Salomon highlighted and introduced three key new models at The Running Event:
Ultra Pro, Sense Pro 3, and S/Lab Sense 7.
n conjunction with the new models Salomon is organizing their trail running focused shoes into two general categories: Sense for faster, shorter distance pursuits and Ultra for longer treks. Under the purpose category there will be sub categories under each of S/Lab, Pro, and while not called out we assume Ride as well. Thus the S/Lab Sense Ultra 2 coming March (see our introduction article here) will be renamed S/Lab Ultra and the new ultra focused shoe just introduced for Fall 2018 is named Ultra Pro.
Ultra Pro ($150)
Weight: US M9 10.3 oz/292 g, US W8 8.8 oz/251 g
Stack Height: 24mm/16mm, 8mm drop
$150. Available Fall 2018
Update: Ultra Pro review here
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| Salomon Ultra Pro |
This spectacular looking shoe incorporates the key features of the S/Lab Ultra, applied slightly differently, and at a price point $30 lower. The Pro last and fit is slightly more relaxed than the S/Lab version. The purpose of the shoe is consistency in feel and support from mile 1 to mile 100.
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| Salomon Ultra Pro |
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| Salomon Ultra Pro |
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| Salomon Ultra Pro |
A key difference between the S/Lab Ultra (below) and Ultra Pro is the use of a smaller TPU forefoot insert in the Pro which may actually be the reason, along with what felt to us as a denser potentially yet more supportive upper on the S/Lab Ultra, that the Pro is about 10 g lighter than the S-Lab Ultra by spec. PU is a denser heavier material than EVA. The TPU foam stays more consistent in compression and rebound than EVA during runs and over time. We are not sure of the reason for the smaller insert but it may be that as the now closer to market S/Lab Ultra went through its paces, Salomon found that a smaller insert and its lighter weight made sense going forward. The outsoles are similar Premium Wet Grip Contagrip with the Pro having slightly more mid foot overage and it also appears slightly more aggressive lugs than the S/Lab Ultra.
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| Salomon S/Lab Ultra |
Salomon presents the Ultra Pro in video below from The Running Event
Stack Height: 26mm/18mm (8mm drop)
Weight: 10.6 oz./300g (US 9M)
A sample M10 now in testing for our upcoming review weighs 11.25 oz/319 g
MSRP: $180. Available March 2018
UPDATE 4/18: Read our in depth review of the S/Lab Ultra here
The current Sense Ultra is Salomon's best selling S/Lab product of all times (RTR review) and sees some big changes in the latest Ultra. The changes are focused on improved and consistent durability under foot over time through a shoe size variable (above size 9 the insert is longer) white TPU insert at the forefoot, a graded stack height as shoe size increases, and increased upper fit customization through the introduction of external Sensifit wings to adapt to swelling feet over ultra distances. Thin overlays are now in a grid pattern and are extensive, again for increased durability and support. The upper materials are highly hydrophobic one of the design goals from Francois D'Haene, UTMB winner and the athlete for whom the shoe was first and foremost designed,
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| Salomon S/Lab Ultra |
Sense Pro 3
Weight: US M9 8.9 oz/255 g, US W8 7.9 oz/226 g
Stack Height: Coming soon
MSRP: $130. Available August 2018
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| Salomon Sense Pro 3 |
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| Left: S/Lab Sense 7 Right: Sense Pro |
S/Lab Sense 7
Weight: Unisex 7.0 oz/199 g
Stack Height: 18mm/14mm, 4 mm drop
MSRP: $180. Available Fall 2018
Dropping a significant 0.8 oz or 22 grams, this ultimate trail running machine, and Kilian Jornet's go to racer, achieves its weight reduction from a more minimal yet still highly supportive upper, a more minimal heel counter, and a very slight reduction in stack height. A soft ground version with deeper lugs will also be available weighing only 7.4 oz. Many road racing flats weigh more than these marvels!
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| Salomon S/Lab Sense 7 |
Other Salomon Introductions
The very popular Sense Ride (RTR review) will be available in August in a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper version. Invisible Fit laminates the waterproof breathable membrane directly to the upper. Traditionally such membranes have been a separate bootie adding weight, making shoes less breathable, and also when grit gets between upper and bootie affecting functionality and durability The sample we were shown was almost indistinguishable is softness and pliability from a conventional upper.
Salomon Running Avenue Road Shoes
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| Left to Right: Salomon Sonic RA Pro, Sonic RA, Sonic RA Max |
Read our earlier article about the exciting Running Avenue road shoes coming this spring from Salomon here.
Update: See our full reviews of the Sonic RA and Sonic RA Max: here
Update: See our full reviews of the Sonic RA and Sonic RA Max: here
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| Left to Right: Salomon Sonic RA Pro, Sonic RA, Sonic RA Max |
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10 comments:
put a little over 600 miles on my sense pro 2's. such a great shoe. super verstile and love salomon's endifit and quicklaces. currently running in the slab sense ultra. these new versions (ultra pro and sense pro 3) aren't out until fall of '18? wish i could get my hands on those for spring / summer!
Simply awesome product line from Salomon, never ceases to amaze. Although I am barely on my first pair ever,I finally decided to give them an opportunity after many pairs of Altra and Topo. S/Lab Sense 6 SG were my choice of shoe
Still no SG version for any of the ultra oriented shoes? Every year I keep hoping for a SG Sense Pro type shoe for those of us who cannot go the distance in the SLAB Sense SG. At least those lugs on the Pro 3 do look beefier than the Pro 2.
^^^ I agree, a SG version of the sense ultra would be great. Oh, and while you are at it Salomon, please remove 4mm from the heel, making it a 4mm drop. 8mm works fine on road or tame trails, but that heel really gets in the way on more technical trails... Particularly on the DH.
Any word on a new S-Lab Sonic 3?
Hi Anonynmous,
None so far and I have asked. The option mentioned is the Sonic RA Pro we are going to start testing this week. I have run the S/Lab Sonic 2 and really like it so can compare in detail
Sam,Editor
Hi Sam -- Any chance you guys will be reviewing the Sense Pro 3? It's up for sale on some UK/European sites but I would be hesitant to take the plunge before taking on board the expert opinions of you and the team!
Hi Joe, thanks for asking and kind words. Our Sense Pro 3 should be on the way for testing. Stay tuned! Sam,Editor
I bought the sense pro 3 and as expected it's a bit a mix between a Sense (I had the 4) and a sense pro 2. The mesh is a bit rigid and not super breathable, like on a Sonic Pro.
I think they're less versatile than the sense pro 2 on asphalt or easy trails but better on technical trails. I need more time on them.
HI Boris,
Thanks for your comments. Have a first run in the Sense Pro 3. Like it a lot and not having run the Sense or Sense Pro 2 Jeff and I are calling the lighter faster cousin to the XA Elevate. Would tend to agree that the 5mm plus lugs make them a bit rougher on pavement than the lower profile lugs of say the S/Lab Sense Ultra and provide more grip and bite for the technical trails. This said the higher lugs also tend to provide a bit more cushion on the firm than the lower ones. As far as breathability my first run was on a super humid day and I thought breathability was excellent. Sam, Editor.
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