S/LAB SENSE 8
Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Reddit Reviews
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.
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
For my running/FL shoe I have a Salomon Trail Sense 8 (fits into the outer boot), for approach I either use the TX2 Evo or the Arcteryx Acrux FL (heavy but supportive and great for small ledges). For climbing shoes I use Cobras/Muiras/Mythos. For technical ice/big mountain stuff I have G5s and recently a pair of G-Summits and for lighter stuff I have the Salomon Alpine Modular boots which do great for Scottish stuff and messing about at low altitude in winter
Old school Salomon's like the Sense 8 are low stack, but they have a thin rock plate so you can blast through rocks. I miss that, however the minimal cushion beats up your legs.
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 used the Salmon Sense, maybe ride it was? Anyway I’ve used it for big hikes in Hawaii, both volcanic, rocky and muddy. Phenomenal shoes
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!
As someone who has run in Kinvaras for a decade, this is what many people think but it’s wrong. Salomon S lab shoes is the answer. Peregrines suck.
Peregrines have poor trail feel and simply don’t fit the same as ANY other saucony shoe. I have worn dozens of Saauocny road shoes, currently own five, but the peregrine caused instant heel rub that couldn’t be stopped with any lacing tricks. The S Labs feel like a kinvara on the trail. Good minimal cushion with great ground feel and lateral stability. Perhaps I’m an outlier but I have heard a few other Saucony people say something similar. My foot is slightly narrow so that might have something to do with my impression of the peregrine
You’ll have a much larger selection of shoes using gaiters. As for shoes like Saucony, I do all my road running in Endorphins all my trail running is Salomon, especially their SLab models. Good luck. Another option is LaSportiva. All three fit similarly.
I recomend Salomon slab series, because of its tough upper and strong grip!
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





