SALOMON: SALOMON’S SPRING/SUMMER ’23 TRAIL RUNNING FOOTWEAR RANGE EMPHASIZES COMFORT WITH NEW MODELS AND UPDATED CLASSICS
Brand new Glide Max Trail and updated Ultra Glide 2 build on the brand’s foam expertise to deliver more comfort
Updates to the iconic Sense Ride, XA Pro 3D and Reelax bring increased comfort and durability
ANNECY, FRANCE – As the leader in trail running for the past two decades, Salomon has supported many of the top athletes in the sport. From ultra-running to “shorter” marathon distance races like those found on the Golden Trail Series, the Salomon team has long been the gold standard at the professional level. Whether it’s because they are inspired by these high-level trail runners or a simple desire to escape into the outdoors, a growing population of everyday runners are turning to the hills and mountains to get more excitement out of their run. Rather than chase records, most run for fitness, well-being, and connection to nature.
When it comes to footwear, the primary concern of everyday runners is not the weight, the presence of a blade or the drop. Based on market research, 80 percent of runners desire comfort from their trail running shoes more than any other performance characteristic. For the Spring/Summer 2023 season, Salomon is introducing its most comfortable trail running shoes ever, as well as updating some of the iconic trail running shoe models that have built the brand’s reputation in the sport.
Back in 2012, the materials team at Salomon was developing the first foam used in Salomon footwear, called OptiVibe. After years of work on materials and biomechanics, this team created the Energy Surge foam, which is now used in most of the road and trail running footwear at Salomon.
“When it comes to cushion and using foam, people don’t want marshmallows, and they don’t want bricks. Our Energy Foam fits just in the middle, as it is amazingly good at rebound, it brings great cushion, and it’s very durable,” explains Romain Berger, Product Line Manager for Trail-Running.
Inspired by the recent success of the Glide Max road running shoe and the Ultra Glide trail running shoe, Salomon is unveiling for Spring/Summer 2023 the soft and cushioned Glide Max Trail. The aforementioned Ultra Glide is also getting a more breathable update. Two trail running icons—the XA Pro 3D v9 and Sense Ride 5—are both getting a new, more grippy outsole. Inspired by the XA Pro 3D v9, the all-new X-Adventure has a generous fit and soft liner to carry you on any adventure. A new upper on the Pulsar Trail Pro 2 creates a lighter and more breathable feeling, and the design of the Reelax 6.0 recovery shoe has also been updated to raise its comfort level.
NEW AND UPDATED TRAIL FOOTWEAR WITH COMFORT IN MIND
The Ultra Glide 2 is an updated version of Salomon’s comfortable and grippy long-distance trail shoe that has been made more breathable and is still super lightweight at 270 grams. The upper of the shoe has been reworked using a lighter engineered mesh with less TPU, which makes the shoe more flexible and more breathable. The collar and tongue have also been reworked to be thinner. The Energy Foam midsole guarantees plush landings, even over long-distance and on rugged terrain and surfaces. The insole is now glued to the inside shoe to prevent it from slipping when running up or down a hill. The All-Terrain Contagrip outsole is built for the widest variety of surfaces—wet, dry, hard or loose. The proven rocker geometry, called R.Camber, combined with a 6mm drop, ensures quick and smooth transitions.
The XA Pro 3D v9 is as reliable as it is familiar to hiking, trail-running, mountain biking, and travelling enthusiasts. For its 20th birthday, the shoe is getting an update in terms of comfort and durability, with a new asymmetrical design. The XA Pro 3D v9 is made with an Energy Cell midsole that provides energy return and cushioning over the long haul. The outsole uses a new specific lug geometry and pattern, combining the previous pattern of the XA Pro 3D v8 with the pattern of the X Ultra hiking shoe. Those features combine with a new compound, the All-Terrain Contagrip, to create unbeatable grip and durability. The shoe does everything equally well and is extremely stable thanks to the trustworthy low profile 3D Advanced Chassis, which keeps your foot in place and provides underfoot protection. It also has a robust toe cap to protect your foot from rocks and tree stumps.
“The XA Pro came to life in 2002, when Salomon really made their first impression in adventure racing and it was a big part of our trail-running heritage, and who we are today,” explains James Boyes, Product Line Manager for Trail-running.
Inspired by the XA Pro 3D v9, the X-Adventure is comfortable, stable and ready for any adventure you want to take on. It has a generous fit and soft lining around the ankle to create great comfort, while the classic combination of SensiFit construction and Quicklace creates a snug feeling around your foot. The Advanced Chassis and Contagrip outsole inspired by the XA Pro 3D v9 ensures that you are stable, while the toe bump in the front offers head-on protection.
For faster runners, the Pulsar Trail Pro 2 is updated the quick and nimble Pulsar Trail Pro. A new upper with engineered mesh creates a lighter feeling and more breathability in the shoe. The Pulsar Trail Pro 2 uses Salomon’s Energy Blade technology to propel the runner forward to help you run faster. The blade is paired with the Energy Surge foam in the midsole to create a super springy and comfortable feeling. As always, the Contagrip MA outsole will keep you steady and safe, with an optimized lug geometry that does the job even on fast and gnarly rides.
Looking for the one pair of trail shoes to take you everywhere? The Sense Ride 5 is the versatile trail runner that does it all. With highly durable Energy Foam in the midsole, the Sense Ride 5 has a softer feeling than the previous version, with just the right amount of cushioning and response. The new, more durable All-Terrain Contagrip on the outsole trustworthy on a wide variety of surfaces. The upper uses a lightweight, flexible and durable engineered mesh for an even more optimized and comfortable foothold
“We were the first to bring this concept that no matter where you run, on the road, to the trails, in your city, you can use the same versatile shoes. The Sense Ride really is that go-to shoe to run anywhere and everywhere,” explains Romain Berger.
A best friend of athletes for the past 16 years, the Reelax slides offer before- and after-sport comfort to help with recovery. For Spring/Summer 2023, the Reelax 6.0 has been redesigned with the help of the original designer. Version 6.0 provides incredible comfort, with a softer molded EVA that feels smooth underfoot. A Fuze Foam technology is used in the midsole. It features 30 percent natural rubber to deliver more cushion and comfort. This version also sits on a higher stack for increased comfort and uses a very breathable mesh on the upper for more breathability. The Contagrip outsole uses a reworked pattern of rubber insights, so you can use these shoes for more than just recovery. The Reelax 6.0 will come in a “Slide” version, a closed “Moc” version and a fully-open “Break” version.
“Reelax generates love and desire, as long as it’s purely created for sports, not for aesthetics,” says Guillaume Steinmetz, Co-founder of The Broken Arm, which was the first fashion store to stock Salomon products back in 2015.
HYDRATION VESTS MADE TO GO THE DISTANCE
For shorter runs—or when you only need the essentials—the ADV SKIN Belt is Salomon’s widest belt, increasing both comfort and storage room. This stable belt wraps around you in an ultra-wide, stretchy, and breathable fabric that ensures great comfort and fit regardless of body shape. The zip-pocket in the back holds valuables (phone, keys, energy bars), while the tunnel pocket can easily store two 500ml soft flasks and a lightweight jacket. Bring your poles, too, and secure them in the additional loopholes in the back.
Endurance races are demanding. So are endurance runners. That’s why the updated ADV SKIN 5hydration vest is designed for freedom of movement and comfort. It comes with two 500ml soft flasks that stay in place as you run, with a women-specific design on the women’s version. The updated construction offers larger SensiFit pads for a snug, precise fit, which protects you from chaffing, especially in the neck area. It also ensures that the vest won’t move while you’re going up or sending it downhill. Store your poles, jacket, keys, phone, or food in one of the numerous pockets on the front, sides and back, or in the new top pocket. The 12-liter version is ideal for longer outings when you need to carry more equipment.
LIGHTWEIGHT APPAREL FOR ANY OF YOUR RUNS
The Sense Aero tee is a lightweight tee that keeps you dry and free to move as you wish. It is made with a natural lightweight blend sourced in Europe and built with a 3D structured fabric to let air circulate in the back. The Sense Aero also features soft fabric with merrow stitch seams to reduce chaffing and is inspired by Salomon’s S/LAB range. It also comes in a tank version for even more freedom of movement and breathability.
The lightweight and minimalistic Sense Aero 2in1 shorts are ideal for trail outings. The fabric on the outer is super stretchable, while the inner is soft to prevent chafing. Soft silicon tape keeps the shorts in place.
Using water-resistant fabric and weighing just 89g, the Bonatti Aero Wind hoodie is the perfect jacket for training in bad weather. The fabric is topped with a PFC-free durable water repellent to shed light rain, while lasered holes under the arms and on the back create better air flow. Feel free to move how you want while the jacket stays in place due to elastic placed on the wrists and hood.
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