Review: SALOMON SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE For training in the cold winter! Light mid-cut running shoes with excellent stability and no injuries
An extremely cold winter. A slightly tangy and cold air. Although the sun is not long, the clear view that can be seen from afar is a reward unique to winter. If you're a person who runs even in winter, you'll want to continue running comfortably not only on the mountains but also on the road. SALOMON the world-renowned outdoor brand , but it started with winter sports. It is inevitable that your passion for winter sports will stand out more strongly than other brands. We've reviewed the SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE, which was released this fall, from the SONIC which is well-known for its running shoes by SALOMON . I would definitely recommend reading this if you are not only on trail runs but also on roads.
table of contents
SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE First impression
SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE is based on the running function that SONIC RA has .
The first thing to note is the lightweight wool liner that is integrated with a long cuff. As you can see, when you put your feet in, it wraps around your ankles and toes, providing a strong protection against your feet from the cold of winter. It has a very comfortable hold. It also uses a 360° active reflector that improves visibility even in the early morning, evening, and nighttime with poor visibility. It can be said that this is a detailed feature that is unique to winters with short sunlight.
The upper features a stretchy "Engineered Mesh" that covers the entire foot, and a SensiFit upper for road running that fits the shape of your foot. The midsole uses Vibe Technology, which combines the midsole compound "EnergyCell+" with excellent cushioning and durability with the shock vibration absorbing material "Opal". Not only will it allow for stable foot movements, but it also seems to help prevent injuries.
The outsole uses the "Contagrip FA" compound, which has excellent durability and grip, and is equipped with a wide lug that is highly resistant to wear from hard road surfaces. This pair of shoes is perfect for winter running, with the ultra-lightweight rubber Blown rubber Contagrip that makes it easy to convey the sense of the ground to the soles of your feet, and Geometric Decoupling, which is designed to allow you to move your weight from your heel to your toes in a natural flow.
Recommended points
- A seamless cold-proof windproof gaiter that protects your ankles
- Vibe technology that absorbs vibrations that cause injuries and fatigue
- Overall stability of the sole, which delivers force forward without shaking
- 360° active reflector for winters that are effective for short sunlight hours
Points that interest me
- The seamless gaiter might be a little too soft
Main Specifications and OGZ Original Review
| item | Specifications and ratings |
|---|---|
| weight | 269g (266g 27cm, measured in one foot) |
| Stack height | 28mm/20mm (8mm drop) |
| Midsole | EnergyCell+ |
| Outsole | Contagrip FA |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Breathable | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Rebound | ★★★★☆ |
| cushion | ★★★★★ |
| Stability | ★★★★★ |
| comprehensive evaluation | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed review
Wool liner upper for a comfortable fit and light weight
These running shoes can be used even in the extremely cold winters. It's a seamless, integrated gaiter, and I thought it was reasonably heavy due to its mid-cut, but it's incredibly light. The official weight is 269g. The actual measured weight is 266g (27cm). It can be said that this type is lighter than regular running shoes. The stack height is 20mm forefoot, 28mm heel, and the drop is 8mm. It seems highly expected that it will be cushioned and easy to kick off.
First, try spreading the gaiter cuff with your fingers and putting your feet in (if it's difficult to wear, try pulling the heel hooks while wearing it). The toes are wide, and the height is moderately spacious, making it easy to move your fingertips moderately. The inside of the heel cup is equipped with thick pads that wrap around the heel, and the upper is made of stretchy mesh and stitch-free with no seams. It is equipped with an integrated lightweight wool liner, and is designed to keep you warm from the ankles to the toes. Of course, SensiFit for road running softly holds the entire foot, from the midsole to the racing system.
The SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE can be used not only for running in the cold winter, but also as training shoes . The mid-cut structure prevents foreign objects from entering the shoes and protects them from all weather conditions. It protects you even on strong rain and windy days. The pads on the inside of the heel also fit well. The upper is mainly made of breathable mesh fabric, but the toe cap and SensiFit, which wraps around the entire foot, is covered with protective rubber material. Of course, it has excellent heat retention, wind resistance, and weather resistance that can handle light rain and snow. But one point. When it comes to greed, I would like a more close fit. There will be some gaps when kicking off or landing...
The insole is made of OrthoLite, which has excellent cushioning, comfort and durability, and the soles of the footbed are also comfortable.
360° active reflector for improved winter visibility
It also uses a "360° active reflector" that ensures safety even in the early mornings, evenings, and nights with poor visibility. The dazzle geometric pattern gives it a strong presence in the darkness. Not only does it improve visibility, but it also makes an impact that instantly catches your attention by asking, "What, what?" In addition to the meaning of light in dark places, the name "NOCTURNE" also includes the concept of allowing you to run comfortably, thanks to windproof performance, even in cold conditions in winter when the sun is short.
Seamless integrated gaiter and 360° active reflector. The sun is short and the specs are effective in cold winters.
The inside of the heel is built in pads that improve fit and heat retention.
A reflector seen from the back. Visibility from the back has also been improved.
I took a flash photo with my smartphone at night and as you can see!
The heel also reflects light glitteringly. This is a relief for night runs too.
A comfortable, stable ride that absorbs the impact of landing and moves forward smoothly to a rebound force.
What about the midsole? It uses the midsole compound "EnergyCell+" that has excellent cushioning properties to relieve impact when landing and high rebound power, and is equipped with "Vibe Technology" that combines the shock vibration absorbing material "Opal." It suppresses vibrations when landing, protects your feet from impacts, and absorbs minor vibrations that cause fatigue and injuries that occur during running. When you actually drive, you naturally feel like your ability to advance is added. Thanks to the integrated gaiter, the legs are further protected and the shaking and twisting that can cause sprains have been reduced.
Especially when I ran down stone steps, I felt a sense of being able to walk around the mountains and walked steadily, steadily, and at each step. This is a great feature for those who are not good at descending, where the ankles tend to be unstable. In addition, the SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE has Vibe Technology installed on the heel and toes, making it possible to run steadily regardless of the way it lands.
When I descended the stone steps. Step by step, it doesn't make you feel a bit blurry.
The midsole is "Vibe Technology" which combines "EnergyCell+" with excellent shock absorption and rebound power, with the shock vibration absorbing material "Opal".
A reliable outsole that allows for natural foot movement
The outsole also has a mechanism that allows for stable driving. Pronation is the natural movement of the human body, which rotates the sole inwards to distribute the impact when it lands, but beginners who do not have muscles suitable for running or those who are not stable in their running form may not be able to properly pronate and cause injuries. SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE uses the "Geometric Decoupling™" outsole designed with an axis that derives natural movement without correcting the feet.
When people kick the ground with their feet, their feet rotate inward to cushion the impact, and are said to support gravity about three times the weight of their weight, so it is recommended not only for beginners, but also for those who want to run long distances without injury.
A multi-functional outsole, including "Geometric Decoupling" that supports stable pronation, "Blown rubber Contagrip®" which has ultra-lightweight rubber finish, and "Contagrip® FA" compound that combines durability and adhesion.
The outsole is made of the "Contagrip® FA," a compound that combines durability and adhesion, with the ultra-lightweight rubber Blown rubber Contagrip®, which combines cushioning and a sense of the ground. When you actually press it with your finger, it gives a slightly softer impression, and the rug pattern is shallow and wide. It captures hard, flat paved roads. The drop is also 8mm. When you run, you can clearly see that it supports moving the center of gravity from behind to forward. Although it is for road running, it gives the impression that it would be good if it was a small trail run with lots of stones.
The outsole is a Contagrip® FA, and a wide, flat lug. The stable grip is reliable.
Summary: Recommended for:
In the cold winter, some people may inevitably get stiff and get injured. The SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE is a running shoe with a seamless, integrated gaiter. Not only does it protect your feet, but it is also effective for keeping cold and windproof. The pads on the inside of the heel of the shoes are also soft and have good heat retention. Also, since winter is short in sunlight, the 360° active reflector is a safe feature that increases visibility.
As mentioned above, SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE is also suitable for those who want to prevent foot injuries. Vibe™ Technology combines the midsole compound "EnergyCell™+" with the shock-absorbing material "Opal", and Geometric Decoupling™ that supports pronation. The "Contagrip® FA" features a flat, wide lug pattern that firmly captures hard road surfaces.
For beginner runners who are unable to get into running form or strength, long-distance runners who don't want to get injured (especially those with sprains!), and trail runners who want to incorporate winter road practice, SONIC RA 2 NOCTURNE must be a high score.
