Salomon

S/Lab Pulsar 2 Trail Running Shoe

Best trail racing shoe I’ve ever used

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

9

And I’ve used a Lot of shoes.. the update was purely a good thing: v2 ended up a few grams lighter than the first version since the lockdown is so much better so I was able to cut the laces off.. snappy and great for anything

Decent but nothing to write home about

My review will only touch the fit and the general "feel " of this shoe. I ordered them online and I am sending them back after trying them on at home. The fit is obviously an individual matter and there is an inherent variability in how every single shoe is manufactured, so not even the same model and size has to fit the same, but for it is worth here we go. Their toebox is slightly more roomy than the one of the original S/lab Pulsar both widthwise and lengthwise. Or maybe it is just slightly taller and the same length. In any case, it feels more comfortable than the original Pulsar, but certainly tighter than Slab Pulsar SG and even the Sense 8. The midsole feels firmer than in Pulsar "1" and "1" SG and the heel stack feels to be taller than that of Pulsar SG even if the numbers may be suggesting different. Also, the toe drop feels more noticeable than in Pulsar SG. This may be because the material of the midsole of Pulsar 2 is firmer/less squishy. The heel rocker of Pulsar 2 seems to be less pronounced than that of Pulsar SG with the result of the heel feeling more stable. Again, possibly a consequence of the midsole being firmer. In any case, these are only my subjective observations, not any hard scientific data. The upper material seems to be consistent with the previous generation of Pulsars. However, I personally still find the breathability of the material of Sense 8 and its instep hugging properties better than any of these newer Matrix textiles. As I said , I'll be returning these shoes soon. Not because I find them to be particularly bad on any aspect but they aren't what I was hoping for ( basically a Pulsar "1" with more room in the toebox). Just for final clarification, I was comparing here to the first generation of both S/lab Pulsar and S/lab Pulsar SG + the S/lab Sense 8.

Great features

I bought that month ago and Im so happy when wearing Salomon for race,

everything you want in a race shoe!

I have raced in these shoes in a 20k up to a 50k! They are fast and responsive but they also provide enough protection to handle mountain running. The top mess fits like a sock. its amazing!

big disappointment

I purchased this model because the shoes I have always used are the S/Lab Sense 6, 7 and 8 (they fit as if they were designed on my foot). This Pulsar 2, however, is completely different in fit, too wide on the forefoot, it lets my foot slide a little forward when going downhill, the toes hurt and the nails turn black. They are incredibly light. Remarkable cushioning. The durability of the sole is short, as expected. High price, but related to the excellent quality of the materials. I wouldn't buy them again due to the fit, just not right for my feet.

Excellentes chaussures!

J'ai été très étonné par la réponse dynamique des Pulsars sur le terrain, je m'attendais à une tenue plus molle étant donné la semelles. Des chaussures nerveuses, rapides, légères!

V2 vs V1

I rounded this shoe from 4.5 stars to 5 as it is great but not as great as the original. The Pulsar 2 is definitely wider in the forefoot and especially noticed around corners with some sliding inside the shoe where there was none with the original. I use medium weight socks in the original and will now use the heavy weight socks for V2. Padding is also added to the heel area but seems unnecessary as I had no trouble with the V1. Ingress is now definitely easier. I love the red and purchased the V2 for the color.

Pros and Cons!

Overall this shoe is much more comfy with a wider toe box. I think that may turn some off and others on to this shoe. I do think on the next model they should also widen the heal a bit to accommodate a smoother more stable ride. This is very much a shoe for people who run on the balls of their feet. Heel strikers will probably skip this shoe for that reason. The original version has much more of a response and bouncy feel to it. The same descents in these shoes make my feet and quads aware of this. Overall still a great shoe..more comfy but unfortunately without the ride of the original.