Comfort and cushioning for long trail days
Image: official product image from salomon.com
Is the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 good for ultrarunning?
Yes, the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 is a comfortable option for ultrarunning on less technical trails. Its plush cushioning, smooth rocker and stable ride suit long outings, while the 4.5 mm lugs offer versatile grip. Be aware that wet-rock traction and fit are less consistent, and it favours protection over speed.
Key facts
| Category | Trail shoes |
|---|---|
| Release | Announced 2 January 2026; on sale early January 2026 |
| Price | £130; US$159.95 (also listed as $150 and $160) |
| Key specs |
|
| Best for | Ultrarunners and trail runners prioritising cushioning, protection and comfort over speed, especially on less technical routes and long outings. |
| Consensus score | 8.8 out of 10 |
What is the Ultra Glide 4?
The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 is a highly cushioned trail shoe designed for long training days, ultras and hiking. Its smooth rocker and protective platform give it a stable, comfortable feel, with a relatively light sensation for a max-cushion shoe. Salomon lists a 41 mm heel stack, 35 mm forefoot and 6 mm drop; RunRepeat measured 38.6 mm, 31.1 mm and a 7.5 mm drop. Doctors of Running lists weights of 280 g for a men’s size 9 and 252 g for a women’s size 7. The available reviews do not establish specific changes from its predecessor.
How does it perform on ultras?
Across the reviews, cushioning and protection stand out on extended outings, while the rocker helps keep the ride smooth. The 4.5 mm Contagrip lugs suit a range of trail and road-to-trail use, but grip is less dependable on slick rock and wet ground. Testers also differ on fit: some value the room for foot swelling, while others find the midfoot snug or low-volume. RunRepeat describes the ride as less lively, with low energy return; other testers find useful response. Overall, the shoe prioritises comfort over speed and suits less technical ultra routes.
Who should buy it?
Choose the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 if your priority is cushioning and protection for long trail days, hiking or ultramarathons on less technical terrain. Its light-feeling ride and versatile outsole broaden its appeal beyond trail-only use. It is less suitable if you need dependable traction on slick, wet surfaces or a particularly lively shoe for fast running. Fit needs attention: the toe box feels roomy to some testers, but RunRepeat notes a pointed shape and other reviewers report a snug midfoot. The padded upper may also feel warm and retain moisture.
What reviewers agree on
Strengths
- Plush cushioning and protection for long outings
- Smooth rocker and stable ride
- Light-feeling for a max-cushion trail shoe
- Versatile for trail running, hiking and road-to-trail use
- Roomy fit for some testers and swelling during ultras
Weaknesses
- Grip can be unreliable on slick rocks and wet trails
- Midfoot may feel snug or low-volume
- Padded upper may retain heat and moisture
- RunRepeat found low energy return and a dull ride
- RunRepeat notes a pointed toe shape
Frequently asked questions
How does the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 fit?
Fit reports vary. Some testers appreciate the room in the toe box for feet to swell on long runs, while others find the midfoot snug or low-volume. RunRepeat also notes a pointed toe shape, so trying the shoe on is sensible if you have specific fit preferences.
Is the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 durable?
The supplied reviews do not establish a durability verdict or report a specific lifespan. They describe a Contagrip outsole with 4.5 mm lugs, but that specification alone does not confirm how long the shoe will last under your running conditions.
Is the Ultra Glide 4 better than the Ultra Glide 3?
The available review findings do not provide a direct comparison with the Ultra Glide 3, so they cannot establish which model is better. They describe the Ultra Glide 4 as a cushioned, protective option for long outings, with less consistent grip on wet ground and variation in fit.
Sources behind this review
How this review works: the consensus score of 8.8 out of 10 condenses the verdicts of the independent reviews and lab tests listed above, compiled by endurance coach Paul Forrest. Prices and specifications are those quoted by reviewers at the time of testing and may have changed.
Training for an ultra? See endurance coaching with Paul Forrest.
