Salomon Ultra Glide 2 - Women's Review

The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 is a 6 mm drop, moderate stack (30 mm in the heel), well-tractioned trail shoe that is built for versatility. With an ultra-thin ProfeelFILM embedded in its undercarriage, the updated Ultra Glide is an affordable, versatile shoe that will serve most runners well.

Performance Comparision

Foot Protection

The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 delivers exactly what you'd expect from a dependable trail shoe. While it's not designed for scaling arctic mountain faces, it offers ample protection for the trails most runners frequent. The outsole extends slightly up the toe, shielding against rocks and debris, while the water-resistant toe cap rises a bit higher than usual, adding an extra layer of defense. The upper, crafted from Salomon's SensiFIT textile, strikes a balance between breathability and near-impenetrable durability. The plush, well-contoured heel collar avoids feeling overly engineered or restrictive. Instead of a traditional rock plate, Salomon uses a thin foam layer called ProfeelFILM, which provides underfoot protection and comfort without adding rigidity.

Traction

The lugs that cover the outsole of the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 are 4.3 mm deep, which is slightly taller than average. Most of the lugs are diamond-shaped, with a few core chevron-shaped lugs for maximal traction. Overall, the outsole allows runners to feel confident on most surfaces. While the spacing of the lugs seems more suitable for moderate trails, the Ultra Glide holds its own on more demanding terrain. Though lacking true mud-running tech, wet grass and even the occasional mud puddle were no match for the grippy, well-placed lug pattern adorning this outsole.

Sensitivity

As is the case across the board, the Ultra Glide 2 earns an above-average-but-not-outstanding score in this metric. The Ultra Glide offers dampened sensitivity that doesn't totally inhibit trail feel. The contours of the insole and how they work with the midsole materials allow runners to feel connected to the ground as they run without feeling every single detail. Runners who like a lot of sensitivity will find the 30 mm stack of the Ultra Glide to be too thick, but it's a bit more sensitive than a true plush, super-stacked shoe.

Stability

At 8.17 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the Ultra Glide isn't especially heavy. Its slight bit of chunk provides some real lateral stability that I grew to love. With a 6mm drop and a noticeable rocker shape, the Ultra Glide rides like a softer version of a typical road shoe, adding comfort and familiarity. The midfoot side walls exist but aren't imposing, creating a neutral ride overall. Salomon's one-pull lacing system is secure through the midfoot, adding a sense of stability to this neutral trail shoe.

Comfort and Fit

We recommend the Ultra Glide 2 for runners who need a versatile trail shoe that performs well across various distances and terrains. This shoe strikes a perfect balance between comfort and energy, making it an excellent choice for everything from easy long runs to faster, more intense efforts. The cushioning is plush enough to keep your feet feeling fresh over extended distances, while its responsive design provides just the right amount of energy return to make shorter runs fun and efficient. The Ultra Glide 2 is built for comfort and unfussy motivation through all seasons of trail running.

Weight

At slightly over 8 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the updated Ultra Glide weighs in around the middle of the pack. Its weight is on par with the technology and comfort it offers. While not the lightest shoe in our lineup, it's light enough to lay down some peppy paces. That said, it's beefy enough to provide some stability and traction while doing so. I love how well the weight is distributed on this shoe, making it a shoe I reach for on days when I'm not really sure where the trail might lead.

Should You Buy the Salomon Ultra Glide 2?

Everything about the Ultra Glide makes it an awesome shoe. Runners who are looking for more specified elements might not like the versatile nature of this shoe as much as runners who want an everyday trail shoe. Not only is the Ultra Glide ready for whatever daily runs you throw at it, but it's also available for significantly less than many of our higher-scoring options, making it a top choice for versatility on a budget.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

In terms of the performance-to-price ratio, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the most similar to the Salomon Ultra Glide. While divergent in overall style, the Speedgoat offers slightly higher scores across the board and equal versatility. The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is another comparable option with a side of speed, though it is slightly pricier. Many other Salomon options, such as the Pulsar Trail Pro 2 and the Sense Ride 5 offer a similar style and fit with slightly different attributes. The Pulsar Trail is a bit more plush, but it weighs less and offers more stability. The Sense Ride is on the heavier side, but it stands out as another versatile trail runner.