Salomon Trail Running Shoes: Recommended Picks

Choosing the right trail running shoes can be a challenge. The trails you encounter can vary from soft forest floors and muddy singletracks to hard-packed dune paths and gravel roads. Salomon is a brand renowned for its quality and technological innovations, but which model is the right fit for your running style and favorite terrain?

This guide is designed to help you. We highlight several popular choices from the Salomon range and provide practical tips, so you can make an informed decision for your next pair of Salomon trail running shoes.

What to Look For When Choosing Salomon Trail Shoes

Before we dive into the models, here are a few key factors to help guide your choice.

1. Terrain and Grip: The Role of Contagrip

Not every trail is the same. Do you primarily run on hard, dry surfaces, or do you seek out the mud? The outsole is crucial here. Salomon uses its Salomon Contagrip technology, which comes in different versions:

• All Terrain Contagrip: A versatile outsole that provides grip on wet, dry, hard, and soft surfaces alike. Ideal for those who run on varied terrain.
• Mud Contagrip: Features deep, sharp lugs that bite into soft, muddy ground. Less suitable for hard surfaces.

Think carefully about where your feet will take you most often. For most forest and dune trails, an All Terrain outsole is a safe and effective choice.

2. Cushioning and Distance: From Short Sprints to Ultras

The amount of cushioning affects comfort and energy return during your run.

• High cushioning (high stack height): Offers maximum comfort and shock absorption, which is ideal for long distances. This is often found in ultra running shoes.
• Low cushioning (low stack height): Provides more ground feel and is often lighter, which is beneficial for faster, shorter training sessions.

Salomon uses materials like Energy Foam, which the brand claims offers a balance between soft cushioning and a responsive toe-off.

3. Stability: Control on Technical Terrain

Do you often run on uneven, rocky trails? Then stable trail shoes are important to support your feet and ankles. Technologies like Salomon's Active Chassis are designed to guide the foot without restricting freedom of movement. For runners on flatter paths, a more flexible shoe can offer greater comfort and a more natural running experience. Both the men's trail shoes and women's trail shoes collections offer diverse options in this regard.

Popular Salomon Trail Shoe Picks

Below is a selection of models, each with its own strengths, tailored to different types of runners and terrains.

Salomon Genesis 475261

Why It Stands Out The Genesis is built for the most demanding conditions. The combination of the Active Chassis for support and the All Terrain Contagrip outsole makes this a reliable partner on technical terrain.

Pros

• Offers excellent stability and control on uneven paths.
• The Energy Foam midsole provides comfortable cushioning during long runs.
• The reinforced upper protects your feet from rocks and debris.

Who It's For The trail runner who frequently tackles challenging, mountainous, or rocky trails and needs a shoe that offers stability and durability.

View the Salomon Genesis 475261

Salomon Pulsar Trail 472100

Why It Stands Out The Pulsar Trail is designed with speed in mind. The Energy Blade technology, a plate in the midsole, delivers powerful propulsion and a smooth transition, according to Salomon.

Pros

• Lightweight design, ideal for tempo runs.
• The combination of Energy Foam and Energy Blade provides a responsive and springy feel.
• Suitable for runners with a neutral gait.

Who It's For The runner who prioritizes speed and primarily trains on fast, less technical trails. A great choice for your weekly workouts, 2 to 3 times a week.

View the Salomon Pulsar Trail 472100

Salomon Ultra Flow 474509

Why It Stands Out This is the ultimate road-to-trail shoe. The Ultra Flow combines the soft cushioning of a road shoe with the grip you need on unpaved terrain. The high stack height ensures maximum shock absorption.

Pros

• Very soft cushioning for a comfortable running experience.
• The outsole is designed for mixed terrain, from asphalt to forest paths.
• The soft upper wraps the foot for a pleasant fit.

Who It's For Runners who often start their route on the road and end on a trail, or for beginners transitioning to running shoes for unpaved terrain.

View the Salomon Ultra Flow 474509

Salomon Ultra Glide 3 L47742200

Why It Stands Out The Ultra Glide 3 is focused on maximum comfort for long distances. It's a lightweight shoe with a generous amount of Energy Foam, designed to combat fatigue during ultra-distances.

Pros

• Ultralight design for a shoe with so much cushioning.
• The All-terrain Contagrip sole offers reliable grip on various surfaces.
• The Quicklace system ensures a fast and precise fit.

Who It's For The long-distance and ultra runner who values comfort above all else. Also an excellent choice for runners looking for a forgiving shoe for their long runs.

View the Salomon Ultra Glide 3 L47742200

Looking for a Different Style?

Salomon's focus is on performance, but style is also a factor. If the models above aren't quite what you're looking for, or if you're interested in sneakers with a tech-inspired look for everyday wear, be sure to check out our collection of retro tech grey trainers.

Discover More Styles

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right size for Salomon trail shoes?

Salomon shoes generally run true to size. However, for long-distance or ultra running, it's a good idea to consider going half a size up, as your feet can swell during long efforts. Always read product reviews for other users' experiences.

Are Salomon trail shoes waterproof?

Not all models are waterproof by default. Models with 'GTX' or 'GORE-TEX' in the name feature a waterproof and breathable membrane. The non-waterproof versions typically offer better breathability, which is pleasant in warmer conditions. Always check the specifications of the specific model.

What's the difference compared to the well-known Salomon Speedcross?

The Speedcross is a specialist, designed for deep mud and very soft surfaces thanks to its aggressive lugs. The models in this overview, like the Genesis and Ultra Glide, are generally more versatile and perform better on a mix of harder and softer trails, making them more suitable for a wider range of trail conditions.