Article by Jeff Valliere
Salomon Pulsar (2025) ($140)
Introduction
The Salomon Pulsar is intended to be an uptempo, daily trails trainer that is well cushioned and responsive. It utilizes Salomon’s optiFOAM2, hs a secure, breathable mesh upper with Salomon’s SensiFit, EndoFit and Quicklaces, and is shod with a ContaGrip outsole with 4mm lugs. While comparisons with the S/Lab Pulsar 4 are tempting, they are mostly related to name although both have a similar outsole tread pattern with the differences between the two covered in the Comparisons section below.
Pros: Reasonable weight with lighter quick responsive feel, well cushioned, versatile, traction, stability, security, protection
Cons: fit is long and narrow in the forefoot, pull tab for lace garage ripped off first run, break in period required
Stats
grams and convert to oz, weigh both shoes noting significant differences if any )
Approx. Weight: men's 10.2oz /290g US9 women’s 9.3oz / 265g US8
Sample Weights:
men’s 10.05 oz / 285g US9, 10.6 oz / 304g US10
Stack Height: 29 mm heel / 23 mm forefoot, 6mm drop
Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 105 mm forefoot
Most comparable shoes (with your name next to each)
Salomon Sense Ride
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4
Salomon DRX Defy Gravel
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
I was a little surprised by the arrival of the Pulsar, as it was not really on my radar, but was immediately impressed by the overall look and design of the shoe. So was it perhaps a more budget friendly alternative to the S/Lab Pulsar 4?
Upon first trying them on, I noted that the foot shape is a bit long. low and narrow in the forefoot. While I overall find fit to be true to size with very good security and fit, the forefoot design may be a hit or miss for you, depending. I do not find them to be too narrow in a way that pinches my feet or is uncomfortable, just sort of long relative to the width.
After my first run, I will admit that I set them aside for a bit, not sure if I were going to run in them again, but I decided to give them another chance and much to my surprise, I actually enjoyed them more and more with each run, finding that as the shoe/upper broke in and became more flexible, I quickly forgot about my initial hesitant impressions.
The mesh is airy, flexible and reasonably breathable, yet durable and secure. The toe bumper is moderate and appropriately protective.
The heel collar is well padded and comfortable, with a semi rigid (or semi flexible) heel counter.
No surprises with the Salomon QuickLace system, performing as expected, snug, easy and comfortable with very good midfoot security utilizing Salomon's Endofit/Sensifit.
The tongue is moderately padded and protects well from the laces.
Midsole & Platform
Made from 100% expanded beads TPU, the Pulsar’s optiFOAM2 midsole provides a very well cushioned, stable, reasonably responsive and lively ride.
The Pulsar feels light overall and the midsole foam has a light feel to it as well. While I would not describe them as bouncy or a race shoe per se, they are reasonably quick and lively, whether running uphill, downhill or on the flats. The midsole strikes a very good balance between having a soft, well cushioned feel without feeling mushy and having enough firmness and support to provide a high level of support, stability and control.
Outsole
The Pulsar with its Contagrip outsole has good traction over a wide range of terrain and despite the fairly modest 4mm lugs, I was surprised at how well they grip overall. The rubber compound is sticky in dry conditions, on rocky slab, etc… Wet traction is good, perhaps on the upper end of moderate.
Despite exceeding my expectations on steep, loose terrain, I would love to see a version with deeper lugs (a Soft Ground version) for improved performance in more challenging terrain.
That said, the outsole is very versatile over a wide range, from road to trail, technical trails, or moderate to less technical trails and dirt roads and compliments the shoe well integrating with the midsole and enhancing the ride.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
The Pulsar, despite my initial reservations and a bit of a break in period, turned out to be a very good day to day trainer for me. They are quite versatile, great for door to trail, technical trails and most all mountain use. They have great foothold, stability, responsiveness, reasonable weight, protection and traction. I would recommend the Pulsar for daily training at any speed, uptempo efforts and perhaps for some racing.
Jeff’s Score: 8.9/10 😊😊😊😊
Ride (30%): 9
Fit (30%): 8.5
Value (10%): 9
Style (5%): 9
Traction (15%): 9
Rock Protection (10%): 9
4 Comparisons
Salomon Sense Ride (RTR Review)
Jeff: The Pulsar is a little lighter, has a little less stack and feels more responsive, nimble and performance oriented and is better for more up tempo efforts, whereas the Sense Ride is more appropriate for casual runs. I would say the fit of the Sense Ride feels a bit more “normal”.
Salomon DRX Defy GRVL (RTR Review)
Jeff: The DRX is for sure a more casual use shoe, door to trail and light trails, as fit is not as precise and I found the heel to be a bit loose, requiring me to employ the uppermost “extra” lace eyelet (also has normal laces vs. the quick lace). The Pulsar is much more performance oriented with precise and stable fit, better traction and overall better versatility. DRX for flatter, less technical runs, Pulsar for more rugged terrain and faster running.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 (RTR Review)
Jeff: The S/Lab Pulsar 4 is lighter, quicker and more responsive, with a better upper that moulds to the foot in a comparatively custom like manner. I would call the S/Lab Pulsar 4 a more dedicated race shoe, especially given the $220 price tag, whereas the Pulsar is more practical for day to day training and a good value at $140
Norda 001A (RTR Review)
Jeff: Oof, the 001A excels in every category. Close in weight, I find the fit of the 001A to be far superior, has better traction, a more plush but supportive and more responsive midsole and is appropriate for just about any run, any distance and any terrain. You can however buy 2 pairs of Pulsars for the price of the 001A and still have money left over for lunch!
Tester Profile
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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