I was very excited when the latest Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 shoes arrived! My teenage son was even more excited and so this review is a collaborative effort: the thoughts of an ultra runner and a 17-year-old enthusiast starting to explore the trails.
First Impressions
They are very bright and this will be a marmite shoe from that regard. Think neon-flare-on-a-cloudy-day bright. My neutral-loving heart wasn’t sure, but my teenager loved them. Salomon are a brand that seem to have mastered the art of creating shoes that are very functional for the trail but also are a fashion item with the younger non running teens and the S/LAB series has that distinctive design language that says “high performance,” even if it’s just worn to the skate park.
Fit and Feel
I found the sizing of the Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 true to length, and the fit is definitely on the narrow side, great for my feet, which tend to swim in wider toe boxes. Those with broader feet might want to explore Salomon’s Sense Ride or Ultra Glide models, which offer more volume through the forefoot.
For me, slipping them on felt nostalgic; like returning to an old friend. I ran my early ultras in Speedcrosses, and this shoe brought back a familiar blend of structure and responsiveness. The S/LAB Ultra 3 has a snug midfoot wrap thanks to the Matryx® upper, an ultra-durable, Kevlar-reinforced woven material that holds the foot securely without sacrificing breathability. It took a few runs to break in, but once it did, the upper felt flexible without being sloppy.
Cushioning & Stability
The Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 has a 6mm drop, with a stack height of 28.5mm in the heel and 22.5mm in the forefoot. The stack is just a bit high for me as I tend to prefer to feel the ground more and on rocky terrain I felt slightly off balance, as if I was wearing heels. A huge plus was the buffering of force when landing on uneven terrain, as I was recovering from a broken ankle when testing them.
Traction and Terrain
The outsole uses Contagrip® MA rubber with 4mm lugs, designed for mixed terrain. On mud and grass, the grip was solid, and it handled gravel tracks and forest paths with ease. However, on more technical trails, think wet rocks or steep, loose descents, the shoe sometimes felt less planted. It’s not a mountain shoe like the Speedcross 6 or S/LAB Genesis, but for smoother trails, fire roads, and light technical terrain, it performs reliably.
Quicklace System & Durability
Salomon’s signature Quicklace™ system is still as brilliant as I recall and the material is very robust and resilient. Easy to adjust on the fly and tucks neatly into the tongue pocket. The durability of the upper is worth noting too: even after several muddy runs, the shoe still looks remarkably fresh.
Price and Value
At £230, this is undeniably a premium shoe. I am hoping that value per wear negates that cost but I do wonder if this high cost will make people understandably dismiss them before trying them. Whether the value pans out will depend on durability; Salomon claims this model is more resilient than past versions, and early signs suggest that’s true. If the upper holds up as expected and the midsole doesn’t compress too quickly, then cost per mile could work out. But the price point might be a barrier for newer runners.
From a Teen Perspective: Keatan, 17
I’ve done quite a few runs in the Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 and overall, they’re super comfortable—great cushioning without feeling too soft or slow. They’re super lightweight as well making them easy to run in.
Fit is snug, especially around the heel and midfoot. I have slightly wider feet, so it felt tight at first, but the upper loosened up after a couple of runs. Quicklace works well as usual.
I took them over some loose, rocky terrain, and while the grip was solid, the higher stack made them feel a bit unstable at times. It’s not a major issue, but something to be aware of.
Only other small downside was the that the colour of the shoes came off onto my socks after sweating but again not a major issue.
Overall, a great option for smoother trails or long miles when comfort is key
They have helped me become more comfortable with trail running but equally, I am happy running on the roads in them as well as going out with friends so a good cross over option.
Definitely worth a trial if starting out into trail running or a nice option if looking for a more cushioned option to venture out in.
Final Thoughts
The Salomon S/LAB Ultra 3 is a capable, premium trail shoe that excels in comfort, fit (for narrower feet), and style. While it may not be the most technical or aggressive option in Salomon’s lineup, it offers a fantastic entry point for newer trail runners or a solid long-distance shoe for those who prioritise cushioning over ground feel.
If you’re looking to invest in a shoe that can handle both social miles and serious trail outings, and don’t mind turning heads, it’s worth putting on your list.
About the author: Siobhan Brennan is an ultrarunner who has been under the wise tutorship of Joe Faulkner at Nav4 and pushed me to so scary stuff. Jumping up from the Manchester 10k to Lakes in a Day and embracing the freedom and empowering distance races. Completed many 50 milers and the Northern Traverse and Spine Challenger North. A passionate advocate for running in the menopause and accomplished in doing distance with the slow and steady approach, always at the back of the pack chattering and often heard before she is seen.
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