Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025

Ultimate guide to choosing the best Salomon running shoes for all types of runs: Daily training, race day, speed work, trail running, stability & more
Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025 1 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure
Trail & Kale is reader-supported. If you purchase through links in this article, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn More.

From mountain trails to daily road runs, each shoe in this Best Salomon Running Shoes roundup has been carefully assessed to meet specific needs and preferences for various categories of running. Whether you’re racing on technical trails, prepping for an ultramarathon, or just looking for a reliable all mountain trail running shoe, I’ve got you covered.

For those seeking versatility on a wide variety of trails, the All Mountain Trail Running Shoes are your go-to; these handle everything from mellow tracks to rugged, rocky paths with ease, making them the ideal choice for most trail runners. If you’re an ultra running enthusiast, the Ultra Running Shoes category will keep you comfortable over long miles (and during mamy hours), offering a perfect balance of cushioning and responsiveness.

Salomon's ContaGrip rubber compound is featuring on more and more of their outsoles now, and not just their trail range.
Salomon’s ContaGrip rubber compound is featuring on more and more of their outsoles now, and not just their trail range.

For speedsters targeting a podium finish, my picks for Trail Racing Shoes deliver exceptional grip and lightweight performance to help you fly across technical terrain.

Road runners, don’t worry I haven’t forgotten about you, even though Salomon is largely a trail focused running brand! The Race Day Shoes category features my top rated carbon plate racing shoes, perfect for those looking to shave seconds off their personal bests. And for everyday use, the Daily Trainers category shares my favorite shoes that provide a plush ride and reliable durability to handle all your daily road running/training requirements.


➡ NOTE: If you were hoping to find a particular Salomon running shoe, that’s not on this list, that’s either because it didn’t make the cut but has still been reviewed, or I haven’t reviewed it yet. If the latter is true, let me know the shoe, and I’ll source it for review (dope rhyme). Okay, now let’s find your next favorite pair of Salomon running shoes!

➡ How I performance test running shoes

My testing process is as thorough as it gets. For trail shoes, I tackle various terrains, including steep inclines, technical descents, and flat stretches, to evaluate grip, responsiveness, and stability. For road shoes, I perform runs at different paces—from easy jogs to intense speed workouts—to assess cushioning, energy return, and overall comfort.

The Trail & Kale Running Co. Dream Team | From left: Kepler, Alastair, Helen
The Trail & Kale Running Co. dream team | From left: Kepler, Alastair, Helen

All reviews are documented on my YouTube channel, where you can witness the rigorous testing each shoe undergoes. This hands-on approach ensures that my recommendations reflect real-world performance, helping you make informed buying decisions.

As always, if you have specific needs, just let me know in the comments, and I’ll get you hooked up with the best running shoes for you.

Best Salomon All Mountain Trail Running Shoes

Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025 2 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

1. Genesis

FIT: Size UP a half size, medium width, snug toe box / WEIGHT: 9.8oz (278g) / DROP: 8mm (Medium)

The Salomon Genesis is a versatile trail running shoe built for navigating rugged mountain terrain with precision, support, and durability. It handles everything from technical trails to rapid descents and flat sprints, and it enhances performance across all types of terrain.

The Genesis features a MATRYX upper with a breathable and durable weave, Salomon’s proprietary Quicklace lacing system for easy adjustments, and a soft heel counter that reduces pressure on the Achilles.

The Contagrip outsole with 4-5mm lugs provides outstanding grip on all surfaces, while the 8mm drop and responsive midsole offer a balanced, energetic ride.

The Genesis is snug, especially in the toe box, so I recommend sizing up by half a size for a comfortable fit. It excels in delivering quick turnover on flat terrain, secure footing on steep climbs, and stability on downhills, making it a top choice for trail runners seeking an all-mountain trail running shoe.

Read my in-depth Salomon Genesis review / watch my video review

Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025 3 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

2. Sense Ride 5

FIT: True to size, medium width / WEIGHT: 11.1oz (315g) / DROP: 8mm (Medium)

Why consider this alternative: Offers a more accommodating fit and slightly softer cushioning, making it suitable for longer runs and varied foot shapes but you may or may not feel some hot spots in certain areas like I did – read my review to learn more.

Read my in-depth Salomon Sense Ride review / watch my video review

Best Salomon Ultra Running Shoes

Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025 4 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

1. Ultra Glide 2

FIT: True to size, medium width / WEIGHT: 11.9oz (337g) / DROP: 6mm (Medium)

The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 is a versatile and comfortable all mountain trail running shoe that performs best as an ultra running shoe. This updated version addresses key issues from its predecessor, making it a solid choice for aspiring ultra runners and trail runners looking for a cushioned, yet responsive ride.

Salomon has improved the fit with a roomier toe box, allowing for better toe splay and comfort during longer runs. The redesigned upper locks the foot in place more securely, with a thicker tongue and an improved Quick Lace system that provides a snug fit without pressure points. The shoe’s energyFOAM midsole, offers a great balance of cushioning and energy return, while the reverse camber rocker silhouette promotes smooth transitions on all terrain types.

The Ultra Glide 2’s All Terrain Contagrip® outsole, delivers excellent traction and durability across various surfaces—wet, dry, hard, or loose dirt. At 11.9 oz (337g), it’s not the lightest trail shoe, but it strikes a balance between protection and performance, particularly on technical trails and steep descents – so I’ll let that slide.

Read my in-depth Salomon Ultra Glide 2 review / watch my video review

Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025 5 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

2. S/Lab Ultra 3

FIT: True to size, medium width / WEIGHT: 10.9oz (309g) / DROP: 8mm (Medium)

Why consider this alternative: Lighter weight and designed with elite input, ideal for competitive ultra runners seeking a more responsive ride.

Read my in-depth Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 review

Best Salomon Trail Racing Shoes

Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025 6 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

1. S/Lab Pulsar 3

FIT: true to size, narrow width / WEIGHT: 7.1oz (201g) / DROP: 6mm (Medium)

The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar 3 is a trail running shoe built for high-speed, technical terrain, particularly suited for skyrunning and fast mountain trail racing. It’s incredibly lightweight at just 7.1 oz (201g for a US men’s size 9) and delivers a super responsive ride, thanks to its minimalistic design and firm midsole, which offers excellent ground feel for precise foot placement.

The S/Lab range by the way, is Salomon’s top of the line experimental lab where they design the best shoes including the finest materials and science – this also makes them more expensive.

Featuring a Matryx mesh upper, the Pulsar 3 has a breathable and snug fit, ideal for runners with narrow feet. The Quicklace system allows for easy adjustments on the go, and the Contagrip outsole with 4.5mm chevron-shaped lugs ensures exceptional traction on both ascents and descents. With a 6mm drop and a focus on energy return, it’s ideal for those who love a fast, agile shoe that grips well across all types of trails.

While the Pulsar 3 excels in responsiveness and control, its firm midsole may feel too minimal for runners who prefer extra cushioning over longer distances – in which case I think the Ultra Glide 2 may suite you better for trail racing. It’s also on the narrow side, which could be a consideration for runners with wider feet.

Read my in-depth Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 3 review / watch my video review

Best Salomon Race Day Shoes [Road]

Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025 7 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

1. S/Lab Phantasm 2

FIT: true to size, medium width, very narrow midfoot / WEIGHT: 7.4oz (210g) / DROP: 9mm (High)

The Salomon S/LAB Phantasm 2 is a carbon fiber-plated running shoe designed for speed and performance on race days, but it’s equally great for speed work and intervals. At 7.4 oz (210g), these race day running shoes are lightweight and built to help you run faster with less effort, thanks to a springy midsole and a full-length carbon fiber plate that efficiently propels you forward with each stride.

The Phantasm 2 fits true to size with a medium width, but the midfoot is particularly narrow, which will not suit runners with wider feet. The breathable synthetic mesh upper ensures excellent ventilation, ideal for warmer climates, while the traditional lacing system and padded collar provide a secure, comfortable fit. However, the laces may require a double knot to stay tied securely during runs.

It has a high drop of 9mm from heel to toe, and a relatively broad platform which gives them a stable, neutral ride that supports an efficient, natural running stride. The Contagrip rubber outsole provides reliable traction in all weather conditions, drawing on Salomon’s trail running expertise to ensure grip on wet surfaces.

While the Phantasm 2 delivers on speed and comfort, its narrow midfoot and slightly high collar could be drawbacks for those with wider feet or lower-set ankles. At $250, it’s a premium shoe, but if you’re after a fast, responsive option for races and speed sessions, it’s worth the investment. If you prefer a roomier fit or have specific concerns about the midfoot and collar, you might want to explore these other top carbon-plated running shoes.

Read my in-depth Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 review / watch my video review

Best Salomon Daily Trainers [Road]

Best Salomon Running Shoes in 2025 8 - Trail and Kale | Trail Running & Adventure

1. Aero Glide 2

FIT: true to size, medium width / WEIGHT: 9.5oz (270g) / DROP: 10mm (High)

The Salomon Aero Glide 2 is a highly cushioned road running shoe designed for comfort over any distance, making it an excellent choice for daily training runs or recovery runs. It has a soft plush ride thanks to Salomon’s lightweight Energy Foam midsole, which balances cushioning and responsiveness. This high 10mm heel-to-toe drop is ideal for heel strikers or runners who appreciate extra cushioning during the later stages of long runs.

The Aero Glide 2 fits true to size with a medium width but has a slightly wider toe box, providing ample room for toe splay and foot expansion during longer efforts. The breathable upper and well-padded tongue and collar ensure comfort, while the Contagrip outsole delivers excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions.

However, if you’re aiming for faster paces or speedwork, you might find the Aero Glide 2’s higher drop and softer ride less suited to your needs. While it may not be the best pick for speed sessions, it’s a great daily trainer for racking up mileage comfortably.

Read my in-depth Salomon Aero Glide 2 review / watch my video review

Previous Article

Pebax®: The Performance-Boosting Secret in Running Shoes

Next Article

TRX Straps Review: The Portable Suspension Trainer For Bodyweight Muscle Building

Write a Comment

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Newsletter

for outdoor gear reviews, roundups, tips, and thought-provoking blogs for adventurous people.
Pure inspiration, zero spam ✨