I was interested to trial the Solomon Pulsar Trail when they arrived, although when I saw they were mainly white in colour, I did wonder how this would fare as an off roader.
Features:
- Upper – Textile / Synthetic
- Drop – 6 in mm
- Lug depth – 3,5 mm
- Heel stack height – 33 mm
- Forefoot stack height – 27 mm
- Weight – 230 g
- Lacing system – Quicklace®
- Waterproofness – None
- OUTSOLE: All Terrain Contagrip®
- MIDSOLE: Energy Foam
- RESPONSIVE TECHNOLOGY: Energy Blade Trail running
- UPPER CONSTRUCTION: Soft collar construction
- LACING SYSTEM: Quicklace™
Out-of-the-box the shoes felt light, with Salomon’s signature lacing system in place. A first glance the sole made me think that these shoes would be for dry trails rather than deep mud or the peat bogs of the Peak District where I live.
Initial impression on fit was that the shoe was nice and roomy at the toe box, which is unusual as I have previously found the Salomon’s tend to fit a little narrow towards the front. These had plenty of width, without feeling baggy. I was surprised when I wore them to run in for the first time as they felt as cushioned as a road shoe, but made for the trails, which suited me perfectly. I was also a little sceptical of the quick lace system for a trail shoe, as I was unsure I would be able to tighten the laces enough to hold my foot in place over uneven terrain, but during wear there was very little lateral movement once the lace was pulled tightly. Another plus for this shoe.
During my run I could really feel the cushioning and the energy blade system in the sole made you feel like you were being propelled forward, whilst not feeling heavy. On technical ground, I felt the Salomon Trail Pro was not as stable and lacked the confidence on uneven rough ground where a lower profile shoe would be better. The dual foam and blade combination, however, gave a responsive feel when navigating less arduous terrain and it is the combination of the TPU plate, the foam in the midsole and the sole design which gives the added forward propulsion.
I used the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro for a variety of different distances, the longest run being 18 miles, and they were comfortable and cushioned enough to cope with that sort of distance. The sock-like upper around the ankle ensured that there were no hot spots and it felt snug throughout the whole run, without any restriction. The only downside to the shoe was that it came in white, and I have been unable to get it clean again since the first wear.
Overall, I would recommend these shoes could be used for a variety of distances and would be most suitable for the runner that requires that little bit more bounce as these are so lightweight and cushioned. It is most suited to dry, hardpacked trails and over rocky ground where the cushioning really comes into play. The Pulsar Trail Pro is a great shoe for those looking for speed and lightness and I think would make a great racing shoe over dry, uncomplicated trails. The Trail Pro will provide decent cushioning and stability in the long races.
What they say:
PULSAR TRAIL PRO is quick and nimble and packed with our most responsive tech to propel you forwards and keep your transitions smooth, however long the run. Energy Blade built into the springy midsole activates propulsion and drive, while Energy Foam gives your run extra pop and response. An anti-debris collar keeps out trail rubble.
Have you tried the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
Not a member yet? Sign up here to be part of the RunUltra community and share tips and stories with thousands of fellow runners around the world.
We are a professional review site and our reviewers receive free products for testing from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are by the reviewer’s name shown.
About the writer: Mel Sykes is Yorkshire born and bred. She’s an ultra runner, triathlete and fell walker who has a thing for cereal. When she’s not wandering across the moors, she can be found bagging Wainwrights and exploring the UK’s long distance footpaths. Her favourite meals all involve gravy.
