Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Pump up the power with these iconic Salomon trail-running shoes. These lightweight, foot-hugging shoes deliver precision and pace on the trails. The dual-foam cushioning adds propulsion.




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Imported.
View all Salomon Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 6 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | Unavailable |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | Unavailable |
| Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Single-pull Lace |
| Upper | Textile/synthetic |
| Lining | Textile |
| Midsole | optiFOAM/optiFOAM+ |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 1.6 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| U.S. Women's | 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 | 13.5 | 14 |
| 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 |
| EU | 36 | 36 2/3 | 37 1/3 | 38 | 38 2/3 | 39 1/3 | 40 | 40 2/3 | 41 1/3 | 42 | 42 2/3 | 43 1/3 | 44 | 44 2/3 | 45 1/3 | 46 | 46 2/3 | 47 1/3 | 48 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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The Pulsar 4 is reminiscent of the original Salomon Ultra shoes of a decade ago but with better midsole foam and a more pliant yet protective upper. It is closer to the S/Lab Genesis or the Ultra 3 in design and I think purpose than the Pulsar 3 or previous Pulsars. As a technical mountain shoe, I’m considering racing my next 100 K in these. It’s lighter than most of its competitors yet very comfortable and quick underfoot.
These felt so comfortable at first - but after a short out and back to tea them I got a huge blister on my ankle that has disrupted training just weeks before a race. The heal is so poorly made. I did notice the left shoe seemed to be made improperly, but with all the negative reviews about ankle blisters - I am afraid to try another pair for fear of another awful blister!
Rubbed my ankle raw below the malleolus. Men size 10. The tongue scoots forward and was bunched near my toes though I didn't notice that until I took them off. Ignoring those issues, very different show than previous S/Lab Pulsars. If the above issues were fixed it might be a good shoe, but not a direct replacement for the previous models. I wish this midsole and sole would exist on something similar to the 1st generation S/lab Pulsar upper with maybe more room in the toe box for a longer distance shoe.
Purchased with goal of a more comfortable toe box compared to the Speedcross line by Salomon. The S/Lab Pulsar 4 is roomier in the toes box but doesn’t allow for that annoying slippage of foot to front of shoe while descending the trail. These hug the foot nicely but are not too narrow. The cushioning could be better, but overall a great trail running shoe for the rugged Adirondack mountains! Usual size women’s 7.5. Used the recommended size guide and it’s a perfect fit.
For me, this is a great update. It is a little wider and roomier than earlier versions, but with the lacing system, it is still easy to lock the foot down. Despite being a little heavier, the shoe is still very responsive and has the right amount of cushioning. I have run on dirt, slight mud and snow, and did not have issues with the traction. I cannot speak for more technical trails or heavy mud. I have not complaints about this shoe.
Where can I start- I’ve ran in the pulsar since their first launch and this in my opinion is a homage to the Pulsar 1 with IMPROVED cushioning. You get the perfect ground feel but with the added benefit of new technology and the added cushioning. Giving this racer an edge. Absolutely fantastic performance by Salomon. It’s like a genesis and the original pulsar had a baby. Simply wonderful at every distance.
Not a replacement for the S/LAB Ultra 3 which is very disappointing. The tongue folds almost immediately over the forefoot , ruining what is probably a pretty fun, fast shoe. Doesn't filter rocks well enough - too much deformation. Also, can't remove the insole if your someone that likes to use their own footed. Overall, a real miss with a shoe that has potential.
Great shoe, easier to get on Really responsive If one fault the grip could be better, I feel Salomon are getting left behind. If there was a vibram sole on this shoe it would be outstanding Overall very good shoe
much heavier than my Pulsar 2, but more sturdy and cushioned. Love the s/lab fit and lace system. Rocked these at SpeedGoat 2025 and was happy with how the handled the rockfall section. Great for 20K to 50K distances
Use these for racing and longer non-technical training runs, comfortable, stable, fast. Love the shoe, will keep buying it.