S/Lab Sense 7 FG

Very cool. I assume these shoes are quite stiff compared to a similar weight mountain running flat (I use Arcteryx Norvan SL3). I think I prefer a more flexible shoe for really steep uphill running (like 20%+ grade stuff). I occasionally run one of my favorite stee climbs in a pair of Adios 9’s, which are fun and relatively poppy compared to my SL3’s, but I’d imagine a plated road shoe would be a lot stiffer. I have never used a plated road shoe though, so it’s pure conjecture on my part. Anyway, lots of writing just to ask if you find them overly stiff for really steep climbing. Edit to add: I’ve modified a pair of Salomon S-Lab sense 7’s in the past by resoling with C4 dotty stealth rubber to get improved grip. I found the new sole too heavy though.

Here’s my contribution. I haven’t done controlled tests like you did, but I run a lot of rocky vertical terrain and have put lots of miles in all these shoes. Trying to focus here on wet rock grip from the outsole and ignore other shoe attributes (fit, lock down, flexibility/stiffness, weight, cushion, etc) that also come into play with their overall ability to do the job on wet rock 5: VJ Maxx 1&2 VJ Spark Arcteryx Norvan VT (limited mileage) 4. Arcteryx Norvan SL 1, 2, &3 Salomon s/Lab Sense 7&8 Nnormal Kjeraq 3. La Sportiva Helios SR La Sportiva Vertical K & VK INOV-8 F-Lite 195 2. Whole bunch of older inov-8 x-talon and RocLite models NB minimus Salomon s/lab ultra 3 Salomon s/lab sense 7SG 1. Old Nike Terra kiger Salomon s/lab sense 1, 2, 3 For spiked shoes, I actually think they suffer quite a bit on rock because they don’t stick instantly like pure rubber soles. 4. VJ Devil 4 3. VJ bold race, VJ ice hero, INOV-8 ORoc 280

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.

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

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.

Rocks : Topo or anything with this great vibram soles Mud : saucony peregrine or Salomon s-lab

I've tried a few S Lab shoes that didn't work for me due to my wide feet. There might be some hope here with Brooks!