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Tried & Tested
MAKING SENSE OF
THE NEW RIDE
Salomon have built up an enviable reputation in the trail running world for their robust and reliable off-road shoes , which provide great cushioning and even better support and grip out on the trails . One of their latest models is the Salomon Sense Ride , which has been referred to in some circles as a “ quiver killer ,” and I can see why – BY SEAN FALCONER
I n archery terms , the quiver holds an archer ’ s supply of arrows , his ammunition , and ideally he will have different arrows for different shots . Similarly , a runner has various shoes in his or her arsenal , for different running surfaces ( rocky , sandy , compact , loose ), conditions ( weather , heat , wetness ), or racing plans ( long and slower versus racing flat out ). A ‘ quiver killer ’ is designed to cover all these needs in a one-shoefits-all way , but no surprise that it is rare for a single shoe to be able to meet all runners ’ needs . There are just too many variables in trail running … but the Sense Ride still comes damned close to covering all the bases .
HAPPY FEET
Soon as I took my new pair of Sense Rides out of the box , I was in love with the bright red and orange colours – personal preference , I know – and couldn ’ t wait to put them through their paces . And my feet started happy , because the Sense Ride provides what feels to me a slightly roomier forefoot and toe box than other Salomon models I have tested . I have the good old one slightly wider foot issue , hence I usually wear an 8.5 UK sizing for that wee bit extra width , but I still find some shoes too tight on the left foot . Not here , because these felt great from the outset .
I also really like the stretchy Endofit bands running from the tongue to the footbed . The tight ‘ neck fit ’ does force you to ‘ work ’ your feet into the shoes ,
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but along with the Sensifit bands in the upper design ( those prominent orange triangles you see on the outer sides ), these ensure a snug fit once your feet are in , which in turn is enhanced by the iconic Salomon Quicklace system – just pull it , tuck it in and go , no need for tying bows .
On the run , I found the shoe to be cushy , comfortable and smooth-riding , as the Vibe Technology combination of EnergyCell + ( high rebounding midsole compound ) and Opal ( cushioning , vibration-absorbing midsole compound ) did its job , especially when I came pounding down a steep mountain side near my home in Stellenbosch . On that run I also appreciated having a Profeel Film rock plate in the forefoot for added protection , because I was landing on some uncomfortable stones and rock heads with impact . That said , I still found the forefoot gave me the flex that I enjoy , since I am a midfoot striker and thus like a flexible forefoot .
I did find the shoes a little on the stiff side for my taste at first , notably in the heel , given that I normally run in lightweight , low profile shoes – again , personal preference – but the more I ran in them , the more comfortable they became . Oh , and for those that focus on heel drop and stack height , the heel and forefoot measurements are 24mm and 16mm respectively , for an 8mm drop , which is pretty conventional these days .
Meanwhile , the bi-directional Contagrip outsole provided solid traction on the various surfaces I took the shoes on , soft or hard , sandy or rocky , wet or dry – and they were even comfy on the short tar section to get to my favourite trail head . This outsole is not quite as aggressively lugged as Salomon ’ s popular Speedcross model , but is still right up there with most top-end trail shoes . As for the upper , I found the breathable mesh did its job to keep my feet cool , and I didn ’ t mind the close fit of those Endofit bands around the middle of my feet on warmer days . Even if I had , I would still have said that I prefer a snug , secure ride to a wee bit more ventilation .
A REALLY GOOD BUY
The bottom line is that this is a shoe that most trail runners will find suitable for most of their runs . Yes , there are more technical shoes that some will prefer for the most technical trails , while others may look for a more minimalist design to get ‘ closer ’ to the trails , but the Sense Ride offers a great one-shoe-fitsall option , which is especially welcome in the current financial climate where buying more than one pair of shoes is tough . I thoroughly enjoyed running in them , and look forward to many more happy kays on the trails in them . Plus , I may have mentioned this already , but I really like the red and orange design !
Images : Courtesy Salomon