Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro

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Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro: Review

β€œA trail shoe that combines protection and speed for the adventurous runner.”

Overview


The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is a trail running shoe engineered for speed and protection on rugged terrain. This shoe is a standout in the Salomon lineup, designed for runners who demand a blend of responsiveness and stability during their off-road adventures.

Key Features:

  • Energy Surge Foam: A combination of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) and Olefin foams, providing a responsive and durable cushioning system.
  • Energy Blade TPU Plate: Offers rigidity and propulsion, enhancing the shoe's responsiveness on uneven trails.
  • All-Terrain Contagrip Outsole: Delivers superior grip and traction across a variety of trail surfaces.
  • Quicklace Design: Ensures a secure fit with an accommodating toe box for comfort.

The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize underfoot protection and a lightweight, agile feel for their runs or races. Its innovative midsole and outsole technologies offer benefits that make it suitable for a wide range of trail conditions.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 80%. This puts it rated just below the median rating of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 40% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro


The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro has been widely recognized as a trail shoe that offers a fast and protective experience for runners. It excels in providing a smooth and responsive ride, thanks to its Energy Surge foam and Energy Blade TPU plate. The shoe's all-terrain Contagrip outsole ensures reliable grip on various surfaces, from rocky paths to muddy trails. While the shoe's upper design, featuring a Quicklace system, offers a secure and comfortable fit, some runners may find the collar a bit tight when putting on the shoe. However, once on, it effectively keeps out debris. The Pulsar Trail Pro is praised for its lightweight feel and agile performance, making it a top choice for mid-distance trail runs and races. Overall, this shoe is a solid option for trail runners seeking a combination of speed, protection, and comfort.

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro: Base model


The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is a specialized version of the Salomon Pulsar Trail. It differentiates itself with a more structured upper and a TPU plate for added propulsion and stability. While both shoes share similar design philosophies, the Pulsar Trail Pro is optimized for racing and faster-paced runs.

Comparable Shoes


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The HOKA Speedgoat is known for its plush cushioning, which contrasts with the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro's firmer and more responsive feel. Runners who prefer a softer ride on long trail runs may lean towards the Speedgoat, while those looking for speed and agility might choose the Pulsar Trail Pro.

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The Salomon Sense Ride 5 is another trail shoe from Salomon that offers a versatile performance. It is less race-oriented than the Pulsar Trail Pro and may be better suited for runners looking for an all-around trail shoe for various distances and paces.

6 Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Responsive and durable cushioning system with Energy Surge foam.
Excellent grip and traction on a variety of trail surfaces.
Secure fit with Quicklace design and accommodating toe box.

3 Cons

Booty construction can be difficult to put on for some runners.
Collar opening may feel restrictive when putting on the shoe.
Firmer ride may not be suitable for runners who prefer plush cushioning.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is constructed with a thin mesh material, providing a structured and secure fit. The Quicklace design allows for easy adjustments, and the accommodating toe box is a highlight for runners with wider feet. However, some may find the booty construction challenging to put on, and the small collar opening can feel restrictive. Once the shoe is on, the soft collar and anti-debris fabric offer added protection, ensuring a comfortable and locked-down fit.

Midsole

The midsole of the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro features the innovative Energy Surge foam, a blend of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) and Olefin foams that delivers a responsive and bouncy ride. The presence of the Energy Blade TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) plate adds to the shoe's propulsion and stability on uneven terrain. While the midsole is not as soft as some other trail shoes, it provides a comfortable level of cushioning that eliminates harshness on rough trails.

Outsole

The all-terrain Contagrip outsole of the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is a standout feature, offering exceptional grip and traction on a wide variety of trail surfaces. Testers have noted its excellent performance on technical and rocky trails, as well as its ability to maintain a good feel when transitioning to road sections. The outsole's design contributes to the shoe's overall nimble and confident ride.

Size/fit

The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro tends to run long, and some runners may benefit from sizing down for a better fit. The shoe's upper supports a snug fit, particularly in the midfoot and heel, providing stability and confidence on uneven terrain. The toe box is accommodating, making it suitable for runners with wider feet.

Comfort

Comfort in the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is achieved through a combination of protective cushioning and a smooth ride. The shoe's midsole and Energy Blade plate work together to provide a comfortable experience, even on long trail runs. The upper's secure fit and anti-debris features also contribute to the overall comfort of the shoe.

Cushioning

The cushioning of the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is described as comfortable without being overly plush. The Energy Surge foam midsole offers a balance of softness and responsiveness, providing a cushioned ride that absorbs impact without sacrificing speed or energy return.

Breathability

The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro's thin mesh upper ensures breathability, keeping feet cool during runs. The lightweight material allows for air circulation, which is essential for maintaining comfort on warmer days or during intense trail runs.

Stability

Stability in the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is enhanced by the Energy Blade TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) plate, which provides a stable platform on uneven terrain. The shoe's design, including the snug upper and rockered midsole geometry, contributes to a stable and secure running experience.

Durability

The durability of the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is evident in its high-quality construction and materials. The Energy Surge foam and Contagrip outsole are built to withstand the demands of trail running, ensuring the shoe can handle a variety of conditions and last through many runs.

Grip

The grip of the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is one of its most praised features. The Contagrip outsole delivers reliable traction on both wet and dry surfaces, making it a versatile choice for runners who encounter diverse trail conditions.

Who should buy the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro?


The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is best suited for trail runners who value a shoe that offers both speed and underfoot protection. It's an excellent choice for those who frequently tackle mid-distance trail runs and races, and who appreciate a shoe that can handle technical and rocky terrain with ease. Runners who prefer a secure fit with an accommodating wide toe box will find this shoe to be a comfortable option.

Who should not buy the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro?


Runners who prefer a more cushioned, plush ride may not find the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro to their liking, as it offers a firmer feel. Those with difficulty putting on shoes with a snug collar might also want to consider other options. Additionally, if you're primarily running on roads or very smooth trails, you might benefit from a shoe designed specifically for those conditions.

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro: What's it good for?


The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is well-suited for trail runners seeking a shoe that can handle a mix of terrains, from rocky paths to muddy stretches. Its grip and stability make it a reliable choice for technical trails, while the responsive cushioning is ideal for maintaining speed during races.

4 Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro FAQs


What makes the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro suitable for technical trails?

The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is equipped with an Energy Blade TPU plate and an all-terrain Contagrip outsole, providing stability and grip on uneven and rocky terrain. These features, along with the shoe's responsive cushioning, make it ideal for technical trails.

Is the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro good for long-distance trail running?

While the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is designed for mid-distance trail runs and races, its protective cushioning and responsive midsole can also accommodate longer distances for runners who prefer a firmer ride.

How does the Quicklace system benefit runners?

The Quicklace system on the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro allows for easy and secure adjustments, ensuring a snug fit that can be quickly adapted to the runner's preference, especially important on trails where foot security is crucial.

Can the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro be used on roads?

While primarily designed for trails, the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro can handle road sections, especially when connecting trails. Its outsole provides a good feel on roads without compromising the shoe's trail performance.

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro alternatives

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Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro
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Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro
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priceBand
Price band
released
Released
Dec 2021
May 2019Jul 2019Mar 2018Nov 2015
expertReviewScore
Expert Review Score
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users
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Jeffrey SternPablo Villalobos
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+5
Elov OlssonRyan Woods
Weight
Weight
269 g
M: 181 g
W: 142 g
M: 241 g
W: 190 g
215 g
M: 204 g
W: 170 g
M: 221 g
W: 176 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
25 mm
5 mm
17 mm
16 mm
M: 18 mm
W: 16 mm
8 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
4 mm
3 mm
Heel
Heel
31 mm
5 mm
17 mm
20 mm
M: 21 mm
W: 19 mm
8 mm
Terrain
Terrain
Trail
TrailTrailTrailMudTrailTrail
Brand
Brand
Salomon
VibramMerrellSalomonHokaVibram
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero dropLightweightLow dropZero dropLightweightLow dropLightweightLow dropLightweightLow dropZero drop
Techs
Techs
Vibram
Vibram
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Water repellent
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹
Vegan β“‹
0

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro: what the experts say (1 review)

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro: 5 Expert video reviews

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro: 1 Manufacturer video

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+1943)
TerrainTrail (+514)
BrandSalomon (+97)
Support TypeNeutral (+1523)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1503)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1079)Heel strike (+1155)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1450)
Shoe TypeMaximalist (+519)
FitWide toe box (+333)
MaterialsMesh (+883)
ColorwaysBlack, Estate Blue / Night Sky, Grey / Pink, Olive, Orange, Plum Kitten / Black / Pink Glo, Purple, Purple Heather / Amparo Blue / Blazing Orange, Red, White
Specificationsvs Average
Model
Trail Pro
Released
Dec 2021
Measurements
Weight
269 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
31 mm
Forefoot
25 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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