Salomon Ultra Glide
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Overview
The Salomon Ultra Glide is a trail running shoe designed to offer comfort and performance on varied terrains. This shoe is known for its plush cushioning and energetic ride.
Key Features:
- Energy Surge Midsole: Combines EVA foam with olefinic fiber for durable cushioning and energy return.
- Contragrip MA Outsole: Provides long-lasting traction on technical trails.
- SensiFit Upper: Ensures a secure and comfortable fit with breathable mesh.
The Salomon Ultra Glide is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort for long distances. Its rockered design offers smooth transitions, making it suitable for both training and racing.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 93%. This puts it in the highest rated 10% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 20% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Salomon Ultra Glide
The Salomon Ultra Glide is a trail running shoe that excels in providing plush comfort and a smooth ride. Its Energy Surge midsole offers a soft yet responsive feel, making it suitable for long-distance runs. The shoe's breathable upper and secure fit ensure comfort on varied terrains. However, the lack of a rock plate might be a drawback for those seeking extra protection on rocky trails. The Ultra Glide's outsole provides reliable grip, although its durability might be compromised on extremely technical terrains. Despite its slightly narrow fit, the shoe's roomy toe box accommodates different foot types. Overall, the Ultra Glide is a strong contender in the cushioned trail shoe category, offering a balance of comfort and performance. For runners with normal-width feet, this shoe is a great option for long trail runs.
Updates to Salomon Ultra Glide
The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 features several updates to this model, including a new Energy Surge foam for a softer, more cushioned ride. The upper has also been redesigned for a more secure and comfortable fit.
Comparable Shoes
The Salomon Ultra Glide is often compared to the Salomon Speedcross 5. While both shoes offer excellent traction and a comfortable ride, the Ultra Glide features a softer, more cushioned midsole.
The Salomon Ultra Glide and the Salomon Sense Ride 3 are both popular trail running shoes. However, the Ultra Glide offers a more plush, cushioned ride, while the Sense Ride 3 is more responsive.
The Salomon Ultra Glide and the Salomon XA Pro 3D v8 are both designed for trail running. However, the Ultra Glide is more cushioned and comfortable, while the XA Pro 3D v8 is more durable and stable.
The Hoka Zinal is a lightweight trail shoe that offers a more nimble feel compared to the Salomon Ultra Glide. While the Ultra Glide provides plush cushioning and a smooth ride, the Zinal excels in agility and ground feel. Runners seeking a lighter option for technical terrains might prefer the Zinal, although the Ultra Glide offers better cushioning for long distances.
The Saucony Endorphin Trail is known for its high stack height and smooth ride on long-distance trails. While the Ultra Glide offers a plush and energetic midsole, the Endorphin Trail provides consistent cushioning with its Power Run PB midsole. Runners who prioritize a smooth ride on smoother trails might prefer the Endorphin Trail, while the Ultra Glide is better suited for varied terrains.
8 Salomon Ultra Glide Pros & Cons
5 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Ultra Glide features a SensiFit upper that provides a secure and comfortable fit. The 3D mesh material is both breathable and durable, offering protection against trail debris. This design ensures that the shoe remains well ventilated, making it suitable for long runs in various conditions. The upper's adaptability accommodates different foot types, although it may feel narrow for those with wider feet.
Midsole
The midsole of the Ultra Glide is crafted with Salomon's Energy Surge foam, which combines EVA foam with olefinic fiber. This construction provides a plush underfoot feel with a touch of bouncy rebound, enhancing the shoe's responsiveness. The rockered design aids in smooth transitions, reducing fatigue during long runs. This midsole is ideal for runners seeking a cushioned yet energetic ride.
Outsole
The Ultra Glide's Contragrip MA outsole is designed for durability and traction on technical trails. It features well-spaced lugs that offer grip on various surfaces, although it may not be the best choice for extremely technical terrains. The outsole's hardness ensures longevity, making it a reliable option for trail runners who cover long distances.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Ultra Glide, thanks to its plush cushioning and padded upper. The shoe's thick tongue and ankle collar enhance comfort, reducing the risk of irritation during long runs. Despite its plush design, the shoe remains breathable, making it suitable for extended use on trails.
Cushioning
The Ultra Glide offers high cushioning with its Energy Surge midsole, providing a soft and responsive feel. This cushioning is ideal for long-distance trail runs, offering protection against high-impact footfalls. The shoe's rockered design further enhances its cushioning, allowing for smooth transitions and reduced fatigue.
Breathability
Despite its plush design, the Ultra Glide maintains good breathability. The 3D mesh upper allows for adequate airflow, keeping the foot cool during long runs. This breathability is complemented by the shoe's protective overlays, which shield against trail debris without compromising ventilation.
Durability
The Ultra Glide is built for durability, with a hard Contragrip MA outsole and protective overlays. These features ensure the shoe can withstand the rigors of trail running, although its outsole hardness might compromise grip on certain surfaces. The shoe's construction promises longevity, making it a reliable choice for trail enthusiasts.
Grip
The Ultra Glide's outsole features well-spaced lugs that provide reliable grip on various trail surfaces. While the shoe excels on most terrains, its grip might be less effective on extremely technical or slippery surfaces. The outsole's design ensures traction and stability, making it suitable for long-distance trail runs.
Size/fit
The Ultra Glide is known for its slightly narrow fit, particularly in the midfoot area. While the toe box is roomy enough to allow for toe splay, runners with wider feet might find the fit constricting. The shoe's gusseted tongue and Quicklace system provide a secure lockdown, ensuring minimal movement during runs.
Stability
While the Ultra Glide offers a stable ride on most trails, its narrow platform may pose stability challenges on sharp turns or off-camber sections. The shoe's rockered design aids in maintaining balance, but runners should exercise caution on technical terrains. The secure fit provided by the SensiFit upper enhances overall stability.
Flex
The Ultra Glide offers a balance of flexibility and stiffness, with a softer midsole that cushions high-impact footfalls. The shoe's flex point is primarily under the toes, allowing for a natural stride. While the shoe is relatively stiff overall, its rockered design aids in smooth transitions, enhancing its flexibility during runs.
Who should buy the Salomon Ultra Glide?
Runners seeking a plush and comfortable trail shoe will find the Salomon Ultra Glide appealing. It's ideal for those who prioritize cushioning and a smooth ride on long-distance runs. The shoe's breathable upper and secure fit make it suitable for varied terrains. Runners with a neutral pronation and normal-width feet will benefit most from its design. Its energetic midsole is perfect for those who enjoy a responsive feel during their runs.
Who should not buy the Salomon Ultra Glide?
The Salomon Ultra Glide may not be the best choice for runners with wider feet, as its fit is slightly narrow. Those seeking a lightweight trail shoe might find it heavier than desired. If you prefer a shoe with a rock plate for added protection on rocky terrains, consider other options. Runners who prioritize ground feel and flexibility might want to explore alternatives like the Saucony Switchback.
Salomon Ultra Glide: What's it good for?
The Salomon Ultra Glide is well-suited for trail running and long-distance events. Its plush cushioning makes it ideal for ultra marathons and marathons. The shoe's energetic midsole is perfect for speed training and workout sessions. Its breathable upper and secure fit make it a reliable choice for varied terrains.
5 Salomon Ultra Glide FAQs
What makes the Salomon Ultra Glide suitable for long-distance runs?
The Salomon Ultra Glide features a plush Energy Surge midsole that provides cushioning and energy return, making it ideal for long-distance runs. Its breathable upper and secure fit enhance comfort during extended use.
Is the Salomon Ultra Glide good for runners with wide feet?
The Salomon Ultra Glide has a slightly narrow fit, particularly in the midfoot area, which may not be ideal for runners with wide feet. Consider trying the Sense Ride 4 for a more accommodating fit.
Does the Salomon Ultra Glide have a rock plate?
No, the Salomon Ultra Glide does not have a rock plate, which might be a drawback for those seeking extra protection on rocky trails.
How does the Salomon Ultra Glide perform on technical terrains?
The Salomon Ultra Glide offers reliable grip with its Contragrip MA outsole, making it suitable for most trails. However, its grip might be less effective on extremely technical or slippery surfaces.
What is the weight of the Salomon Ultra Glide?
The Salomon Ultra Glide weighs approximately 283 grams (10 ounces), making it a respectable choice for a cushioned trail shoe.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | |
| released | ReleasedAug 2021 | Dec 2023 | Jun 2022 | Jul 2023 | Jul 2020 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users+10 | |||||
| Weight | Weight283 g | M: 264 g W: 224 g | 298 g | M: 286 g W: 249 g | 269 g | |
| Forefoot | Forefoot26 mm | 29 mm | 21 mm | 30 mm | 12 mm | |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 8 mm | 9 mm | |||
| Heel | Heel32 mm | 29 mm | 29 mm | 38 mm | 12 mm | |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Snow/iceTrail |
| Usages | UsagesRacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | Daily runningRacingSpeed training |
| Brand | BrandSalomon | Arc’teryx | Altra | New Balance | Nike | Inov-8 |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortable | Lightweight | Low dropZero drop | ComfortableMaximalist | Low dropZero drop | |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | Vibram | New Balance Fresh FoamVibram | Vibram | |
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable | ||||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
- Feb 2023
- Aug 2021
