Salomon

S/Lab Pulsar Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Love the shoe, the new version not so much

Bought this pair right before they disappeared from the website. The 2.0 version that replaced them is certainly a downgrade, so glad I grabbed these when I did. The pinnacle of Salomon's trail racing line was the Sense 7 and Sense 7 SG, but sadly the Sense line is discontinued. There's been a steady decline in quality and innovation of Salomon products over the last 3-4 years, and I don't understand why.

Very good, just needs a bit more natural fit

I purchased these after being disappointed with the ultra, I chose size 12 as that is what i normally go for in Salomon & where the ultra are way too large these are the complete opposite. My toes are so close to the end, i almost sent them back but i got them at a really good price & gave them a go. I'm really glad i did as they seemed to loosen up a bit & my foot didn't move around & hit the ends of the shoe. The midsole felt really great and overall the shoe is almost perfect really the sort of shoe I like nimble light & fast. They work as a road to trail, grip is good although may go for the SG next time. The main issue for me is the midfoot is narrow, my foot width is normal & really presses against the outside of the upper. There is some give in the upper & i'm careful not to over tighten the laces as this helps but there is still a bit of discomfort if running longer distances. This maybe rectified by going up half a size or maybe version 2 has a bit more width we are only talking needing a few more millimetres.

Awesome trail running shoe

I like these so much that I ordered my second pair after 100 miles. I have a narrow foot and these hug my feet without any hot spots. The cushion is great but they don’t feel unstable. Tread pattern is really grippy and great for dry conditions. These shoes seem to roll my feet through the stride and are still very agile on rocky single track. Love these shoes.

Favorite Running Shoe Of All Time

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

10.5

Height:

5' 9"

Weight:

163

I wrote the review on the Salomon website titled "Why did I wait...". I kept a second pair of these shoes so thought I would write an updated review on Backcountry where I originally purchased them from. I actually purchased 4 pair of this shoe. Because of the matryx material, the shoe does not stretch at all, and differences in construction between pairs is noticed and matters. I actually mixed and matched the better fitting shoes from my purchases to keep the two pair. The length of the shoe is true to size on each of the pair but the tightness of the forefoot and width of the toebox is slightly different. Some shoes were to constricting and were sent back. I have now run multiple training runs and a few races in these shoes. My last race was a 10k (actually 10.3k) in 41:12. I use this shoe for road racing and faster paced training runs. What I really notice and dislike about higher stacked shoes that I wear for > half marathons is I hate when I step off the side of the road on uneven ground and they always feel extremely unstable. I love the stability with these and can step anywhere without a second thought. I have to force myself not put these shoes on for every run I like them so much. The lightness, stability, comfort and fit (once you find the right pair) are just phenomenal and am excited to see the next iteration of this shoe (as long as they don't mess it up).

Why did I wait...

Finally decided to give these a try after noticing them on sale. For this type of running I initially purchased the Salomon Phantasm, when newly released, and appreciated the cushioning, however, would develop blisters on my pinky toes after 5k each run and have retired the shoe after less than 50 miles. I always assumed that if the Phantasm caused blisters there is no way I'd fit in the Pulsar. I was mistaken and it feels as though this shoe was designed specifically for my foot. First run was only 4 miles on pavement averaging 6:45/mile but no hot spots or blisters whatsoever whereas the Phantasm would have definitely caused an issue. I purchased a shoehorn after reading reviews prior to receiving the shoe but find no issues with putting the shoe on. I appreciate the quicklace far more than regular laces as well. This shoe will definitely be my new 5k and 10k pavement/cinder trail race shoe. I will also try this shoe for longer distances up to a half. If you were waiting or wondering about this shoe because of the fitment reviews I'd say give it a shot, you may be pleasantly surprised as I was. I also purchased the Pulsar SG and am just as happy. As a side note I am 40 years old and run 20-30 mpw with a 5k < 20 mins and a half marathon in 1:30:00 as of last month. I now wish I would have purchased these shoes instead of trying multiple other pair at slightly lower prices and being disappointed, costing more money overall.

Runs Great

Worn these on several Florida trail/XC races up to 26.2.. They are super snug, light, run great.. Normally wear a 10 with Salomon.. These cause consistent toe-end/under-nail blisters on any run 10+ miles, even with toe caps.. Maybe should go 10.5 or try SG.. No blisters with S-Lab Ultra 3, or Ultraglide..

a huge disappointment

Likes: the design, upper tech, midsole squishiness, super lightweight Dislikes: way too narrow, really uncomfortable (even after removing the padding stitched on the inside of the knitted pseudo tongue, and the lacing system), these physically hurt my heels and soles, there's close to no padding, the upper is way too hard and jabs my foot, the midsole should have been bigger, and for some reason my heels seem to stay lower than the rest of the foot. Watch my full review on my channel, in a few weeks

Absolutely amazing shoe, intensely narrow

I truly wish I could wear these. I took them through 100 miles since owning them for about two weeks. Simply the lightest, bounciest shoe I have ever used. They keep you on your toes and are a dream to run in. I thought I would be able to wear them in and stretch the forefoot width but to my dismay I just ended up hurting my feet. If they made these in a wider size or even a "standard" size I would buy these for the rest of my life.

First 10 mile run - post review

These are the lightest trail race shoes I’ve ever used and ideal for hill climbs as it feels like running bare feet with cushioning. My main concern is that after only 10 miles of light trails the outsoles are already starting to look shredded up so durability is my main concern. I have a fairly wide foot and was pleasantly surprised that they fitted ok (just). It’s a tight fit and hard to get into at the start. This will prob loosen off for future runs. Very small lugs for light trails, almost a road shoe. They are designed to be mainly mid/forefoot as heel cushioning is not that much esp if you are used to max e.g. Hokas. Overall I love the light weight feel, aimed at experienced race athletes. Sole durability is my concern.

Light, fun and fast!

Tough to hold back when you get the Pulsar on your feet! Love the super light feel, fit and responsiveness of these shoes! My plan was to use these for speed work and races mostly, but hard to resist wearing them for everyday runs too. A surprising amount of cushion and protection in such a light shoe. I found that going up a half size from normal gave me the best fit. Even still, I always prefer going sockless in these. As others have mentioned, it’s a little more difficult getting them on your feet due to the sock like fit, but once you do they are amazing. I find that using a small shoe horn is very helpful with getting them on. In future, I think that having a small loop on the heel tab might help with getting them on a little easier, but not a concern. Definitely one of the more fun shoes I’ve worn in a while!