Trail runners understand the importance of gear that can go the distance. The right shoe is more than just footwear; it is a trusted partner on long runs, technical descents, and unpredictable terrain. Salomon introduces the Ultra Glide 4, the latest evolution of its most cushioned trail shoe, engineered to deliver lighter, faster comfort for your longest runs. Now available, this new model builds upon the legacy of its predecessors with significant advancements aimed at enhancing performance and comfort.
The Ultra Glide 4 addresses the core needs of both ultra-distance athletes and daily trail enthusiasts. It features a completely re-engineered upper for a lighter, more breathable fit, all while retaining the beloved midsole that has made the Ultra Glide series a favorite. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the shoe's key features, design philosophy, and performance benefits.
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What’s New with the Ultra Glide 4?
The design team behind the Ultra Glide 4 focused on three critical areas for improvement: fit, breathability, and durability. The result is a shoe that feels noticeably different from the moment you put it on. It offers a refined experience that balances plush cushioning with a responsive, dynamic ride, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of trail conditions.
A Lighter, More Breathable Upper
The most significant update to the Ultra Glide 4 is its fully reworked upper. Salomon's engineers have created a more premium, seamless fit by moving away from traditional TPU overlays. Instead, structural reinforcements are integrated directly into the engineered mesh. This innovative construction makes the upper softer and more adaptive to the unique shape of your foot.
This new design directly improves the shoe's performance in several ways. The lighter construction reduces overall weight, helping you feel faster and more agile on the trail. More importantly, the enhanced breathability allows for better moisture management and airflow. This keeps your feet cooler and more comfortable during runs in hot or humid weather and helps the shoes dry faster after crossing a stream or running through rain.
Enhanced Durability for the Long Haul
A lighter and softer shoe should not come at the expense of durability. The Ultra Glide 4’s new upper material underwent extensive lab testing, demonstrating a 10% improvement in abrasion resistance compared to the previous version. This added toughness provides greater confidence on rugged, technical terrain where scuffs and tears are common.
This increased resistance to wear ensures that the shoe maintains its structural integrity and performance over many miles. Whether you are training for an ultramarathon or simply enjoying your local trails, you can rely on the Ultra Glide 4 to withstand the demands of long-distance running.
The Trusted Foundation: Midsole and Outsole
While the upper is new, the Ultra Glide 4 retains the core components that have earned the series its dedicated following. The shoe is built on a proven platform that delivers exceptional comfort and reliable traction, mile after mile.
High-Stack Cushioning and Responsive Ride
At the heart of the shoe is the high-stack energyFOAM™ midsole. This platform is celebrated for its ability to provide soft landings without feeling mushy or slow. It effectively absorbs impact, reducing stress on your joints during long efforts. At the same time, it delivers a responsive rebound that creates smooth, efficient transitions from foot strike to toe-off.
The shoe also features a relieveSPHERE geometry, which is designed to diffuse repeated impacts under the most sensitive areas of the foot. This combination of cushioning and responsiveness helps you maintain your form and stay comfortable, even as fatigue sets in during the later stages of a run.
All-Terrain Grip and Stability
Underfoot, the Ultra Glide 4 is equipped with Salomon’s All-Terrain Contagrip® outsole. This versatile outsole features 4.5 mm lugs designed to provide dependable traction across a wide variety of surfaces. From dry, hard-packed fire roads to loose, rocky trails and wet, muddy sections, the outsole gives you the confidence to move securely.
The synergy between the outsole and the midsole geometry enhances both grip and stability. This reliable footing is crucial for navigating technical terrain and maintaining control, especially when you are tired.
Technical Specifications
- Drop: 6mm (41mm / 35mm)
- Weight: 9.9 oz (Men's size 9) / 8.9 oz (Women's size 7)
- Lugs: 4.5 mm
- Outsole: All-Terrain Contagrip®
- Midsole: energyFOAM™
Who is the Ultra Glide 4 For?
The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 is a versatile max-cushion trail shoe designed for a broad spectrum of runners. Its blend of comfort, light weight, and durability makes it an excellent choice for:
- Ultra-Distance Athletes: Runners tackling 50k, 100k, or 100-mile races will appreciate the shoe's superior cushioning and long-distance comfort. Its lightweight and breathable design helps minimize fatigue and discomfort over many hours on the trail.
- Everyday Trail Runners: If you are looking for a highly comfortable and reliable shoe for your daily runs, the Ultra Glide 4 is an ideal option. Its cushioned ride makes everyday miles more enjoyable, and its durable construction ensures it will hold up to regular use.
- Runners Seeking Comfort on Varied Terrain: The shoe's protective features and all-terrain outsole make it suitable for runners who frequently encounter a mix of trail conditions. It provides the comfort of a road shoe with the grip and durability needed for the trail.
Weighing just 9.9 ounces for a men's size 9, the Ultra Glide 4 is one of the lightest max-cushion trail shoes in its class. This impressive comfort-to-weight ratio makes it a top contender for anyone looking to maximize comfort without sacrificing performance.
Final Thoughts
The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 represents a thoughtful and significant update to an already popular trail running shoe. By completely re-engineering the upper for a lighter and more breathable fit while preserving the trusted midsole, Salomon has created a shoe that enhances the running experience. It offers a compelling combination of plush cushioning, responsive energy return, and all-terrain traction.