Details
Brand
Salomon
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Amazing comfort• Waterproof membrane and breathable upper keep the feet dry and cool• Superior grip• QuickLace system allows for customization• Ground feedback provides excellent heel-to-toe transitions
Upper
The upper of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX is enhanced by the superior breathability of the 3D Stretch Mesh. Underneath this super breathable mesh is the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane that will protect both your shoe and foot from water. The Sensifit then keeps everything in place for the proper fit that almost seems to be customized just for you. There are other features in the upper that are meant specifically for trails, so you’ll have no problem on any type of terrain. The mud protection on this shoe is truly incredible, so even if you’re squelching through mud you can rest easy knowing you’re protected.
Midsole
The midsole of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX is where you get plenty of cushioning as well as support. The stability of the shoe all starts in the midsole, with a fit that’s unlike anything you’ve run in. In fact, running all along the midsole is an injection molded EVA for cushioning that’s as durable as it is lightweight. There’s a thin piece of TPU material which is known as the AC Skeleton. This provides even more stability and responsiveness when you’re taking off from the road.
Outsole
The thing that’s truly revolutionary about the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX is the outsole. It’s designed to be more versatile than previous options, with a collection of trapezoids replacing the previous arrow-shaped lugs. Running on the street becomes that much smoother as you’re going thanks to this design, ensuring that you’re getting a confident grip on the road. The traction on this shoe stands up even in wet conditions, ensuring that you can run in just about any condition.
Comfort
The comfort of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX is largely helped by the plush feel of the shoe overall, and this all starts with the ankle collar. This area of the shoe is a bit thicker than it was in previous iterations, which ensures that there’s a better fit. This also prevents blisters from forming during longer runs. When you couple this with the superior breathability of the shoe, you have a product that’s been designed for heavy-duty use.
Style
The style of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX is greatly enhanced by the bold coloration on the shoe, ensuring that people will be craning their necks to get a look at you as you’re running. This extends to the upper, which along with being quite breathable and functional is also styled well too. The midsole brings a flashy flair to your run, and the outsole even gives a nice view as you kick up dust behind you. You can’t go wrong with the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX when it comes to bold stylings.
Durability
The durability of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX is something that’s a real strong suit when it comes to what other runners have been saying. Simply put, the shoe lasts for quite a long time, allowing you to train for long distance runs and put mile after mile on the shoe without having to worry about it giving up on you. The shoe is relatively lightweight, which would make you think that the durability has taken a hit to make this happen. This simply isn’t so, though. The shoe will stand up to abuse, no matter what you might put it through.
Protection
When it comes to the protection of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX, you won’t be looking at the same level of protection that some of the other running shoes out there can offer, but you’ll still be looking forward to protection that should keep your feet safe during your run. This protection is augmented by the waterproof nature of the shoe, making it so that even running through a puddle won’t necessarily lead to water getting sloshed around in your shoe. The last thing you need while out on a long distance run is to have water interfering with your stride.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX all starts with the proprietary midsole. It gives you stability, support, and gives you cushioning that gives you support while at the same time allowing the shoe to be responsive to your every move. The AC Skeleton spans the entire heel and gives stability as well as overall responsiveness. It also functions to smoothen the transition when your heel strikes the ground to allow you to take off from the ground in an easy and smooth manner.
Support
The midsole of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX gives you plenty of responsiveness, but it’s just as dependable for support. The cushioning makes sure that you won’t get injured while you’re out on a run while also keeping your ankle from twisting in case you’re running on a more technical trail. The Sensifit overlay holds both the heel and the midsole in place, only further adding to the support that the shoe affords. There’s also an Ortholite Sockliner that provides for a more sanitary experience while also adding to the overall support.
Terrain
The terrain of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX shoe is ideal for the trails, even including the technical ones that would foil most other running shoes. This means, of course, that the shoe is perfectly suitable for the road, and will perform in excellent fashion. Salomon has a network of overlays in the midfoot and heel, allowing you to run perfectly fine on rugged or uneven terrain. The forefoot allows you to splay your toes, so you’ll be plenty comfortable even as you’re running on otherwise uncomfortable terrain.
Price
The Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX is priced very competitively, especially in comparison to other comparable shoes that are out there on the market. Keep in mind that it will definitely depend on where you buy the shoes from. Not every online retailer will have the shoes available for the same price. You really can’t go wrong with Amazon when it comes to buying shoes in general, but especially in this case, considering that these shoes are cheapest on there.
Drop
The heel to toe drop on both the men’s and women’s version of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX sits at right around 10mm. This isn’t the lowest that you’ll see out on the market when it comes to a heel to toe drop for a running shoe, but it definitely ensures that you’re close enough to the ground to ensure a comfortable heel to toe transition. It’s really all about where and how you make contact with the ground when it comes to these things, and this shoe has you covered on that front.
Stability
The stability of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX mostly comes from the midsole of the shoe. While you get support and responsive cushioning, the midsole is also stable enough to prevent you from maybe rolling your ankle or suffer another similar injury while out on a run. The midsole is even further enhanced by the AC Skeleton, which allows for a better heel to toe transition when you’re out on the road or the trail.
Flexibility
The flexibility of the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX shoe is all dependent on both the interior and exterior of the shoe. The outsole is particularly rigid, which makes it good for impact on the road. Despite this rigidity, it’s still flexible enough to allow you to adapt to any situation. The interior is helped by the nature of the midsole, allowing your foot to readjust to any movement that you might be making due to the nature of the road.
Traction
When it comes to the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX, Salomon has trademark technologies that allow you to take on rugged terrain and technical trails. On this front, the shoe has a high level of traction. This means that you’ll have absolutely no problem going for a run on the road, and just as much ease of experience when it comes to the technical trails. This all comes down to the rugged outsole on the shoe, with overlays that allow you to get a good grip on the road to push you forward.
Bottom Line
When it comes to a comprehensive shoe that has as much flexibility as it does performance, you really can’t go wrong with the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX. It has superior breathability while at the same time remaining waterproof, a prerequisite for taking on the type of terrain that other running shoes simply can’t handle. The outsole is rigid enough to put up with any type of terrain while remaining flexible enough to make sure that you aren’t risking unnecessary injury while going out for a run. And at the price it’s being offered at, you really can’t go wrong with the Salomon Wings Flyte 2 GTX.
