Salomon has wasted no time responding to feedback on the S/LAB Ultra Glide, a shoe that stood out to me, earlier this year for its plush feel, structured build, and long-distance focus.
With the S/LAB Ultra Glide 1.5, Salomon has kept the core design intact while improving one area that drew mixed reactions: the heel counter fit.
What’s new?
The main update in the 1.5 version is a redesigned heel collar, aimed at delivering a more friction-free fit.
Some runners previously noted discomfort or heel slippage in the original model, something that didn’t affect everyone, but was enough for Salomon to take action.
From the outside, it’s a subtle visual shift. But this kind of update can make a big difference for those sensitive to heel hot spots or who struggled with the original’s rear lockdown.
Key specs
- Price: $250 at Salomon.com / Sportsshoes.com (UK Readers)
- Weight: 10.6oz / 301g (size US(M)9)
- Stack Height: 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot
- Drop: 8mm
- Midsole: energyFOAM + energyFOAM+ (PEBA core)
- Outsole: All Terrain Contagrip® with relieveSPHERE geometry
- Upper: Synthetic mesh with Quicklace® and gusseted tongue
The rest stays reliably familiar
Apart from the new heel collar, this update keeps everything that made the original Ultra Glide stand out, namely its comfort-focused ride, dual-layer foam construction, stability-forward design, and supportive midsole sidewalls.
The shoe is still designed for ultra-distance efforts and smooth, all-mountain terrain where cushioning and control matter more than pure speed.
Learn more about how the rest of the shoe performs in my review below:
A quick turnaround is great to witness
It’s rare to see brands iterate this fast, but Salomon has clearly been listening. The Ultra Glide 1.5 doesn’t reinvent the formula, it just aims to improve the fit for a broader range of runners.
If you were on the fence about the original due to heel fit concerns, this might be your cue to give the updated version a go.
The S/LAB Ultra Glide 1.5 is available now for $250 at Salomon.com and select retailers.
Want to know how it compares with other trail shoes built for big days out? Check out my roundup of The Best All-Mountain Trail Running Shoes, Right Now, over on alastairrunning.com.