As a middle/back of the pack ultra-runner I was a bit dubious about even attempting to review the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2, they are very definitely aimed at the fast-paced racers within our community. The shoe is the top of the line within Salomon’s range of trail running shoes with the exception of the Gore-Tex and S/Lab models.
Weight: 280g (UK size 10)
Stack Height: 33mm at the heel and 27mm in the forefoot
Drop: 6mm
Lug depth: 3.5mm
Width: Standard
The official Salomon website describes the Pulsar Trail Pro 2 as “quick, nimble and packed with their most responsive tech to propel you forwards and keep transitions smooth”.
The shoe is fitted with Salomon’s Energy Blade technology, which in combination with the Energy Surge foam is designed to “give your run extra pop and response”.
Straight out of the box I liked the look of these shoes, mainly because they look a bit quirky in comparison to my “normal” running shoes. The shoes have a sock like gaiter to assist in keeping any debris out, and thus far it’s done an excellent job. Lacing is Salomon’s quick lace system, which is a breeze to use, although the laces garage could be a little larger.
Putting the shoes on for the first time, I thought that I’d been sent a wide fit as the toe box felt huge! But out on the trail it was great, really allowing the foot to spread as I tried to push on to get to a decent pace.
Over the last few weeks I’ve attempted to put these shoes through their paces on a variety of different terrains, everything from road to sloppy of road trails and in the main they have held up really well.
Their first outing was around the only off-road trails in my local area which consist of some smooth rock sections and some woodland trails, nothing too technical. The shoes held up well to the conditions and I was impressed by the grip and responsiveness. The wide toe box helped me feel I could really plant my feet when I “attacked” the hills.
The lack of tread depth only became an issue in some really sloppy wet sections combined with the soggy leaf covering, meant traction wasn’t as good as I would have liked, but that would probably have been the same no matter the shoe.
The other runs have pretty much all been on hard pack trails, which is where these shoes have really excelled. The chevron pattern tread has been able to cut through the surface slop and really grip the trail underneath allowing me to push the pace and really see how the shoes perform.
Overall, I am very impressed with the Pulsar Trail 2, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it performs in the dry. Which brings me to the main negative point, whilst the sock like gaiter does an admirable job of keeping any debris out the same cannot be said for water, as soon as you get near a puddle you’ll know about it! Obviously, this can be negated with some waterproof socks but it does detract from what otherwise is a really good shoe, and as a UK based runner, kind of means that I’d only really use the Pulsar Trail 2 as a regular shoe in the spring or summer.
If you are a runner looking to make marginal gains in races, then yes this is definitely a shoe you could have a lot of fun with. If like me you just want to finish races and you can justify the cost, then also yes this is a shoe you should consider.
Review by Craig Jackson
Salomon
Pulsar Trail Pro 2
Surf The Web/Black/Safety Yellow
£160
