Salomon
Ultra Glide 4
Product Judgment
Strong
8.6
Category: Light/Moderate Trail
Release year: 2026
Price Judgment
Buy
Common retail price: ~$160
Availability: Widely Available
Description
Max-cushion trail shoe positioned for long-distance comfort and versatility. Sits at the top of Salomon’s comfort-focused trail lineup. Highly rated for plush ride, stability, and all-terrain adaptability.
Delivers a plush, energetic ride that absorbs impact and reduces fatigue over long distances. Wide, stable platform and responsive foam encourage steady pacing on varied surfaces. Upper comfort and secure fit stand out, though some heat retention and fit issues for narrow feet are noted. Outsole traction is reliable except on slick wet rock, with minor durability trade-offs at the toe.
Best suited for ultrarunners, long-distance trail training, and mixed terrain adventures. Excels as a daily trail trainer and for door-to-trail runs thanks to its smooth transition and forgiving cushioning. Ideal for runners prioritizing comfort and stability over pure speed or technical precision. Remains a top choice for those seeking a versatile, high-mileage trail companion.
Performance Scores
Comfort
9Plush OptiFoam midsole and padded upper deliver outstanding comfort for long distances.
Energy Return
8Responsive foam balances cushioning with a lively, smooth ride across varied terrain.
Stability
9Wide platform and secure fit provide excellent stability even on uneven trails.
Durability
7Upper is robust, but front toe lugs show faster wear on rocky terrain.
Grip
8Contagrip outsole offers strong traction on most surfaces, except slick wet rock.
Run Fitness
Daily
9Comfort and versatility make it ideal for daily trail training.
Long
9High cushioning and stable ride excel during long-distance and ultra runs.
Light Trail
9Smooth, forgiving ride and grip suit light trails and mixed terrain.
Technical Trail
7Stable platform handles technical sections, but lockdown and grip have limits.
Door to Trail
9Rolls smoothly on pavement and transitions well to trails.
Pros & Cons
- Exceptional comfort
- Stable wide platform
- Versatile traction
- Smooth road-to-trail ride
- Toe lug wear
- Lockdown for narrow feet
- Retains moisture
Plush cushioning and padded upper provide outstanding comfort for long runs and ultras.
Wide base and secure fit deliver excellent stability on uneven and off-camber terrain.
Contagrip outsole offers reliable traction across a wide range of trail surfaces.
Smooth, forgiving ride transitions seamlessly from road to trail without feeling clunky.
Front toe lugs show quicker wear on rocky terrain due to softer rubber compound.
Lockdown can be challenging for narrow, low-volume feet, leading to some midfoot movement.
Thick upper padding retains heat and moisture, causing wet feet after creek crossings.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:30-7:30 min/km
Drop
6 mm
Stack height
41 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
Weight
285 g
Drop
6 mm
Stack height
41 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
Weight
285 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
medium
Terrain
Light Trail
Technologies
OptiFoam, RelieveSphere, Contagrip
Plate
no
Best for paces
5:30-7:30 min/km
Comparable Models
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 is lighter and more race-focused, while Ultra Glide 4 is more cushioned and forgiving.
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Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide is lighter and quicker, while Ultra Glide 4 is more forgiving for everyday trail mileage.
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Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL is smoother on gravel and pavement, while Ultra Glide 4 is more trail-protective.
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Hoka Speedgoat 7 is more technical and protective, while Ultra Glide 4 is smoother on runnable trail.
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Brooks Cascadia 19 is firmer and more structured, while Ultra Glide 4 feels more cushioned over long runs.
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Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is softer and more flexible, while Ultra Glide 4 is more protective for long trail runs.
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ASICS Gel-Trabuco Max 5 is more protective and grippier, while Ultra Glide 4 feels smoother on less technical terrain.
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Altra Olympus 6 is roomier and zero-drop, while Ultra Glide 4 has a more secure and conventional fit.
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Saucony Peregrine 16 is lower and more technical, while Ultra Glide 4 is more cushioned for long trail mileage.
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Altra Timp 5 is roomier and zero-drop, while Ultra Glide 4 feels more secure through the midfoot.
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