These days, Salomon seems to be more synonymous with streetwear fashion than wilderness utility, but the French brand has actually been making superb outdoor gear since the late ’40s.
Amidst crossover models like the ACS and XT-6, Salomon still boasts a functional trail runner, the Ultra Glide. Debuting in 2021, the shoe now embarks on its fourth-gen iteration, improving on both comfort and on-trail performance.
Three Years of Fine-Tuning
When the original Ultra Glide came out, it marked a departure for Salomon. The brand was historically known for precise, lower-volume trail shoes and the move into max-cushion options was overdue, especially as competitors were already putting out their fair share of high-stack runners. The first model combined a soft Energy Surge midsole with reverse camber geometry, creating what the brand dubbed a “gliding” sensation over technical terrain.
The Ultra Glide 4 continues that evolution, but the focus shifts to the upper while the midsole remains largely unchanged. By ditching TPU overlays for an engineered mesh with integrated reinforcements, Salomon has managed to shave weight. At just 10oz per shoe, this is the lightest version yet.
Keeping Things Plush
Salomon’s optiFOAM cushioning isn’t new to the Ultra Glide line, but it’s proven itself over three previous generations. The lightweight EVA foam gives you serious bounce without feeling disconnected from the trail. And paired with the brand’s relieveSPHERE geometry under the heel, it disperses impact more evenly across your foot for less localized pressure.
Featuring 4mm lugs, the All Terrain Contagrip outsole makes this a great daily driver, handling various surfaces well, from more standard trails to rockier sections.
Breathability Gets an Upgrade
The reworked upper isn’t just about weight savings. Salomon claims a 10% improvement in abrasion resistance over the Ultra Glide 3 as well, which should translate to longer lifespan. Likewise, the mesh is noticeably more breathable, with better airflow and faster drying, which makes these great for hotter weather or humid climates.
The shoe also retains Salomon’s signature quickLACE system and endoFit internal sleeve, both of which have been refined over the years. We love their one-pull lacing, which we’ve found is still one of the better systems out there for quick adjustments mid-run.
Spec Sheet
Model: Salomon Ultra Glide 4
Upper: Engineered mesh with integrated reinforcements
Midsole: optiFOAM (lightweight EVA) with relieveSPHERE heel geometry
Outsole: All Terrain Contagrip rubber
Lacing: quickLACE one-pull system
Drop: 6mm
Lug Depth: 4mm
Weight: 10oz per shoe
Terrain: Mixed terrain, distance runs
Price: $160
Pricing & Availability
The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 is available now in three colorways — Lilac Ash/Excalibur, Black/Dark Gull Gray, and Fiery Red/Vanilla Ice — priced at $160 via the brand’s website.
Recap
Salomon Ultra Glide 4 Trail Runners
Salomon’s Ultra Glide 4 sheds weight and amps up breathability with a reworked engineered mesh upper, all while keeping the plush optiFOAM cushioning that made previous versions a favorite for long trail days.
