When a shoe will get a full redesign, it could possibly go certainly one of two methods: it both solves issues you didn’t understand you had or it overcomplicates a very good factor. With the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4, Salomon clearly went all-in.
From the upper stack top, up to date foams, and a extra structured higher, this model in some ways looks like a special shoe altogether. I used to be curious to see how these modifications added up on actual mountain terrain.
As a mountain runner, Salomon sneakers have at all times been on my radar. However once I noticed they’d collaborated with Swiss ski mountaineer and skyrunner Rémi Bonnet to create a racing shoe, I knew I needed to give the Pulsar 4 a attempt.
I put this shoe by a couple of weeks of various path situations – climbing, descending, quick intervals, and some straightforward miles – and it shocked me greater than as soon as.
Some options made rapid sense. Others took a little bit getting used to. However what stood out most was how dialed this shoe felt when issues acquired steep or technical. If charging technical descents is in your record for the yr, look no additional for a shoe that can provide help to meet your targets.
- Broad Toes: Salomon usually runs slender, however these really feel additional slender. No broad hundreds allowed.
- Technical Trails: This shoe was designed for technical trails the place good grip is required. The comfortable match means the shoe strikes proper with you so you recognize precisely the place you’re stepping – or pushing off.
- Lengthy Runs: The excessive stack top and cushion makes this an ideal shoe for lengthy days within the mountains.
- Entrance of the Pack: Designed for top efficiency, this shoe is a good choice for runners successful races and setting FKTs.
The Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 is the shoe for any runner wanting to maneuver quick within the mountains.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Overview
I examined this shoe throughout a few full weeks of coaching runs. I may take it or depart it for simple runs, however actually loved it for on-trail speedwork, due to the bounciness supplied by the dual-foam building.
Unsurprisingly, the place these sneakers actually shine is on technical terrain. The sticky rubber felt safe on rocky descents and the comfortable match gave me complete confidence over foot placements.
I actually observed this once I ran in my New Steadiness Recent Foam Hierros the day after a check run within the Pulsar. In contrast with the Hierro, within the Pulsar, my foot didn’t slide round in any respect – both contained in the shoe or on rock slabs.
Salomon invested in quite a lot of modifications from the earlier mannequin, together with a better stack top and drop (beforehand 4mm), extra structured higher to accommodate extra selection in foot shapes, a wider toe field, and bouncier foams… they usually actually hit the jackpot!
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Specs
- Weight: 8.82 oz Unisex
- Stack Top: 34mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Solely accessible in 1 shade
- Not accessible in broad
- Out there on www.salomon.com for $220
Purchase Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4
Fast Take
- Nice for technical trails
- Cosy, safe match
- Gentle and bouncy cushion
- Very slender and no broad choice
- Only one shade choice
- Not in a position to alter lacing sample
A fast observe on type: Nearly all of my ladies’s trainers and apparel are pastels and funky colours. Solely providing this unisex shoe in vibrant crimson/orange was actually a selection by Salomon. I want I may say I’ve been thoughtfully pairing it with black shorts… however I’ve been actually leaning into the facility conflict.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Professional Match
This can be a slender shoe – typical of Salomon. Even with a barely wider toe field than earlier fashions, the Pulsar 4 nonetheless feels significantly comfortable, even on my already slender toes.
The sock-like higher hugs the foot and retains the heel securely in place, permitting for extremely exact foot placement on technical terrain. That mentioned, it takes a minute to place the shoe on, and the built-in insole leaves little room for personalisation. For those who’re proper on the sting of what this shoe can accommodate width-wise, orthotics could also be a no-go.
The Quicklace system provides to the comfortable match. In idea, it permits for fast changes on the go. In follow, I nonetheless needed to cease completely to re-tighten mid-run (although I’ll admit that might simply be person error). The dearth of adjustable lacing patterns could also be a dealbreaker for runners who want extra flexibility for issues like heel locks or stress reduction. For those who’re susceptible to numb toes, this may not be your match.
On a constructive observe, the tongue is thoughtfully designed with an inward reduce, which I actually appreciated. Not like different sneakers which have left me scraped and blistered when carrying low socks, these saved my ankles joyful.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Really feel
Getting this shoe on takes some effort, however as soon as it was tightened up, it felt like my toes have been getting a supportive hug – comfortable, however not suffocating. The stack top feels increased than it’s however in contrast to different sneakers with a better stack, the Pulsar felt extremely steady. I used to be by no means involved about rolling an ankle or sliding round contained in the shoe.
Different Salomon sneakers I’ve run in have felt actually stiff and heavy however – regardless of weighing greater than earlier fashions – these sneakers felt gentle and bouncy, even simply strolling round my home.
I used to be happy to see a higher-drop path shoe, particularly one designed for efficiency. At 6mm, I felt comfy charging up hills and blasting by velocity periods with out worrying about my achilles tendons.
Comparable Footwear to the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4
The S/Lab Pulsar 4 isn’t for everybody, however for runners who crave precision on technical terrain, it delivers. For those who’re a mountain runner searching for a shoe that will help you PR your subsequent race or set your subsequent FKT, look no additional.
83%
When a shoe has grip this good and permits you to choose up the tempo it’s going to get a excessive score from us. Nevertheless, the slender match and unisex sizing maintain us from making it a go to path shoe for everybody.
Who Tried it?
Hello there! I’m Alyssa, a path runner and sports activities dietitian based mostly in Golden, Colorado. By winter, I log about 15-20 miles per week whereas mixing in cross-training on (fats and thin) skis. By summer season, I’m making the most of all that Colorado has to supply, logging 30-50 miles per week, chasing mountain views and steep vert. For ramblings about working, photographs of my border collies, and my favourite diet ideas for runners, observe me on Instagram @alyssaoutside_rd or attain out to me at www.peaktopeaknutrition.com.
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