Salomon’s S-LAB line of products has long boasted sets of high-end features and technologies, engineered for elite performance in trail running, ski mountaineering and other backcountry alpine pursuits. Such features have also come with a high-end price tag, with most trail-running shoes costing $180 a pop or more.
Enter the Salomon Sense Ride. Not officially a part of the S-LAB line, yet incorporating many of its features, the Sense Ride will retail this summer at a more modest price point (at least by Salomon standards) of $120. It weighs in slightly lighter than its closely related cousin and perennial Salomon bestseller, the Sense Pro.
Even with the weight savings, the Sense Ride boasts a full set of premium features, including EndoFit liner—an integrated, stretchy midfoot wrap the helps stabilize the foot without creating pressure points—and a full-length midsole made of Opal Vibe, a special compound designed to offer maximum responsiveness and a little extra cush for tackling longer distances.
Despite its rather beefy appearance, the Sense Ride actually feels a lot like a racing shoe thanks to its springy midsoles and slipper-like fit. That said, wider-footed runners will be pleased to know it isn’t nearly as snug across the toebox and through the midfoot as many of Salomon’s previous S-LAB offerings. It does, however, come with the Salomon signature single-pull quicklace and a hideaway pocket on the tongue to stow said lace once secured.
The Sense Ride’s outsoles come outfitted with Premium Wet Traction Contagrip rubber—a compound more likely to be found in S-LAB products—that promises exceptional grip on wet surfaces, such as slick rocks or creek beds. Because the lugs are not as pronounced as those on other Salomon models like the Speedcross, these shoes may not necessarily be the best pick for especially muddy trails. On the upside, the shallow lugs permit this shoe to perform comfortably on short stretches of pavement—perfect for door-to-trailhead runs.
The Sense Ride will be available in specialty retail shops in June and all retail outlets and online in August.
Specs
• Stack height: 27mm heel; 19mm forefoot
• Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
• Weight: 9.7 oz. (men’s); 8.1 oz. (women’s)
• Price: $120