Salomon S-Lab Pulsar
Buy Salomon S-Lab Pulsar at today's best price (men's/women's)
5 minute read
Overview
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is a trail running shoe engineered for speed and precision on the trails. This model is a standout in the Salomon lineup, designed with input from elite athletes like Kilian Jornet.
Key Features:
- Energy Surge Midsole: Combines EVA foam and olefinic fiber for responsive cushioning and energy return.
- Matryx Upper: Features a patented design with aramid fiber for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Contagrip Outsole: Offers superior traction on a variety of surfaces, ensuring agility and precision.
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is an ideal choice for runners seeking a lightweight and dynamic shoe that excels in mountain competitions and challenging terrains. Its innovative midsole and upper design provide a blend of comfort and performance, suitable for those aiming to push their limits and achieve personal bests.
With an average review score of 80%, it's rated just below the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 10% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar has garnered attention for its exceptional performance on trails, particularly in racing scenarios. Its Energy Surge midsole is praised for providing a balance of protection and responsive energy return, making it a favorite among elite runners. The Matryx upper ensures a snug fit, enhancing the shoe's overall stability and support. However, the narrow design may not suit runners with wider feet, and some may find the cushioning insufficient for longer distances. Despite these considerations, the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar remains a top choice for those seeking a competitive edge in mountain races.
Comparable Shoes
Compared to the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar, the Salomon Sense Ride 5 offers a stiffer flex and a more forgiving ride, designed for rougher terrain and climbing. Runners who prefer a lower toe box and narrower last may find the Sense Ride 5 more suitable for their needs.
The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 is tailored for long runs, with a focus on comfort and hold. It differs from the S-Lab Pulsar in its stack height and foam, providing a different cushion feel. For runners prioritizing endurance over speed, the Ultra Glide 2 may be a better option.
6 Salomon S-Lab Pulsar Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar's upper, crafted with Matryx technology, integrates aramid fiber to deliver a supportive and comfortable fit. This design ensures that the shoe conforms closely to the foot, providing a secure feel during intense trail runs. The anti-particle mesh prevents debris from entering the shoe, while the seamless construction offers a smooth, sock-like fit.
Midsole
At the heart of the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is the Energy Surge midsole, a lightweight yet durable foam that offers long-lasting cushioning and an energetic ride. This midsole is Salomon's lightest to date, optimized for race-ready paces and providing a propulsive feel on less technical trails.
Outsole
The outsole of the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar features the exclusive Contagrip MA compound, designed for maximum traction and grip across diverse surfaces. The presence of Profeel Film technology enhances comfort and stability, allowing runners to navigate rocky and sharp terrains with confidence.
Size/fit
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is known for its performance-oriented fit, which may run narrow for some runners. The heel collar is particularly snug, which could be restrictive for those with wider feet. The non-removable sock liner may cause slight irritation for some, emphasizing the importance of trying on the shoe for fit before buying.
Comfort
While the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is designed for speed and precision, it does not compromise on comfort. The shoe's lightweight construction and breathable upper contribute to a comfortable on-foot experience, suitable for a variety of trails and distances.
Cushioning
The cushioning of the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is engineered for a balance of softness and responsiveness. The Energy Surge midsole provides an impressive level of protection, especially considering the shoe's lightweight design. However, runners who prefer more cushioning may seek additional underfoot protection.
Breathability
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar's upper is designed to offer breathability, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs. The Matryx upper and anti-particle mesh work together to provide a lightweight and well-ventilated experience.
Grip
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar's Contagrip outsole ensures a strong grip on various terrains, whether wet, dry, hard, or slippery. The multidirectional lugs and Profeel Film technology combine to offer precision and stability, making the shoe a reliable choice for trail runners.
Who should buy the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar?
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is best suited for competitive trail runners who prioritize speed and agility. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it ideal for those looking to achieve personal records in mountain races. Runners with a fore/midfoot strike will benefit from the shoe's propulsive qualities.
Who should not buy the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar?
Runners with wider feet or those who require a more spacious toe box may find the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar too restrictive. Additionally, those seeking maximal cushioning for longer distances might prefer a shoe with more underfoot protection. For such runners, a shoe with a higher cushion profile may be more appropriate.
Salomon S-Lab Pulsar: What's it good for?
Mountain competitions and challenging trail runs are where the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar truly shines. Its dynamic cushioning and precise fit make it suitable for runners aiming for speed on trail terrains. However, it may not be the best choice for long-distance runs where more cushioning is desired.
4 Salomon S-Lab Pulsar FAQs
What makes the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar suitable for trail racing?
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is designed with a lightweight Energy Surge midsole for responsive cushioning, a Matryx upper for a secure fit, and a Contagrip outsole for excellent traction, making it ideal for trail racing.
Is the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar good for runners with wide feet?
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar may not be the best fit for runners with wide feet due to its narrow design, particularly in the heel collar and toe box.
How does the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar perform on technical trails?
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar performs well on technical trails, offering a balance of agility, grip, and protection with its Contagrip outsole and Profeel Film technology.
Can the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar handle long-distance runs?
While the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar is capable of handling long-distance runs, some runners may prefer additional cushioning for extended comfort over longer distances.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedFeb 2021 | May 2019 | Jul 2019 | Mar 2018 | Nov 2015 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | +5   | ||||
| Weight | Weight170 g | M: 181 g W: 142 g | M: 241 g W: 190 g | M: 204 g W: 170 g | 215 g | M: 221 g W: 176 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot17 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | M: 18 mm W: 16 mm | 16 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 3 mm | 4 mm | |||
| Heel | Heel23 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | M: 21 mm W: 19 mm | 20 mm | 8 mm |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail | Trail | Trail |
| Brand | BrandSalomon | Vibram | Merrell | Hoka | Salomon | Vibram |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweight | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop |
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | Vibram | |||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh arch |
