Salomon S-Lab Ultra
Buy Salomon S-Lab Ultra at today's best price (men's/women's)
7 minute read
Overview
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra is a trail running shoe designed for ultra-distance races and long training sessions. This shoe is part of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra family, known for its high-performance features and collaboration with elite athletes like François D'Haene.
Key Features:
- Matryx Mesh Upper: Durable and lightweight, enhanced with Kevlar for quick drying and abrasion resistance.
- Energy Foam: Double ultralight layer providing excellent cushioning for long distances.
- Profeel Plate: Offers protection and stability during runs.
- Contagrip Outsole: Features 3.5 mm lugs for superior traction on various terrains.
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize durability and cushioning for ultra-distance events. Its advanced materials and design make it suitable for long, demanding runs on compact and less technical trails.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 10% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Salomon S-Lab Ultra
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra is highly regarded for its performance in ultra-distance running. Reviewers appreciate its combination of cushioning and traction, making it suitable for long runs over various terrains. The Matryx mesh upper, enhanced with Kevlar, provides durability and quick drying, while the Energy Foam and Profeel Plate offer excellent cushioning and protection. The Contagrip outsole with 3.5 mm lugs ensures reliable grip. However, some users may find it less suitable for technical trails due to its focus on cushioning and stability. Overall, the Salomon S-Lab Ultra is a strong contender for ultra-distance runners seeking a reliable and comfortable shoe. Its blend of cushioning, durability, and traction makes it a top choice for long-distance trail running.
Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Speedgoat 4 is a good comparison to the Salomon S-Lab Ultra. Both shoes are designed for ultra-distance trail running and offer excellent cushioning. However, the Speedgoat 4 is known for its plush cushioning and wider fit, making it a better option for runners who need extra comfort and space. The Salomon S-Lab Ultra, on the other hand, offers a more secure fit and better traction on various terrains.
The Altra Lone Peak 5 is another trail running shoe that can be compared to the Salomon S-Lab Ultra. The Lone Peak 5 features a zero-drop platform (where the heel and forefoot are at the same level) and a wider toe box, catering to runners who prefer a more natural running experience. While the Salomon S-Lab Ultra offers better cushioning and stability, the Lone Peak 5 provides a more minimalist feel and greater flexibility.
The Brooks Cascadia 15 is a versatile trail running shoe that can be compared to the Salomon S-Lab Ultra. Both shoes offer good cushioning and durability, but the Cascadia 15 is known for its adaptability to various trail conditions. It features a rock plate (a protective layer) for added protection and a more traditional fit. The Salomon S-Lab Ultra, however, excels in ultra-distance running with its advanced materials and design.
Special versions of Salomon S-Lab Ultra
The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra is a special version of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra. While both models are designed for ultra-distance running, the Sense Ultra is slightly lighter and more focused on speed. It features a similar Matryx mesh upper and Energy Foam midsole but with a lower profile and reduced weight. This makes the Sense Ultra a better option for runners who prioritize speed and agility over maximum cushioning.
5 Salomon S-Lab Ultra Pros & Cons
3 Pros
2 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra is constructed with Matryx mesh fabric, which is enhanced with Kevlar. This combination makes the shoe durable, lightweight, and quick-drying. The Matryx mesh also provides excellent abrasion resistance, making it suitable for rugged trail conditions. Additionally, the Quicklace system (a one-pull tightening system) ensures a secure fit, which is a common feature in Salomon models. This upper design is ideal for runners who need a reliable and durable shoe for long-distance trail running.
Midsole
The midsole of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra features Energy Foam, which consists of a double ultralight layer. This design provides excellent cushioning, making it suitable for long-distance runs. The Energy Foam helps absorb impact and offers a responsive feel, enhancing the overall running experience. The Profeel Plate (a protective layer) in the midsole adds an extra layer of protection and stability, making it a reliable choice for ultra-distance runners.
Outsole
The outsole of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra is made with Contagrip, featuring 3.5 mm lugs. This design ensures superior traction on various terrains, making it suitable for trail running. The Contagrip outsole provides a reliable grip, helping runners maintain stability on uneven surfaces. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who run on compact and less technical trails.
Size/fit
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra is designed to fit medium to heavy-weight runners, including those over 80 kilograms. The Quicklace system ensures a secure and adjustable fit, accommodating different foot shapes. This shoe is suitable for runners who need a reliable fit for long-distance runs.
Comfort
Comfort is a key feature of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra. The Energy Foam midsole provides excellent cushioning, making it comfortable for long-distance runs. The Matryx mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, enhancing overall comfort. The shoe's design ensures that runners can maintain comfort even during extended periods of running.
Cushioning
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra excels in cushioning, thanks to its Energy Foam midsole. This double ultralight layer provides excellent shock absorption, making it suitable for long-distance runs. The cushioning helps reduce fatigue and impact on the joints, enhancing the overall running experience.
Breathability
The Matryx mesh upper of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra offers good breathability. This material allows air to circulate, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs. The quick-drying properties of the Matryx mesh also contribute to the shoe's breathability, making it suitable for long-distance trail running.
Stability
Stability is a notable feature of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra. The Profeel Plate in the midsole provides added stability, helping runners maintain balance on uneven terrains. The secure fit offered by the Quicklace system also contributes to the shoe's overall stability, making it a reliable choice for long-distance trail running.
Durability
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra is designed with durability in mind. The Matryx mesh upper, enhanced with Kevlar, provides excellent abrasion resistance. The Contagrip outsole is also durable, ensuring that the shoe can withstand rugged trail conditions. This durability makes the Salomon S-Lab Ultra a reliable choice for long-distance trail runners.
Grip
The Contagrip outsole of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra features 3.5 mm lugs, providing excellent grip on various terrains. This design ensures that runners can maintain traction on both compact and less technical trails. The reliable grip offered by the Contagrip outsole makes the Salomon S-Lab Ultra suitable for trail running.
Flex
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra offers a good balance of flexibility and support. The Matryx mesh upper provides a flexible fit, while the Energy Foam midsole offers responsive cushioning. This combination allows for natural foot movement, enhancing the overall running experience. The shoe's design ensures that runners can maintain flexibility without compromising on support.
Who should buy the Salomon S-Lab Ultra?
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra is ideal for trail runners who participate in ultra-distance races and long training sessions. Runners who prioritize daily training and need a shoe with excellent breathability and durability will find this model suitable. It's also a great choice for those who require a secure fit and reliable traction on various terrains.
Who should not buy the Salomon S-Lab Ultra?
Runners who prefer technical trails with a lot of obstacles may find the Salomon S-Lab Ultra less suitable due to its focus on cushioning and stability. Those who need a shoe for road running or shorter distances might want to consider other options. Additionally, runners who prefer a minimalist shoe with less cushioning may not find this model to their liking.
Salomon S-Lab Ultra: What's it good for?
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra is good for ultra-distance races and long training sessions. Its breathable Matryx mesh upper and durable construction make it suitable for trail running. The shoe's excellent cushioning and reliable traction are ideal for long runs on compact and less technical trails.
4 Salomon S-Lab Ultra FAQs
What is the weight of the Salomon S-Lab Ultra?
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra weighs 301 g, making it a lightweight option for ultra-distance trail running.
Is the Salomon S-Lab Ultra suitable for technical trails?
While the Salomon S-Lab Ultra offers excellent cushioning and stability, it may be less suitable for highly technical trails due to its focus on long-distance comfort.
What type of runner is the Salomon S-Lab Ultra designed for?
The Salomon S-Lab Ultra is designed for ultra-distance trail runners who prioritize durability, cushioning, and reliable traction on various terrains.
Does the Salomon S-Lab Ultra have a secure fit?
Yes, the Salomon S-Lab Ultra features a Quicklace system that ensures a secure and adjustable fit, accommodating different foot shapes.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
| released | ReleasedAug 2018 | Jul 2019 | May 2019 | Nov 2015 | Mar 2018 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | +5   | ||||
| Weight | Weight301 g | M: 241 g W: 190 g | M: 181 g W: 142 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g | 215 g | M: 204 g W: 170 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot18 mm | 17 mm | 5 mm | 8 mm | 16 mm | M: 18 mm W: 16 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop8 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | |||
| Heel | Heel26 mm | 17 mm | 5 mm | 8 mm | 20 mm | M: 21 mm W: 19 mm |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail |
| Brand | BrandSalomon | Merrell | Vibram | Vibram | Salomon | Hoka |
| Shoe Type | Shoe Type | LightweightLow dropZero drop | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop |
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | Vibram | |||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
- Jul 2020
- Aug 2018
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