Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Ready to scamper up and down the trails? Make every run your best one with the men's Salomon Pulsar trail-running shoes. They boast soft and springy midsoles and smooth yet propulsive transitions.
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View all Salomon Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 6 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Single-pull Lace |
Upper | Textile/synthetic |
Lining | Textile |
Midsole | EVA/olefin |
Outsole | Rubber |
Rock Plate | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 3.8 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 24.5 Mondo | 25.5 Mondo | 26.5 Mondo | 27.5 Mondo | 28.5 Mondo | 29.5 Mondo | 30.5 Mondo | 31.5 Mondo | |
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U.S. Men's | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 13 | 14 | 15.5 |
U.S. Women's | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | |||||||||||||||||
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 14 |
EU | 36 | 36.6 | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.6 | 47.3 | 48 | 49.3 | 39 | 40.3 | 42 | 43.3 | 45 | 46.3 | 48 | 49 |
Mondo | 22 | 22.5 | 23 | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 32 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 31.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.4 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 11 | 11.4 | 11.8 | 12.2 | 12.6 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I bought this just about a month ago but have used maybe a couple of weeks at the most and I'm bit disappointed with build quality, function, and fit. In a short time, I'm already seeing the support/decorative details coming apart, peeling off the uppers (see photos). The quick lace doesn't hold very well, slips off and doesn't support my heel well especially when I'm running uphill on a trail. Design-wise, the soles seem a bit high, I often almost twist my ankle especially on uneven trails; probably better for just pavement running. Overall, not highly recommended for trail running and again, the build-quality is sub par.
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These are my 5th or so pair of Pulsar Trail shoes. They are my favorite shoes for technical trails and peakbagging (with trail approach) I have had. I have done many climbs in GNP with a pair of Pulsars. I have a Morton's neuroma on my right foot and need shoes on the wider side. I would not call these wide but the padding breaks in quickly. I like the white with black sole quite a bit and the old dark blue, even buying a pair for casual fridays at work. The one drawback on my last pair is that the tread wore out quickly (less than 200 miles) with hard use. I have a pair of Speedgoat 5s that have last longer. I don't know if Salomon changed the soles over the last year or not but that was disappointing. If my new pair wear out that quickly I will switch to something else.
Awesome shoes!!! I’ve been really looking forward to trying out the Pulsar Trail for a long time and have loved wearing them over the past few weeks now that I have them. The cushioning is very plush but has good spring and energy return when combined with the energy blade. I was thinking that I would only just be using these for regular or long trail runs, but have enjoyed while using them at faster paces too. I also wasn’t expecting to use them much for technical trails because of the softness, but I did find that they were supportive and stable enough. The reinforced toe cap has already saved my toes from a couple of nasty rocks too. The fit of the upper I found supportive, and have had no hot spots or blisters from them even though I’ve done every run barefoot in them. The upper is super breathable too. I expect that I’ll still use the Pulsar Trail for mostly medium length runs and long runs on the trails, but I feel like they are super versatile and would perform well for all types of runs and conditions.
The new energy is great for rock protection. The upper fit and quick lace system are ideal as feet swell in the heat or longer excursions. Love the low drop, 6mm. I am curious to see how they will hold up over the next few months.
These are very comfortable shoes that work well in the grass even when it is wet. Although I have slightly narrow feet and do feel that these may run a bit wide, they are very comfortable and I do not notice anything wrong when changing directions or walking around. My pair started to delaminate where the speed lace is held in place. Only the right shoe was affected by this and Salomon was able to comp me due to the warranty. Even with this defect, I still wear them around the house and I will try some Shoe goo fix soon.
While waiting for the new Sense Ride 5's to drop, I ran into the Pulsar Trail Pro and Pulsar Traill...decided to pick up both. After 30 miles on the Pulsar Trail, I couldn't be happier with their performance. Quite frankly, I'm happier with the Pulsar Trail than I am with the Puslar Trail Pro. The Pulsar Trail is SO close to the Sense Ride in so many ways...the lone exception is the upper feels softer and more pliable than the Sense Ride. I'm still trying to figure out if this is a bad thing, but I do know I run with more confidence in the Sense Ride's on our technical trails in the Pacific Northwest. Comparing the Pulsar Trail to its big brother, the Pulsar Trail Pro, the little brother was vastly better on downhill runs. I believe the difference to be the EndoFit in the Pulsar Trail...my toes were clamped down and below the tongue, whereas on the Pulsar Trail Pro, my toes were sliding into the toe box, and the laces were cutting into the tongue and the top of my foot. I ended up loosening up the lace, but then I lost the feel of the trail. I wish the outsole was a tad more aggressive like the Sense Ride's are, but they still performed well on yesterday's 14.50 miler in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on a technical 20% decline. They also appeared to handle the mud well enough, but not mistaken with the Wildcross. The heel lock is far better than the S/LAB Ultra 3, Pulsar Trail Pro, and the Ultra Glide...very close to the Sense Ride. The ankle protection is also a big plus for me. my Ultra 3's and Pulsar Trail Pro's pale in comparison with the heel and ankle protection the Pulsar Trail provides. The "rock plate" felt better than the ProFeel used in the Sense Ride (and others)...I'm guessing this is due to the TPC Energy Blade? Either way, I was very impressed with its ability to dampen the sharp rocks and roots I encountered. The best part is how incredibly soft they were. I have a 50k on the PCT this summer and I've been debating what shoe to use; the Sense Ride 4, the Ultra Glide, the S/LAB Ultra 3, the Pulsar Trail Pro, or the Pulsar Trail? I'm seriously leaning towards the Pulsar Trail for its resemblance to the Sense Ride, but with the added cushion. My only wish would be a slightly more aggressive outsole more akin to the Sense Ride, but its hard to argue with how well the shoe performed. Pleasantly surprised with this shoe...nice job Salomon!
Extremely poor tread wear and Salomon will not stand by product. Listed as everyday, smooth terrain shoe but tread is gone in less than 70 days.
Great shoes! They did a great job with having cushion and lightweight that is responsive. The energy blade plays a great role in the shoes. As for the fit for my feet, i had to tight them really tight because they had more room than the slab ultra or sense. I am 6’1 - 145lb and have slim feet. Overall great shoes, definitely give them a try and can’t beat the price.
This is an interesting take from Salomon. Very soft with decent bounce, felt relatively lightweight on the foot. Not too many overlays and thin mesh would hopefully translate into a breathable shoe that is good for the warm season. Unfortunately, sizing felt off - I went with the same size as what I used in the Sense Ride IV and the shoe was way too small. The toe area design is also very narrow, with the area around the big toe tapering off way too early and putting pressure on the inside of the toe.
I bought this shoe to train for and race in my second trail ultra.i have raced Xcountry events in Salomon Speedcross shoes for approximately the last 8 years and been very impressed with the grip that these offer, though I needed something with a bit more comfort for the longer distance. Unfortunately though they are very comfortable and stable, they offer no grip whatsoever on wet or mildly muddy terrain. Maiden run was a 10 miler 50% road and trail. Road was great but as soon as I hit the grass trail I was disappointed. I won’t be wearing these to a trail event if it is wet underfoot. Very nice shoe but not fit for purpose. Needs deeper lugs.
Hi Mark! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We often make adjustments to our products based on direct customer feedback. We will be sure to pass on your feedback to the relevant department. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.