Salomon Pulsar Trail vs Ultra Glide / Shoe comparison

[@LucaCastiglioni]

Bought the Pulsar after your review. Tested last Saturday on a very technical alpine trail of 40km and 2500 d+ in the Mont Blanc area. Fit The fit was absolutely perfect. No hot spot even from the first km. No need to wait for the shoe to adapt to my feet. First time it happens to me Midsole and sole Not as soft as for example Oka Speedgoat 4 and this is a big plus. With Oka being so soft you cannot be very precise, they feel unstable. Pulsar are precise enough and when you put your feet where you want it stays there. Probably are not as precise as my La Sportiva Mutant but on the other end La Sportiva are not good to run a 100km. On descent are more than ok, not as La Sportiva Mutant again but way better than Okas. Okas are too soft and if you hit a sharp rock you can really feel it under your feet. With Pulsar not being so soft you can feel nothing. The sole grip is more than adequate even on wet rocks. Speed lace is fast but before a long decent is better to tight it up. I will use them for GTC 100 in 2 weeks time (105km with 7.800 mt d+). I'm very happy with my purchase even because I found them at a bargain price of 89 euros here in Italy

[@UltraTrailSteven]

That is awesome! So glad you like them! Congratulations on the race!!

[@kyzersoze9002]

How did you find the 6mm drop in the trail compared to Speedgoat 4mm? Is it noticeable? I have both pairs of shoes on their way....

[@LucaCastiglioni]

@@kyzersoze9002 I really didn't feel any difference under this point of view. Consider I prefer higher drop. My reference shoes, La Sportiva Mutant have 10mm drop. The only problem they have is a thin midsole that makes the shoes really precise but not good for ultra trails. What I didn't like of Speedgoat 4 is the softness of the midsole. When you run downhill and you hit sharp rocks you can really feel them under your foot and in my opinion this is not good for shoes that should have the best confort in class. Pulsar are in my opinion an excellent compromise

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@kyzersoze9002 I didn’t notice the difference. It’s so minimal.

[@LucaCastiglioni]

@@kyzersoze9002 by the way. Is this your real name or are you a big fan of The Usual Suspects?

[@ianwarner1429]

I have 500 miles on my Ultraglides. 3 races, lots of Long runs. Winter runs all done in them. Never a blister, in fact I think they're the most comfy shoe of any kind. Subjective shoe reviews are just that.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Every review I have seen has mentioned the midsole feels flat after about 140-150 miles; glad to hear your experience has been different!

[@jxy5484]

Love to hear this! I just bought a pair and scared because of all the people saying the midsole and outsole wear down quickly. Cheers!

[@Trailrunner1978]

I am a big Ultraglide fan. I feel it is the shoe which make me want to go the longest in training, even beating the Speedgoat. But I also bought the Pulsar trail now.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Glad you like them both!

[@Blank-Knight]

I just got the Ultra Glide 2, as I didn't get the first Ultra Glide. The Pulsar Trail is still much more to my liking. The Energy Blade just works. The UG2 seems to run a little cooler though, but can't quite test that properly in cold conditions right now.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Right on! I’ll be testing the UG2 very soon.

[@seekingUltraNick]

Picked up the Pulsar Trail for an upcoming trail marathon. Might use them for all or first half of a 50 miler in December, too! I’m with you, Steven -it’s a great shoe. Doesn’t beat up the feet or legs but isn’t squishy either. Energy Blade is legit as well. BUT, after less than 40 or so miles I am seeing some overlay on the uppers peeling off. We’ll see if that’s all that happens. Thanks again, great video as always!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Glad you are loving the PT as well, Nick!! Good luck in your races!

[@chad.haggerty]

Thanks for this. The Uptraglide has been selling for $105 here (Calgary, Canada) but I’ve been concerned about the durability. Hearing that the Pulsar Trail is showing better durability makes the decision for me. Much appreciated!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Awesome! That’s a great deal on the UG. The PT is my favorite of the two

[@jxy5484]

Did you go with the Ultraglide? Where are you seeing them for 105?

[@chad.haggerty]

@@jxy5484 I did not. At 220lbs, the frequent claims of midsole compaction scared me away.

[@jxy5484]

@@chad.haggerty yeah I sharted when I found out about it after having already bought it. What a waste of toilet paper

[@richardknowles8653]

Ran the Ultra Glide last week in a 55 Km race in Idaho. Great cushion and overall performance. Drained well after water crossings with a little heal blister at mile 30. I had the Pulsar Trail ready to switch at 16 miles just to test, but decided to stay with the Ultra Glide. I have 60 miles on the Pulsar at this time with longer trail runs of 12 miles. It feels great while climbing and will try to run more on flatter trails soon. Fit is fantastic on both shoes. Traction is great with both shoes.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Awesome info! Thanks!

[@trailrunningnic]

Funny how different people can have vastly different experiences with the sane shoe! For me drainage has been a huge issue with the Ultra Glide. Once they get wet they become a big bowl of soup and never manage to drain properly!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@trailrunningnic yeah I had somewhat of a similar experience. They drained ok, but didn’t dry well.

[@tabkirkland1312]

Thanks for the comparison, So far I like them both. Although only about 13 miles in the Pulsar, I have quite a few on the Ultra Glides. Appreciate all your content. Keep up the good work!!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thank you, Tab! Happy trails!

[@jxy5484]

How’s your lugs holding up? Any premature wear?

[@ianlowe4126]

Just taken my ultra glides through 90 miles and they still feel as good as new. Some very minor creases on the midsole but nothing the write home about. One thing I love about the ultra glides is how well they transition from road to trail, I wondered how well the pulsar trails fair in this category? Great in depth review thanks. Ian 🇬🇧

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I think the Ultra Glide is probably a bit better on the road to trail transitions. With that said, the PT was fine on the road too (although I only ever had it on teh road for like 3 3 tenths of a mile at a time). Thanks!

[@jxy5484]

I keep seeing people complaining the lugs wearing down at 200km for road to trail running. How are yours holding up?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@jxy5484 I don’t do much pavement running with trail shoes. Probably no more than 5 miles total when I have about 100 miles on a pair of shoes. I just finished a 60 mile race in the pulsar Trail on lots of rock, and the lugs look good still

[@ianlowe4126]

@@jxy5484 hi. Just gone through 110 miles and only minor signs of wear

[@ScottSowle]

Started out with the Ultra Glide and was pleased with them and then picked up the Pulsar Trail. The Pulsar Trail became my go to shoe. I call them Cushy and loved the fit the TPU plate gave me more spring and felt faster. They also held the cushion at 200 miles plus and that is where the tread was finished. I only ran the Pulsar Trail on the trails here in the Pacific Northwest and they worked decent in technical terrain. The Ultra Glides at 130 miles have lost most of the cushion it originally had but the tread is still going. The Ultra Glides also are much hotter and don't drain as well as the Pulsar Trail. If Salomon can give me a better tread design and longivity I'd choose them every time over any other shoe. Great review.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I love the Pulsar Trail! Just wore them for the Beaverhead 100k (very rocky), and they were amazing it! I didn’t even pre tape my feet, and had zero hot spots!

[@travymoto1]

I got a pair of each in last week but returned them because they were too narrow. I dont have wide enough feet to have to wear “wides” for my running shoes but these did not work. Shame because I was very excited about them.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thanks for sharing! Sorry they didn't fit your feet.

[@DSRenner]

I have 460 miles on my Ultra Glides and just picked up another pair, just afterwards I got my hands on a pair of Pulsar Trails... kinda wish I hadn't bought the second pair of UGs. It has been a great shoe, good durability, comfortable.. However, I am a bit in love with the Pulsars at the moment. Will see how I feel after another 400 miles though... as I only have about 60 on them so far.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

The Pulsars are one of my favorites from 2022!

[@TrailSage]

Great comparison Steven! Love that Pulsar trail, I wish the lugs were deeper and I would prob replace the speed lace with regular laces.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

The speed laces are nice once you get them dialed in. Though honesty I don't think they are any quicker than regular laces. Lugs have been pretty good. Thanks, Sage!

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

Same Here, already applied. Using the top hole to create a loop (laces back from outside through same hole) and doing the heel lock now, decent insole from old Saucony shoes, ready and much better. Wet grip hmmm, on german natural ground (roots, rocks, slightly muddy) there are much better compounds....

[@POLYDAMAS_ARXAIOS.83]

Great video!Can you tell us about the stability. Which one has the most stability?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I feel more stable in the Pulsar Trail.

[@clarklight2918]

I went from Hoka Tecton X to Pulsar Trail, had about 450miles on the Tecton X, and about 40miles on the pulsar trail, Pulsar trail is a lot firmer, but the blade works, just keep pushing you forward, but I dunno how my feet will handle after 50km running. Gonna get a pair of Ultra glide cos they are sale now, will see if the more cushioned feel is better for longer run, the Contagrip is just a little bit more slippery than the Vibram grip, but not too bad, funny how if you run 50miles a week, you will pretty much need a new pair every 2 to 3 months so definitely will put 500miles on most models from different brands....soon as I put 450miles on the pulsar trail will jump to Ultra glide, then possible tecton x 2, then Ultra glide 2 👍

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I’ve done a 100k in the Pulsar Trail and they were great for me, but everyone’s foot is different. I’m the same, I run about 200-230 miles a month, so we go through some shoes pretty quickly!

[@Meirion658]

Thanks for the review I appriciate it. I think the pulsar is the one for me based on that. Just need to find a stockist in the UK now!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I hope you find a pair!

[@rodm49]

Pulsar comes in Wide sizes? Bought the UltraGlide in wide and it’s been amazing on my Spartan ocr races, after switching from Hoka Speedgoat 4’s. Really want to try the plated Salomon Pulsar’s but worried of the narrow fits.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I do not see a wide listed on the Salomon site, but then again I also do not see one for the Ultra Glide

[@harrietshillito4830]

great review mate ! i loved the ultra glides but same as others found , flattened out waaay to quick after 150 miles , but apart from that they were awesome for easy trails, couldnt bear to get rid as so comfy so were relegated to gym use and roads as could feel the smallest stone on the trail ! . would have been my fave shoe for easy trails of all time if it wasnt for the flattening mid..... am now looking at the pulsar , it has the same mid so concerned about the flattening but.... dam it looks like a good shoe ! could you please report back after a couple more months of running them in and tell us what the mid sole is like after a load more miles ? !

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thanks, Harriet! I have 157 miles on the Pulsar Trail and they still feel really good! I will keep testing and be sure to let everyone know how they progress.

[@harrietshillito4830]

@@UltraTrailSteven tbh your reviews seem to be the most accurate compared to other reviewers so great work ! I now also have the pulsar trails and not finding the same issue as the ultra glides , they seem not to be flattening out as quickly . much prefer the pulsar trails also, better for rough stuff and feel more precise. ! the ultra glides are not for anything technical in my opinion , flat easy trails they are awesome but thats about as far as it goes ... the pulsar and the latest gen saucony xodus are my fave two shoes atm , my poor speedgoat 5 are not even seeing the light of day !

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@harrietshillito4830 awesome; thanks! Totally agree with you too!

[@i.dimitrov3721]

Hello there UltraTrailSteven Having said that I am now using the Hoka torrent 2 and I really like the fit of the shoe on my foot as well as the firmness of the sole and the feel on the ground.Which Salomon shoe would you recommend for my next pick?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I would recommend the Pulsar Trail. I think you would really like it.

[@tessasomerset]

I have both shoes. Recently wore the Ultra Glide for back to back 50ks and absolutely no problems. Big fan of the fit and feel of this shoe. The Pulsar trails however have been terrible. I don't know why, but I can barely even hike in them, let alone run. They make the arch of my feet ache and it feels like they are forcing me into an unnatural gait. I have had a ton of Salomon's through the years and this is the first time I have had to get rid of a shoe.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Very interesting to hear!

[@shunedel]

Both are good shoes. I think it's a matter of taste. However, I think the biggest problem is that the lugs on the outsole wear out quickly. Especially the outer heel lugs will wear out completely within 100 miles. It's such a shame that the outsole lugs are gone, even though the upper and midsole are still in good condition.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I’m at 123 miles and tons of vert in the Pulsar Trail and the lugs look great still. Of course I only use them on trails.

[@movemorenowjames]

Nice comparison… may have missed it but would you the pulsar is a little wider / more accommodating than the UG?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Maybe only just slightly in the toe box, but they are both very similar. Thanks, James!

[@AK-kn8xs]

What is each shoe designed for? What’s the difference- terrain, intensity etc?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Good question. I think the UG is designed for long (ultra) distances, and just about any terrain, but excels on less technical terrain. I think the PT is basically the same, but more stable and comfortable overall.

[@TeamSquidRacing]

@UltraTrailSteven how would you compare the uppers of these to the Saucony Peregrine and/or Speedgoat 5?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

The upper of the Peregrine 12 is more breathable and thinner, but it suffers from quality issues in the heel cup. The upper of the Speedgoat 5 is very comfortable. It's only negative is that it stretches quite a bit over time. I still believe the Pulsar Trail is one of the most comfortable uppers for my own foot. The upper of the Ultra Glide is decent too.

[@TeamSquidRacing]

@@UltraTrailSteven I love the upper (lock down) of the Peregrine 10. I find the flex of the SG5 to cause an issue with lock down and my foot moves around a bit. I feel like I have to really wrench down on the lacing to get a good lock. I'm considering the Pulsar Trail or Xodus Ultra.

[@TheMissinglink0311]

I know you really liked the Speedgoat 5’s. I’m looking for an alternative to my Speedgoat 5’s. How would you compare the two. I’ve been looking at the New Balance more trail or the Pulsar Trails. I’m currently running in the Speedgoat 5’s and the Evo Mafate 2’s but the later has about 350 miles on them.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I really like the midsole of the Speedgoat 5, but I definitely like the Pulsar Trail better as a whole. It is more stable in my opinion.

[@TheMissinglink0311]

@@UltraTrailSteven thank you for the reply. The speedgoats definitely leave a lot to be desired in regard to trustworthyness over technical terrain. That’s where the Mafate’s shine. I may just have to check these Salomon’s out. Thanks again!! Love the videos!! It’s nice to see a fellow Tennesseean with this content. I’m from Northeast TN…Bristol, Johnson City area. I spend a lot of time on the AT running.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@TheMissinglink0311 oh awesome! Great trails up there!

[@braddenty503]

Wish I could toss 130 on a pair but....not in the cards for me right now. Love that Pulsar Trail tho

[@UltraTrailSteven]

They are awesome shoes!

[@braddenty503]

Was a local triathlet champion in mountain bike division then...we had a kid. Can't find that spark now to save my life. I'm stuck

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@braddenty503 I feel ya! I used to race cars… running is marginally cheaper 😆

[@martinnewcombe6088]

Great review!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thanks

[@movakalin5333]

I have bought the UltraGlide and would not buy it again. Compared to my previous Sense Rides the UGs outer sole wears off too fast and cushion is almost completely gone in the front foot section. This was after 600 km. I did not experience this behaviour with the Sense Rides. Sense Ride lasted between 800 and 1000km. I will give the PulsarTrail a chance.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Let us know your thoughts on the Pulsar Trail after you use them!

[@mtnrnnr50]

Would you recommend the Pulsar trail for a 50 mile+

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Absolutely! In the video I mention I will be using them at the Beaverhead 100k in 2 weeks.

[@marosmikolas624]

Looks similar, but completely different shoes. Ultra glide is comfortable for wide feet and really soft, not for technical terrain. Pulsar is definitely not wide and much more firmer.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Pretty much. I wouldn’t say the ultra glide is for wide feet though, as it’s still not that wide of a shoe.

[@marosmikolas624]

@@UltraTrailSteven Actually I was really surprised, because I have wide feet and they are great for me.

[@chrisvann6034]

Any idea on when the other colors for the pulsar trail will be released ? And also the gore-tex version ? On their non US website, they had them listed, but not in stock. I was just curious, I like the lunar rock color. I did run across a pulsar trail returned to back country for a deal, and got them, I really like them a lot.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

No, I do not know. Hopefully soon!

[@sneakpick129]

Pulsar trail gtx already came out

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Will you try the Pro version in the future? I feel the Pulsar Trail is too similar to the Ultraglide. I wanted something more nimble like the Kiger 8s.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I hope to! Depends on if Salomon sends them my way

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

@@UltraTrailSteven holding thumbs

[@sawadeegoodlife]

The only issue I have with Ultra Glide is that, when it soaked into a water, the insole folds specially in downhill. 😟

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yeah I’ve experienced that as well

[@cburner]

I don't believe, that the lugs of the Ultra Glide are 4 mm long. I know, it's in the official stats of Salomon, but they seem to me shorter. The new Ultra Glide 2 has 3.5mm. I think, the Ultra Glide 1 has also 3.5mm.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Not sure

[@CelineFerocious]

Ooo going head to head! Rather, toe to toe.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Good one! Toe to toe!

[@deanbaxter1303]

I own the Ultra Glide and Pulsar Trail Pros, they are chalk and cheese, I’d suggest if people can afford it buy the Pulsar Trail Pros over both these shoes in the review or buy them all 😂

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Haha have you tried the non Pro version of the Pulsar Trail?

[@deanbaxter1303]

@@UltraTrailSteven No, not currently available in Australia but I feel like they will be any day soon and I’ll grab a pair, I was very underwhelmed with the Ultra Glide, I’m trying to find my miler shoe for a race in December, I’ve tried Speedgoats and Olympus so now I’m looking at other options, I’m not sold on the max cushion hype, I weigh 90kg/200lb so I feel like no amount of midsole can feel bouncy under that weight 😂

[@Jakubcaso]

Glide - total shit shoes for me.. total) , Now i have pulsar trail and 100x better

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Glad you like the PT!

[@seekingUltraNick]

Picked up the Pulsar Trail for an upcoming trail marathon. Might use them for all or first half of a 50 miler in December, too! I’m with you, Steven -it’s a great shoe. Doesn’t beat up the feet or legs but isn’t squishy either. Energy Blade is legit as well. BUT, after less than 40 or so miles I am seeing some overlay on the uppers peeling off. We’ll see if that’s all that happens. Thanks again, great video as always!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Rock on