Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 Trail Running Shoes

Popular with and tested by some of the best ultra-runners, the S/LAB ULTRA 3 is designed for long-distance performance and comfort. The lighter construction combines a more resistent, breathable mesh upper with cushioning for maximum bounce.

Salomon S/LAB Reputation

Salomon Lab is a process of making dedicated products to meet the individual fit and performance needs of its international team. Athletes and designers work together, through every step of the process, because a millimetre or a gram is ultimately the difference between gold and silver.

Anti Debris Mesh

You gotta be light if you want to go uphill fast, and the S/LAB Ultra 3 combines advanced materials and innovative construction to keep weight down and energy up. Developed with an Anti-Debris Mesh upper, it reduces debris which can be trapped between your foot and the footbed, reducing the risk of discomfort. The mesh upper encases each foot in breathable comfort. Perforations in the fabric increase airflow to create a better, healthier environment for your feet to thrive in. Moving naturally with your foot, the upper ensures maximum comfort and unrivalled durability. A bootie-like construction sits comfortably against the skin and reduces the risks of chafing and irritation so you can go further for longer in complete comfort. As well as this, overlays also exist on the upper to provide added structure and support. The overlays swathe the midfoot to ensure added protection and durability and tough terrain. If you're in a rush don't worry as the S/LAB Ultra 3 is fitted with the Quicklace system which provides a minimalistic and strong lace for one-pull tightening, ensuring easy-on and easy-off, while the lace pocket supplies easy storage for the lacing system.

Energy Cell+ Midsole

EnergyCell+ is a high-rebound midsole technology that delivers substantial cushioning and durability. This midsole compound provides superior cushioning, stability and motion control to provide an efficient, stable and responsive ride. Energycell+ works to provide exceptional energy return by absorbing shocks when the foot strikes the ground and using it to propel you forward in the next step, this works to improve your foot's natural gait. Whilst, superior cushioning is generous, soft and durable, it spares your joints as you strike down onto hard, unforgiving surfaces. Within the midsole, long-lasting polyurethane foam provides superior cushioning and protection for long-distance hiking and ultra-running. The soft foam sits comfortably underfoot to ensure comfort from the moment you step in till the moment you step out. A moulded EVA sockliner improves comfort by mimicking the foot's natural shape. The sockliner moulds to the shape of the foot to ensure complete comfort over long distances. Completing the midsole is a profeel film that helps to filter out rocks and sharp surfaces for added comfort and stability on uneven terrain.

Contagrip TA Outsole

Ensuring stability and protection on the trails, the outsole of the S/LAB Ultra 3 Trail Running Shoes has been constructed using Contagrip TA. Contagrip MD is built for maximum grip on loose, soft, rugged, and uneven surfaces. Using the most durable compound, it has a lug pattern that works equally well on both hard and smooth, or soft and loose surfaces. The full rubber outsole provides premium traction on loose terrain ensuring a solid bond between you and the ground. The Contagrip outsole is built for the widest variety of surfaces; it ensures confidence on wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces whilst still offering long-term durability so you can go further for longer with complete confidence in your footwear. Contagrip TA uses deep, sharp lugs made from a compound that balances durability and adhesion. The multidirectional lugs dig deep into the ground when braking or changing direction. The deep lugs are able to anchor the foot into the wet and muddy ground, securing you into place whilst also forming a solid base to push off from.

Shoe Review

I can confidently say that the Salomon S-Lab Ultra 3 is, without a doubt, the most comfortable trail shoe that I've ever worn. To the extent that they feel more like slippers than performance footwear. The EVA sockliner perfectly moulds and fits to the shape of your foot, even more securely than other shoes with similar style designs. To further enhance levels of comfort, the drawstring lacing system, a trademark feature of all Salomon shoes, allows the user to securely tighten the laces and lock feet securely in place. In addition, the in-built padded tongue sits comfortably on the front of your foot and the lace pocket provides easy storage for the Quick Fit lacing system. This particular shoe is built for speed and has been specifically designed for light trails, ideal for racing because of its sleek, lightweight design. Although they don't provide as much cushioning and bounce as the other trail shoes on the market, they do, however, have a very robust midsole, with tough high-rebound technology. Feet are therefore well protected from sharp rocks underneath the shoe but feel slightly more exposed above because of the lightweight, breathable uppers. As with all Salomon products, these shoes are extremely well-made, built from quality lightweight materials, near-seamlessly bonded uppers and finished with clinical detailing.

So, if you're looking for a trail racing shoe designed for travelling fast and light, whilst providing the highest levels of comfort, then the Salomon S-Lab Ultra 3 is an ideal choice. In terms of sizing, this shoe is a standard fit, so not particularly suited to athletes with wider feet. I wear a UK 10.5 in all Salomon shoes and would recommend ordering at least half a size bigger than your usual size.

Ben Mounsey - SportsShoes Trail Athlete