WRITTEN BY: JAN ZARELLA
PRODUCT: SALOMON ULTRA GLIDE 4

 

 

Salomon Women’s Ultra Glide 4 Running Shoes
Salomon Men’s Ultra Glide 4 Running Shoes

Quick and Dirty:

  • No More Bruised Heels!
  • $160
  • 260g
  • Pros: The Salomon RelieveSPHERE technology on the soles of the shoe rolls over rocks and uneven surfaces like a champ! Grippy, durable, comfortable over long distances. Slightly wider than a lot of Salomon options, also available in a Unisex Wide option
  • Cons: Not the lightest option out there! 
  • RelieveSPHERE technology, Salomon quick lace system, 6mm drop, 4mm lug depth, 41-35mm stack height

Review:

  • As the Trail Footwear buyer for Mountain Shop, I like to try on all of our Hiking and Trail Running shoes so I am familiar with the fit and comfort of all of the models we sell.  The only word out of my mouth when I tried on the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 was, “Wow!” The shoes were so amazingly comfortable right out of the box, that I decided to purchase a pair! *We were out of my size at the Shop, so I ended up buying the slightly flashier bluish-purple color that was in stock online, rather than the Grayish-Pink that we carry.*
  • At first glance the soles of the Ultra Glide 4 are quite strange looking. They have these odd, spherical indentations, making it look like the bottom of the shoe was heated up then set on a bunch of golfballs. This is the Salomon RelieveSPHERE technology. Gimmicky or not, I had to experience this new phenomenon for myself. Anyone who has ever poked a superball-sized rock into their heel while running downhill will understand the level of optimism I felt; hoping that the soles of the Ultra Glide 4 might just make bruised heels a thing of the past!
  • Since I wanted to test them to their full potential, my first run in the Ultra Glide 4’s was a combo of paved road, trail, and gravel road with really big rocks!  I set a new PR on the 1 mile downhill section of gravel road that I run 3-6 times a week! The Ultra Glide 4’s had me dancing on air like Fred Astaire, rolling over big, chunky rocks, rather than erratically hopping around them like Dorothy and the Tin Man doing the Jitterbug! 
  • After a few “home” runs, I decided the Ultra Glide 4’s were worthy of doing the 68 mile 5-person Roseburg to Coos Bay Relay, which my friend and I decided to turn into a 2-person event for some Type 2 fun!  I ran 4 of my 8 legs in the Ultra Glide 4’s because I knew I’d be on a lot of unpredictable gravel, dirt and uneven terrain that my road shoes were not going to handle well. During the relay, I was able to race down unknown territory with confidence, knowing I would not poke giant rocks into my heels, and could run over other road debris without incident, allowing me to stay more focused on my run and the scenery around me, instead of watching every little thing at my feet! 
  • My most recent adventure in the Ultra Glide 4s was a 35 mile backpacking trip with my old dog for his 11th Birthday. I wanted something warmer than my sandals that could handle all levels of terrain. The Ultra Glide 4s were comfortable with a backpack, great for a 15 mile day of hiking and kept my feet elevated just enough over the occasional patchy snow that they stayed mostly dry.  I also definitely snagged them multiple times while maneuvering over downed trees and logs, resulting in ZERO damage to the upper parts of the shoes! 
  • Finally, the Salomon Quicklace system is superior to regular, tieable shoelaces. As one who has caught my shoelace bow loops on trailside roots, causing a wipeout and a near tumble down a steep ravine, I can’t say enough good words about the Salomon quicklace system! Tighten, tuck and trek on!

Who it’s for:

  • Anyone who is tired of big rocks and sticks poking into their heels while running on gravel roads or uneven trails, and is also seeking a durable, grippy trail running shoe that is comfortable over long distances. They are not the most agile shoe, but their versatility for use on varied terrain makes up for it.

Similar Products

  • Salomon Genesis: The Genesis are still probably still my absolute favorite technical trail running shoe!  The fit is narrower than the Ultra Glide 4.  The Genesis have a more traditional outsole that allows one to feel the terrain underfoot and maneuver through trails with agility.  

Product to pair with it