History of the Salomon Sense, or how Kilian Jornet managed to enlarge his legend

RUNNEA
Redacción RUNNEA Team
Posted on 06-05-2019

In this Runnea post we put the spotlight on an iconic saga in trail running shoes like the Salomon Sense, with its latest releases of the Salomon S/Lab Sense 7 and the Salomon Sense Ride 2. And not only because they have been the perfect ally for a proper name like Kilian Jornet has risen to the category of legend for all his achievements and impossible challenges overcome, but also for everything they represent when it comes to every athlete and adventurer to be able to surpass himself.

As a general rule and in most cases, when we get our hands on a running shoe, whether on asphalt or in the mountains, we do not stop to think about the R & D work behind it, but as popular runners we end up benefiting from it. This means that in each update and revision of each model, the Running shoes and/or trail running Running shoes are there when we need them, helping us to go out running with the greatest security and confidence, but also with the idea of progressing as runners. These premises are reflected in all Salomon Sense shoes.

The history of the Salomon Sense, adding to the legend of Kilian Jornet

At this point in the film, there is no doubt that the Salomon S/Lab Sense are and will be the trail running shoes of the great Kilian Jornet. But it all started with disappointment and personal frustration for the Catalan athlete. In 2010, Jornet took part in the legendary Western States ultra race, with a total distance of 161 kilometers. A race in which his number one objective era win, but he was unable to achieve it, and came out defeated. However, Kilian's ambition and hunger were reflected in the following words: "I'll be back next year, but I'll be back to win, and we need to review the whole team". That's what Jornet told Patrick Leick, head of Salomon's athlete services.

From there, the myth of the Salomon Sense was born. Kilian's challenge was to shake off the thorn from his defeat in the Western States endurance race in California; the challenge for Salomon s product development team was to build a trail running shoe that would make Jornet a champion. All in one year, and in record time, because it meant shortening the entire process of developing and manufacturing a technical shoe.

Through innovation, Salomon analyzed Kilian Jornet's footprint biomechanics in detail to reach the conclusion that what the great champion needed era focus all his weight in the forefoot area to gain both speed and precision. Hence the Salomon S/Lab Sense was born as a minimalist, lightweight, very fast and efficient model to win in the most prestigious competitions in the world. Thus, a year later, Kilian Jornet was able to remove that thorn, and proclaim himself the winner of the Wester States Endurance Run, as it is now called.

Salomon S/Lab Sense 7, the iconic racing shoe

As we have already underlined, the Salomon S/Lab Sense has become an emblem of the renowned French firm in trail running shoes for competition. With the characteristic hallmark of being a minimalist and efficient model, the Salomon S/Lab Sense 7 also maintains the central idea of concentrating all the energy in the forefoot area, which requires the mountain runner to have a refined running technique.

Undoubtedly, these S/Lab Sense 7 have also evolved over time, incorporating all of Salomon's most cutting-edge materials and innovations. This translates into a lightweight and responsive shoe that excels in:

  • EnergyCell +: Thin layer of foam in the midsole that provides lightness and reactivity, since it allows you to benefit from a more durable rebound capacity.
  • ProFeel Film: Thin TPU plate in the midsole, which reinforces protection in the midfoot, but without losing the feeling of contact with the ground.
  • Renewed upper, but still retains the commitment to Salomon's exclusive EndoFit and SensiFit systems. In addition, with the idea of improving a comfortable and secure fit, a more open and thinner mesh is also included in the upper, which benefits the breathability of the model, as well as reducing its weight.
  • Premium Wet Traction Contagrip: Salomon s signature rubber compound offers slip-resistant traction and grip for even the most technical and rugged trails.

Salomon Sense Ride 2, the most versatile option

As is also clear, Salomon 's bet is not only focused on the most pro athletes to run in the mountains, and hence the Salomon Sense Ride 2 model is designed as a more accessible and versatile trail running shoe for a wider range of trail runners, which is presented as an option indicated as an entry-level shoe, and also for those looking to progress.

The Salomon Sense Ride 2 features responsive cushioning with its unique Vibe system, which is also optimized for shock absorption. On the other hand, the thin ProFeel plate, coupled with flex grooves in the outsole, make this second version of the Sense Ride provide the right balance between protection and flexibility. In addition to featuring a comfortable, flexible fit for all types of distances.

With all of the above, and whatever model you choose - either the Salomon S/Lab Sense 7, or the Salomon Sense Ride 2 it is clear that the Salomon Sense family is a successful example of collaboration with top athletes, as is the case of the champion Kilian Jornet, resulting in trail running shoes adapted to all types of runners, and that fit all your needs.

Photos: Salomon Blog

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