S-Lab Sense Ultra
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Contragrip wet traction was the best - it was on the XA Alpine and XA Elevate and the Sense Ultra, Sense 6. But since then it has gotten worse. The Ultraglide 1s were pretty terrible.
I used to run in salomons (s/lab sense & ultra 3s). I’ve since found Arcteryx Norvan SL to be a great replacement for the Sense, with the SL3 sharing obvious DNA with the sense 8. I was thinking a Norvan LD might be worth a look as an ultra 3 replacement, even though I’ve never tried them personally.
Mam ultra lehké trailove běžecké boty od Salomonu, mela jsem je i v Alpách na relativně těžký terén a neměnila bych. Je pravda, ze na delší a těžší pochody by se v pořádných horách pohorky hodily, ale v Česku je to zbytečný overkill.
It’s different for everyone. I tend to have multiple pairs and I rotate. They also serve different purposes. Trail/threadmill/regular/race I tend to stick with the ones that work for me, and often buy 3 spare pairs when I stumble on a series I like. Often I also look at older models. If they were top 3 years ago, believe me, they are still good. Not worth the big price difference between models. I currently have the Mizuno Wave Inspire and Saucony Endorphin speed and Saucony Kinvara series for most normal trainings. Saucony Endurance pro and Mizuno Wave shadow for races. For trails depending on terrain Salomon Speedcross, Thundercross, XA Pro 3d (goretex) and S/lab ultra. Regular daily’s I loved the Wave Inspire series till v17. Then they changed and don’t like them anymore. Also looking for a good successor but most likely I’ll use the Kinvara’s more. Don’t follow trends and marketing. Test and feel. And really get more than one pair and rotate. It’s better for your feet too. And surfing for older models bargains can really pay off, certainly if you take the ugly colors no one buys 🥸
Salomon s lab ultra or recent equivalent are an excellent all round option. Rare on the shelves but you will find them online with some good prices periodically.
I am on my like fourth pair of Speedcross, so I like the shoe, but it doesn't have a wide fit, nor is it lightweight. If you wanted a Salomon I would look at the S/Lab Ultra, maybe in a half size up to get the width right? Really sweet shoe, light, stays snug.
I use my old trail running shoes for hiking and grocery shopping. I don’t see why you couldn’t combine all that into one pair. What you’re describing can easily be done with something like the Salomon Sense or Genesis.
I have used Zamberlain, Solomon Ultras, La Sportiva Prodigios, Arc'teryx Norvan, Topo Ultraventure, Altra Lone Peak, and I am currently using Kailas Fuga EX. Zamberlain - sole delaminated La Sportiva Prodigios - most comfortable yet not durable Solomon Ultras - too hot, heavy, fit was bit sloppy. Decent traction Topo Ultraventure - good toe box but not durable Altra Lone Peak - not for me Kailas Fuga EX - Best Grip, most durable, one of the lightest, took a bit of break-in and is now very comfortable (La Sportiva still is most comfortable), great on mud yet durable on pavement, runs narrow but they have a wide model with plenty of room. https://preview.redd.it/6l8apbqae0gg1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3631376751409ad88a8d3d4b91bc11f1133c8e6 sum of the attributes make it my current favorite I am a westerner living in Asia so availability may matter depending on your location. Most use cases are softer trails or mud with roots. Some pavement. Have used them in Southeast Asia and Nepal.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

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Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails

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Hoka - Speedgoat Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions

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Mount to Coast - H1
Best for Steep technical descents

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Salomon - Genesis Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

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La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





