The Salomon OUTpulse shoe fits well and should suit a standard-width foot. Out on the trails and hill paths, where it is mostly dry, the shoe performs well when walking and has featured on our guide to The best trail shoes for hiking and hillwalking. The tread, with low-ish lugs, is not so well suited to mud, bog or steep and wet slopes, where traction is a bit lacklustre. The sole is a little too stiff and ‘clumpy’-feeling for easy ‘flowy’ running, but it’s fine for a trot here and there. The upper should prove durable and withstand plenty of rocks and heather-bashing. At the rear there is a high rand, which also covers the lower area of the forefoot and the toe cap.
RRP: $130 | £115 | Available from: Alpine Trek | Weight: 712g | Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm | Lug depth: 4mm | Materials and feature: All Terrain Contagrip rubber outsole, synthetic upper, textile lining, SensiFit construction, OrthoLite insole EVA mid-sole with reverse camber, Fuze Surge foam compound sole, Energy Blade TPU plate, All Terrain Contagrip rubber outsole, PFC-free, protective toecap, pull-on rear tab | Sizes: 3.5-10.5 | Men’s version: Yes
Salomon says no PFC is used in making the shoes water-resistant and that “materials are made from recycled products such as PET bottles or material waste” – but which materials are they referring to? I find the sustainability blurb a bit vague. The Salomon OUTpulse is of average weight, comfort, support and underfoot flexibility. It’s comfortable to wear but lacks a little wow factor for me. However, the price is good for a solid, no-nonsense shoe.
Written & tested by Fiona Russell
Fiona is a size UK8.5 and has a narrow foot. She is a keen trail and hill runner, as well as a hillwalker. To test the trail shoes, she walked and ran in each pair on the full range of terrain, from forest tracks to off-path mountain slopes, through peat hags, bog and streams and on ground covered in tussocks, heather, rocks, stones and grass.
