Article by Estelle-Marie Kieffer
UPDATE 4/18: Read our in depth review of the S/Lab Ultra here
Editor's Note: We have translated Estelle-Marie's initial impressions review from the original French (here) into English. We will also be publishing a multi tester review of the S/Lab Ultra 2.
Estelle-Marie is a doctor, accomplished triathlete, trail runner and "Advanced Shoe Geek". She lives in France.
UPDATE 4/18: Read our in depth review of the S/Lab Ultra here
Editor's Note: We have translated Estelle-Marie's initial impressions review from the original French (here) into English. We will also be publishing a multi tester review of the S/Lab Ultra 2.
Estelle-Marie is a doctor, accomplished triathlete, trail runner and "Advanced Shoe Geek". She lives in France.
For more background on the S/Lab Ultra 2 see our article about the introduction of the S/Lab Ultra 2 is here.
Our article about our recent visit to Salomon's Annecy Design Center where we saw prototypes of the Ultra 2 and got insights into its design is here.
Our article about our recent visit to Salomon's Annecy Design Center where we saw prototypes of the Ultra 2 and got insights into its design is here.
Stats
S/Lab Ultra (2)
Stack Height: 26mm/18mm (8mm drop)
Weight: 10.6 oz./300g (US 9M)
MSRP: $180. Available March 2018
Introduction: 
I was finally able to get a hold of the running shoes that
François D’Haene wore to win the UTMB (2017): the famous new S/Lab Ultra 2!
My first run in them was 6.2 miles on a trail with mud,
rocks, and some gravel. I am a forefoot
runner 80% of the time and otherwise a mid foot striker. I weigh 123 lbs/ 56
kilos.
Fit:
The new S/Lab Ultra sizes large for me: fitting me a ½ size larger overall fitting than the S/Lab
Sense Ultra at the same size 40. I was 40 in XA Elevate, Amphib XA, and Sense Ultra. I am 41 in the Hoka Speedgoat 1 and 2.
The toe box is fairly narrow, narrower than the XA Elevate's,
and slightly narrower than the S/Lab Sense Ultra's.
The heel cup is quite soft with little padding in comparison
to the XA Elevate and the S/Lab Sense Ultra but is very comfortable and with
no hard spots.
A bit like a Hoka, the midsole extends up above the foot level
of the midsole for a secure fit at the heel while also adding some stability.
The Quicklace system, a feature of Salomon footwear, differs
from other models as the lace pocket enccompases the last two eyelets.
This Quicklace system makes it difficult to pull the cable
evenly across the foot for a perfect fit: either the forefoot is too tight or
it is the mid foot. I had to start again
a few times, finding it annoying. The
tongue is not overly thin and disperses the tension well. If I keep the shoes, I will cut the cable and
go back to a Quicklace system that is more practical.
The upper's midfoot and ankle collar opening feature two exterior Sensi Fit plastic straps on each side of the foot to supposedly provide a more secure fit.
 |
| LEFT: S/Lab Sense Ultra RIGHT S/Lab Ultra 2 |
The outsole is mostly similar to the S/Lab Sense Ultra at
the forefront and differs slightly in the mid foot with the Sense Ultra having some additional lugs there. The profile of the lugs and the outsole
provide excellent grip, comparable to the S/Lab Sense Ultra: no surprises here.
The drop is 8 mm, however, it feels closer to 4-5 mm, and clearly feels less to me than the S/Lab Sense Ultra and the XA Elevate's drop.
In terms of weight at 9.5oz/258 g it weighs slightly more than my S/Lab Sense Ultra (9.1 oz/258 g) and my XA Elevate (9.2 oz/261 g).
Overall performance:
The forefoot shock absorption is greatly improved over the Sense Ultra thanks to a
new feature, the white Energy Save PU forefoot insert system which the Sense Ultra didn't have. The Ultra 2 has less trail feel than Sense Ultra 1 yet the feel remains firm and is a considerably firmer than the super cushioned softer Speedgoat 2. The forefoot seems less stiff than the XA
Elevate and provides better shock absorption than the latter, with somewhat less trail feel and also less rock bite than XA Elevate. While the Ultra 2 provides more underfoot protection than the
XA Elevate, it does not match the over the terrain comfort of a Hoka.
From a responsiveness and agility perspective, I am disappointed. The underfoot feel of the midsole is relatively inert and a lot less
dynamic than the XA Elevate's. It feels somewhat heavy and lacks precision. In my
opinion, the lack of precision is caused by the poorly foot conforming fit of the upper and the relative narrowness of the forefoot fit.
With regards the heel, the shock absorption is inferior (in
like manner to the drop feel) to the XA Elevate and the S/Lab Sense Ultra. Heel striking is harsh and relatively
unpleasant: the cushiness and adaptability of the XA Elevate or the S/Lab Sense
Ultra have sadly disappeared.
The most surprising element remains the difference between
the shock absorption of the forefoot and
the firmness of the heel.
Conclusion:
The S/Lab Ultra 2 leaves me quite perplexed. As intended, it corrects a flaw of the
S/Lab Sense Ultra, essentially the lack of cushioning at the forefoot. Certainly, from that perspective, it is
improved. However, from a stability standpoint, it is not as good as the Sense Ultra. In like manner the upper and its rigid fit lacks precision and comfort
(will it get better with time? – I have my doubts given the plastic
straps..). Moreover, the responsiveness
is inferior to the S/Lab Sense Ultra and the XA Elevate while weighing more than the XA and also having a higher price tag.
Summary:
Sense of heel toe drop (most to least)
XA > Sense Ultra > Ultra 2 > Speedgoat2
Forefoot cushioning
Speedgoat 2 > Ultra 2 > XA > Ultra
Forefoot
responsiveness
XA / Ultra > Ultra 2 > Speedgoat2
Heel cushioning
Speedgoat2 >
XA > Ultra > Ultra2
Fit (best to worst)
Ultra > XA
> Ultra 2 / Speedgoat2
Weight (least to most)
Speedgoat2>Ultra > XA
> Ultra 2/XA Elevate
Comparisons:
S/Lab Ultra 2 vs XA
Elevate
Without hesitation I prefer the XA with a heel that is more
accommodating, a slightly higher drop, a better adjusted upper,
and a forefoot fit and trail feel that is more precise and responsive.
The comfort in the forefoot is really superior in the new
Ultra 2 when compared to the Sense Ultra, which I can only run short distances
and on smoother not very rocky trails. Nevertheless, the agility of the Sense Ultra is clearly superior to the Ultra 2.
S/Lab Ultra 2 vs Hoka
Speedgoat2
The Speedgoat2 has a fit which is far from perfect is
nevertheless better than the Ultra 2's – a shoe that in the end is not very
comfortable. The Speedgoat2 has more cushioning
than the Ultra 2, but also a more responsive forefoot. The Ultra 2 feels heavier and clumsier. In terms of sturdiness, the Ultra 2 fairs
the best. After 90 miles, the upper mesh
of my Hoka gave out.
Reviewer bio:
Estelle-Marie Kieffer. 41 years old
Radiologist
Triathlete: 6X Ironman Kona (Best performance: 6th in age group)
Trail: 34th Trans Gran Canaria 64K 2018: 8:32
Advanced Shoe Geek!
The S/Lab Ultra 2 was a personal purchase by the author. The opinions herein are entirely the author's. Photo Credit: Estelle-Marie Kieffer Translation: Dominique Winebaum
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5 comments:
I don't know anything about the running shoe business, but what makes these shoe companies do such major redesigns on successful products? The Salomon Sense Ultra was apparently the best selling S-Lab product ever and after only one year they do such a big redesign. Why? I'm glad I stocked up on some clearance version 1s.
It is sad how some people and companies expect significant updates on a yearly basis, I don't understand. Even in European football they redesign the kits every season, absolutely no need especially when they end up ruining a good one. Which might apply to this sense ultra as well?
Agreed... I wish I would have purchased a couple more pairs of the V1s. I recently received the V2's and I feel like they really did ruin a good thing. Such a shame.
All version 1 needed was a couple mm more cush in the forefoot and a SG version with 6mm lugs to be the best Ultra shoe around for all conditions. Looks like another pair of Akashas for this season then, glad LS know when they are on a good thing and don't change annually!
Hi Iain,
Thanks for commenting. The Sense Ultra 1 for me was super comfortable but overly soft and with not enough forefoot protection so your extra 2mm would do the trick, You might also look at the XA Elevate. All of our testers were crazy about it. It has the forefoot protection that the Sense Ultra 1 and Ride do not have and runs smoothly on all terrain and our testers ran all 3. See review here http://www.roadtrailrun.com/2017/11/salomon-xa-elevate-review-handles-all.html
Also the lighter upcoming cousin to the S/Lab Ultra the Ultra Pro, lighter with a more relaxed fit than Ultra 2 and the Sense Pro 3 which when I saw it seemed close in fit and use to the S/Lab Sense Ultra 1 preview here: http://www.roadtrailrun.com/2017/12/salomon-running-2018-introductions.html
Sam, Editor
Thanks for reading Road Trail Run! See our page with links to all shoe and gear reviews HERE. You can also follow RoadTrailRun on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram where we publish interesting run related content more frequently as well as links to our latest reviews. Shopping through links on articles help support RoadTrail Run and is much appreciated
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