What do People Think of the Ultra-Glide?

Looking to get a little more serious about trail running? Maybe make that leap to running longer distances without giving up on the comfort you experience on shorter runs? The new Ultra-Glide is the shoe you’ve been waiting for. Launched in limited quantities this past spring, the Ultra-Glide is available everywhere for the Fall/Winter 2021 season, but the early reviews are already trickling in from runners and media across the trail running community. The likes of UTMB-winner Courtney Dauwalter, Rickey Gates—the guy who ran across America—and Western States 100 winner Ryan Sandes have all done their test sessions with the Ultra-Gide and come away impressed.

According to Mike Ambrose, Salomon’s Product Line Manager for trail running footwear, the shoe fills a need as a long-distance trail running shoe that is comfortable and accessible, even if you are not planning on running 100 miles.

“The Ultra-Glide takes our Salomon expertise in fit and grip and adds an extra comfortable midsole to create the ideal combination of precision and all-day comfort from start to finish, whether that’s an ultra-race or a 10km run,” Ambrose says. “It offers a much softer feeling than many of our trail running shoes, but still offer that grip and forefoot ground protection you have come to expect from Salomon.”

WHAT ATHLETES ARE SAYING ABOUT THE ULTRA-GLIDE

Courtney Dauwalter is all about her comfort. You can tell from the baggy shorts she always runs with, or from the very precise list of “comfort food” she likes to eat on long trails-when we say long, we mean running (and winning) the 170km in Chamonix (105 miles) or 200 miles around Lake Tahoe (320km). The Ultra Glide has been so comfortable and fun to run in! Tons of support and cushioning, but it doesn't feel bulky and doesn't feel disconnected from the ground. I am finding it to be a very comfortable shoe. On loose, technical rock at the top of a mountain, I do not prefer this shoe. However, on every surface I have been running on, other than really technical rocks surface, this shoe works fantastic. So far, it is my go-to shoe for everyday runs. No matter how long I am headed out for or what type of surface I'll be on, I have been wearing the Ultra Glide. Looking ahead to this season, I will plan to use this shoe for long, runnable races like Big's Backyard Ultra.

Rickey Gates loves to run. Like, a lot. Long distances. For days. From running across the United States to running every single street of San Fransisco, he loves to challenge himself and discover not only the limits of his running abilities, but also meet with people and exchange ideas.

The comfort of the Ultra-Glide is wonderful, especially with the increased cushioning and the larger toe box. The shoe is great on technical trails thanks to a nimble upper and a dynamic outer sole. It has been my go-to for comfort runs, long runs and multi-day adventures when I know that I want just one shoe for all conditions.

Ryan Sandes is an ultra-runner from South Africa. He done his fair share of 160 milers and has set FKTs (Fastest Known Times) on the 110km 13 Peaks challenge in his home country, and on the 1.400km Great Himalaya Trail (a mere 25-days adventure).

The Ultra Glide is the most comfortable shoe I have run in. I raced a 100-miles (160km) in them a few months back and the comfort of the shoe was the same at the start and the finish. The general feel and ride of the shoe is amazing. It handles non-technical trails really well, and I am really impressed with how the Glides handle technical trails - they have a good balance of both support and flexibility on technical trails. Currently the Ultra Glides are my go to shoes for most of my running - from 10km’s to 100 mile races.

Max King is a runner who’s well used to running long distances, even winning the 100km World Championships and the World Mountain Running Championships in 2011.

The shoe has quickly became one of my go-to shoes because it’s so comfortable. The Ultra-Glide is a shoe that you still want to run fast in despite the amount of cushioning.

The Ultra-Glides sure are passing the test. They might be my new favorites. I put 31 miles on them over two days and my feet are stoked. The 6 mm drop is a nice change; the cushioning is real, but still feels responsive enough on technical trails; and my toes and muscles throughout my feet LOVE the toe box and big footprint— kept them feeling good all day long.Drew Peterson, Salomon freeski athlete and accomplished trail runner

WHAT MEDIA ARE SAYING ABOUT THE ULTRA-GLIDE

Sam Winebaum - RoadTrailRun

It has a marvelous and quite different ride for Salomon and trail in general! It features an Energy Surge midsole that is soft(er) and energetic, a rocker profile with some flex and a Salomon road shoe last for more front volume than usual in a Salomon. Bottom line so far: Ultra-Glide with Energy Surge is well named!

Taylor Bodin - Believe in the Run

Comfort was the moving target that Salomon was looking to hit. Bullseye! A thicker slab of Energy Surge foam gives high-quality cushion and responsiveness. Sensifit and a thicker mesh upper provide comfort and security up top. There are not many high-stack trail shoes (if any) that can give you this amount of comfort and equal security for just about any trail endeavor.

Brian Metzler - JackRabbit

Runners who appreciate a soft, max-cushioned ride on the trails will love the Ultra-Glide.

Cosmopolitan UK

The bounce in these trainers is incredible. I had a spring in my step before I’d even left the flat.