REASONS TO BUY
Versatile
Comfortable
On the affordable side
Subtle rocker
REASONS TO AVOID
Traction could be stronger
Not the most sensitive
Salomon Ultra Glide 2 - Women's Review
Built for versatility, it has superb weight distribution, a subtle rocker for leg turnover, and long-lasting comfort, making it a go-to option for runners seeking simple, high-performing trail gear
With above-average protection, the Ultra Glide 2 is a capable and durable choice for runners who want strong performance and versatility.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
For runners seeking a versatile, trail-ready shoe that can handle it all, the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 is a good choice. If this shoe had a motto, it might be, “Jack of all trades, master of none” — in the best way possible. At close to a balanced 8 ounces, it offers superb weight distribution, a subtle rocker shape for smooth propulsion, and precise cushioning for long-lasting landing comfort. Equipped with All Terrain Contagrip for traction across most terrain types and Salomon's signature one-pull lacing system, the Ultra Glide 2 is great for runners who value simplicity without compromising performance.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Salomon Ultra Glide 2 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Trail Running Shoe for Women |  Best Wide Toe Box Option |  Best Bang for Your Buck | Best for Rough Terrain | |
| Price | $104.96 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $185.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $111.93 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $140.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $142.78 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | For precise cushioning, this trail-ready shoe delivers smooth comfort, reliability, and Salomon’s signature ease of use for most terrain types | Offering exceptional traction, comfort, and versatility, this shoe combines a nimble build with rugged protection, making it ideal for trail runners of all levels | Though not the most agile, this shoe shines in comfort, traction, and all-day trail durability | With a reliable build, lightened weight, and road-shoe fit, this shoe remains a go-to for trail runners who value consistency over flashy upgrades | If a well-tractioned powerhouse of a shoe is what you're after, this 7mm-drop, stacked-with-tech shoe is the one for you |
| Rating Categories | Salomon Ultra Glide... | Hoka Mafate Speed 4... | Topo MTN Racer 3 -... | Saucony Peregrine 1... | La Sportiva Bushido... |
| Comfort and Fit (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Foot Protection (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Salomon Ultra Glide... | Hoka Mafate Speed 4... | Topo MTN Racer 3 -... | Saucony Peregrine 1... | La Sportiva Bushido... |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 30 mm | 36 mm | 32 mm | 30 mm | 28 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6 mm | 3 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm | 7 mm |
| Rock Plate | ProfeelFILM | No | No | Yes | 1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock-guard in forefoot |
| Measured Lug Depth | 4.3 mm | 5.3 mm | 4.3 mm | 5.6 mm | 3.8 mm |
| Measured Weight | 8.17 oz | 7.96 oz | 7.80 oz | 7.80 oz | 9.11 oz |
| Upper | SensiFIT synthetic textile | Jacquard mesh | Mesh | Mesh | Air mesh / thermal adhesive microfiber / high frequency welded ripstop overlays |
| Midsole | EnergyFOAM | ProFly+ | ZipFoam | PWRRUN foam | 4 mm LaSpEVA / Compression Molded MEMlex |
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip | Vibram Megagrip with Litebase | Vibram | PWRTRAC | Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 V-Groove3 |
| Sizes Available | 5 - 11 US regular | 5 - 11 US | 6 - 12 US | 5 - 12 US regular, wide, GTX | 5.5 - 11 US regular, wide |
| Heel Tab Type | None | Finger loop | Extended heel pull | Finger loop | Finger loop |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6 mm | 4 mm | 5 mm | 4 mm | 6 mm |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 is a 6 mm drop, moderate stack (30 mm in the heel), well-tractioned trail shoe that is built for versatility. With an ultra-thin ProfeelFILM embedded in its undercarriage, the updated Ultra Glide is an affordable, versatile shoe that will serve most runners well.
The Ultra Glide 2 is a great contender for runners who are looking for a subtle rocker shape, comfort, and long-distance comfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
We recommend the Ultra Glide 2 for runners who need a versatile trail shoe that performs well across various distances and terrains. This shoe strikes a perfect balance between comfort and energy, making it an excellent choice for everything from easy long runs to faster, more intense efforts. The cushioning is plush enough to keep your feet feeling fresh over extended distances, while its responsive design provides just the right amount of energy return to make shorter runs fun and efficient. The Ultra Glide 2 is built for comfort and unfussy motivation through all seasons of trail running.
We can't get enough for the combined comfort and bounce of this nearly-maximally plush trail shoe.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
The lugs that cover the outsole of the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 are 4.3 mm deep, which is slightly taller than average. Most of the lugs are diamond-shaped, with a few core chevron-shaped lugs for maximal traction. Overall, the outsole allows runners to feel confident on most surfaces. While the spacing of the lugs seems more suitable for moderate trails, the Ultra Glide holds its own on more demanding terrain. Though lacking true mud-running tech, wet grass and even the occasional mud puddle were no match for the grippy, well-placed lug pattern adorning this outsole.
The traction of this shoe pairs beautifully with its rocker, making it a great choice for agility-focused mountain runners.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Stability
At 8.17 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the Ultra Glide isn't especially heavy. Its slight bit of chunk provides some real lateral stability that I grew to love. With a 6mm drop and a noticeable rocker shape, the Ultra Glide rides like a softer version of a typical road shoe, adding comfort and familiarity. The midfoot side walls exist but aren't imposing, creating a neutral ride overall. Salomon's one-pull lacing system is secure through the midfoot, adding a sense of stability to this neutral trail shoe.
For a neutral trail shoe, the Ultra Glide provides secure stability for runners who prioritize a strong midfoot lock and secure heel collar.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Foot Protection
The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 delivers exactly what you'd expect from a dependable trail shoe. While it's not designed for scaling arctic mountain faces, it offers ample protection for the trails most runners frequent. The outsole extends slightly up the toe, shielding against rocks and debris, while the water-resistant toe cap rises a bit higher than usual, adding an extra layer of defense. The upper, crafted from Salomon's SensiFIT textile, strikes a balance between breathability and near-impenetrable durability. The plush, well-contoured heel collar avoids feeling overly engineered or restrictive. Instead of a traditional rock plate, Salomon uses a thin foam layer called ProfeelFILM, which provides underfoot protection and comfort without adding rigidity.
The Ultra Glide is protective enough for tough terrain, and its extra dose of softness makes it a reliable choice for longer efforts.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weight
At slightly over 8 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the updated Ultra Glide weighs in around the middle of the pack. Its weight is on par with the technology and comfort it offers. While not the lightest shoe in our lineup, it's light enough to lay down some peppy paces. That said, it's beefy enough to provide some stability and traction while doing so. I love how well the weight is distributed on this shoe, making it a shoe I reach for on days when I'm not really sure where the trail might lead.
We don't expect shoes this plush to be the lightest, making the Ultra Glide's moderate weight somewhat expected.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sensitivity
As is the case across the board, the Ultra Glide 2 earns an above-average-but-not-outstanding score in this metric. The Ultra Glide offers dampened sensitivity that doesn't totally inhibit trail feel. The contours of the insole and how they work with the midsole materials allow runners to feel connected to the ground as they run without feeling every single detail. Runners who like a lot of sensitivity will find the 30 mm stack of the Ultra Glide to be too thick, but it's a bit more sensitive than a true plush, super-stacked shoe.
The Ultra Glide offers moderate sensitivity, making it a nice middle-ground shoe for runners who want to feel some of the trail features, but not necessarily all of them.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Salomon Ultra Glide 2?
Everything about the Ultra Glide makes it an awesome shoe. Runners who are looking for more specified elements might not like the versatile nature of this shoe as much as runners who want an everyday trail shoe. Not only is the Ultra Glide ready for whatever daily runs you throw at it, but it's also available for significantly less than many of our higher-scoring options, making it a top choice for versatility on a budget.
This versatile trail shoe is available for slightly less than some of its equally-scoring counterparts. We recommend the Ultra Glide to trail runners who want a balance of features centered around comfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
In terms of the performance-to-price ratio, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the most similar to the Salomon Ultra Glide. While divergent in overall style, the Speedgoat offers slightly higher scores across the board and equal versatility. The Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is another comparable option with a side of speed, though it is slightly pricier. Many other Salomon options, such as the Sense Ride 5, offer a similar style and fit with slightly different attributes. The Sense Ride is on the heavier side, but it stands out as another versatile trail runner.
—Ally Arcuri
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