Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 Review (2025): Maximum Comfort?
The Annecy-based brand launched its S/Lab Ultra Glide in late 2024 as part of its quest for ultimate comfort on ultra-trails.
With maximum cushioning and foot protection, this first model had its strengths, but it wasn’t quite perfect. This new 1.5 version is therefore an opportunity to correct those flaws and evolve the S/Lab Ultra Glide without straying from its roots.
I tested this model for two months, with the advantage of not having run in the original version. I’m mostly familiar with Salomon’s more technical models, such as the S/Lab Genesis and the (very) old first-generation S/Lab Ultra.
To put it simply, I set out without any preconceived notions and with the intention of fully experiencing Salomon’s “max comfort” approach.
So, how good are these shoes? Do they perform well enough despite their focus on comfort? And what about the often-criticized traction of the Contagrip soles?
That's what we'll find out in this in-depth test conducted in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Our verdict
These are excellent shoes that offer maximum comfort and protection, but at the cost of high weight and lack of responsiveness.
- Weight: 297 g (men's size 42), 278 g (women's size 40)
- Sole: 41 mm (heel), 6 mm (Drop)
- Use: ultra- and long-distance runs on slightly to moderately technical terrain
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 is a trail running shoe clearly designed for maximum comfort, intended for long distances and ultras on non-technical surfaces. This version addresses several shortcomings of the first model, notably thanks to a redesigned heel counter and improved overall lockdown.
With a high stack height of 41 mm and Optifoam/Optifoam+ foam, the cushioning is very plush, effectively absorbing shocks and reducing fatigue over time, though at the cost of reduced ground feel. The Contagrip outsole with Relieve Sphere provides good grip on dry, compact, or loose surfaces, but could be improved on wet rocks.
Stable on hilly surfaces but less comfortable on turns and steep slopes, the shoe lacks responsiveness and lightness. It is primarily designed for ultra runners seeking comfort and protection rather than pure performance.
Benefits
- Excellent foothold
- Maximum, very comfortable cushioning
- Redesigned collar and heel cup for greater comfort
- Good grip on mixed surfaces
Disadvantages
- Lack of stability when turning and on steep surfaces
- Insufficient grip on wet surfaces (especially rocks)
Traction and Types of Surface
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 features the same type of outsole as the previous version:
- The brand's traditional Contagrip outsole rubber, with 4-mm lugs
- Relieve Sphere Technology: a unique sole design featuring spherical slots and a wavy geometry
This latest innovation improves grip, shock absorption, and overall comfort.
The lugs on the outsole provide good grip, and I found the shoes to be comfortable on compact surfaces, plush ground, and in mud.
In addition, the spherical slots on this model stay clean under all conditions, without accumulating dirt and debris (which is very nice).
On the other hand, once winter conditions set in, I ran into the same old problem with Salomon soles: they get slippery really fast on wet rocks!
In my opinion, you need to be careful on hard, wet surfaces, where I find a Vibram sole to be more effective.
Cushioning
By replacing Energy Foam with the dual combination of Optifoam and Optifoam+, Salomon provides even more plushness underfoot.
It absorbs shocks very well and wraps the foot in super-comfortable cushioning, even though it reduces the feel of the ground.
The cushioning is a little less firm than on the first S/Lab Ultra Glide models, we appreciate the extra flexibility.
The Optifoam layer extends slightly toward the back as well, providing even more protection for the heel, great news for people with heel pain!
With a 41-mm stack height, Salomon is embracing maximalism in its lineup. This is a welcome development given the brand’s versatility, but it will be a new experience for its regular customers.
Personally, I prefer the S/Lab Genesis, whose much lower stack height (34 mm) and Energy Surge foam offer a good balance between generous cushioning and stability on technical terrain.
Foot Support and Protection
As usual, the foothold is impeccable in a Salomon shoe.
This is where the brand made the most significant changes compared to the first version.
In particular, the heel counter has been redesigned because it had caused problems for many runners (chafing around the heel). As a result, the S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 features a wider heel counter with a collar that is less angled inward. The result: no annoying friction or chafing on the Achilles tendon or the sides of the ankle.
The tongue has also been modified to reduce bending.
The fit is also better in the forefoot. My toes have plenty of room, and the QuickLace system locks the midfoot in perfectly.
The sizing and fit are relatively standard, but be careful if you have wide feet. You'll need to go up half a size or choose a different brand (Salomon generally fits narrower feet better).
Finally, the sole is flared, especially at the rear, which helps improve stability despite the very high stack height.
Usage
I've used the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 extensively on dry, sandy, and rocky surfaces, as well as on pastures, during recovery runs, and on long runs.
They are especially ideal for long distances, where you can really feel the comfort and reduced fatigue. On hilly surface with moderate slopes, propulsion is smooth thanks to the slight rocker and the flared sole.
On the other hand, they seem rather heavy to me and not as responsive as I would like for distances of less than 50 km, or even 100 km.
In my opinion, these are the kind of shoes you wear during the second half of a 100-mile ultra to run with comfort and ease, even if it means sacrificing some speed.
Quality and Lifespan
Overall, the S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 is a sturdy, well-designed shoe, featuring high-quality components such as the highly durable Matryx upper and comfortable, flexible foam.
They held up very well in the trap-filled forests of the Pyrenees (there are brambles everywhere!), with no tears or defects.
The outsole is in very good condition after two months of testing, which is also promising, especially considering the price of €250!
Conclusion
Despite their name, which places them in Salomon's high-performance category (S/Lab), these Ultra Glide 1.5 shoes are designed primarily for comfort at the end of a race rather than for a podium finish.
They perform very well on hilly, less technical surfaces because of their thick sole, which provides maximum shock absorption but limits ground feel and stability.
For better responsiveness and a better balance between feel and comfort, I’d recommend the S/Lab Genesis instead. But for ultras on relatively non-technical, dry trails, the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 offers exceptional comfort.
Technical Description
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Trail |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel height | 41 mm |
| Forefoot height | 35 mm |
| Lugs | 4 mm |
| Weight (men) | 297 g/10.5 oz |
| Weight (women) | 278 g/9.8 oz |
| Features | Rocker, Unisex |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2025 |
Cushioning
| Softness | Soft |
| Responsiveness | Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip, RelieveSPHERE |
| Midsole | OptiFoam, OptiFoam+ |
| Upper | Matryx, Quicklace System |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Ultramarathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Racing |
Reference: Salomon official website
