Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust Shoe Review

The Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud is loopy. How about that for an introduction? However critically, one have a look at the shoe and also you’re like whoa, it means enterprise.

Should you’ve ever dreamed of operating throughout deserts, navigating sandy fireplace roads, or simply tackling dry, sizzling trails with out the fixed annoyance of mud in your footwear, the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud is perhaps what you’re searching for. As somebody who lives within the Mojave Desert and runs nearly solely on sandy trails, this appeared like the perfect shoe for me. Designed from the wants of Salomon execs, this high-performance path shoe blends the plush consolation of the Extremely Glide with the protection-forward gaiter type of the Genesis Backbone. The consequence? A rugged and dependable long-distance companion on your subsequent journey.

Earlier than attempting the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud, I had a LOT of questions:

Are we going to see the rise of area of interest trainers designed for particular environments? Possibly. Whereas most path footwear can deal with the desert tremendous, they aren’t actually created for the desert and there are completely different wants. The sandy trails, climbing up sand dunes…you could want a special type of path shoe for that. So lengthy story brief, I do assume there’s a marketplace for extremely specialised area of interest footwear.

What’s the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud made for? It’s made for desert operating. Should you log most of your miles on sandy trails, this might be the shoe for you.

Does the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud match true to dimension? I used to be truly very shocked that it does match true to dimension, even with the built-in gaiter.

Does the higher of the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud chafe? No! This was one other shock to me. I’ve used footwear with comparable setups and so they have chafed earlier than, so I used to be joyful when this didn’t.

Is the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud well worth the value? It relies upon. Should you reside and practice in a desert, then you could possibly get your cash’s value out of it. Should you run on trails as soon as a month, then possibly… possibly not. Should you’re gearing up for an extremely within the desert, then possibly. So it actually will depend on what your individual coaching seems like.

Now, let’s get into an trustworthy Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud shoe evaluation.

Fast Info

Worth: $279.95Weight: 11.8 oz (335g)Stack Peak: 41 mm heel / 35 mm forefootDrop: 6 mm

Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud Match

After I first noticed the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud, I used to be overwhelmed. Simply trying on the shoe, it seems like lots. I used to be most curious in regards to the full gaiter and if it might chafe. Borrowed from the S/Lab Genesis, the zippered higher utterly encloses the foot, sealing out sand and grit even on the driest and dustiest trails. I recognize that characteristic as a result of there are occasions that my shins, ankles, and toes are a sandy mess after a run. Salomon claims this gaiter is breathable and designed for airflow, so your toes keep cool even when the solar is excessive and the path is dry. I needed to say I completely agree that it did that, however there have been just a few occasions it obtained a little bit sizzling.

Would I take the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud within the 120-degree Mojave Desert day? Nicely, trick query as a result of I’m operating inside or not operating on these days. However on tremendous heat days, I’m a little bit hesitant. Though actually, you possibly can’t keep away from the sweat both approach.

Contained in the gaiter is Salomon’s Quicklace system, which delivers the acquainted locked-in really feel many path runners know and love. The slender midfoot ensures a efficiency match, whereas foam sidewalls provide extra construction and lateral safety—nearly like being cradled in a light-weight race bucket seat.

The Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud suits true to dimension, and despite the fact that the higher is a beast, I haven’t had any match points. As soon as I zipped myself into place, it did really feel very comfy. In trainers, I put on between a ladies’s dimension 10–11 broad and located the scale 11 to suit the very best.

Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud Journey

The midsole is the place the magic occurs, and the Extremely Mud doesn’t disappoint. Underfoot, the S/Lab Extremely Mud feels surprisingly plush and energetic. I assumed it might really feel like a tank nevertheless it’s lots lighter underfoot than anticipated. Utilizing a dual-layer foam system, Salomon blends a prime layer of Vitality Foam+ (PEBA-based) for rebound with a base layer of Vitality Foam (EVA/PEBA combine) for stability and long-haul sturdiness. It’s a setup that handles each each day mileage and race-day efforts throughout variable terrain. To be truthful, I often like to enter Los Angeles throughout the summer season to chill off, so I’m not operating a ton of races (by that I imply none) on the precise sand. Somebody ought to actually sponsor me for the Pace Challenge LOL.

Flipping the shoe over, you’ll discover the Relieve Sphere know-how. It looks like this can be a buzzword to purchase the shoe, however what are they? Small dome-shaped constructions constructed into the midsole assist diffuse stress factors, enhancing consolation over time and lowering fatigue. You wouldn’t discover these till you’re deep right into a long term and also you’re much less fatigued than typical. I’m probably not operating greater than a few hours, however in the direction of the top of lengthy runs within the desert, I can really feel these.

The place does the Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud match into my rotation? It’s a desert path workhorse. I take advantage of it usually when I’ve tremendous lengthy desert runs (15ish miles) and I’m on the market for a number of hours. I do recognize the Relieve Sphere know-how as a result of I can really feel the distinction. It retains the sand and dirt out. That is positively a extremely specialised shoe made for these operating within the desert, nevertheless it excels at it.

Outsole

Constructed with Contagrip All Function rubber, the outsole is designed to supply grip throughout a variety of path surfaces. It’s not an aggressive lug sample like another Salomon fashions, which is sensible given this shoe is constructed for smoother terrain like desert trails and fireplace roads. I haven’t had any points with traction, even once I’m climbing up and down sand dunes. Should you usually end up in dusty or sandy environments, the outsole offers you simply sufficient chunk with out feeling overly cumbersome or weighed down.

Mixed with the Relieve Sphere cupolas that stretch into the outsole, the shoe feels each cushioned and responsive underfoot with out being marshmallow delicate.

At $279, I count on this shoe to final. No less than I hope so. Proper now, I’ve about 100 miles on it with no indicators of it slowing down so I anticipate it should final above 400 miles. It’s simply already so soiled (which let’s be trustworthy is a badge of honor in path footwear).

Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud Conclusion

The Salomon S/Lab Extremely Mud is a extremely specialised path shoe that does precisely what it guarantees: retains out mud, offers a safe and breathable match, and presents high-end cushioning for lengthy miles. It’s not attempting to be your every-trail shoe, however in the event you’re gearing up for decent, dry ultras or need a go-to mannequin for summer season desert operating, this one delivers. I can’t emphasize sufficient: this can be a specialised path shoe made for the desert. Should you’re operating on technical East Coast trails or extra lush environments, there are higher choices…even from Salomon.