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The Salomon S/Lab Speed 2 is a high traction trail shoe, built to go fast

From Runner's World

  • Weight: 265g (unisex)

  • Heel-To-Toe-Drop: 4mm

  • Type: Trail

  • Price: £160

Shop now - unisex

RW summary

‘Low cushioning, high traction and very, very quick.’

  • Slim fit

  • Outsole lugs release mud and stones quickly without holding on to them

  • Toggle lace system for quick changes on the run

  • Not enough cushioning or stability for longer, more casual runs

The S/Lab range of Salomon shoe are those that are designated for ‘athletes.’ That doesn’t mean only those who are paid to run for a living but for anyone who has reached the heady heights where the right gear offers them marginal gains. If this is you, rest assured that the feedback and knowledge of many of Salomon’s athletes including the King Of The Mountains, Kilian Jornet himself, has gone into the design of these babies, and the result is a shoe that allows you to pick your way along technical tracks at speed without having to worry about whether your footwear will keep up with the rest of you.

An outsole built for the great outdoors

Features very prominent chevron-shaped outsole lugs which coped admirably with the worst sludge that the south downs, the Peak District and the Lake District could throw at them. Pleasingly, the mud and muck doesn’t get stuck between the lugs with these either. It falls off almost immediately so you don’t get that sensation of your feet getting heavier and heavier as you go on. Be warned though. The prominence of the lugs means these are definitely not one for door-to-trail. Running on tarmac in them feels a little like running in football boots.

A tough, protective, highly cushioned midsole

Made from compressed EVA the aim here is that the midsole would be both tough, protective and highly cushioned, which is a bold aim. It’s certainly tough, protective and durable but we found that it remains on the firm side so if you’re after any significant comfort then look elsewhere. These should be kept for race day and broken in thoroughly before you try properly putting the burners on in them.

A breathable upper

The fit is slim and the upper, while breathable, is necessarily tough to protect against the weather and trail shrapnel, so there’s not much give in the weave. An internal sleeve not only feels lush but hugs the foot in place so you don’t get any lateral sliding of the foot inside the shoe when changing direction quickly on the trails. The lace lock system [essentially pulling a toggle tight rather than lacing] means runners don’t have to worry about trying to unpick muddy laces to re-tie them.

A typical example of why Salomon remains one of the pre-emptive brands for offroad running footwear: it’s thoughtfully produced, well made and draws on decades of mountain running experience. The S-Lab Speed 2 won’t be to everyone; taste but as an example of fast, fierce footwear this is hard to beat.

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