When a shoe will get a full redesign, it will possibly go one among two methods: it both solves issues you didn’t understand you had or it overcomplicates a very good factor. With the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4, Salomon clearly went all-in.
From the upper stack peak, up to date foams, and a extra structured higher, this model in some ways appears like a unique shoe altogether. I used to be curious to see how these modifications added up on actual mountain terrain.
As a mountain runner, Salomon sneakers have at all times been on my radar. However after I noticed they’d collaborated with Swiss ski mountaineer and skyrunner Rémi Bonnet to create a racing shoe, I knew I needed to give the Pulsar 4 a strive.
I put this shoe via just a few weeks of assorted path situations – climbing, descending, quick intervals, and some simple miles – and it stunned me greater than as soon as.
Some options made speedy sense. Others took a bit of getting used to. However what stood out most was how dialed this shoe felt when issues received steep or technical. If charging technical descents is in your checklist for the 12 months, look no additional for a shoe that may allow you to meet your targets.
Who’s the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 a very good match for? Let’s break it down with some widespread classes:
- Extensive Toes: Salomon sometimes runs slender, however these really feel further slender. No huge hundreds allowed.
- Technical Trails: This shoe was designed for technical trails the place good grip is required. The comfortable match means the shoe strikes proper with you so you realize precisely the place you’re stepping – or pushing off.
- Lengthy Runs: The excessive stack peak and cushion makes this an amazing shoe for lengthy days within the mountains.
- Entrance of the Pack: Designed for prime efficiency, this shoe is a good possibility for runners profitable races and setting FKTs.
The Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 is the shoe for any runner wanting to maneuver quick within the mountains.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Overview
I examined this shoe throughout a few full weeks of coaching runs. I may take it or depart it for straightforward runs, however actually loved it for on-trail speedwork, due to the bounciness supplied by the dual-foam development.
Unsurprisingly, the place these sneakers actually shine is on technical terrain. The sticky rubber felt safe on rocky descents and the comfortable match gave me complete confidence over foot placements.
I actually seen this after I ran in my New Stability Recent Foam Hierros the day after a take a look at run within the Pulsar. In contrast with the Hierro, within the Pulsar, my foot didn’t slide round in any respect – both contained in the shoe or on rock slabs.
Salomon invested in plenty of modifications from the earlier mannequin, together with the next stack peak and drop (beforehand 4mm), extra structured higher to accommodate extra selection in foot shapes, a wider toe field, and bouncier foams… they usually actually hit the jackpot!
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Specs
- Weight: 8.82 oz Unisex
- Stack Peak: 34mm
- Alcoholic: 6 mm
- Solely out there in 1 shade
- Not out there in huge
- Obtainable on www.salomon.com for $220
Purchase Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4
Fast Take
- Nice for technical trails
- Cosy, safe match
- Gentle and bouncy cushion
- Very slender and no huge possibility
- Only one shade possibility
- Not in a position to alter lacing sample
A fast notice on type: The vast majority of my girls’s trainers and apparel are pastels and funky colours. Solely providing this unisex shoe in shiny purple/orange was definitely a alternative by Salomon. I want I may say I’ve been thoughtfully pairing it with black shorts… however I’ve been actually leaning into the ability conflict.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Professional Match
It is a slender shoe – typical of Salomon. Even with a barely wider toe field than earlier fashions, the Pulsar 4 nonetheless feels significantly comfortable, even on my already slender ft.
The sock-like higher hugs the foot and retains the heel securely in place, permitting for extremely exact foot placement on technical terrain. That stated, it takes a minute to place the shoe on, and the built-in insole leaves little room for personalization. For those who’re proper on the sting of what this shoe can accommodate width-wise, orthotics could also be a no-go.
The Quicklace system provides to the comfortable match. In idea, it permits for fast changes on the go. In follow, I nonetheless needed to cease solely to re-tighten mid-run (although I’ll admit that would simply be person error). The shortage of adjustable lacing patterns could also be a dealbreaker for runners who want extra flexibility for issues like heel locks or strain reduction. For those who’re liable to numb toes, this may not be your match.
On a optimistic notice, the tongue is thoughtfully designed with an inward reduce, which I actually appreciated. Not like different sneakers which have left me scraped and blistered when sporting low socks, these stored my ankles comfortable.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Really feel
Getting this shoe on takes some effort, however as soon as it was tightened up, it felt like my ft have been getting a supportive hug – comfortable, however not suffocating. The stack peak feels greater than it’s however in contrast to different sneakers with the next stack, the Pulsar felt extremely secure. I used to be by no means involved about rolling an ankle or sliding round contained in the shoe.
Different Salomon sneakers I’ve run in have felt actually stiff and heavy however – regardless of weighing greater than earlier fashions – these sneakers felt gentle and bouncy, even simply strolling round my home.
I used to be happy to see a higher-drop path shoe, particularly one designed for efficiency. At 6mm, I felt snug charging up hills and blasting via velocity classes with out worrying about my achilles tendons.
Comparable Footwear to the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4
The S/Lab Pulsar 4 isn’t for everybody, however for runners who crave precision on technical terrain, it delivers. For those who’re a mountain runner searching for a shoe that will help you PR your subsequent race or set your subsequent FKT, look no additional.
83%
When a shoe has grip this good and means that you can choose up the tempo it’s going to get a excessive score from us. Nevertheless, the slender match and unisex sizing maintain us from making it a go to path shoe for everybody.
Who Tried it?
Hello there! I’m Alyssa, a path runner and sports activities dietitian primarily based in Golden, Colorado. By winter, I log about 15-20 miles per week whereas mixing in cross-training on (fats and thin) skis. By summer time, I’m profiting from all that Colorado has to supply, logging 30-50 miles per week, chasing mountain views and steep vert. For ramblings about working, pictures of my border collies, and my favourite diet ideas for runners, observe me on Instagram @alyssaoutside_rd or attain out to me at www.peaktopeaknutrition.com.
