Salomon Impulse

Today it's time to dive into a model not very well known from Salomon but that has left me with a great sensation. I'm talking about the Salomon Impulse running shoe. A range born to move between asphalt and trail that is characterized by a spectacular versatility.

It is true that within the Salomon running shoes and trail running shoes it is not the most outstanding model, but it must be clear that this is a model designed precisely to enjoy it in those transitions between asphalt and mountain.

In short, a bet that can be risky, but that fills a big gap, a great need for popular runners who are either starting in the world of trail, or do not have the ability to get a different model according to the terrain on which they train.

What type of runner are the Salomon Impulse recommended for?

As I have already advanced, these Salomon Impulse running shoes are a model aimed at runners who are starting out in the world of trail running or simply need a model versatile enough to transition between asphalt and mountain.

In essence it is a model that is born as a running shoe but in practice, I must say, that it has nothing to envy to mid-range of the French company aimed specifically at the mountain.

For its construction and structure, and although they may be suitable for other types of runners, I think the right profile is similar to mine. Runners of medium-low weight (not exceeding 85 kilos), used to training on asphalt and looking for dynamism in the race. I don't consider them slow shoes at all, on the contrary, their philosophy makes them quite fast, if we take into account that they are somewhere between asphalt and trail running.

What did we like most about the Salomon Impulse?

t may be repeating the same idea, but one of the differentiating factors of these Salomonrunning shoes is their versatility. I have completed training sessions of up to 18 kilometers with a balanced percentage between asphalt and trail without any problem. And I know exactly why.

Unlike the Salomon Glide Max, for example, 100% oriented to asphalt and cushioning, these Salomon Impulse have a perfect combination between outsole and midsole that makes them ideal for those transitions between terrains.

On the one hand, the outsole, made with the already famous Cotagrip compound, has a peculiar design. While an asphalt model would call for a smooth, firm and dynamic outsole, these Impulse have a 2 to 3 mm lug with a rhomboid shape and layout that is very reminiscent of the Salomon Sense Ride 4 (among other models), but with a larger surface area. This makes the heel more resistant and more durable on firm terrain such as asphalt.

On the other hand, if you add to this a slightly firmer midsole for the protection of the sole in the mountain sections, as they have done with the Fuze Surge foam (soft but compact), you get a perfect model to enjoy at all times and that behaves phenomenally on any surface.

Opportunities for improvement of the Salomon Impulse

If we talk about small improvements to implement for a future new model or a new version of these transition shoes, I would also be clear. It would be essential to tweak the upper and the lacing. It is true that it is difficult to adjust these elements, especially the upper, in a model with so many possibilities, but I think that this upper is far from approaching other models of the house, and not only of high ranges. Hence the lacing, and even the tongue, also leave me somewhat disappointed.

Having such a well-defined structure for these transitions, with the combination of sole and midsole, I think I would not look so much to reduce weight (around 255 grams weighs the model) to be faster but to prioritize the fit and protection for the mountain sections.

I consider the front protections of these running shoes to be scarce for what would be necessary in the mountains, and without a doubt, the lacing is not (and I'm not discovering anything) the best that the French brand has. If you add to this a too big and wide tongue (in my opinion) and an overprotection inside the heel, we are left with an upper that does not quite put the finishing touch to a very well worked model in its main facet, as we have mentioned.

It is true that in terms of value for money there is no discussion, we could not ask for these improvements at the same price, but I would be happy to see a somewhat superior model, with improved details in the upper that would maintain that essence.

What are the main competitors of the Salomon Impulse?

Being such versatile running shoe, and encompassing both asphalt and mountain, I would not dare to sentence any direct competitor that meets all the characteristics of these Salomon Impulse. However, in my opinion and saving the distances, these models could be the closest:

HOKA Challenger ATR 6

Altra Running Lone Peak 5

Nike Pegasus Trail 4

ASICS Fuji Lite 2

Final conclusions about the Salomon Impulse

If I had to sum up the sensations left by these Salomon Impulse running shoes, I would use the word 'bitter sweet'. Why? Quite simply, because it is a shoe that has surprised me in terms of versatility. I was prejudging them thinking that, as the saying goes, "he who covers a lot does not press too hard", and I was surprised to see that they responded better than well both on asphalt and in the mountains. Letting me get the most out of them in both modalities.

However, as the combination of sole and midsole technologies was so successful, the upper left a lot to be desired. While they are comfortable shoes, fit quite well and breathable as it should, I would like to see a small improvement, even if that means increasing a more than competitive market price.

All in all, a perfect model for any runner looking for a multi-purpose training and transition shoe but will be more valuable for runners used to asphalt than for more experienced ultra runners.

RUNNEA Tester Rating

• Lightweight: 8.
• Responsiveness: 9
• Cushioning: 7
• Flexibility: 7
• Stability: 8.
• Grip: 8.