Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate
Buy Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate at today's best price (men's/women's)
7 minute read
Overview
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is a road running shoe designed to bring trail technology to the asphalt. This lightweight shoe is known for its innovative cushioning and smooth transitions.
Key Features:
- Optivibe Midsole: Combines two types of foam to reduce vibrations and enhance cushioning.
- Geometric Decoupling Outsole: Promotes a natural heel-to-toe transition.
- SensiFit Upper: Provides a secure and personalized fit.
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize lightweight design and smooth transitions for daily running. Its advanced cushioning offers comfort, making it suitable for fast-paced workouts.
Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is a lightweight road running shoe that aims to bring trail technology to the pavement. It features the Optivibe midsole, which combines two types of foam to reduce vibrations and enhance cushioning, providing a smooth ride. The Geometric Decoupling outsole promotes a natural heel-to-toe transition, making it suitable for fast-paced workouts. However, the shoe's upper has been criticized for its less breathable material and unconventional design, which may cause discomfort for some runners. While the shoe is light and offers a sleek aesthetic, its durability and comfort have been questioned. Overall, the Sonic 3 Accelerate is best suited for short, speedy runs rather than long-distance training. For those seeking a lightweight shoe for quick workouts, it may be a fair option, but it falls short in terms of comfort and durability for everyday running.
Updates to Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate brings trail technology to the road, offering a new silhouette for asphalt running. Compared to previous models in the Salomon Sonic line, it features the Optivibe midsole, which combines two types of foam for enhanced cushioning and reduced vibrations. The Geometric Decoupling outsole promotes a natural heel-to-toe transition, a notable update from earlier designs. The SensiFit upper provides a secure fit, although its less breathable material may be a change from previous models.
Comparable Shoes
The Nike Zoom Fly 3 is a good alternative for runners seeking a lightweight shoe with excellent cushioning. While the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate offers a smooth ride, the Zoom Fly 3 provides a more breathable upper and better overall comfort. The Zoom Fly 3's durability is also superior, making it a better choice for long-distance training.
The Brooks Ghost 13 is a popular choice for runners looking for a comfortable and durable shoe. Compared to the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate, the Ghost 13 offers a more traditional fit and better breathability. Its cushioning is also more suitable for long-distance runs, making it a better option for those seeking comfort over speed.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 22 is known for its plush cushioning and comfort, making it a strong contender against the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate. While the Sonic 3 Accelerate is lightweight and suitable for fast-paced workouts, the Gel-Nimbus 22 offers better support and durability for longer runs. Runners seeking a more comfortable ride may prefer the Gel-Nimbus 22.
6 Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate features the SensiFit system, which aims to provide a secure and personalized fit. However, the material used is less breathable than traditional running shoes, which may lead to discomfort during longer runs. The design includes a unique collar that some runners find unconventional, resembling a buoyant inner-tube. This can result in midrun heel slippage, affecting the overall fit and comfort.
Midsole
The midsole of the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is equipped with the Optivibe system, which combines two types of foam to reduce vibrations and enhance cushioning. This technology aims to provide a smooth and energetic ride, reducing muscle fatigue during runs. The cushioning is designed to absorb impact effectively, making it suitable for fast-paced workouts on the road.
Outsole
The outsole of the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate features the Geometric Decoupling system, which promotes a smooth and efficient load in each step. This technology aids in a natural heel-to-toe transition, enhancing the running experience. Additionally, the Contragrip system and transversal grooves provide excellent grip and flexibility, making the shoe suitable for various road conditions.
Size/fit
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate offers a streamlined fit, but the toebox may feel tight for some runners. The medium toe box design can create a snug space, potentially leading to discomfort during longer runs. The SensiFit system aims to provide a secure fit, but the unique collar design may cause heel slippage, affecting the overall fit.
Comfort
Comfort in the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is a mixed bag. While the Optivibe midsole provides good cushioning and reduces vibrations, the upper's less breathable material and tight toebox can lead to discomfort. The unique collar design may also contribute to heel slippage, impacting the overall comfort during runs.
Cushioning
The cushioning in the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is provided by the Optivibe midsole, which combines two types of foam to reduce vibrations and enhance comfort. This technology aims to provide a smooth ride and reduce muscle fatigue, making it suitable for fast-paced workouts. However, the cushioning may not be sufficient for longer runs or those seeking maximum comfort.
Breathability
Breathability is a concern with the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate, as the upper material is less ventilated than traditional running shoes. This can lead to discomfort during longer runs, especially in warmer conditions. Runners seeking a more breathable option may need to look elsewhere.
Stability
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate offers moderate stability with its Geometric Decoupling outsole, which promotes a natural heel-to-toe transition. However, the unique collar design and potential heel slippage may affect stability during runs. Runners seeking a more stable shoe may need to consider other options.
Durability
Durability is a potential drawback of the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate. The lightweight foam construction may not hold up as well as other shoes, especially with frequent use. The outsole's rubber is limited, contributing to below-average durability. Runners looking for a long-lasting shoe may need to explore other options.
Grip
The grip of the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is enhanced by the Contragrip system and transversal grooves on the outsole. These features provide excellent traction on various road surfaces, making the shoe suitable for different running conditions. The grip is a strong point for those seeking a reliable road running shoe.
Flex
Flexibility in the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is supported by the Geometric Decoupling system, which allows for a smooth and efficient load in each step. This design promotes a natural heel-to-toe transition, enhancing the overall running experience. The shoe's flexibility makes it suitable for fast-paced workouts on the road.
Who should buy the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate?
Runners who prioritize a lightweight design and smooth transitions for daily running may find the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate appealing. Its lightweight construction and advanced cushioning make it suitable for fast-paced workouts. Those who appreciate a sleek aesthetic and are looking for a shoe for short, speedy runs might consider this model. The shoe's grip and flexibility are also beneficial for those who run on various road surfaces.
Who should not buy the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate?
Runners seeking maximum comfort and durability for long-distance training may want to look elsewhere. The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate's less breathable upper and tight toebox can lead to discomfort during extended runs. Those who require a more stable shoe with a traditional fit might not find this model suitable. Additionally, runners looking for a long-lasting shoe may need to consider other options due to its below-average durability. Alternatives like the Salomon Sonic 3 Confidence might be worth exploring.
Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate: What's it good for?
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is good for fast-paced workouts on the road, thanks to its lightweight design and smooth transitions. Its lightweight construction makes it ideal for short, speedy runs. The shoe's grip and flexibility are beneficial for those who run on various road surfaces. However, it may not be the best choice for long-distance training due to its less breathable upper and tight toebox. Runners seeking a shoe for quick workouts will find this model suitable.
5 Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate FAQs
What is the weight of the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate?
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate weighs 224 g for men and 193 g for women, making it a lightweight option for road running.
Is the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate suitable for long-distance running?
While the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is lightweight and offers smooth transitions, its less breathable upper and tight toebox may not be ideal for long-distance running.
What type of runner is the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate best for?
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate is best for runners who prioritize lightweight design and smooth transitions for fast-paced workouts on the road.
Does the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate offer good grip?
Yes, the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate features the Contragrip system and transversal grooves on the outsole, providing excellent grip on various road surfaces.
What is the heel-to-toe drop of the Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate?
The Salomon Sonic 3 Accelerate has a heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm, which supports a natural running stride.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedMar 2020 | Aug 2023 | Feb 2025 | Jan 2025 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 224 g W: 193 g | M: 261 g W: 207 g | M: 170 g W: 136 g | M: 218 g W: 184 g | M: 269 g W: 230 g | M: 266 g W: 238 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot | 33 mm | 7 mm | 28 mm | 29 mm | 23 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop6 mm | 6 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | |
| Heel | Heel | 39 mm | 7 mm | 36 mm | 37 mm | 33 mm |
| Usages | UsagesDaily running | Daily running | Daily runningGym | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running |
| Brand | BrandSalomon | New Balance | Xero Shoes | Brooks | Saucony | adidas |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweight | ComfortableLightweightMaximalist | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | ComfortableLightweight | Maximalist | Comfortable |
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | Techs | New Balance Fresh Foam | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHigh archBreathable |
- Jan 2021
- Mar 2020
- Feb 2020
