Park City and Outdoor Retailer/SLC
words/images Judith Ecochard
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| a wall full of fast hikers-year round waterproof hikers comfort-including the new Conquest GTX, Synapse and XA Pro and X Ultra-reg. and mid |
We got an invite to try out the new Salomon run/trail shoes---on a trail, no less---a high altitude one in Park City---on a mountain ski/snowboard byway...NICE.
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| XR Mission-women's $110-lightweight Door to Trail runner available now |
A wall of Salomons'---featuring kickers for all types of runners-from racers to those needing more stability/protection---for rocky byways---and out the door pavement. All mountain running-no matter what the terrain...
For us---and we would call ourselves solid midfoot strikers who run/race in Newton's---a pretty typical brand for triathletes...the new Kilian Jornet (an ultra-marathoner) Salomon S-Lab Ultra was t
he perfect trail shoe. Granted, the trail was not too rocky and no scrambling---so maybe we'd want more outsole if that was the case...but these shoes have a protective plate amidst the mid-sole-and something called Dynamic Traction on the outsole that adjusts to the terrain.
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| odor absorbing-inside all Salomon shoes--- |
We felt the shoe fitted securely- whether going up or down the trail...and the grip friendly lug outsole provided just enough of a grab when we had to side-step off the trail for the zooming downhill mountain bikers-who should not have been there anyway.
The fit was like a glove-via the endoFIT™technology that functions as an internal sock, there was enough internal cushioning for us-without the arch digging into ours- a complaint with have with other brands---and their so called "barefoot" trail running shoes-that just don't fit right.
BIG PLUS-the kickers were very responsive to our flex/motion---surprising for a trail runner that actually fit our feet. (Sensiflex™)
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| XR Mission-new for women Spring 2013 $110-with non-marking Contragrip™ outsoles, friction free lace eyelets-9mm drop |
We understand that the lacing toggle was redesigned to drop weight...fyi. Seamless upper--- inside-we also could run sockless if we wanted to---without hotspots. AND mesh upper-very breathable.
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| S-Lab Sense Ultra-unisex sizing-for a natural foot motion |
And the toe box isn't artificially wide-but clearly can encapsulate, comfortably- many different types of feet.The drop is 4mm---the sizing uni-sex-something we usually shudder at as we have narrow heels---but the lacing system really does work. (Sensifit™).
We also tried the modified S-Lab Sense Ultra-the non-Kilian Jornet version---and it was too much of a shoe for us...with more traction from mid-to heel...but it's still light and fast. We would recommend this for those who are barely mid-foot to heel strikers-though Salomon bills it as a mid-footer---still, even we appreciated the great Salomon fit.
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| more protection-traction than Kilian Jornet's original S-Lab Sense Ultra- |
Not a pure barefoot/mid-forefoot striker-the Sense Mantra--- is a light weight training shoe with protection and neutral cushioning, With EndoFit™ construction-this shoe can also be worn sockless.
Mantra-comes in several color waves...
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| Sense Mantra $120 |
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| Sense Mantra-lightweight training shoe-good for high mileage 2nd skin seamless Sensifit™construction for the sockless, non marking contraGRIP™, midsole height 10mm/16mm drop, endoFIT™ -breathable upper mesh upper $120-w/ racing last, tongue cover, Quicklace™ system |
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| Sense Mantra$120 |
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| flexible with a collapsible heel-with a protective cap, non marking outsole, Sensifit™ |
Kowloon $90- are a lifestyle adventure shoe collection---super fast drying ---in several color waves for men and women. Mesh upper---breathable-AND keeps the debris out.
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| XR Crossmax |
XR Crossmax -fits the foot perfectly---the Quicklace™ lacing is pulled forward---for great heel/mid foot grip---and the toe box (protects via TPU) -and is roomy. A neutral door to trail option.
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| Flexi sense window-the lacing system starts internally-Salomon's proprietary Sensifit™/Sensiflex™ |
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| chevron traction |
WHAT WE WANTED TO WALK AWAY WITH....
The new Salomon Sense Hydro-S-Lab bladder and attachment system-takes the SensiFit™ system-to fit the hand-with vented fabrics...and the ideal shape (different sizes available-150-1000ml).
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| hydration on the run---S Lab Hydro |
No sloshing-or leaking---air goes out with each sip via the bite valve---$40-for two gloves-one bladder.
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| ergonomically sleek-this is the smallest of 3 sizes...S, M, L |
APPAREL: Functional-made from performance fabrics---for active endeavors- running/hiking/travel...all easy care and in nice color waves for Spring 2013
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| EXO-S=Lab Twinskin Skort -shorts boast the honeycomb design- compressive/postural support EXO weave with a lightweight over skirt---with 3 gel pockets, inner brief-and non-constrictive lightweight waist construction, actLITE fabrics comfort next to skin-quick drying, efficient moisture management $140 |
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| S-Lab light Jacket $80-with reflective trim-ClimaWIND™Pro- highly wind protective while breathable |
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| full zip-super light jacket-and shorts----good for hiking/running |
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| Wayfarer Skort $65-Stretch comfort-Climauv™ 50+ sun protection, and ClimaWind™ stretch woven wind protection-w/ breathability-with an inner brief-good travel/hiking/everyday wear |
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| Fast Wing est-extremely lightweight wind protection-w/no chafing short-w/zipped pocket, reflective braiding |
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| supersoft-stretch knit insulating comfort-made from actiTHERM™ Mountain FZ-$100-can be a base layer too |
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| Gualea Skirt-$50-climaUV™ 50, actiTHERM-breathable/moisture wicking/easy care- |
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| cute- and a great length-stretch woven Wayfarer Short-$75 |
www.salomon.com
