Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 - Women's Review

With a 29 mm heel stack, an Energy Blade plate, and 3 mm drop, the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is a shoe made for speedy efforts on creamy single tracks.

Performance Comparison

Foot Protection

While not the most protective in the bunch, the protection of the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 speaks to the types of trails it was created for. It has a moderate toe cap with a laminated-style edge to deflect water and minor toe stubs. The Energy Blade embedded into its midsole is a speed-focused device, lacking the intensity of a traditional rock plate. While anything underfoot creates a level of protectiveness, the moderate 29 mm stack and 3.18 mm lugs fall short of being a shoe made for high mountain terrain. At first, the suction-like element of the heel collar is off-putting, but our testers grew to love its ability to deflect sand and dirt during fast-paced runs. The collar extends rather high up onto the front of the ankle, which takes some getting used to, but is highly effective when it comes to protection. The only caveat here is that if the laces aren't locked down well, the natural movements of your feet can create gaps in the heel collar, allowing sand to slip in. When the laces are properly configured, there is no stopping the sand protection provided by the updated Pulsar Trail Pro.

Traction

Since the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 is made for more moderate trails, it lacks the grippy, bitey traction of shoes made for vertical faces. With multidirectional lugs that stand just over 3 mm deep, this shoe's rubber outsole was designed with agility and flexibility in mind. The Pulsar Trail Pro is a perfect shoe for moderate, flowy trails, but falls short when it comes to versatility. Great for creek hopping on wet, slippery rocks, we found the traction to be lacking only when on loose, silty gravel that makes up many of coastal California's trails. If your running needs have you scrambling up seriously technical terrain, you might have better luck with a different trail shoe. If your runs are centered around speed and agility on less demanding terrain, the Pulsar Trail is definitely worth checking out.

Stability

Standing at 29 mm with only a 3 mm drop, the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 is much like other low-drop shoes we have tested in that it allows your body to create its own stability. Devoid of lateral structures and excessive lateral padding, the space that the Pulsar Trail gives your toes allows your body to do the work. The semi-circle of padding within the heel collar creates rearfoot security, adding to its overall stability. The one-pull lace system allows you to run with the Pulsar Trail firmly locked onto your feet, omitting any lateral shifting as you run. The toe box is slightly wider than average, a welcome change in the world of long, slim Salomon-made running shoes, which can allow for a bit of wiggle room. Our testers enjoyed the additional space, but some runners might prefer a less roomy fit and feel.

Sensitivity

As is typical with plated shoes, the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 does not offer the best sensitivity around. This shoe has a semi-flexible outsole, allowing you to feel the muted sensations of the topography beneath you. The underfoot cushion feels specifically placed, protecting the more sensitive parts of your feet while allowing other parts to feel more. If you want to try out a shoe that isn't loaded with padding, the Pulsar Trail is a great shoe to try. Runners seeking intimate trail information will find the underfoot cushion too much, but those looking to dip their blackened-toenail-laden toes into a more sensitive option will find a nice balance in the sole of the Pulsar Trail Pro.

Comfort and Fit

Upon unwrapping the Pulsar Trail Pro 2, we were initially taken aback by the unwelcoming heel collar, precisely positioned cushioning, and single-pull lace system. To our pleasant surprise, slipping these shoes on proved to be a revelation. Within moments, we understood the buzz surrounding them. The strategically cushioned areas delicately cradled our tired feet, while the innovative lace system provided a secure midfoot lockdown—especially advantageous for navigating trails with speed and confidence. The cushion of the heel collar creates a secure and agile fit while the toe box allows space for toes to flex and work while running. The upper has a strip of padding to prevent the taught laces from digging into the tops of the feet. While not exactly a plush trail runner, we recommend the Pulsar Trail Pro to runners seeking a balance of comfort and speed-forward function.

Weight

As we extol the agility of the Pulsar Trail, it's worth mentioning that it registers at 7.39 ounces for a women's size 6.5, which, while not particularly heavy, doesn't quite qualify as ultralight given its moderate capabilities. While we experienced no reservations about its performance during our runs, there's an intellectual inclination for it to shed some weight. In terms of weight, the Pulsar Trail falls squarely in the middle of the pack. If you're seeking an ultralight option, this may not be the ideal choice, but it certainly doesn't rank among the heaviest offerings on the market.

Should You Buy the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2?

Depending on your needs, yes. The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro is not a shoe that will suit every runner's needs. It is speedy, equipped for moderate trails, and comfortably stable. This is not the shoe we recommend for your 100-mile efforts, but for speedy jaunts on non-technical topography, this shoe has you covered.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?