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Top Pros
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Reddit Reviews
I disagree with this. I have the ultra glide 3 and Slab 1.5 version and have run multiple super technical trail runs and races in them. Just now I ran TGC in them and had more grip up a muddy hill then anyone else it seemed!
I would consider the Glde or the Pulsar a more similar fit/run to the Ride than the Genesis.
Salomon s-lab pulsar is a good one for mellow flowy trails, and the Nnormal Kjerags are great if it's a little more technical, they're not quite as light or springy.
Nike Ultrafly have been awesome for me on faster, more runnable trails, even though they’re a bit on the heavy side. If you’re okay with a bit less stack, the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar is unbelievably light and only wants to go hard.
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.
I tried the PDX and Tam 2 years ago and currently run in the MTC R1 (~100 miles) and T1 (~50 miles). I don't have them side by side though. The Speedlands were ok but nothing special, there were already other fast shoes like Nnormal Kerag and Salomon Pulsar series, and long run/ultra shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Edge that worked great for me at a fraction of the price and lighter to boot. I don't care for boa, they add to costs, bulk, maybe weight and for me would be a hardware solution for a minor problem having to do with attention to detail when just lacing up. R1 fits my feet well which is a major item for me, durability is good so far, and runs well enough. Will take time to compare to the Endorphin Speed 3s I enjoyed for a few years because I could get 900-1000+ miles/pair out of them and the current Endorphin Speed 4s are notably too narrow. T1 is what the Speedgoat or MTN Racer could be. Fits my wide feet well, good amount of bouncy cushioning that I don't feel like I'm fighting when picking up the pace, and solid traction.
Solomon makes good lightweight trail runners, but honestly my Merril Moab low tops are my favorites. They’re lightweight (enough), but mainly they’re extremely comfy for me. I’ve seen people talk about the eyelets wearing out prematurely but I haven’t experienced that on either of my pairs. For reference, one pair gets moderate hiking and camping use, the other pair is a daily driver for me as a contractor
The downside of trail runners to me (Solomans) was I would sometimes get foot bruises on sharp rocky ground. I switched to hiking shoes (Merrell's) and I feel it's a better compromise between trail runners and boots. Pretty light and more comfortable.
My Solomans had a rock plate (thank you for pointing out my omission), but I feel a big difference with my Murrell Moab's. To each there own, I know trail runners are the favorite, the Moab works better for me (I have dainty feet, I guess).
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

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

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

Top pick
Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents

Top pick
Salomon - Genesis Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





