Every time I slip on my trainers, I skip the pavement and hit the grime as a substitute. I’ve at all times leaned towards minimal cushioning for my path footwear, which I consider helps me higher really feel the bottom below my toes and keep balanced.
So after I obtained a max-cushion shoe to check for SELF’s 2023 Sneaker Awards, I used to be a bit hesitant: An excessive amount of cushion tends to really feel unsteady and sloppy to me. However as quickly as I took a number of steps in Salomon’s Extremely Glide 2, I knew this path shoe was totally different: It’s mushy however responsive, supportive however not too cumbersome, and—most significantly—cushioned however nonetheless secure. Learn on for my full expertise with these path runners.
Who it’s for
Salomon began as a mountain attire and gear firm, originating within the French Alps. Whereas it’s recognized for its streetwear-worthy Sportstyle and XT-6 sneakers, the model has common path trainers too. The Extremely Glide is a heat welcome for individuals in search of a bit extra padding than different choices, and its second version is simply as comfortable, however gives larger stability. Because of its wider toe field, it’s designed for lengthy distances and cozy each day coaching, making it a strong decide for each professional or newbie path runners.
Out of the field
As quickly as I opened the field’s lid, I used to be impressed by the shoe’s earthy colours and ombré design. The pink fades into yellow and beige, and jogs my memory of a desert sundown—a refreshing look in comparison with the intense colours or uninteresting neutrals of different trainers. After I picked them up, I seen that they had a shocking quantity of padding alongside the ankle cuff, tongue, and higher, however nonetheless felt fairly light-weight on my fingers. The average rocker sole additionally caught my eye, and I barely seen the claw-shaped lugs (the rubber knobs that assist with traction) on the outsole. Principally, the Extremely Glide 2 virtually appears extra like a highway shoe than a path shoe.
Match and really feel
As quickly as I slipped on the Extremely Glide 2, it felt like an ideal match—no rubbing or factors of discomfort. The padded higher appears like a number of materials at first, however throughout my runs, it created a softness that I haven’t skilled with many different path runners, and my ankle bone felt properly cradled. I additionally cherished the roomy toe field; it’s vast sufficient that my toes may splay out naturally, however not an excessive amount of in order that it felt clunky after I was working over roots and rocks.
On the run
I attempted these footwear after an extended working break and anticipated a tough reintroduction. Often, regardless of how slowly I ease into the miles, I get shin splints on my first few periods. However after a four-mile run on a slender path, my complete physique felt surprisingly contemporary—no aches or pains afterward. From there, I upped the ante and took these footwear on a mixture of surfaces: gravel roads, trails, and boulder-strewn paths. Every time, I practically bounced off the bottom with every step, and my toes had loads of room to breathe in the summertime warmth. And due to the pull-tab laces, I by no means as soon as needed to fear about tying my footwear. What a reduction.
I’ve now racked up at the very least 40 miles in them, together with within the Wasatch Mountains in Utah and on a sandy path close to San Diego, and located that average paths and trails are the place they actually shine. The traction on the soles sticks properly to free grime, they usually’re gentle and agile sufficient to sort out some steep hills and rocks. Whereas the cushioning creates a mushy touchdown pad that I didn’t love on tremendous tough parts of the path, it was a a lot wanted reduction all over the place else.
Backside line
I’m pleased to report that I’m now a cushion convert: The Extremely Glide 2 has change into my go-to path runner for all however essentially the most technical mountain terrain the place I want the additional grip and agility. So when you’re something like me and want all the assistance you will get to extend consolation and delight on a run, I might extremely suggest this pair.
Past that, I’m impressed by how really versatile this runner is: The cushioning, traction, and match all strike the proper stability to really feel good in most situations, and I’m hardly ever left wanting extra out of anyone function. Anybody from an extremely runner to somebody simply beginning out on trails may admire the comfort-oriented cushion and match. And whereas the Extremely Glide 2 is tremendous enjoyable on grime, it’s additionally a uncommon breed that appears cool sufficient to decorate up for a day trip too.
