Salomon S-Lab Ultra Glide 2: First Thoughts on a Long-Distance Trail Favorite

Introduction

The Salomon S-Lab Ultra Glide 2 continues a line that has quietly become a favorite for long, comfortable trail efforts. Although this is described as the fourth iteration of the shoe, each version has kept the same underfoot ride, which says a lot about how confident Salomon is in the formula. The focus has always been long-distance comfort, and this version refines rather than reinvents.

Previous versions have teetered between weight and fit issues, and those fit quirks have held some runners back. This iteration keeps improving incrementally, particularly up top, where the fit matters most for trail runners.

The Ride Underfoot

This is where the Ultra Glide line earns its reputation. The ride is remarkably smooth and forgiving, with a quality that makes the shoe feel like it can simply roll over anything. Roots, rocks, uneven terrain: the shoe absorbs it and keeps moving forward.

Energy dispersion is a standout. The premium top layer of foam delivers genuine cushioning, while the outer foam carriage helps propel you forward. The result is a shoe that feels cushioned, protective, stable, and surprisingly lively at the same time. It is essentially everything you want from a long-distance trail shoe.

The New Upper

The biggest change in this iteration is up top. The new upper is clearly drawn from the S-Lab Genesis series, and the two are nearly identical in feel. Salomon has made it a little broader through the midfoot and toe box, leaning more toward comfort, which should help runners who found earlier versions too snug.

Fit has historically been the make-or-break factor for this line, so the attention to the upper is welcome. Each version has gotten better, and this one continues that trend.

One Caveat: The Heel Cuff

There is one issue worth flagging. The heel cuff on this version is fairly abrasive, and it produced a solid blister within the first couple of runs. To be fair, the blister was aggravated first by a different shoe with a very similar heel collar design, so it is not yet clear which shoe started it. More runs are needed once things heal up to confirm whether this heel is genuinely problematic.

It is a shame, because everything else about the shoe feels dialed in. If the heel issue resolves itself, this could be an easy recommendation.

Who Should Consider It

If you are training for or racing 100 milers, 200 milers, or any long slow distance effort on trails, this shoe deserves a spot on your shortlist. The combination of cushioning, protection, and smooth rolling ride is exactly what those efforts demand.

For runners who found earlier Ultra Glide versions uncomfortable, the broader, Genesis-inspired upper may be reason enough to give the line another chance.

Conclusion

The S-Lab Ultra Glide 2 keeps the smooth, cushioned, protective ride that has always defined this line, while improving the fit with an upper borrowed from the S-Lab Genesis. The abrasive heel cuff is the one open question, and it is worth monitoring over the first few runs. If it settles down, this is one of the strongest options available for long-distance trail running.