Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 Review: Just What We Wanted

Introduction to the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5

ALLISON: The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 is finally here, and I was genuinely excited to get my hands on a pair to see whether it lives up to the early hype. The original Ultra Glide had a lot going for it, but it was also known for one major flaw: persistent heel rubbing that frustrated many runners and cut long runs short. With the 1.5 update, Salomon had an opportunity to prove they were listening and to show how quickly they could address an issue that affected so many loyal users.

Right out of the box, the Ultra Glide 1.5 made a strong first impression. The bold cherry-red colorway is undeniably slick, giving the shoe a polished look that instantly made me want to lace up and head out the door. The materials feel refined, and the upper seems both softer and more structured, promising signs that Salomon may have dialed in the fit and eliminated the problematic heel hot spots. As someone who loved the concept of the original but couldn’t ignore the discomfort, I was eager to find out whether this iteration finally strikes the balance between performance and comfort that trail runners have been waiting for.

What we like about the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5

ALLISON: The Salomon Ultra Glide 1.5 delivers several strong positives that genuinely impressed me. The biggest win by far is that the heel friction issue appears to be fully resolved. Across multiple runs, I had zero rubbing or hot spots, which is a huge improvement over the original model. For anyone who abandoned the first Ultra Glide because of heel discomfort, this update alone makes the 1.5 worth reconsidering.

Another standout feature is how incredibly easy the shoe is to get on and off, thanks to Salomon’s signature Quicklace system. It cinches down smoothly and securely, creating a reliable fit with almost no effort. It immediately reminded me of a shoe perfectly suited for races like JFK 50, where the transition at Weaverton requires speed, precision, and absolutely no fumbling with laces. The Ultra Glide 1.5 feels built for that kind of efficiency.

I also genuinely enjoyed the plush comfort underfoot. Anyone who knows me knows I’m always chasing more cushioning, as long as it doesn’t weigh the shoe down, and the Ultra Glide 1.5 hits that balance better than most. It offers soft, energetic protection without feeling sluggish, making long miles feel smooth, supported, and surprisingly effortless.

What we don’t like about the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5

ALLISON: While the Salomon Ultra Glide 1.5 brings meaningful improvements, it’s far from a perfect shoe, and a few drawbacks stood out during testing. The most immediate concern is the $250 price tag, which places it firmly in the premium category. At that cost, expectations naturally rise, and every detail feels like it should be dialed in. For many runners, that alone may be a barrier.

Fit was another issue. The shoe still feels a bit large and runs big. The wider platform didn’t give me the secure, locked-in feel I’m used to, especially on technical terrain. Instead of hugging the foot, it allowed just a little too much room, enough to make me aware of it on steeper climbs and tighter turns.

The midsole cushioning, while plush, also felt like “too much of a good thing” for my forefoot. I’m someone who usually wants more cushion up front, not less, but the amount here felt off around the front of my foot. Combined with the high stack, it left me feeling a bit unstable and worried about my ankles on uneven surfaces. For a trail shoe built for long distances, that’s hard to overlook.

Final thoughts on the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5

ALLISON: In the end, the Salomon Ultra Glide 1.5 feels like the version Salomon should have released from the start: smooth, stable, and finally free of the heel issues that held the original back. It’s a premium shoe with a premium price tag, but if you’re willing to invest the $250, you’re getting a dialed-in, long-distance performer that delivers on both comfort and capability.

You can pick up the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 1.5 for $250 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the button below.