REASONS TO BUY
Great price
Flexible
Comfortable
Responsive
One-pull lacing system
REASONS TO AVOID
No aggressive outsole
Lug durability is questionable
New Version Available
Salomon released the Sense Ride 3. Details below.
March 2020Salomon Sense Ride 2 - Women's Review
A well fitted and comfortable shoe that is best for non-technical surfaces
Credit: Salomon
Our Verdict
If you seek all-day comfort in a barebones shoe, the Salomon Sense Ride 2 delivers. It offers a good level of protection underfoot with a sensitive and stable platform that'll have you picking your way through different trail surfaces. The outsole is sticky and grippy, but not super aggressive, functioning best on smoother surfaces and zoomier single track. The upper is soft and moldable, while the entire shoe flexes overtop trail hazards. We love the comfort of this shoe but wish that it performed well on all surfaces; other versions are available and have a more aggressive outsole, which we imagine would perform magically.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Sense Ride 3 vs. Sense Ride 3
Salomon's latest version of the Sense Ride features a new Optivibe midsole that is designed to be more shock and vibration-absorbing than its predecessor. There are some new colorways, and the mesh upper has been redesigned slightly, as well. See the differences between the two shoes below, with the Sense Ride 3 shown first.
Since we've yet to test the updated model, the review from here on refers to the previous Sense Ride.
Hands-On Review of the Sense Ride 2
The Salomon Sense Ride 2 offers all-day comfort with its responsive midsole and super cozy upper. This flexible shoe has a more narrow profile, with many comfort and easy-to-use features. The outsole offers a good level of stickiness and grip but is limited to moderate slopes with less technical terrain. Overall, a great trail runner that we are psyched to be checking out!
Take on the backcountry trails with the Sense Ride 2. It's a sticky shoe that offers lightweight performance that is comfortable for whatever your mission.
Credit: Amber King
Foot Protection
This shoe offers a pretty average level of foot protection. Even though its design feels lightweight, it's surprisingly protective with a midsole that is packed with robust and harder and made of a material called Vibe. In the forefoot, it has 27 mm of material while the heel has 19mm of padding.
The toe cap is pretty flexible which doesn't lend to the best protection.
Credit: Amber King
This midsole is somewhat protective, but can't offer enough of a bumper from direct blows with super sharp rocks. This shoe does not have a rock plate, which contributes to a more responsive and springy lift-off and landing. The toe bump is a little more flexible, so it's not the most protective from hard impacts. This shoe will keep you protected on the trail from unwanted debris, with the affinity to tackle most surfaces.
The midsole through the body is thicker, offering sufficient protection from underfoot hazards.
Credit: Amber King
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is wonderful. It allows you to feel all aspects of the trail from rocks to roots, providing better stability and protection overall. If you're seeking a sensitive trail shoe, this is a wonderful option to consider.
The forefoot has minimal material which makes feeling the trail easy.
Credit: Amber King
Traction
The traction on this shoe is sub-par for a trail runner but works super well on dirt roads and less technical terrain. The ContraGrip rubber proves to be sticky on rocky surfaces that are both wet and dry.
A look at the ContraGrip rubberized outsole that is sticky but doesn't do well with wet or soft trail surfaces.
Credit: Amber King
Unfortunately, because the lugs are smaller, they don't grab super slippery surfaces on steep slopes very well. We found that on single track trail, they thrive. But in wet mud or snow, these shoes are best left at home.
Stability
Stability is also pretty bomber. The fit has a more European feel, with a slim feel in general. Even though there is a lot of material packed into the outsole, it feels low to the ground with good lateral stability.
Testing the stability of this runner over some rocky terrain near the Skeena River in Terrace, BC.
Credit: Amber King
The heel cup fits nice and tightly, so it doesn't slide around, feeling good on the trail. If the toe box was a touch wider, we imagine this shoe would feel even more stable than it is.
A look at the harness that wraps around the top of the foot to add stability on the trail.
Credit: Amber King
Comfort & Fit
The upper and midsole all articulate well to cater to optimal comfort for all-day wear. The upper is constructed of an Endofit upper that slips on just like a sock. The tongue is super soft and provides a versatile fit. The lacing system has a one-pull system with a hideaway pocket located in the tongue. Underfoot, the cushioning molds to the foot over time, offering all-around comforts that makes this shoe great to wear casually or on the trail all day.
A look at the one-pull lacing system that keeps the shoe snug on the run. If you're not a fan of it, cut out the laces and replace with another set that is thin.
Credit: Amber King
The fit offers some arch support with a tight-fitting heel cup. The toe box is wide enough and flexible enough for a wide-footed person, but tapers at the front, not allowing a whole lot of wiggle room. It has an 8mm heel to toe drop which offers more support and cushioning for both midfoot and heel strikers. In all, we love the comfort of this shoe that provides a fit best for those with regular to narrow feet.
Weight
A lightweight trail shoe that weighs 8.6 oz for a size nine, this was one of our highest scorers in this metric. If light is right for your running adventures, the Sense Ride 2 is a great consideration.
The Sense Ride is another lightweight shoe. Here we see the weight of one size nine.
Credit: Amber King
Value
This shoe offers outstanding value. Do take note that we've noticed lugs wearing down when worn on hard-packed or abrasive surfaces, which could affect the Ride's overall level of long-term value. However, its performance is definitely worth the price.
A great shoe for any type of trail. Whether you're hiking and trail running in British Columbia (as we are) or taking on your morning trail training run. This sticky, lightweight shoe is a great option.
Credit: Amber King
Conclusion
The Salomon Sense Ride 2 offers immense comfort for all-day wear. Best for non-technical surfaces and dirt roads, it has a limited performance on steeper slopes and sloppy conditions. If you're a fan of Salomon, the price is right on this one.
A low profile and super comfortable shoe that is great for both non-technical trails and everyday wear.
Credit: Amber King
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Amber King
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