The Ultra Glide 3 - a Salomon shoe for everyone!

"A Salomon shoe for everyone” they said on the marketing release.  Having spent some time on the trails in the Ultra Glide 3 we would largely agree with that claim. 

Version 3 is a huge step forward from the Ultra Glide 2. That shoe was fairly capable on trail and tar plus ticked comfort and performance boxes but nothing memorable & so we gave it a very average 5/10. 

This radically different new shoe is light and fits snugly, even if you may well need to size up.  The cushioning is extensive to absorb almost all variations of trail and the speed & bulk of the runner in them. The new innovative outsole keeps that bouncy midsole comfortably and securely connected to the ground. That’s a pass in our book. Well done. 

Albeit that the all-new RelieveSphere outsole featuring deeper 4.5mm, well spaced lugs is more effective than expected - the beefed up 41mm with 6mm drop midsole is the real game changer here. In our opinion this is the first Salomon trail shoe suited to mid and rear pack trail runners. 

The machined upper is hard wearing thus well suited to our relatively abrasive Saffa trails. The upper doesn’t feel like it’s too tight across the foot.  The heel to toe directional threads do their job, making the shoe feel secure, while the lateral threads provide more comfort and breathability than previous models. The padding in the heel and sensifit lace & tongue design is also more comfortable than previous racier versions. 

The new dimple shape wave design on the outsole definitely catches your eye. This ‘relieveSphere’ innovation is equally impressive on the ground, diffusing weight distribution as efficiently as the increased depth lugs cleared gravel. Perhaps not quite as effective in mud but that is not something us South Africans need to worry about very often and they did keep water out when splashing through puddles. One doesn’t feel like you’re running in typical Salomons when on concrete & tar paved roads leading to the trails, they are happy on both. 

Would we buy them?  Yes. A robust, well cushioned, snug fitting, stable balanced shoe must surely deserve a place in any trail runners quiver. As long as we didn’t have very wide feet that the buffed up collar and secure but limited length lacing system limit you when putting on the shoe.  Sizing up works for foot volume but not for ease of entry. An off road triathlon transition would be a definite struggle. 

Having previewed the S/lab version of this shoe at UTMB France last year, an interesting observation is that both versions are extremely similar in weight and even though we haven't fully tested the S/lab version yet, the Ultra Glide 3 currently has our vote in terms of more value.

Ever since Salomon launched the original trail shoes that are synonymous with the sport they have been hard core, rock & root proof technical performance shoes for serious runners. Now 24 years later the ski and mountain gear specialists in the heart of the Alps in Annecy, France have launched a much more plush cushioned shoe to support a far wider spectrum of runners on short, long, slow and fast runs. We welcome this whole new direction, fans of the iconic brand will be stoked to see a shoe they can play and race in all day.   

The new Ultra Glide 3 combines an EVA energyFOAM midsole and a new outsole geometry called relieveSPHERE, designed to diffuse repeated impact and improve overall comfort which it does successfully, even on long runs which you’d expect on a shoe that’s name includes the word Ultra. 

A combination of the sensiFlT technology wrapping around the look and the quickLACE lacing system creates a snug, confident feeling while running, even on fast tempo runs. Unfortunately the length of the cord like laces with zero stretch is limited so combined with heavily padded heel collar makes slipping into them a wrestling match for runners with larger feet. 

The 6mm drop midsole is constructed with Salomon’s lightwweight energyFOAM made with EVA, which ensures an effective combination of cushioning and bouncy energy return. The outsole features Salomon’s durable and grippy contraGRlP rubber designed to handle wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces. With 4.5mm lugs these new shoes provide a wide range of runners with confidence on mixed terrain. The ultra-light, durable, and breathable upper is made with 0% recycled materials and features the trusted combination of sensiFlT and quickLACE lacing system for a snug, adjustable fit that improves foothold and confidence on technical terrain. 

At R3499 we reckon these are good value if you find the right fit. 

View the colour ways here