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You need a new shoe to run in the mountains, over hill and dale and through the woods? And there’s so much choice that you can’t see a shoe in all the shelves? We can’t spare you trying them on, because as we all know, our feet are individualists and can’t be fitted into just any shoe. But there is one trail running shoe that comes extremely close to fitting everyone. And that’s exactly what our tester Ana Zirner put through its paces for you, for sole and cushioning, for mud and roots: The new Sense Ride 4 from Salomon.
Test area and field of application
For about two weeks now, I have been running with the Sense Ride 4 on my training runs. Short and long runs, on the flat through the forest, steep uphill on trails and downhill through the mud, it’s been everything.
When I first try them on, I immediately notice how comfortable the Salomon Sense Ride 4 is. I’m usually be a die-hard barefoot runner, so I’m sceptical at first, because I don’t want a slipper, but a good all-rounder for all trails. But already on the first run – uphill on a root-rich single trail – the good grip on the partly spring muddy ground and on the slippery roots becomes apparent, and the stable hold in the heel ensures a solid running feeling. Even on long laps and in versatile terrain, the Salomon Sense Ride 4 remains comfortable. Thanks to the Quicklace lacing, the shoe adapts well to the foot, the mesh insert keeps small bouncing pebbles from landing in the shoe and the Profeel Film, a scree guard in the toe area, protects against painful bumps on edges, in rocky terrain and on larger stones.
I have experienced limitations both in extreme terrain, i.e. snow, steepness or technical terrain, for which the shoe is less suitable. But to be honest, this terrain is also the exception in the radius of everyday training. The Salomon Sense Ride 4 is also less suitable for tar and forest trails. Even if it performs well here in the short term, it is simply not designed for this in the long term. The coarser sole profile would wear out more quickly here and a trail running shoe is also less comfortable than a classic road runner.
Technical construction of the shoe and function
What makes the quality in the construction of the shoe is the combination of stability and comfort. Thanks to the Quicklace lacing system and the SensiFit upper construction, the shoe fits close to the whole foot, so it can be customised and still remains very breathable. The stable Contragrip sole provides good grip on almost all surfaces and the Salomon-developed Optivibe damping in the midsole absorbs vibration and reduces muscle fatigue. The 8mm offset is absolutely sufficient for mixed terrain, especially since the trend is fortunately moving away from too much cushioning and offset according to new scientific findings. With its 235 g, the Salomon Sense Ride 4 is officially “only” in the medium weight range, but the comfort on the foot makes it seem extremely light.
And what are the hooks?
There is one aspect of this test that couldn’t be tested, and that is the durability of the shoe, so no credible statement can be made about this. Despite trial and error, the stowage of the laces remains a mystery to me. There is no logical way to fasten it. You should know that the Sense Ride 4 is not a waterproof model, but this can also be seen as an advantage. Because waterproof membranes usually impair both the breathability and the durability of a shoe.
Resume
It makes sense that this trail running shoe is so popular. After all, it is not only comfortable and responsive, but it also offers a stable hold in the shoe and a good grip under the sole on almost any terrain. The Salomon Sense Ride 4 is an honest and versatile all-rounder that you can really enjoy in any terrain off the tar or in high alpine regions.
© Anna Euler