My very first trail running shoe was a Salomon shoe. Unfortunately, after that first pair, I veered away from Salomon. And I just need to say, I’m so glad Salomon is back in my life, specifically the Ultra Glide 4!
Upon taking them out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised at how light weight they were and was super excited to try them out after looking at the unique bottoms with the divots and placement of lugs.
As someone who is looking for an everyday trail shoe as well as a 50k race shoe all in one, this shoe works great in all those scenarios for me. Because it’s winter, I didn’t get to try them out on any super technical trails, but I felt light, poppy, and confident on a variety of terrains including gravel, single track, and steep ups and downs.
Who Is It Good For?
- Wide feet: As someone who has complained about other shoes being too narrow, I didn’t have that issue at all with this shoe.
- Technical trails: Outsole is absolutely designed with 4mm lugs for technical trails.
- Long runs: A solid shoe for long days on your feet.
- Front of the Pack: A great option for the 50K race to have some speed and comfort.
Salomon Ultra Glide 4 Overview
I’ve really gotten into trail running as recently as in the last year, this is the first shoe in that time that I’ve been super excited about. It’s got all the cushion you want underfoot for long days, but doesn’t feel heavy or bulky.
The overall comfort in this shoe is evident with each step. While our team had a lot of fun in the S/Lab Ulta Glide this feels like a much more usable shoe for the majority of runners, plus it’s not $250.
Recently I’ve been pretty attached to Hokas (Speedgoats and Mafates) because I’m a sucker for cushion. As I’m sure you know, those are pretty big and bulky shoes. The Ultra Glide 4 seems to have the support and cushion that I’ve come to love, while also not feeling as big and bulky.
Although it’s winter here and I’m currently training for a road marathon, so the days of trail running are currently a bit limited, I was able to get in some runs between 8-12 miles on varying terrains of gravel paths, dry single track trails, and several steep ups and downs.
I tend to avoid snow and ice at all costs so I didn’t push my luck there. Luckily we did put the S/Lab version through ALL the technical terrain and mud, having the same outsole we feel very confident in the technical trail capabilities.
The most important thing for me with any trail shoe is trust and confidence. I want to trust my shoe to get me through any terrain and I want to feel confident while running.
The Ultra Glide 4 does that for me. I felt confident no matter the terrain (no slipping and sliding or toe clips), I felt light and poppy through the duration of every run. I also felt like my feet and ankles were getting the support I’ve come to look for with any trail shoe.
While I’m not trying to do any time trials on the trails right now, this shoe is great for the everyday trail run. And although I haven’t done any runs yet over 12 miles in them, I would totally trust these to hold up for those long summer runs in the mountains of 4-5 hours.
I’d also race in these. I think they’d be super ideal for the 50k distance. I say that because although they do feel light and poppy and fast for me, I know there are faster shoes out there that might be better for faster, shorter trail distances.
Salomon Ultra Glide 4 Specs
- Weight: 9 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
- Stack Height: 41 mm
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Colors: black/white, brunnera blue/vanilla ice, and shadow gray/tapioca
- Not available in wide
- Available on Salomon.com for $160
Style-wise, the Ultra Glide 4 is a dang good looking trail shoe for women, compared to what other brands are putting out there. I also love how you can tuck the laces in the carrier in the tongue. I hate the feeling that my shoe laces can come untied while you’re mid run or race!
I loved this shoe as soon as I opened the box. I got the shadow gray/tapioca color combo, but after looking on the website, I love all three of the color options for women. I have found it rare indeed to come across trail shoes that are aesthetically pleasing to me as a woman, or feminine at all.
Quick Take
- Supportive, responsive cushion
- Secure lacing system
- Stable on a variety of terrain
- Thicker tongue
- Can feel narrow to some
Salomon Ultra Glide 4 Fit
I’ve noticed some reviews about this shoe mentioning that it is narrow. As someone who has complained about other shoes being too narrow, I love the fit of this shoe – it doesn’t feel narrow at all.
It’s a great fit in the forefoot, no heel slippage in the back, I just really trust it. I was concerned about the thick tongue rubbing against my ankle with shorter socks, but never had an issue with it.
Again, I haven’t run any super long runs in this yet, and I’ve avoided the super technical trails (I’m a fair-weather trail runner at heart) but I would definitely feel comfortable testing the Ultra Glide 4 out in those elements when it’s right for me timing wise.
Salomon Ultra Glide 4 Feel
I’ve genuinely enjoyed every mile I’ve run in these shoes. The mesh on the upper keeps my feet secure without rubbing anywhere. The tongue is also secure, and while thick, doesn’t rub anywhere either.
The foam isn’t extreme, but it’s comfortable and light, and bouncy to me in comparison to other trail shoes I’ve run in. As I’ve mentioned above, I trust it, I feel confident in it, I’d run in it every day on any trail run I feel like attempting.
Similar Shoes to Salomon Ultra Glide 4
- Topo Ultraventure 4 – Similar drop, but wide toebox with a lower stack height and lighter weight.
- Brooks Caldera 8 – Similar drop and weight with a slightly lower stack. Comfort made for ultras.
- Hoka Speedgoat 6 – Responsive high cushion with similar drop. Slightly lighter weight, and available in wide.
Our Verdict
Salomon has long been known for their incredible traction on the trails and we’re love this new glide series to give us some incredible cushion to match. This is a well priced option that will work for a variety of terrains and distances.
Who Tried it?
Lauren Daniels – I’m a Boulder-based trail and road runner logging 50–60 miles per week. I’ve competed in two marathon Olympic trials and have recently transitioned to loving the trails in Boulder. I live for early morning long runs, gear geeking, and finding the perfect shoe for every pace. When I’m not running, I’m selling homes as a local Realtor and chasing around my two dogs – Cadence and Dash. Follow along: @lauren.in.colorado
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