Kit & Gear

REVIEW: Salomon Sense Ride 5

A versatile trail shoe that does it all, the Salomon Sense Ride 5 is equally in its element on short, fast trail runs as on ultra distances.

A super-comfortable overachiever that easily adapts to a variety of terrains, with a balanced midsole for cushioning, response and an engineered mesh upper with Sensifit for just the right amount of comfortable hold.

SHOP ALL SALOMON SENSE RIDE 5 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Our SportsShoes Trail athlete, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting these exciting new trail shoes to the test. Check out his review below;

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The Salomon Sense Ride 5 in summary;

• Lightweight and versatile

• Suitable for a mix of trail terrain and all distances

• Perfect for both training and racing

• Available in both standard and Gore-tex® versions

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Let's start by talking about the design, because the Salomon Sense Ride 5 is certainly a beautiful looking shoe.

Admittedly, the featured model (SAL5857) isn't the most practical colourway for UK trails in winter, but as the days get longer and warmer, it simply screams 'sunshine and summer'. The design is fun, playful and in my opinion, Salomon have created both a practical and fashionable model with the Sense Ride 5.

In terms of fit, I always opt for a slightly bigger size in Salomon shoes, a UK 10.5 rather than a UK 10. It's a choice based on personal preference because I'm always found their trail shoes to be smaller in comparison to other brands. I also like a bit more 'wiggle' room for my toes.

Width-wise, the Sense Ride 5 is a standard fit, but the adjustable Sensifit™ construction (explained further below) which cradles your foot allows for a more personalised fit.

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THE UPPER MATERIAL: Engineered Mesh
Engineered mesh is a structure that varies the weave to offer more support and durability or flexibility and breathability, according to the specific needs of the shoe.

As with all the Salomon models I've previously tested, the Sense Ride 5 feels amazing to wear - pure comfort straight out of the box. The lightweight mesh is also super-breathable, perfect for warmer climates when your feet become hot and sweaty.

This shoe bends and flexes as you naturally move on the trail and there are no irritating pressure points, which means no rubbing or discomfort. The Sense Ride 5 has a premium quality feel. It's well-made with close attention to detail and the fit and feel is second to none.

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UPPER CONSTRUCTION: SensiFit™
SensiFit™ cradles the foot from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure, snug, and virtually customized fit all around the foot.

Is there a better Quicklace® system than Salomon? I think not. I'm a big fan of the BOA dial and I'm not opposed to a traditional lacing system, but if it came down to straight choice between all three, I'd choose Salomon Quicklace® every time. It's a system that works, certainly in my experience, and it really helps to personalise the fit of the shoe. I have thin feet and by adjusting the lace cord and pulling tight, my feet feel 'locked in' and extremely secure. I feel more stable and confident with every foot strike as lateral movement is restricted to an absolute minimum. I always feel in full control, especially on more technical and challenging terrain when confidence and foot placement are key.

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THE MIDSOLE: energyFOAM
Lightweight, responsive foam created by combining EVA and Olefin [OBC] is designed to deliver long-lasting cushion and bouncy energy return.

In truth, this shoe isn't the most cushioned trail shoe on the market. It does have plenty of cushioning, but I wouldn't describe it as soft and plush, it's more responsive and springy - cushioning with a little bit of bite.

What I most like about the Sense Ride 5 is the underfoot feel in terms of ground control. Because it's not a max-cushioned shoe, you still feel connected with the trail and this does allow you to switch more comfortably and confidently between hard, rocky ground and softer terrain.

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THE OUTSOLE: All Terrain Contagrip®

All Terrain Contagrip® is built for the widest variety of surfaces and is designed to deliver durability & confidence on wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces.

Let's not get carried away, this shoe is not made for extremely soft and muddy terrain, especially during the winter months. However, it does comfortably handle a mix of terrain and I was very impressed when testing it on a range of surfaces. Despite a modest lug depth of 3.5mm, this trail shoe is surprisingly grippy. I rarely run in trail shoes with lugs less than 5mm, but the size, shape and pattern of the outsole tread means this shoe really is a very versatile performer.

If you are looking for a trail shoe with a deeper lug depth, then the Salomon Speedcross 6 is a suitable alternative.

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OVERALL

This shoe is pitched as the 'versatile' trail runner within the Salomon range and that's exactly how I would describe it. Comfortable and lightweight, it's perfect for both training and racing. Capable of handling a mix of terrain, different distances and providing a perfect blend of cushioning and responsiveness. So, if you're looking for an all-round trail shoe, then this would be the Salomon model for you.

For those who prefer more cushioning underfoot, especially for long to ultra-distance running, then check out the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (also available in a wide fit).

And for dynamic performance over shorter distances, look no further than the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2

The Salomon Trail Running range explained;

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SHOP ALL SALOMON SENSE RIDE 5 TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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Ben Mounsey is an elite fell and trail runner. You can follow all of his running adventures here

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