Salming Trail 5 review

Who should buy the Salming Trail 5

The Salming Trail 5 presents a blend of Italian and Swedish technologies to yield comfort and proficiency on any trail. This shoe is recommended for you if:

• You need a trail running shoe that supports neutral pronators or supinators
• You want a cushioned shoe that works with forefoot or midfoot strikers
• You want a long-distance running shoe that is built for moderate to high arches

Updates to the Salming Trail 5

• Sleeker upper construction that guarantees comfort, breathability, and stability
• Improved midsole is capable of better underfoot protection and increased bounciness
• Vibram MegaGrip outsole supplies a more aggressive grip

High-performance rubber for optimum grip

The Vibram brand is well-known for rubber outsoles in running and other active footwear. Their Megagrip product is a high-performance rubber compound that dispenses optimum grip in both wet and dry ground. The agile characteristic of the outsole allows the Trail 5 to endure more miles, as well as preserve ground contact and reaction. This material, which is as reliable as the Speedcross 5, is also used in some best-selling trail running shoes.

Ultra-lightweight midsole

Salming replaces RunLite of the shoe’s previous iteration with the Recoil, a midsole material that is ultra-lightweight and responsive. In the Trail 5, Recoil comes in two forms: basic Recoil foam in the forefoot and midfoot, and Recoil R in the heel area.

The basic Recoil makes up the bulk of the midsole, and it effectively gives a stable ride that is not too firm nor too soft. With an adequate level of cushioning, Recoil ensures a balance between responsiveness and shock absorption to create a smooth ride.

Meanwhile, Recoil R aims to implement enhanced comfort at the heel, as it is a high-wear area. The R stands for “reduction,” because it targets to reduce the pressure and impact for soft landings.

The Trail 5 also uses a torsion guide system that the brand aptly calls TGS 62/75°. The concept of this technology anchors on mathematics – 62% of the shoe aims to enable extra stability, which comes in the form of a “ballet” line in a 75-degree position. Such a design results in upgraded flexibility; it also promotes the foot’s natural movements as the shoe could bend in the right places.

Three-layer upper for durability and breathability

Introducing the 3-layer construction, the upper of the Trail 5 takes together comfort, durability, and stability. The base layer is an air mesh that encourages airflow and maintains a healthy foot environment. Next, a synthetic framework lends support to the midfoot area, as well as decreases foot pressure. Lastly, the top layer is a thin net that gives a nest-like wrap for a sturdy and durable shoe.

The middle layer mentioned above is labeled the Exo Skeleton, and it has additional functions. It relieves pressure that usually occurs at the joints. As it holds the foot in place, friction is reduced, therefore eliminating impact and force at the soft parts of the foot.

An anatomical heel cup is also present in the shoe. With its adaptive fit, the heel cup prevents slipping and sliding; it also endorses a steady ride.

The Salming Trail 5 also offers a roomy toe box for a favorable expansion of the forefoot. This feature aims to bring a proper landing, resulting in a more efficient gait cycle.

In the forefoot area is a polyurethane (PU) unit – the Rocshield – that guards the foot against sharp rocks and debris.