At any time when I slip on my trainers, I skip the pavement and hit the dust as a substitute. I’ve at all times leaned towards minimal cushioning for my path sneakers, which I consider helps me higher really feel the bottom beneath my toes and keep balanced.
So after I obtained a max-cushion shoe to check for SELF’s 2023 Sneaker Awards, I used to be a bit hesitant: An excessive amount of cushion tends to really feel unsteady and sloppy to me. However as quickly as I took a couple of steps in Salomon’s Extremely Glide 2, I knew this path shoe was completely different: It’s comfortable however responsive, supportive however not too cumbersome, and—most significantly—cushioned however nonetheless steady. Learn on for my full expertise with these path runners.
Who it’s for
Salomon began as a mountain attire and tools firm, originating within the French Alps. Whereas it’s recognized for its streetwear-worthy Sportstyle and XT-6 sneakers, the model has well-liked path trainers too. The Extremely Glide is a heat welcome for folks searching for a bit extra padding than different choices, and its second version is simply as comfortable, however provides larger stability. Because of its wider toe field, it’s designed for lengthy distances and cozy each day coaching, making it a strong decide for each professional or newbie path runners.
Out of the field
As quickly as I opened the field’s lid, I used to be impressed by the shoe’s earthy colours and ombré design. The purple fades into yellow and beige, and jogs my memory of a desert sundown—a refreshing look in comparison with the intense colours or uninteresting neutrals of different trainers. After I picked them up, I observed they’d a shocking quantity of padding alongside the ankle cuff, tongue, and higher, however nonetheless felt fairly light-weight on my fingers. The reasonable rocker sole additionally caught my eye, and I barely observed the claw-shaped lugs (the rubber knobs that assist with traction) on the outsole. Mainly, the Extremely Glide 2 virtually seems to be extra like a street shoe than a path shoe.
Match and really feel
As quickly as I slipped on the Extremely Glide 2, it felt like an ideal match—no rubbing or factors of discomfort. The padded higher seems like a number of materials at first, however throughout my runs, it created a softness that I haven’t skilled with many different path runners, and my ankle bone felt properly cradled. I additionally liked the roomy toe field; it’s extensive sufficient that my toes might splay out naturally, however not an excessive amount of in order that it felt clunky after I was operating over roots and rocks.
On the run
I attempted these sneakers after a protracted operating break and anticipated a tough reintroduction. Normally, irrespective of how slowly I ease into the miles, I get shin splints on my first few classes. However after a four-mile run on a slender path, my complete physique felt surprisingly recent—no aches or pains afterward. From there, I upped the ante and took these sneakers on a mixture of surfaces: gravel roads, trails, and boulder-strewn paths. Every time, I almost bounced off the bottom with every step, and my toes had loads of room to breathe in the summertime warmth. And because of the pull-tab laces, I by no means as soon as needed to fear about tying my sneakers. What a reduction.
I’ve now racked up not less than 40 miles in them, together with within the Wasatch Mountains in Utah and on a sandy path close to San Diego, and located that reasonable paths and trails are the place they actually shine. The traction on the soles sticks nicely to unfastened dust, they usually’re gentle and agile sufficient to deal with some steep hills and rocks. Whereas the cushioning creates a comfortable touchdown pad that I didn’t love on tremendous difficult parts of the path, it was a a lot wanted reduction in all places else.
Backside line
I’m comfortable to report that I’m now a cushion convert: The Extremely Glide 2 has turn out to be my go-to path runner for all however probably the most technical mountain terrain the place I would like the additional grip and agility. So in case you’re something like me and wish all the assistance you will get to extend consolation and delight on a run, I’d extremely advocate this pair.
Past that, I’m impressed by how actually versatile this runner is: The cushioning, traction, and match all strike the proper stability to really feel good in most eventualities, and I’m not often left wanting extra out of anybody function. Anybody from an extremely runner to somebody simply beginning out on trails might respect the comfort-oriented cushion and match. And whereas the Extremely Glide 2 is tremendous enjoyable on dust, it’s additionally a uncommon breed that appears cool sufficient to decorate up for a day trip too.