Review: The fully updated SALOMON SENSE RIDE 3 and SENSE 4 /PRO are new standard trail shoes that combine cushioning and propulsion.

The representative models of the SENSE family of the new standard trail shoe lineup established by Salomon, a leading trail shoe brand, over the past few years, are Sense Ride for runners who want to enjoy and run without getting hurt, and Sense Pro for trail runners who want to be lighter and faster. These two trail running shoes, made for different runners, have been completely renewed with newly developed fatigue reduction technology this season.

In particular, the Sense Ride is one of my favorite pairs that I use all the models, from the first to the second generation, to the GORE-TEX models, until I get worn. Even though I actually ran with the updated shoes this time, I was surprised at how it transformed. We'll be bringing you some impressions of actually trying out these two models in the field, including the reasons behind this.

Main features of each item

The SENSE series is a new generation standard lineup of Salomon Trail running shoes, originating from the S-LAB SENSE, which has been designed to help Killian Giorne, a world-class mountain runner and contract athlete for SALOMON, pursues the functionality to the limit to winning the historic 100-mile race, "Western States Endurance Run," held in California, USA. Based on the "natural motion" concept that maximizes the natural movement and function of the legs that humans naturally possess, we offer a variety of models tailored to the level and purpose, from beginners to high-amateurs.

SENSE RIDE 3

Among the SENSE RIDE 3 (hereinafter referred to as SR3) is an all-round trail running shoe that has a balanced balance of moderate response from the ground and protection that is gentle on beginners. The previously well-known midsole uses the new Opti-Vibe technology, which further improves the impact and vibration absorption function, reducing the risk of fatigue and injuries.

The upper has a great fit and breathable fit, as well as a highly gripped Contagrip® outsole that can be used on any ground condition, is still in good condition. The even more thorough protection makes beginners even more comfortable to ride. These shoes can be enjoyed and safely run by a wide range of runners, from beginners to athletes who are conscious of safe flanking.

Recommended points

• Versatile versatile trail shoes regardless of distance, terrain, or level
• A safe upper that combines comfort with high protection
• A new opti-vibe with excellent stability and cushioning and support.
• An all-around outsole that is resistant to muddy, wet rocks, and roads in general

Points that interest me

• Compared to the previous model, the response and flexibility from the ground are less and the weight is increased, so there may be less direct ride feel.

SENSE 4 /PRO

SENSE 4/PRO (hereinafter referred to as S4P) is a model that pursues the concept of natural motion, a common motif in the SENSE series, in a more stoic way for racing . The mesh fabric with the breathable and hydrophobic upper is thin and lightweight yet strong. In addition, unique fitting technologies such as EndoFit and SensiFit hold the entire foot firmly wraps around, providing excellent comfort. In addition to the low 4mm drop, the sole is flexible, responsive and grippy, and can handle quick movements across all terrain and provides a comfortable ride. The long-awaited "opti-vibe technology" is installed on the midsole from the current model, allowing for better impact and vibration absorption and reduced fatigue in addition to the excellent sole feel. This pair of shoes will drive the fun of running the field and mountains, not only for athletes who want to aggressively attack harsh, long-distance races, but also for all trail runners.

Recommended points

• Condensed features needed for high-speed trail running, providing a sense of stability and fun riding.
• A great upper that combines lightness, breathability, flexibility, fit and high response
• Despite its minimal structure, opti-vibe provides excellent vibration, impact and fatigue reduction
• Outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of terrain, including wet roads, steep slopes and roads.

Points that interest me

• The heel cup is shallow (thin) and soft, so if you can't hold it in your forefoot, you'll likely fall off.
• Shoelace garage is difficult to put in

Comparative evaluation of main specs and OGZ

Detailed review of SENSE RIDE 3

In addition to being comfortable to wear, the upper provides even higher protection

At first glance, my first impression is that it hasn't been that much different from the previous one, but when I first put my feet on the third generation, I was a little shocked by how it transformed. It gives the impression that the comfort and stability when worn has been significantly increased.

The single-layer mesh fabric covering the upper is more dense and has a slightly firm texture than the previous 3D mesh. It also has more protection that covers the toes and around the feet. The toebox is not particularly wide, but it is not narrow or wide like the previous model, and can be said to be made with moderate amounts of room.

The SR3 upper fabric has a higher mesh density, but there is no problem with breathability (right).

Of course, as before, SensiFit™ holds the entire foot very well, and as always, it feels comfortable to wear when you tighten the shoelaces. In addition, by sandwiching SensiFit parts from the current model between the upper and lining, the fit is slightly improved while ensuring a sense of hold and durability. The design is also clean (left of the photo below).

The outer SensiFit part (left) is sandwiched between the upper and lining to improve fit and design.

On the inside of the shoe, EndoFit™ combines the soles of the feet to the tongue, allowing for a wraparound fit from the soles of the feet to the instep. This and the Quicklace™ shoelaces system, which allow for quick and uniform tightening, are now indispensable for the exquisite fit of Salomon Trail shoes.

EndoFit™ allows for a wraparound fit from the soles of the feet to the instep, not to forget the exquisite fit of Salomon shoes.

The heel is padded with a slightly thicker padding, and the heel cup is also more protective and rigid, making it less likely that the heel is shaken due to gravity (photo below), but it is not overly protected and provides moderate stability.

Compared to the previous model's heel cup (left photo), the new SR3 (right photo) holds the heel more firmly.

The midsole equipped with advanced [opti-vibe] technology allows for more stable driving.

The high stability achieved by the SR3 is also noticeable even in the midsole. In particular, Vibe technology, which was a highlight of the SENSE RIDE series, has evolved into the " opti-vibe " Based on the concept of reducing the risk of injury and fatigue by absorbing the slight vibrations that your legs continue to experience while driving, this time we have succeeded in further improving the impact damping rate by 15%, impact absorption rate by 8%, and thus reducing the incidence of muscle fatigue by 4%. This unique combination combines cushioning and dynamism, reducing impact and vibration to the legs while still providing propulsion.

Specifically, by placing parts on the heel that combine two different properties: cushioning and rebound force, it achieves both stability that protects the legs while still providing cushioning to support driving. It is true that the sole is definitely stiffer overall (photo below), and as you can see from the fact that the sole on the rear side is more raised than the previous model (photo below), it is clear that there is much less shaking when landing than the second generation, and more stable. However, however, the cushioning has not been particularly reduced, and the comfort of the landing remains as usual. This characteristic is especially appreciated for beginners and runners who land on heel strikes, which are often found in people with poor leg strength. Also, the Profeel Film inserted into the sole of the foot protects you from the ground, so you won't be affected if it's not a major impact.

The flex point was forward on the SR2 (left), but on the SR3 (right), it does not break even if it bent strongly.

Compared to SR2 (left), the SR3 (right) has a raised side at the rear of the sole, indicating that it has more support.

A versatile outsole that provides reliable grip on both off-road and on-road

Like the previous model, the outsole uses Contagrip® MA compound, which has a strong grip on the soles of the feet even on wet roads, and should provide reliable traction for all runners. When I measured the height of the lug, it was about 4mm. It's not too high, but it's also high enough to step on off-road. This moderate lug continues the strength of the paved roads, which was previously part of the SENSE series, and is a versatile outsole that can be easily handled on courses with mixed road trails.

What's significantly different from the SR2 is that the sole, which was split with slits up to the previous model, has been improved. Until the previous model, the forefoot was easy to flex, but after using it for a long time, the area around the slit area was worn out and it was easy to peel off (in the left of the photo below, the peeled sole was repaired with adhesive). The SR3 has fine slits evenly throughout the forefoot to maintain flexibility while also reducing wear, ensuring stability and durability.

The SR3 (right) has fine slits evenly placed throughout the forefoot, providing both stability and durability.

Test run impressions and summary

All-round trail shoes that have evolved to make driving in the field safer and more comfortable

I jogged around the road around my house, and ran along the nearby low mountain trails where the spring weather began to peer in, wearing dozens of kilometers, SR3 and SR2, staggered on both sides.

As always, the upper fits quickly and fits with any foot shape, making it comfortable to wear. When you land, the comfortable cushion firmly accepts the impact, but the force does not escaping too much, and the balance between the cushion and stability has definitely improved. It absorbs shocks so firmly that you can drop your heel to the ground without hesitation even when descending, and the non-slip outsole prevents slipping.

Furthermore, the shock absorbing material (OPAL) that was also in the forefoot until the previous model is concentrated in the heel part of the SR3, so you can feel the moderate rebound and high propulsion from landing to stepping on. The rocker geometric sole curves from the heel to the toes, providing a natural feeling that your feet move forward.

On the other hand, the elements that emphasize the fun of running itself, such as lightness, flexibility, and the delicate sensation of the sole of the SR3, which were in the previous model, have become relatively weak. However, unlike before, when the appeal of the hybrid parts of road and trail shoes was outstanding, the comfort and safety of long-distance trail runs has been significantly improved, such as stability in driving, protection and support, making it a much better all-around model in terms of trail shoes. Not only is it fun to run, but it's definitely a great pair of shoes for runners who want to run safely, comfortably and without fatigue.

Detailed review of SENSE 4/PRO

Lightweight and soft, an exquisite upper that fits perfectly like wearing socks

When I pick it up, it's light and thin. It can be seen that these shoes were made with minimal construction, like road racing models, which would never be considered trail shoes.

The clean and refined look is eye-catching.

The mesh hydrophobic material that covers the upper does not absorb any water, and is extremely thin and lightweight, so it can be seen through the other side, making it extremely breathable. It is designed to be less affected even in harsh races where there is crossing. The SensiFit™ parts are installed between the upper and liner, making the clean and sophisticated design a great impression.

The upper fabric repels water and lets water pass through. It is thin enough to be visible through and has excellent breathability.

The SensiFit, which is both inside and inside the shoe, and the familiar EndoFit™ mentioned above, gave me the highest hold and fit, even among Salomon shoes, except for the S/LAB series.

The soft shoes have a direct effect of EndoFit, making the fit perfect.

The toe box is spacious enough to move your toes so you don't feel cramped, but is still as slim as possible (some people may feel cramped). Protection using heat-compression, which pursues light weight, is minimal, but it is sufficient to ensure that you don't have to worry about foot injuries even on typical technical terrain. 

Minimal, but adequate protection even on off-road.

The Quicklace™ system is still of high quality and allows for easy and uniform tightening. Moreover, the tape shoelace holes allow for some adjustment of the tension. However, the new shoelaces garage that can be stored from top to bottom has a slightly smaller entrance, so it was a bit difficult to store the remaining strings.

The new shoelaces garage can be stored along the flow of the string from above, but the slightly smaller bag makes it scratch the ball.

Looking at the insole alone, it is the same as the SR3 (left of the bottom photo), but when you stack the outsoles, you can see that the sole width of the S4P is slightly narrower, making it stand out (right of the bottom photo). Compared to the SR3, the S4P fits closely to the shape of your foot without feeling cramped, and the upper that wraps around your entire foot gives it an even more exquisite feeling, just like you're wearing socks.

The insole shape is the same, but the width of the sole itself is slightly narrower on the S4P, making it easier to adjust the legs. However, the SR3 is more stable.

The heel counter is low, but has a solid structure and is as simple as possible to create stability and protection.

The heel cup (left) is soft and shallow, but has moderate protection. The stack height is 4mm (right).

Midsole: First equipped with [opti-vibe] technology, it is not only fast but also reduces damage buildup

The most important point of this update is that it is equipped with opti-vibe technology, a damage and fatigue reduction function, and a model that focuses on light weight, response and agility. Like the SR3, the heel part has a material that combines cushioning and rebound force, reducing the impact and vibrations on the legs that occur during driving, while still maintaining unchanging propulsion in a minimal package.

The drop is small at 4mm, and compared to the SENSE RIDE, it is clearly suitable for speed runners when running for forefoot, but on top of that, the shock absorption in the heel is clearly felt, and the longer the distance, the stronger the benefits you get.

An outsole that prevents slipping on rough roads, provides traction on steep slopes, and stability on roads

The outsole is made of Contagrip® MA compound, which is resistant to slip on wet roads, as is the SENSE RIDE 3. Compared to the SR3, the lugs are slightly deeper and the spacing between the lugs makes it clearer, which shows that it is designed with ease of mud removal and traction on steep slopes (left photo below).

The S4P (left) has a slightly higher lug and is also more spaced than the SR4 (right).

However, it is not as high as the brand's speed crosses, and is basically highly flexible and durable, so you can expect stable driving even on roads. In other words, it is basically a versatile outsole and has a structure that is more compatible with more technical terrain.

The tenacity of the rubber, the height and spacing of the lugs, and the outsole that can be used even on rough roads.

Test run impressions and summary

Fast trail shoes that allow runners to know the joy of running and immerse themselves in just running fast

I also tried riding this road and low mountain trails around my house, using alternating left and right wear, both the S4P and the SR3.

As mentioned above, the surprisingly lightweight upper is flexible and fit, and the fit is very well, and the entire shoe is tangled around the entire foot like wearing socks, and the moment I put on it, I felt like this would be a quick and excellent shoe.

I was convinced that this premonition was clear from the time I tried out the road around my house. The lightweight, slim shoes allow for quick footing as if they weren't wearing them, and the response from the ground feels more direct, and the steps are vibrant and the ride is amazing. The opti-vibe midsole provides more shock absorption than enough for its stripped-down construction, helping to provide the right cushioning and protection for the soles of the feet. To put it in a bit more exaggerated, it seems like you are simultaneously experiencing the luxurious cushioning of thick-soled shoes and the agility of bare-foot shoes.

Even on the uphills, the lightness and agility remain the same. However, perhaps they are aiming for a runner with a certain amount of leg strength, so I was a little concerned about the shallowness and flexibility of the heel cup. I think there is a considerable influence from the way I run and the socks I put on inside, but even though I was not loosened and put them on, I often felt like I could fall off from my heel on the uphill, so I had to run firmly with my forefoot. Also, compared to SENSE RIDE, the sole width (especially around the heel) is slimmer and has a smaller contact area, so it is important to note that if you do not place the center of gravity in a solid position, your body will likely be shaken.

On the other hand, on descent slopes, this delicate, light, and flexibility of the sole sensation is effective when avoiding obstacles. Plus, the moderate cushioning and stability in the midsole will allow for faster and more fun downhill than usual.

A great fit with a light ride, the SENSE 4 /PRO is a great shoe that has the balanced cushioning, dynamism, traction and protection needed to go faster, and is also a great shoe that gives it a perfect fit for runners who already know how to ride the trail.

On the other hand, I felt that there was a high hurdle that if you wear it when your feet are unstable on tough, high-down roads, some people may be dissatisfied with the lack of support. However, it is not that big of a bias, and in any case, if you try riding the trail wearing the new SENSE PRO , it is sure to make a great pair of shoes that will allow everyone to experience the joy of running through the fields and mountains.

Details and purchases for SALOMON SENSE RIDE 3 & SENSE 4 /PRO

For product details, please also check the official online shopping sites for each of the SENSE RIDE 3 / SENSE 4/PRO