Salomon Sense Ride 5 - Women's Review

Sitting at just under 28 mm with a measured 9 mm drop, the Sense Ride 5 is a stable shoe with great weight distribution. The cushion is responsive and springy, though the shoe's body is a bit wide, which can make the overall ride feel mushy if it doesn't fit your feet correctly.

Foot Protection

The new-and-improved Sense Ride provides a comfortable balance between flexibility and protection. It has a rubber toe cap similar to those on other shoes built for moderate terrain. The upper mesh is well-woven and does a pretty good job keeping sand and debris out, though it's not the most impermeable we have seen. The outsole of the Sense Ride does not contain a rock plate, which is part of what allows the shoe's base to be so flexible and responsive. The 28 mm stack offers good underfoot protection without going overboard and inhibiting trail feel. For a shoe that is made for rugged trails, the Sense Ride lacks some of the burlier features that many other options have. However, it has quite a bit more cushioning throughout, providing a softer version of foot protection.

Traction

The traction metric is typically where Salomon-made shoes shine, and the Sense Ride is no exception. The Contragrip outsole is sticky and grippy, and the well-placed, 3.5 mm lugs help keep you firmly planted on loose earth. The lugs at the forefoot have eight edges each, providing grip linearly and laterally. The lugs that coat the rear of the outsole are mostly diamond-shaped and placed at an angle to provide additional grip through the heel. The rearmost lugs extend to the very edge of the outsole and face forward; the varied angles and shapes of the lugs make the outsole of this shoe suitable for most terrain types, though there are shoes that performed slightly better on really muddy trails.

Sensitivity

For such a plush trail running shoe, the Sense Ride 5 is remarkably sensitive. The flexibility and levity of the outsole allow for a good trail feel, which is uncommon in well-padded shoes. Since the Sense Ride doesn't have many additional protective features, it can achieve this strong sensitivity. If you are looking for a shoe that balances sensitivity, cushion, and stability, this is a good one. If you are in the mood to hit the trails in a shoe with the best sensitivity, there are better options. But for well-rounded trail intel, the Sense Ride is a great choice.

Stability

One of the things that our testers love most about Salomon shoes is their stability. They vary in drop heights, with the Sense Ride sitting at a 9 mm drop (Salomon claims the drop is 8.3 mm). The heel cup tapers in just slightly, creating a snug fit that cradles the heel. The wider fit means your foot has plenty of room to spread and engage, further adding to stability. Since most of the stack is made of comfortable cushioning, it gives just enough to prevent ankle rolls and missteps. For a shoe that feels stable and encourages proper flexing and spreading of your toes, the Sense Ride is a great shoe to check out.

Comfort and Fit

The updates to the Sense Ride have made it significantly more comfortable than previous iterations. Instead of being a wide, flat shoe, the Sense Ride now has a bit more in-house height with more lateral structure via rubberized overlays. The heel cup and tongue are plush and well-contoured for a fit that begins to feel customized after a few runs. Narrow-footed runners may not like the extra midfoot space, but those with wider feet will feel like this shoe was designed specifically for them. With a more flexible outsole than many of the highest-scoring trail running shoes, the Sense Ride moves and bends with you. The only issue we found with this comfortable fit is that since the shoe flexes with your feet as you run, the upper shows signs of wear and creasing more quickly than we'd prefer. But if you are a wide-footed runner who wants a comfortable, well-tractioned shoe with a lightweight upper, the Sense Ride is a good shoe to try out.

Weight

The Sense Ride 5 weighs 8.55 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe. This is slightly higher than average but not exceptionally so. The weight is well distributed, though it is apparent that the majority of the weight rides in the back half of the shoe. The extra bit of heel lift and cushion is great for heel strikers and neutral runners. The upper mesh is lightweight and breathable, and even though the forefoot feels lighter than the rear, the Sense Ride still feels balanced and comfortable on the trails.

Should You Buy the Salomon Sense Ride 5?

The updates to the Sense Ride have taken it from a shoe that our testers disliked to one that we enthusiastically recommend. If a wider-fitting shoe with lots of cushion sounds like a match for you, this could be a great choice for you. With balanced sensitivity, stability, and excellent traction, the Sense Ride is one of those shoes we tend to recommend across the board, even though it doesn't stand out in any one metric specifically.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

If you like the idea of cushion but want a shoe that is durable enough to hold up to the demands of high-mileage, rugged running, the Hoka Torrent 3 is our top recommendation. The Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 is a slightly less cushioned version of the Sense Ride. The Pulsar Trail is near-equal in its ranking, but lends itself to more agility-forward running than the Sense Ride. If agility is what you're after, the Nnormal Kjerag is a stripped-back version of a trail shoe, making it an even lighter and peppier choice. Finally, if a wider-than-average shoe is what your heart desires, the Topo Ultraventure 3 is a ready-for-anything shoe with a wider profile.