ContaGrip outsole, the puncture proof upper helps to keep runners safe from the various elements that can come up on a trail run.
Responsiveness
This shoe utilizes a unique chassis system that provides runners with a high level of responsiveness and energy return. This design promotes a proper toe-off gait cycle and helps the runner feel connected to the ground below them. This helps runners respond quickly and efficiently to changes in direction, speed, and terrain.
Support
The upper and the midsole of the shoe provides runners with the support they need to confidently tackle any terrain. The Torsion system of the midfoot keeps the foot locked in place and reduces the risk of harmful side to side movement that can lead to a rolled ankle. Additionally, the heel cup helps to keep runners feet in place. The EndoFit technology that is used in the upper features an internal sleeve design that wraps the foot in snug support.
Terrain
Runners reported that the Salomon Sense Ride performed well on a wide variety of terrains. Wet, dry, packed, or loose, terrain were no match for the lug system found in the outsole design. Additionally, runners reported that the ContaGrip outsole provides maximum grip that helped runners traverse steep up and down hill climbs. This shoe is not suggested for road running and should be used exclusively on the trails.
Price
This shoe is surprisingly affordable. Considering the high level of technology that has gone into the creation of this shoe combined with the long-lasting lifespan of the shoe, runners reported that they expected to pay much more than they did for this shoe. The Sense Ride comes in on the low end of the pricing spectrum, making this shoe an unbeatable value.
Drop
This shoe features an 8 millimeter heel drop. Many runners reported that this is the perfect heel drop for successful trail running. It enables runners who are used to running on a traditional drop shoe of 10 millimeters or more to transition to this heel drop height with little adjustment period needed. The 8 millimeter heel drop provides enough forward propulsion to keep the runner moving forward while extending minimal effort, but it also allows runners to feel the ground below them and respond appropriately.
Stability
Salomon’s use of their unique trail running chassis system provides a good amount of stability to the runner that provides them with a secure and supportive trail running experience. Especially in the midfoot of the shoe, runners will feel that stabilizing effects of this chassis system.
Flexibility
This shoe is not designed to provide a good deal of flexibility to the runner. The chassis system that is the base of the shoe is designed to lock the heel in place and ensure that the foot is stabilized during trail running adventures. Although the upper is made using EndoFit technology that provides an inner sleeve fit for runners, in general, this shoe is more of a stability shoe than a flexibility shoe.
Traction
Just by flipping this shoe upside down, runners can see that the aggressive lug system is designed to keep runners upright and safe on uneven surfaces. These multi-direction and shape lugs attach to the ground below and dig into the terrain, acting almost like a cleat, to help propel the runner forward and keep them safe regardless of the challenging terrain that they are faced with.
Bottom Line
Salomon uses some of the newest and most durable technologies to create an affordable, comfortable, trail running shoe that is perfect for long distance runs and races. This shoe combines rugged details with a lightweight feel that allows runners to exceed their previously held PRs. The upper of the shoe is made from a puncture proof, water resistant mesh that protects the foot and also allows air to flow freely into the shoe, regulating temperature and keeping the runner comfortable. Salomon uses a unique chassis design to create a rocker profile. This unique chassis system promotes a toe-off gait cycle and works to lock the foot in a place and reduce injury. The Energy Cell + midsole system absorbs shock and provides excellent energy return to the runner. Runners loved the traction and grip afforded through the ContaGrip outsole. In addition to the technological updates made to this shoe, runners found the overall look to be sleek and stylish. The price is affordable and considering its extra long lifespan, runners found the Sense Ride to be a great value.
