S/LAB ULTRA 3
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 had a pair. Was really disappointed with the grip on wet rock, so I used them exclusively for dirt and gravel roads for the next 600+ miles. Didn’t love them, but didn’t hate them either. Won’t be buying another pair.
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
salomon s/lab ultra 1,2,3 low stack and breathable durable matrix upper
ye ive always complained about salomons not gripping well on wet rock. Contagrip sucks and its a shame because salomon shoes are the ones that fit me best
I swapped to Salomon S-Lab Ultra 3's and they are amazing. They are not as wide so I wear the thinnest merino socks with them for more space up front (I have normal-width feet). They're incredibly grippy and supportive while remaining sensitive. I find they dry even faster than the LPs.
I’ve been using Salomon Slab Ultra 3s and Hoka Speedgoat 5s for my main shoes for couple years. I needed some alternatives for Speedgoats as the 6th edition didn’t feel as comfy as 5s, so I decided to try Glide 3. My first impressions weren’t anything special. The shoes felt a bit dead. After maybe 70+kms they’ve started to feel much better, more responsive, and currently I use them for more relaxed runs (”do whatever runs”). I find them comfortable. Still rather opt for Slab Ultra3/Genesis when I know I’m gonna have a long haul on trails.
I tried going a size up and just couldn't get the fit right.. 300km in these shoes now and hate them. I'm really finding that true to size works well with a cushioned moisture wicking sock, as long as the shoe allows me to splay my toes and feel snug in the heel. What you say rough sides, are you meaning fabric and stitching etc? The past 12months of trails I've been experimenting with: Adidas Agravic Ultra Salomon s/lab Ultra Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (sized up) Merrell Agility Peak 5 Hoka Speedgoat 6
Thanks for your recommendation and congrats on your race! not sure what REI is (I'm in Australia).what combo did you go with? I have been experimenting and don't mind an excuse to spend money :D I'm quite experienced running..(10 years with a decent marathon time) and don't have this problem with road shoes. The past 12months of trails I've been experimenting with: Adidas Agravic Ultra Salomon s/lab Ultra Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (sized up) Merrell Agility Peak 5 Hoka Speedgoat 6 Sock wise, experimented too and find cushioned, moisture wicking best, morino wool good too.
Not sure about this.. I'm quite experienced running 10 years with a decent marathon time and don't have this problem with road shoes. The past 12months of trails I've been experimenting with: Adidas Agravic Ultra Salomon s/lab Ultra Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (sized up) Merrell Agility Peak 5 Hoka Speedgoat 6
I have both shoes , put about 50 miles in the Salomon’s and probably about 75 in the PPs. Salomon’s are on the shelf now , I struggled with technical trail confidence due to the stack height and they are also less grippy than the PPs. Like any La Sportiva, the PP are a narrow shoe but have been perfect for me so far , wore them out of the box on a 50k in Texas and they were great.
I love my Peregrine 13. Good support, good traction on most trails, even when muddy, and barely feel small rocks. My summit unknown and s/Lab Ultra are great for shorter distance as they are light, but also have less support. The Unknown has the best grip I've ever had, but they also seem to be discontinued 😔. The s/lab are stiff and drain really well. These three are also the only trail shoes I've ever had, so take that for what it's worth. My only regret is getting the peregrine goretex version. Completely unnecessary and puts more stress on my toe nails. Live and learn.
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.