Salomon S/Lab UltraGlide Review: Max Cushioning Built for Ultra Distance

Introduction

The Salomon S/Lab UltraGlide is the brand’s biggest statement in cushioning to date, and arguably its most unusual S/Lab release. With a 41 mm heel and 35 mm forefoot, it carries the tallest stack height Salomon has brought to market, and it does so with a different mission than the racing-focused S/Lab shoes that came before it. Instead of being built around podium-chasing athletes, it is designed for any runner trying to finish an ultra distance race in comfort.

That shift in intent shapes everything about the shoe, from its foam construction to its fit. Here is what the UltraGlide offers and who it makes sense for.

Who the S/Lab UltraGlide Is For

S/Lab traditionally denotes Salomon’s top echelon, high-performance line, usually developed with elite athletes in mind. The UltraGlide keeps that performance pedigree but widens the audience: it is the first S/Lab shoe built not just for athletes standing on podiums, but for the broader field of ultra runners whose main goal is simply to go the distance feeling good.

The fit reflects that. It runs more generous than typical S/Lab racing shoes while still feeling performance oriented, so it should appeal to longtime Salomon fans and to runners who previously found the S/Lab line too narrow or too race-specific.

Main Strengths

The standout feature is the three-part foam construction. Underneath the foot sits Energy Foam Plus, a supercritical foam chosen for its soft, bouncy feel. That core is encapsulated by the firmer standard Energy Foam used in shoes like the S/Lab Genesis, which adds a degree of stability while letting the runner sink in and be cradled by the softer layer directly underfoot. It is a different approach from a typical carrier-foam setup, with the firmer foam on either side and the premium cushioning slipped in underneath.

Notably, Salomon deliberately chose not to include a plate. The reasoning is simple: in an ultra distance shoe, the priority is maximizing comfort mile after mile, and a plate would work against that soft, cushioned feel.

Underfoot, Salomon has also added what it calls Release Sphere Technology: small divots that help dissipate pressure in high-pressure areas, a detail aimed specifically at the demands ultra runners place on their feet over long hours.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The headline numbers come with trade-offs worth weighing. A 41/35 mm stack is very high by any standard, and while the firmer encapsulating foam is meant to address the stability concerns that come with big cushioning, riders who prefer a low, grounded feel may want to try it first.

The price is also firmly premium: $250 at launch in North America on February 1st. Salomon points to the unique construction and materials, and to the longevity runners should get out of the shoe, as justification, framing it as good value over the total miles it can absorb. Still, it is unambiguously a premium product at the current going rate for top-tier running shoes.

Buying Advice

Within Salomon’s lineup, the UltraGlide is positioned as the brand’s answer for comfort, cushioning, and long-distance racing. Rather than the usual S/Lab-to-lineup trickle-down, this series started with the UltraGlide itself, with a more accessible takedown UltraGlide model planned for future seasons.

If your priority is an ultra shoe that stays soft and comfortable deep into a race, and you are comfortable paying a premium for that, the S/Lab UltraGlide is a strong, well-considered option. If you want a cheaper entry into the same philosophy, waiting for the takedown version may be the smarter move.

Conclusion

The S/Lab UltraGlide marks a new frontier for Salomon’s flagship line: maximum cushioning, plate-free construction, and a fit built for the whole ultra field rather than the elite few. With its tall stack, three-layer foam, and pressure-relieving underfoot details, it is a compelling pick for runners whose finish line matters more than their finish position.