Salomon Glide Max TR: Endless Trail Running
By Matthew Klein
A large amount of cushion can be nice underfoot over long miles on the trail. However, one of the major challenges with this is that often one must also carry around a ton of weight over those long miles. This can be challenging for those entering longer races where both speed and protection are needed. For those not interested in aggressive trail racing shoes, more mid-weight maximal trail shoes are coming to market. These shoes maintain high levels of cushioning while staying at or under 10 oz. The Salomon Glide Max TR is one of those options. Featuring a taller stack height compared to its sibling the Ultra Glide, the Glide Max TR maintains a high level of cushioning while keeping weight low so you can forget about it over long miles.
Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10 oz, 285 g (men's size 9), 9.2 oz, 261g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 38 mm / 32 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Classification: Max Stack Height Trail Shoe
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Salomon Glide Max TR is a maximal, midweight, snug-fitting trail shoe for those who want a shoe for long runs and consistent paces. The midsole is soft with a large amount of foam underfoot and a posterior rocker that feels best rolling through the front of the shoe. The fit is snug and low-volume, particularly in the forefoot. Those with narrow feet will probably do best or those that want a performance fit. The Salomon Glide Max TR is best over mild to moderate terrain, especially on longer distance efforts and my make a great ultra distance racing shoe for many people.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Speedgoat 5
FIT
The Salomon Glide Max TR fits me true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The fit is snug throughout with a taper at the toe box thanks to the additional reinforcement from the toe guard. The volume of the upper at the forefoot is low and this was quite noticeable at first. Over time this has broken in a little, but those wanting some tapered protection will do best. The midfoot is normal to slightly snug featuring a moderately thick ungusseted tongue. This transitions into a snug/narrow heel with moderate heel collar cushioning. There is a large stiff heel counter that has some mild padding in front, but those sensitive to counters should cautiously approach this shoe. The upper is a full-length engineered mesh with overlays for security. I had no need to lace lock this shoe as the snug fit locked my heel down even on mud and unsteady terrain.
I would wear socks with this shoe as the inner liner is a bit scratchy. I also found the upper to be quite warm despite it being marketed as breathable. The trade-off is that surprisingly my feet stayed dry going through deep mud and water. This shoe isn't waterproof or water-resistant, but still does a great job moving through wet environments.
PERFORMANCE
The Salomon Glide Max TR is a maximal, highly cushioned trail shoe. The midsole foam is full-length ENERGYFOAM, which is actually moderately softer and highly cushioned underfoot. This feeling of softness is centered around the midfoot, executing the noticeable rocker underfoot. The pivot point of the rocker is at the posterior midfoot with what feels like a long forefoot rocker. Landing at the heel feels a bit clunky (almost like the more aggressive M-Strike soles from the past), but landing right on the pivot point and rolling forward is smooth and easy. There is a 6mm drop, which actually feels somewhat higher thanks to the above geometry. The forefoot is stiff and rockered and the sole overall has little flexibility. The transition is still easy thanks to the long forefoot rocker, rolling along nicely. The design of the shoe makes it best for long runs and moderate paced trail runs. It was easy to get in a rhythm and continue for long periods and the lighter relative weight (for a trail shoe) made it still feel somewhat nimble despite the tall stack height.
This would be an excellent ultramarathon race shoe for those wanting a tall stack height shoe that rolls well and stays lighter. The outsole traction is fairly good. It was mild enough to handle door to trail efforts and the amount of cushioning muted the feeling of lugs feeling awkward on road. On the trail it did fine with basic trails, fire roads, gravel and uneven terrain. On thick mud it did not have traction (as all but the most aggressive trail shoes do not) but other surfaces it was fine. This shoe is not meant as an aggressive trail shoe for steep climbs but works more as a longer-effort trail shoe on mild to moderate terrain. Even after 30 miles I have yet to put a dent on the lugs, so I expect an above-average number of miles out of these.
STABILITY
The Salomon Glide Max TR is a neutral shoe with some stable elements. The sole is on the wider side and the midfoot does not narrow too much. There is more sole flare on the lateral side, although that does cause some medial bias at landing. There are large sidewalls on the medial and lateral sides of the midfoot. However, the sole is quite soft, compresses quite a bit and combined with the lateral heel flare still pushes me a bit more medial. On the roads, this level of cushioning is fine and during moderate paces the shoe transitions fine. However, this is still primarily a neutral shoe given the softness and mild medial heel bias
Thoughts as a DPT: The Biomechanics of Rocker Placement
By Matthew Klein
We have discussed rockers extensively here, especially with the continued rise of maximal shoes. Often we talk about specific parts rather the whole system. We know that generally rocker soles tend to impact the kinematics and kinetics most significantly at the ankle and tend to shift muscular work up toward the knee and hip (Boyer & Andriacchi, 2009; Hutchins et al., 2009; Sobhani et al., 2017). We know that rocker soles, when not accounting for other factors, can also reduce load on the Achilles tendon (Sobhani et al., 2013). What there is less discussion on is how altering the geometry of the rocker and its apex placement may further impact mechanics.
Some of our previous discussions have addressed bevel angles and their impact on ride. A sharper heel bevel or forefoot rocker may work for some, while longer, less steep curves may work better for others. The more sharp the angle is, the more aggressive, potentially even stiffening the sole and perhaps working better at higher speeds.
What we have talked less about is where specifically the apex of the rocker is. Many companies place this typically in the center/midfoot. Other companies, like Salomon or Skechers, seem to place the apex more toward the rearfoot. This can make rearfoot landings more abrupt, but allow for a longer potentially smoother forefoot transition. For some people, this may also act as a negative stimulus for landing farther back and may shift their initial contact areas farther forward. Others may find it facilitatory for landing there. For those that put them more forward, it may feel like going over a speed pump and may also make the shoe feel lower drop. This could, with the case of Newton shoes, attempt to facilitate a landing that point, but whether it does or does not we do not know due to a lack of evidence. Each place has positives and negatives. How each person will respond may be more unique than the research has explored. Given how much more we know about individual variation, which gets lost when we "average" out the data, I encourage runners to get to know what does and does not work for them so they can continue to improve their ability to choose optimal footwear for their bodies.
Sources:
Boyer, K. & Andriacchi, T. (2009). Changes in running kinematics and kinetics in response to a rockered shoe intervention. Clinical Biomechanics. doi: 10.1016/j.clinibiomech.2009.08.003
Hutchins, S., Bowker, P., Geary, N., Richards, J. (2009). The biomechanics and clinical efficacy of footwear adapted with rocker profiles - Evidence in the literature. The Foot, 19(3): 165-170.
Long, J., Klein, J., Sirota, N., Wertsch, J., Janisse D., Harris, G. (2008). Biomechanics of the Double Rocker Sole Shoe: Gait Kinematics and Kinetics. Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 7: 5107
Sobhani, S., Heuvel, E., Dekker, R., Postema, K., Kluitenberg, B., Bredeweg, S., Hijmans, J. (2017). Biomechanics of running with rocker shoes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 20(1): 38-44.
Sobhani, S., Zwerver, J., Heuvel, E., Postema, K., Dekker, R., Hijmans, J. (2013). Rocker shoes reduce achilles tendon load in running and walking in patients with chronic achilles tendinopathy. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. http://dx.doi.org/10/1016/j.jsams.2014.02.008
RECOMMENDATIONS
I have enjoyed running in the Salomon Glide Max TR, especially when I get into a rhythm on the trails. It stays secure and can move a bit, making it a fun shoe for longer efforts. However, I still have a few suggestions to improve it in the next version. My first suggestion is to aim the bevel a bit more lateral. This would offset some of what I feel from the lateral flare and again is where most people land. I would also like to see a bit more room up at the forefoot. While the toe guard is necessary for those in more rocky terrain, it is quite tapered and a bit uncomfortable at first. Those who want a more snug low volume fit will do well, but this may not accommodate the normal foot swelling over longer miles. I would like to see this area (forefoot/toebox) widened a bit to give more room to adjust for this.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR
The Salomon Glide Max TR is for those who want a max cushion, rockered trail shoe that runs on the lighter side and excels at longer efforts. The tall stack height (38mm/32mm) and rockered geometry make for a shoe that feels best during long steady trail runs on mild to moderate terrain. The upper fits snug, especially in the forefoot, making for a secure borderline performance fit that is also on the warm side.
The Glide Max TR reminds me quite a bit of the Hoka Speedgoat 5. While I like the Speedgoat 5 more due to the better inherent stability, the Glide Max TR feels more nimble on foot (despite being essentially the same weight). It is nice to see the weight of these trails shoes finally coming down and I hope to see that continued trend. With the progression of foams, I feel like it is almost unacceptable to have max-stack shoes over 11 oz. However, the challenge will continue to be cost. The Salomon Ultra Glide is not that much different outside of a taller stack height. Over $20 for a few more millimeters of foam doesn't quite make sense to me, so my final recommendation for Salomon is to continue to differentiate their models or keep the cost down.
GRADING
Matt
Fit: B (Snug/low volume forefoot with heavy secure upper. Actually keeps out debris and moisture well, but also retains it)
Performance: B+/A- (On the lighter side at 10 oz with a long forefoot rocker that works well for steady efforts on mild to moderate terrain)
Stability: B+ [Neutral] (Midfoot sidewalls and wider platform but soft midsole with lateral heel flare makes mild medial bias)
DPT/Footwear Science: B/B+ (Reverse Camber prominent, but seems to facilitate lateral flare and medial bias. Soft sole may need more width for stability)
Personal: B/B+ (I like the ride but the overly snug forefoot keeps this to shorter efforts for me personally)
Overall: B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DORSalomon Glide Max TrPrice: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist. (Also recommend the Naked belt)
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
inov-8 Apparel Review - Andrea tries out the Stormjacket and Race tights from their trail line
Hoka Rocket X 2 - Hoka finally has its first real super shoe with this PEBA-based racer
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3 - A full redesign of their super shoe offers the best ride yet, but with one issue
New Balanace FuelCell Propel v4 - Version 4 adds a forefoot plate to this budget trainer
Best Stable Neutral Shoes
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v13 - A new update to this versatile "wogger" shoe
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Best Stable Neutral Shoes
