Uncover the 7 Must-Have Salomon Trail Running Shoes for 2024

Salomon trail running shoes are known for their durability and ability to handle challenging terrains. They offer excellent grip, waterproofing, support, and protection. However, choosing the right model can be time-consuming due to the numerous options available. To assist with this, various models have been tested and reviewed to determine which ones offer the best performance and value, ensuring an informed decision for trail enthusiasts.

Understanding that exaggerated advertising can be off-putting, all Salomon trail running shoes reviewed were purchased independently to ensure honesty and objectivity. Thorough testing was conducted to provide accurate evaluations:

Test Runs: Each shoe was worn for 30-50 miles on diverse terrains, including rail tracks, hiking trails, mountain paths, and horse trails, to assess overall performance.

Detailed Analysis: In a specialized shoe-testing lab, every component of the shoes was meticulously analyzed, from the smallest details to the overall construction and materials used, ensuring a comprehensive understanding.

Evaluation Criteria: Shoes were evaluated against 30 different criteria, including flexibility, durability, breathability, and more. These evaluations were then analyzed and presented in an easy-to-understand format, enabling readers to make informed decisions.

This rigorous approach ensures that the reviews are thorough, reliable, and useful for anyone considering Salomon trail running shoes.

Top 7 Best Salomon Trail Running Shoes for Runners in 2024

Salomon Speedcross 6

The Salomon Speedcross 6 dominates the Salomon trail running shoe rankings with its outstanding grip, support, and flexibility, making it a top choice for runners tackling muddy and cold terrains. Featuring Contagrip rubber renowned for durability and protection, it boasts a durometer hardness of 93.9 HC. Its outsole is equipped with deep, widely spaced 5.8 mm lugs, enhancing traction on challenging surfaces. Meanwhile, the midsole offers a firm ground sensitivity with a hardness of 34.4 HA, ensuring balance and stability even on sharp turns. Despite its durability and traction, the Speedcross 6 maintains flexibility, providing comfort for long trail runs and hikes. However, its breathability falls short, scoring only 1/5 in lab tests, resulting in discomfort during hot weather conditions.

Strengths: Exceptional grip on various terrains, particularly suitable for heel strikers. High durability and quick mud shedding enhance performance. The Quicklace system adds convenience, while the shoe's flexibility facilitates agility on technical trails.

Weaknesses: The firm midsole may not suit all runners' preferences, and its limited breathability can lead to discomfort, particularly in hot weather. Overall, the Speedcross 6 offers top-notch performance for trail runners seeking reliable traction and support in challenging conditions.

Salomon Ultra Glide 2

The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 has been reimagined to make ultra-marathons feel effortless, thanks to its intricate blend of cushioning, lightweight design, flexibility, and stable traction. Both lab results and user feedback indicate that this model is certainly the most suitable Salomon trail shoe for ultra-marathon events.

Running for hours on verdant trails becomes a captivating experience with the Ultra Glide 2's cloud-like comfort. The shoe's soft and light construction provides an unparalleled comfort level, protecting your feet from fatigue. Our durometer readings confirm this, showing the Ultra Glide 2 is 34.3% softer than the average trail shoe. Weighing in at 286g, it is lighter than the average 296g, allowing runners to move swiftly without the risk of rolling ankles due to its lower-than-average stack height, offering a better ground feel.

This shoe orchestrates control with an easily maneuverable midsole, adapting seamlessly to our movements on moderate technical terrains. In our flexibility tests, the Ultra Glide 2 surpassed the average by 33.4%, making it perfect for high-speed trail runs. Its 2.8 mm Contagrip rubber lugs provide sufficient grip across various surfaces, performing best on dry and moderate trails, ensuring stability throughout.

However, we advise avoiding labyrinthine rocky terrains, as the 1.6 mm thick outsole may lack the necessary durability to protect your feet adequately.

Strengths:

• Breathable upper
• Excellent foot lockdown
• Cushioned, protective feel
• Good energy return
• Smooth, comfortable ride
• Adequate grip on moderate terrain
• Suitable for high-speed runs

Weaknesses:

• Lower outsole durability
• Lace pocket can be uncomfortable
• Long tongue may cause rubbing
• Slightly narrow fit for some runners

Embark on your next trail adventure with the Ultra Glide 2, a shoe that beckons you to transcend the ordinary and delve into the kaleidoscopic tapestry of the running world. Its intricate design and captivating performance make it a standout choice for any trail runner.

Salomon Sense Ride 5

The Salomon Sense Ride 5 excels in seamlessly transitioning from streets to trails without interrupting your running momentum. With excellent grip on moderate terrains, comfortable cushioning, and a flexible sole, it’s a top choice for Salomon's hybrid street-to-trail category.

This versatile shoe handles daily runs and occasional speed workouts effortlessly. The Contagrip rubber outsole and 3.5 mm diamond-shaped lugs perform well on slightly wet surfaces and moderate trails, ensuring stability across varied terrains.

Long-distance runs are comfortable with its protective cushioning, which is 25.2% softer than the average trail shoe, according to durometer tests. Its lower-than-average stack height offers a closer-to-ground feel, ideal for trail running. Combined with a flexible sole, it provides better control as the midsole adapts to your movements. Flexibility tests show the Sense Ride 5 has average flexibility compared to other trail shoes.

However, the forefoot is 5.7 mm thinner than average, offering less cushioning for midfoot to forefoot strikers.

Strengths:

• Good foot lockdown
• High responsiveness
• Excellent ground feel
• Handles moderate and hilly terrains well
• Smooth, stable ride
• Capable of speed when needed
• Comfortable, breathable upper

Weaknesses:

• Not suitable for very technical terrains
• Thinner forefoot cushioning
• Slightly narrow fit

The Salomon Sense Ride 5 is ideal for runners seeking a versatile shoe that performs well on both roads and trails. Its blend of grip, cushioning, and flexibility ensures a stable and enjoyable running experience across various terrains. While it excels in moderate conditions, it may not be the best choice for highly technical trails due to its thinner forefoot cushioning and narrower fit. Nonetheless, it remains a top pick for those needing a reliable hybrid shoe for diverse running environments.

Salomon XA Pro 3D v9

The Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 is a robust and highly protective shoe, ideal for trail running, hiking, backpacking, and road running. Both real-world trail experiences and in-depth lab tests reveal its exceptional all-around protection, reliable traction, and strong support, marking it as the most durable Salomon trail shoe tested.

The Contagrip outsole handles various terrains without needing harder rubber or deeper lugs for performance. Despite having 2.8 mm lugs and a Hardness Coefficient (HC) of 83.1, slightly below average, it provides excellent grip on sand, snow, and rocks without premature wear.

The firm midsole adds another layer of protection, shielding feet from sharp debris and maintaining stability. Durometer tests indicate the midsole is 17.9% harder than the average trail shoe, ensuring it doesn't deform under heavy backpack loads. The 3D chassis technology prevents excessive lateral movement, reducing injury risk.

The upper acts as protective armor against heat and debris, scoring an impressive 4/5 in breathability tests and 5/5 in simulated sharp object tests (Dremel). However, its considerable weight (346g) can hinder agility, as it is 52g heavier than the average trail shoe.

Strengths:

• Exceptional protection
• Highly stable and supportive
• Good traction, even in wet or rocky conditions
• Excellent for long-distance treks
• Integrated 3D chassis system
• Effective shock absorption
• Well-cushioned
• Durable, high-quality materials
• Simple yet attractive design

Weaknesses:

• Heavier weight
• Upper could be more breathable
• Slightly firm cushioning
• Less agility on technical trails

Overall, the Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 excels in providing protection, stability, and durability, making it a reliable companion for various outdoor activities. While its weight may reduce agility on challenging trails, its other features make it a standout choice for those seeking a durable and supportive trail shoe.

Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX

Our expeditions confirm that the XA Pro 3D v9 GTX is Salomon's top trail running shoe utilizing Gore-Tex technology, with lab results supporting this claim. This well-designed, functional waterproof shoe offers consistent comprehensive protection and unmatched stability thanks to its 3D chassis.

Encased in a reliable Gore-Tex membrane, the shoe provides excellent waterproofing. Lab tests show minimal permeability, even blocking light. During trail runs, the shoe performed well in rain, cold weather, and when crossing ankle-deep rivers.

The shoe acts as a shield against various hazards and obstacles. Its sturdy upper and robust toe cap protects against rocks, while the firm midsole guards against sharp stones and roots, maintaining balance on uneven terrain. The 3D chassis enhances stability, preventing unwanted ankle twists and excessive lateral movement.

The Contagrip outsole with 2.8 mm lugs offers necessary protection and traction on most surfaces. The lug pattern design ensures good grip even on wet rocks and loose sand.

However, the shoe's protective build makes it quite heavy. It feels more like a hiking boot, which can be cumbersome during fast runs. Weighing in at 359g, it is 22.1% heavier than average.

Strengths:

• Incredible protection
• Extremely stable with high support
• Good traction even in wet conditions
• Waterproof Gore-Tex upper
• Highly versatile
• Excellent for long-distance trips
• Effective shock absorption
• Well-cushioned
• Durable, high-quality materials
• Simple yet attractive design

Weaknesses:

• Could be lighter
• Slightly firm cushioning
• Upper could be more breathable
• Less flexible on challenging trails

Overall, the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX excels in providing protection, stability, and durability, making it an excellent choice for trail running, hiking, and outdoor adventures. Despite its weight, it remains a top-performing shoe with a reliable waterproof design and solid construction.

Salomon XT-6

The Salomon XT-6 stands out for its quality and style, offering excellent traction, responsive feedback, and reliable durability. It is our top choice for the most stylish Salomon trail running shoe.

Despite aesthetics being subjective, the Salomon XT-6 features a timeless classic design that has garnered significant demand even as a sneaker. However, it remains a top-performing trail running shoe, equally comfortable for everyday wear.

The XT-6 provides an outstanding grip on various surfaces. Its lug depth measures 5.5 mm, surpassing the average 3.5 mm, allowing for confidence running even on wet rocks and roots. Its stylish appearance complements its trail-running functionality, making it a fantastic dual-purpose shoe.

The shoe's ACS (Agile Chassis Skeleton) system, a rigid plastic plate along the midsole's edge, enhances propulsion and responsiveness. This feature noticeably propels the wearer forward on trails.

However, at 365g (12.88 oz), the XT-6 is heavier than the average trail running shoe, which weighs 296g (10.44 oz). There are lighter options available on the market.

Strengths:

• True-to-size fit
• Excellent responsive feedback
• Convenient Quicklace system
• Slip-resistant heel design
• Superior traction
• High stability
• Good protection
• Attractive appearance
• High durability

Weaknesses:

• Slightly heavy
• Stiff in cold weather

In summary, the Salomon XT-6 combines style and performance, making it suitable for both trail running and casual wear. Its superior grip, responsive design, and robust construction ensure a reliable and stylish choice for trail enthusiasts, though its weight and stiffness in cold conditions are notable drawbacks.

Salomon Pulsar Trail

The Salomon Pulsar Trail is an outstanding all-around trail running shoe capable of conquering most if not all, trail terrains. Tested across various landscapes and distances, its performance is impressive. This shoe excels in traction, durability, and agility, making it a top choice for daily trail running.

The Salomon Pulsar Trail's Contagrip outsole is highly durable and provides excellent traction, instilling confidence in technical trails. Despite extensive use, the shoes show no signs of early wear or damage, maintaining their robust performance.

Running quickly on the Pulsar Trail feels natural. The shoe is dynamic and enjoyable, enhanced by its rocker sole design, which propels the runner forward. Despite its sturdy midsole offering high protection, the Pulsar Trail is surprisingly lightweight, feeling almost weightless even on long trail runs. The upper is comfortable but not particularly breathable, which might be a drawback for summer trail runners.

Strengths:

• Stable running feel with good foot protection
• High flexibility
• Good heel lock
• High durability
• Suitable for all types of foot strikes
• Good breathability in the toe area
• Reasonable price

Weaknesses:

• Not suitable for wet terrain
• Slightly heavy

In summary, the Salomon Pulsar Trail combines stability, protection, and agility, making it ideal for a wide range of trail running conditions. Its durable Contagrip outsole and dynamic design offer confidence and performance on technical trails. While it may not be the best choice for wet conditions or for those seeking extreme breathability, its overall features and reasonable price make it a top contender in the trail-running shoe market.