The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide isn’t your typical S/Lab racing shoe.
Instead of focusing on speed, minimalism, or precision fit like many of their past models, this one is built with comfort and protection in mind — especially for those long, steady efforts where the goal is to finish strong, not fast - hello ultra running.
It’s Salomon’s attempt to bring plush cushioning into the S/Lab world, and after putting in solid mileage, I’ve got a good sense of where it excels — and where it doesn’t. Let's get into it!
Key specifications
- Price: $250 at Salomon.com / Sportsshoes (My favorite UK online running store)
- Weight: 10.6oz / 301g (US Men’s 9 – my pair)
- Drop: 6mm with a stack height of 41mm heel / 35mm forefoot
- Upper: Synthetic mesh upper material, gusseted tongue, Quicklace® system
- Midsole: Two-layer construction – energyFOAM (EVA) with energyFOAM+ (PEBA) core
- Outsole: All Terrain Contagrip® with relieveSPHERE geometry
- Extra attributes: Rocker geometry, higher-than-usual midsole sidewalls for great stability and support
Sizing and fit
This version of an S/Lab shoe feels more forgiving in the forefoot, which I really appreciate.
The toe box is roomier than I’m used to from Salomon, and I didn’t feel that usual cramped feeling over long miles.
Alastair Dixon
Lockdown is solid once the Quicklace system is properly adjusted from the base up — though if I rush it, the tongue can bunch a bit at the base.
The heel is a touch on the narrow side, so runners with wider feet there might notice some tightness.
Performance review
This is a shoe that only really comes alive after a break-in period.
It took around 5 miles before the ride started to soften and show that responsive, springy feel that the energyFOAM+ core is designed for.
Once it does, though, the balance between cushioning and propulsion starts to shine, especially on smooth, rolling terrain.
For me, the S/Lab Ultra Glide works best on gravel paths, buffed-out trails, and long descents where you can settle into a rhythm and let the cushioned midsole absorb and shock from hard trails beneath.
Alastair Dixon
And the S/Lab Ultra Glide is all about going the distance... this is an all mountain, ultra running shoe, through and through.
The rocker geometry is subtle but effective — I don’t feel pushed into my next step, but I do notice that I’m moving forward more easily over time.
It’s a good match for steady efforts where you’re trying to conserve energy, not set PRs, which is basically most peoples ultramarathon race goal.
Alastair Dixon
Lateral support is another strength, the extended sidewalls around the midsole keep my foot centered and controlled, which I really noticed when fatigue set in during longer runs but also when navigating more technical trails.
That kind of support becomes really valuable the deeper you get into a run or race.
The trade-off for all this cushion and structure is the weight. At 10.6oz for my size 9, this is on the heavier side for a shoe that’s branded as race-ready, and especially from the S/Lab line of running shoes.
I feel that extra weight on climbs and whenever I try to pick up the pace. It’s not a huge deal on easier terrain, but if you’re racing or moving fast, it’s something to factor in.
For ultra marathons however, having the cushioning underfoot without sacrificing control is worth a little bit of extra weight, in my opinion - they're also very durable and capable all-mountain trail running shoes, for training with.
If you're racing shorter distances on trails, take a look at my trail racing shoe recommendations below, instead:
Alastair Dixon
Upper comfort is mostly good, but I do get some pressure across the top of my forefoot where two materials meet, where my toes flex during toe-off or on steeper climbs.
It’s not painful, but I’m aware of it, and on longer runs it may bug some people. I also wish the upper was more breathable. My feet run warm in these, especially on hotter days.
Traction is decent but not confidence-inspiring on everything. It grips well enough on dry trail and predictable terrain, but on dusty, off-camber sections, I had one sketchy moment.
I think the relieveSPHERE grooves in the outsole reduce the overall surface area in contact with the trail, which doesn’t help in technical situations but to be fair it works so much better that I was expecting, and it will only trip up in certain niche circumstances.
My verdict
The S/Lab Ultra Glide feels purpose-built for long training runs in all-mountain conditions, ultra distances, or big days out on the trails where comfort and support are more important than pace or agility.
It’s not a lightweight racer, and it’s not meant to be. But if you’re stacking miles on smoother trails and want a shoe that protects your legs, moves well, and feels stable for hours, it’s a really solid option.
Just know that you’ll need to break it in with a run, before it starts showing its best side, and it’s best kept off highly technical routes where precision are key.
Overall, it's a really good buy, anda. solid trail running shoe but i do feel that it would be better priced if it was around $200.
If you fancy trying these out for yourself, you can get a pair for $250 at the following online retailers:
$250 at Salomon.com / Sportsshoes (My favorite UK online running store)
Thanks for reading, see you out there! -Alastair
