Salomon's bringing the plates to the trail! // SALOMON PULSAR TRAIL // Ginger Runner Review

[@TheGingerRunner]

What do YOU think of the new Salomon Pulsar Trails? Are these plated trail shoes on your radar?

[@simonalan2975]

The insole slides out the back of the shoe as you run. Didn't happen the first 2-3 short test runs, first long run, became a major issue where I was having to stop every 20 minutes or so take the shoe off and push the insole back into place. I know a guy who is having the exact same issue. I'm surprised more people aren't mentioning it, but it makes the shoe a big "no", unless you want to mess around with gluing the insoles in or trying to replace them with something else.

[@ScottSowle]

I put 220 miles, 60,000 feet of vert in June on mine and the tread is shot. I really liked the Pulsar Trail cushy ride and the TPU plate. They seemed to fit me the best of any Salomon shoes. I've put them next to the Ultra Glide after each had 150 miles and the Pulsar Trail is my fav. They would be my go to shoe if the tread would last. They are not technical trail shoes. The grip sucks in wet...I may be spoiled from Vibram soles and wish more manufacturers would quit trying to mimic the Vibram winning grip. Hope they'll give us a longer lasting tread.

[@adamtyson1257]

These are on my radar, wondering if they have good stability?

[@ScottSowle]

@@adamtyson1257 I've heard a few say they have experienced ankle rolls. I didn't experience any stability issues. The issues are more with the tread wear and grip. Happy trails.

[@ADyess086]

Some color ways on sale now for 60 bucks

[@ShouldaWaved]

My north face vetiver endures I want to almost male a youtube vid of, the damn sole is 50% gone wearing well into the foam now, sure we're great but wear way to fast

[@yongcu88]

I recently ran a 7km in them on dry and slightly muddy terrain, I found the grip to be amazing and the foot protection was reassuring for me where it encourages me to go faster on the trails without the fear of injuring my foot on rocks

[@irunovermountains]

I loved the ultra glide for 100 miles, then I ran in it with hope for another 40, then I binned it in a charity shop. It wasn’t even nice to walk in once it flattened. Pity the influencers didn’t use the shoe that long

[@BassTonix]

Man I got a good belly laugh on the delivery for “It’s Narrow” Thanks for the great reviews!

[@stephenlaney_bjj]

just ran in mine for the first time this morning. Agreed they are a bit warm, but being my first Salomon shoe this will not be my last. They fit better than any shoe I have put on my feet so far. Being that I am recovering still from dislocating one of my toes. It will be at least a week or so before I get out on some long runs with the shoe. So far a definite keeper in my rotation.

[@hoser7706]

I have been wesring Salomons since the 90s and find their fit consistent model to model. For the Puksar I have sized up one size fir more toe room. Fit does not serm sacrificed doing so but no runs yet. More hiker/jogger snyway but there is hope they manage the tasks well.

[@DoItNutrition]

I have a pair on the way. Good to hear more positive things about them. Thanks Ethan!

[@blurs1860]

Ginger Runner! You are the best! I hope you get 1 MILLION SUBS THIS YEAR.

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

I have around 100km on the shoes on a mix of terrain (road, gravel, MTB trail, roots, partly rocky stuff...) and although I really enjoy the shoe, I disagree with your judgement of the grip: wet grip is average at best and even in dry loose stuff, they don't bitte enough after my point of view. This limits the use quite a bit, but of course if aware of this, shoes can handle most scenarios (wet and technical excluded, this would be quite Dangerous).

[@marcoc2706]

Do you think the Salomon Pulsar Trail would be good for road-to-trail use? Would the grip be adequate for wet concrete/asphalt?

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

@@marcoc2706 Sure, no Problem, grip is good in General, even in Trail, Just wet Stones is it's weakness (like all Salomons I know)

[@marcoc2706]

@@Thefifaplayeryant Thanks for writing back! I stumbled upon Pulsar Trail Gore-Tex while checking out waterproof shoes for rainy day running (easy runs at nearby parks and trails, nothing technical). Love its colorway. I guess I'll be waiting for the next big sales event...

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

@@marcoc2706 upper is quite thick and warm, so If not running in heavy rain I think the regular Pulsar will do, not to mention the gore-tex will be heavier and to hot in any other condtions than rain and cold...

[@marcoc2706]

@@Thefifaplayeryant Thanks for the heads up. Yes, I'm checking out waterproof shoes mostly for winter running. It rains quite a bit here in Vancouver...

[@Trailrunner1978]

Best trail shoe I have ever had. Extremely forgiving and legsaving. First choice for ultras for me. Much better than Speedgoat, Ultraglide or Fujilite, and cheaper. The rods/plate really work both to protect, stabilize and save energy on all surfaces. Very good when uphill walking also. My first choice for an ultra.

[@zuvuya9]

First shoe I had to return and order a size up. Still a little snug. Also wonder with shoes this squishy I worry about stability on technical trails. So I am still searching for the technical long run shoe, to date my old Sense Ride 2s are still holding up but showing some age after 500 miles or so.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro review in the pipe?

[@gregprevite8548]

Great trail runner. NOT a mountain shoe. Plenty stable but not grippy enough for wet conditions in steep terrain. Keep them on fairly tame terrain and enjoy the miles

[@ShouldaWaved]

These be more surable3 than the nike wildhorse 8? Or better lol

[@marlinweekley51]

Q: I’ve tied Salomon over the years - too narrow for me. Have they addressed that issue? Anyone know?

[@nicholashassell453]

It's not an issue. It's the classic Salomon fit and their focus for fit. Each brand focuses on a different fit. They have made the toe box bigger on the Sense Ride 4, and even more in the Ultra Glide, but it's still narrow compared to other brands. The Pulsar Trail is more narrow than any shoe that I mentioned.

[@nathancouse3596]

Do you find that the midsole/ whole soal is more comfortable than the sense rides? I own a pair of sense ride 4's and as much as I love them they beat me up with any distance over 10 miles

[@keetoruns7506]

For a 30k race on trails not too technical would you recomend this or the HOKA Zinal?

[@i.dimitrov3721]

which one is better @TheGinger Salomon Pulsar trail or Salomon Sense ride 4

[@chimpas88]

Iv just ordered a part of the originak saloman pulsar s labs for a 58k trail race i have coming up, i here conflicting reviews on whether they are suitable for ling distances, do you have a view? I have the saucony edge at the moment but unless im running fast they dont feel great for longer distances. Any other recommendations?

[@chad.haggerty]

Been waiting for this! Thank you, sir. The narrow toe box and the heat retention means I’ll likely go for a pair of G300’s to go along with my SG5(w). Appreciate that you take the time to remind us that White Claw’s with millennials aren’t everywhere.

[@jeffhallman676]

What’s different with this and the Pulsar Trail Pro?

[@dimitriosfrydas1474]

How does it compare to tnf enduris 3?

[@adarshashrestha4428]

Can you do the review of new balance herrio v7

[@fynthemtns]

Wish Salomon would give some wider options with better grip!

[@j.r.1184]

Great review as always, thank you Ethan. Any thoughts on comparing these with the Dynafit Ultra 100? I have bought them after your review and they are my favorite trail running shoes. I have my eyes on the Pulsar Trail PRO, which are a tad lighter than a regular version. Probably less padding which could mean less sweaty feet. Narrow is a plus for my narrow feet. Have a great summer.

[@kirutrailic8227]

Are you planning to review Pulsar Trail Pro too?

[@MINIMALmtb]

Been really enjoying these! Have the sense ride 2's and 4's and this is a bouncier more fun version.

[@dannyarcher6163]

When will Salomon venture into the wide 'normal' shape toebox??

[@joebernall4116]

I would only wear Salomon if they went that route. The Contagrip is so much better than Vibram or anything else out there

[@kaylakaminski9301]

I’m the opposite! I love Salomon dearly because my feet are ridiculously narrow and nothing else works for me.

[@ropersix]

Sounds promising. I, too, haven't been all that impressed with the Ultra Glide (couple hundred miles on mine). I like it just fine, and it's good for hiking, but after a hundred miles or so, I thought it sort of morphed into being too much like the Sense Ride (which I like, but don't need another shoe just like it) Maybe this one will offer something new and different.

[@wokebird]

summer shorts showdown soon?

[@MrRobDMarks]

I’m really excited by this shoe but I just can’t fathom the dislike of the ultra glide. It just must be different experiences because I’ve had two pair now and both felt nearly identical from out of the box to 300 miles in.

[@jhen0709]

I have 400 miles in my Sense Ride 4s and was thinking of these as my next pair. Is it going to be too narrow? (I can't deal with narrow Salomon S shoes).

[@TheGingerRunner]

They have a bit more 'point' at the toe, but not much. The Ride tends to be my favorite Salomon fit (well, v1 and 2 at least), these are close the v4s for sure.

[@colins171]

@@TheGingerRunner love the videos mate! Do you know if these are a replacement / evolution of the sense rides?! Seems like no news about new releases of the sense rides that I’ve been waiting for!

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Yes

[@ThatFlowState]

I can't speak to the Sense 4 but I did not get on with the Sense Ride 2 even after going up half a size. The Pulsar Trail work for me without sizing up and I've put close to 100 mi on my pair with two 25 mi training runs.

[@marisacherry]

I just got a backup pair of Sense Ride 4s for when I need to replace my current ones, since they're the only trail running shoes that fit me well. Now idk if I'm happy or sad that I snagged those haha. I do like the heel pads in the Sense Rides, I'm not sure if these have that?

[@briedijs]

I like theese shoes but they are doing strange things when I do running uphill - left shoe inlay is slipping out after 5km and I can't explain why it's happening. Actualy it pisses me off because I have to stop and put it back in. It happens even when I tie my shoes super tight. Am I only one who experiencing such a strange problem?

[@peakproofuk]

Great review (of course)! Be great to see an slab pulsar sg review - haven’t heard much about it but it looks great.

[@gavincheung5282]

Worth to buy if it cost only €60 ?

[@cordeiropedro]

I love this shoe. It’s the salomon shoe I tried to date with more underfoot protection and it’s really responsive for a trail shoe. The only downside is that I feel a lot the stack height specially in the heal (and I am a SG4 guy). I think for really tech stuff is not for sure the go to shoe. Everything else it’s amazing.

[@marcoc2706]

Do you think the Salomon Pulsar Trail would be good for road-to-trail use?

[@cordeiropedro]

@@marcoc2706 maybe yes but you better try them before because they are a bit bulky for normal door to trail shoes.

[@marcoc2706]

@@cordeiropedro Thanks for the advice!

[@chuck291]

Enjoying this shoe. Quality construction and precision fit. I find the heel cup to be a bit too plush. I also agree with Ethan, this thing is a sweat box! Still prefer the Sense Ride.

[@ianbritton7534]

Loving it. Mega comfortable.

[@mikes.9755]

I love the Salomon fit. It is made for my foot shape.

[@claudiobarreira9115]

Is it thighter inside the toebox than a Sense Ride 4?

[@nicholashassell453]

Yes, a little bit

[@stomphk]

So pulsar trail pro is perfect then.

[@travymoto1]

I don't have a very wide foot but this shoe did not work for me unfortunately. The zig-zag overlays just put too much pressure on the lateral sides for me :(

[@mrinagl]

Thanks for the review. I will keep my Ultra glides going for a bit longer as have a wider foot and these still work for me. I’m wondering with sustainability in mind, whether the right shoe is the one you have and not necessarily buy another one which just adds to landfill? I struggle with the concept of a ‘try’ recommendation from an environment and cost perspective.

[@rexgorman9561]

Are you going to do the Topo Pursuit? Looks like they built an altra better than altra could.

[@joebernall4116]

Dude... I ran in Altra's for like 6 years and then got the Topo Mtn Racers. You are right, Topo makes the best Altra's

[@rexgorman9561]

@@joebernall4116 I wanted to like those so much! They were so dang stiff, though.

[@alexsika7160]

My biggest issue with this shoe is the tread. Took them on an 18 mile trail run today(took them out of the box this morning) and I ready see a lot of tread wear and one tread has literally been tore off from a scraping a rock. I've never had this happen with a Salomon shoe before. The fit is great, comfortable but this is made for buffed out trails, no loose rock or technical terrain at all. I really want to like these shoes but salomon needs to figure out the tread.

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

Exactly, grip is in jeopardy, especially on wettish ground...still a nice shoe, but the common sense of most reviewers "Salomon = grippy" needs to Stop, funny part is that lots of european reviews mention the lack of wet grip of the Contragrip-compund...

[@alexsika7160]

@@Thefifaplayeryant I agree, still a good shoe but I'd expect more from Salomon, this is the first Salomon shoe I've run in that the tread isn't going to go the distance. If your tread isn't going to be the stickiest, than it better hold up to to some miles. Like my Sense Rides, not the best grip (but good enough) the tread last me hundreds of miles. These look like they won't last 150 miles.

[@marcoc2706]

Do you think the Salomon Pulsar Trail would be good for road-to-trail use?

[@alexsika7160]

@marco c yes they would but don't expect the tread to last. Also, after about 150 miles of use the midsole collapsed on me. I started getting ITB issues. I swapped out my shoes and they went away immediately. But that could be more of a personal thing. Turns out my feet and legs agree with a more minimal shoe. The pulsar fit great, look great, comfortable out of the box. I was really hopeful to make them a daily trainer. Honestly, I'd stick with the Salomon Sense Ride 4s before I would spend my money on them. The sense ride last FOREVER. I put hundreds of miles on mine and had plenty of tread left over. Ran roads and technical trains will them. But they are a more responsive feel so if you're looking for a well cushioned midsole the Sense Ride isn't for you.

[@marcoc2706]

@@alexsika7160 Thanks for writing back! That sounds terrible. I had ITBS before and it was very painful indeed. Glad that swapping out your Pulsar Trail solved your issue. Yes, cushioned shoes are what I'm looking for - to reduce ground impact and protect my bad knee. I'm running with Puma Velocity Nitro and New Balance Hierro v7 at the moment. Just easy runs at nearby parks. Nothing technical. Was checking out waterproof shoes for rainy day running and stumbled upon Pulsar Trail Gore-Tex. Love the colorway and its midsole seems well cushioned. Too bad the durability is lacking.

[@kaylakaminski9301]

Do we know what the heck Salomon is doing with their S-Lab shoe line? Where are the new versions?! You can’t even find the Ultra 3 in stock anywhere anymore.

[@Kaisersozze]

Funny how there is no perfect shoes. All shoes have issues.

[@ChristianGustafson]

$60 at Sierra atm.

[@ldavis4428]

Dang! They look wider. I have a wide foot. Your review is great, but yes, Salomon has again alienated my toe box(es). ;)

[@7ra44]

160 in canada DANG to much

[@natdesjardins24]

RIPPING WHITE CLAWS WITH MILLENIALS HAHAHAHA

[@TonyCarrolls]

Am I missing the point here? Salomon have had rock "plated" shoes for a decade. Unless something special is happening with energy return isn't this basically all the other manufacturers catching up with Salomon, copying and rebranding their concept to make it sound mysteriously like the new CF plates in road supershoes, leaving Salomon needing to rebrand as if they never existed. Excuse me for sounding baffled but I'm utterly baffled.

[@cordeiropedro]

This one different from all the other ones.

[@fionntanoconnor5040]

Not really too narrow. Grip and build look good but the fit is a killer unfortunately. Tried to break in sense rides before and its not worth it. When will you be reviewing the Nike Pegasus Trail 4? I havnt bought a Peg Trail yet until I have watched your reviews. Patiently waiting 🤣🤣🤣

[@rschreck876]

Eff these shoes. I want to know what shoes Francois has been wearing. 🤘🏻

[@TheGingerRunner]

Rockets. Just rockets.

[@rschreck876]

@@TheGingerRunner 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tas6s]

for me the worst shoes for mountain.. easy trail is ok

[@luciwolte9204]

My question, why did Salomon make all their new shoes that ugly? Especially compared to their older models. I am waiting for the Nnormal Shoes ☺️

[@joebernall4116]

The Contagrip is hands down better than anything else out there. It sticks to everything and lasts. It does everything Vibram can't do

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

What ?

[@hg3755]

Sorry, but I am not convinced, the grip on wet rock is not the best. I really like the Contagrip, but you have to know where the problems are?

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

@@hg3755 my last Salomons were all not too grippy in wet (Sense Ride 1/3, Ultra Glide, Pulsar Trail, with Sense Ride 3 being the best of the bunch), after my experience (on european soil) no competition for Vibram...I'm not impressed and the Pulsar Trail has short lugs, already felt on dry and loose stuff, even there is room for improvement...

[@hg3755]

@@Thefifaplayeryant Yes, wet grip is definitely not comparable to Vibram. I have the sense ride 4 too, which is OK , but still no "gripmonster", but is a really "balanced" shoe. The Pulsar Trail is a choice for forest ways and easy trails and ther I like them, otherwise for longer runs I prefer the Ultraglide, after changing the insole.

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

@@hg3755 Agree, I also like my Sense Ride 3, in the meantime I got rid of the Quicklaces (which compromises the heel lock in my case), using regular laces and never looked back...