Salomon Ultra Glide 3 (2025 Review): The Gold Standard for Ultra-Trail Running?
Salomon has reorganized its trail running lineup in recent years to make it clearer. This has resulted in the Pulsar collection (lightweight and responsive for short, fast-paced races) and the Genesis collection (versatile for all race distances).
For its part, the Ultra Glide series is the brand's flagship line for long-distance racing.
The previous version was already very successful and offered great versatility.
What about this new version? Is it right for you? Is it worth checking out?
That's what we'll find out in my surface test.
Why should you trust me?
I’m an amateur runner and a shoe enthusiast. Since I run 4,000-5,000 km a year, I have the opportunity to try out a wide variety of shoes. In particular, I’ve been able to test products from competing brands, such as the Hoka Speedgoat 6 and the Brooks Cascadia 18.
For this review, I used the shoe during standard training sessions ranging from recovery easy runs to traditional long runs on hilly surfaces. I also used them for more specialized fartlek workouts in wooded areas and on technical terrain.
Our verdict
A great trail running shoe, very comfortable and well-equipped, ideal for ultra runs.
- 290 g (size 42)
- Mouse Energy Foam, All-Surface Contagrip Outsole Rubber
- Height: 41 mm (heel), 35 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 6 mm
- 4-mm lugs
- Training, long-distance racing
The Salomon Ultra Glide 3 continues to be best for a wide range of activities while featuring a few notable changes.
Energy Foam (a blend of EVA and olefin) provides a feel that strikes a balance between firmness and softness, making it suitable for a wide range of runners. With excellent shock absorption and generous dimensions, the shoe is perfectly suited for ultra-marathons.
The engineered mesh provides good support and enhanced protection compared to the previous version. It is also more comfortable and well-suited for extended wear.
Finally, the All Terrain Contagrip outsole, combined with the new Relieve Sphere technology, is best for use on a wide variety of surfaces with excellent grip.
In short, the Salomon Ultra Glide 3 reaffirms its status as a dedicated ultra-running shoe and remains one of the best options in its category to date.
Benefits
- A versatile shoe for trail runners who want a pair that can do it all
- Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces
- Good strength
- Very comfortable and protective upper
- Effective cushioning for long distances
Disadvantages
- A little too wide for some testers with narrow feet
- A bit limited on more technical terrain
- Responsiveness is not as good as on v2
Adhesion
The outsole features All Terrain Contagrip technology, with 4-mm herringbone lugs. As with the previous version, it provides good grip while remaining flexible enough.
I'd even say it performs better with a more aggressive tread pattern. Traction on wet surfaces is also improved, although you shouldn't expect miracles on very slippery surfaces, such as those infamous wet rocks.
The new Relieve Sphere technology (which I'll discuss further in the Cushioning section) gives the outsole a unique shape, but it doesn't affect traction.
There is no rock plate, but this is hardly noticeable given the shoe's maximum dimensions.
Types of Surfaces
The shoe’s versatility across a wide variety of terrains is undeniable, even though its preferred surface remains compact, typically the trails found on fast-paced ultra races.
The shoe does, however, offer better traction on loose surfaces thanks to deeper lugs than the previous model. It’s no miracle worker on very muddy terrain: don’t expect the same grip as specialized shoes.
I've noticed that mud doesn't build up as much, likely thanks to the different lug pattern. That said, very technical terrain won't be its ideal playground, it's not a high-altitude mountaineering boot.
Cushioning
The midsole features Energy Foam, a blend of olefin and EVA. This composition provides a balanced feel that leans toward the firm side.
However, with a heel-to-toe drop of 41 mm and 35 mm at the forefoot (making it the brand’s most cushioned shoe), it would have been almost dangerous to offer a plush feel, especially on downhills.
Shock absorption is excellent, much better than on the previous model. In my opinion, it's hard to find anything better on the market right now.
There’s no limit to how far you can go, regardless of your running profile, which makes sense for a shoe designed for ultrarunners.
We should also mention the new Relieve Sphere technology. The sole has a wavy design, which is quite surprising at first glance. I was actually a little worried I’d feel it while running, but that’s not the case.
According to the brand, this curvature, combined with indentations on the outsole, reduces pressure on the foot in critical areas to provide targeted relief. In theory, the goal is therefore to reduce tension and discomfort.
But in practice? Like all technologies of this kind, the results are difficult to verify or quantify.
That said, I can confirm that the ride is very comfortable overall and the ride is smooth, but it’s impossible to say whether that’s due to this technology, which took six years of research to develop. We’ll have to wait for the results of the manufacturer’s studies for concrete evidence (if they ever publish them).
Finally, the drop is 6 mm, which is very appealing to forefoot runners since it provides a 35 mm heel height (which is rare in trail running shoes) and thus better protection.
It may take some getting used to for those who are accustomed to standard heel-to-toe drops (e.g., 8-10 mm), but the shoe rolls fairly naturally, so I don't think it will be very noticeable.
Energy Return
The weight of the Salomon Ultra Glide 3 in size 42 is 290 g. It's not exactly lightweight, but that's still acceptable given its large size.
The responsiveness is satisfactory thanks to the effective foam.
However, it's not as good as it used to be, and it's not the shoe's strongest feature. Still, it has a rocker that ensures smooth transitions.
The pace should be manageable for most of the field, especially at ultra distances, where the pace is generally quite slow.
Foot Support
The new engineered mesh upper is more comfortable and protective than the previous version. It features more padding for excellent comfort.
I also liked that it’s wider, but, unsurprisingly, this design won’t appeal to everyone. I think it makes sense to let your feet breathe during long periods of wear, but testers with narrow feet complained about the fit.
That’s pretty annoying for a trail running shoe, especially on downhills or technical sections. It shouldn’t be as much of a problem, though, for fast-paced ultra runners.
In addition, Endofit technology (an inner sleeve that wraps around the foot for better support) and the Quicklace lacing system provide a very secure and customizable fit.
The mesh's varied weave provides good support in key areas and greater flexibility elsewhere. Even so, it's best to try it on before buying, if possible.
The rigid heel counter provides good support in that area.
The tongue isn't really a gusset, but it's attached to the bottom of the shoe with a kind of white elastic cord. It works very well, and I haven't noticed any slipping.
Thus, overall, we can say it was a great success, despite some reservations about the fit.
Protection and Breathability
The padding provides good comfort in cold weather, but on the other hand, don't expect optimal breathability. Still, I found that the Ultra Glide 3 performed quite well thanks to its well-placed perforations.
The upper dries quickly, and the removable Ortholite insole helps manage moisture.
The toe bumper is effective, as are the side reinforcements. The shoe therefore offers very good protection (better than the v2), although it will inevitably be more challenging in rockier sections.
Usage
In my opinion, the Salomon Ultra Glide 3 features well-thought-out changes.
As a result, there is greater comfort, better protection, and improved grip, at the cost of reduced responsiveness.
The responsiveness of the v2 was interesting (and surprising), but ultimately not very useful for an ultra. With significantly better shock absorption and optimal comfort, it’s hard to do better when it comes to tackling long distances with confidence.
No matter the user’s profile (in terms of weight or trail running experience), everyone will be able to get the most out of this shoe as they rack up the kilometers leading up to a long-distance trail run.
It will be best for faster-paced training sessions, as well as for shorter, more intense trail runs.
The same goes for high-mountain trails, don’t expect the same level of technical performance as, say, a Sportiva Bushido 3. However, the shoe offers excellent versatility and is suitable for a wide variety of surfaces.
Quality and Lifespan
No surprises there, I’ve rarely heard trail runners complain about the lifespan of a pair of Salomons. This Ultra Glide 3 is a very high-quality product with excellent durability, making it a great value for money.
The upper of the shoe is made from at least 50% recycled materials.
Finally, these Ultra Glide 3s are not vegan.
Salomon Ultra Glide 2 vs. 3
Some of the differences include:
- A significantly higher stack height, resulting in better cushioning
- A new geometry for smoother transitions
- New Relieve Sphere technology, which provides a more comfortable ride and reduces pain during repeated exertion
- A redesigned outsole for better traction
- More aggressive lugs (4 mm vs. 3.5)
Version 2 was more responsive and therefore more versatile for training and shorter distances. This v3 offers more cushioning, better grip, and greater comfort. It is therefore clearly better suited for ultras.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Salomon has come up with a very well-rounded upgrade. The loss of responsiveness is more than made up for by better grip, greater comfort, and more substantial cushioning.
This new design seems more logical for a shoe intended for ultra-running and stands out as one of the best options to date for this category.
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) | 290 g/10.2 oz |
| Weight (women) | 268 g/9.5 oz |
| Features | Recycled materials, Rocker |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2025 |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip |
| Midsole | Energy Foam |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Long, Ultramarathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Racing |
Reference: Salomon official website
Need help?
Every month, thousands of runners trust us to help them find the perfect trail running shoes!
Check out our 2026 selection of the best trail running shoes.
