Summary
We spent 6 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:
9 reasons to buy
- One reviewer stated that the Salming Trail 5 had the best traction they have seen in a trail shoe.
- Various users acknowledged the efficacy of the outsole in both wet and dry running conditions.
- The shoe provided a sensible ground feel, according to a runner.
- The midsole contributed sufficient cushioning, cited a user. Another commented that it was supportive and comfortable without being overly soft.
- The Trail 5 was a comfortable shoe right out of the box, said a tester.
- Many users appreciated the upper that delivered an enhanced airflow and water drainage.
- A reviewer was pleased with the practicality of the toe bumper.
- Some wearers liked how the shoe disabled foot fatigue.
- The Salming Trail 5 gave incredible rock protection even in the absence of a rock plate, a runner claimed.
2 reasons not to buy
- The heel was not as secure as expected, especially during uphill runs, a reviewer shared.
- A user observed that the midsole lacked flexibility.
Bottom line
Salming has created an impressive shoe in the Trail 5, based on the outpouring of compliments from numerous buyers. Almost all the shoe’s details have received positive feedback, and the flaws found were very few. In summary, the verdict was favorable for the Trail 5 because most of its users recognized the usefulness of the various features, as well as its satisfactory performance.
Facts
| Terrain: | Trail |
|---|---|
| Arch support: | Neutral |
| Weight: | Men: 10.5oz | Women: 8.3oz |
| Heel to toe drop: | Men: 5mm | Women: 5mm |
| Pronation: | Neutral Pronation |
| Arch type: | High arch |
| Use: | Jogging |
| Strike Pattern: | Midfoot strike |
| Distance: | Daily running | Long distance | Marathon |
| Heel height: | Men: 25mm | Women: 25mm |
| Forefoot height: | Men: 20mm | Women: 20mm |
| Brand: | Salming |
| Type: | Low drop |
| Width: | Normal | Normal |
| Price: | $130 |
| Colorways: | Black, Blue, Green, Grey, Red |
Expert Reviews
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81 / 100 based on 6 expert reviews
I call this sort of a Goldilocks shoe, it's not too low to the ground and it's not too cushiony, it's just right.
The breathable upper, forgiving midsole, and high performance outsole make this a really nice trail running and light hiking option.
The Salming Speed 5 is a high end speed trainer that will keep you pushing the pace.
That being said, I think this is a competent, well-built, and dependable–if not overly exciting–trail runner that I can see logging more miles in.
Overall the Trail 5 gave excellent support, if not a little on the stiff side. However, this can be explained away quite easily based on my previous comments about the ability of the shoe to interface between rough surfaces and the body's own proprioception. The comfort of the shoe is excellent from the initial lace up and the first wear. While not recommended for long distance pavement training due to the unforgiving sole and stiffer board last of the shoe's chassis, this is irrelevant as you are purchasing these shoes to TRAIL run, explore and be one with nature. The Trail 5 begs to be taken off road and once they are in the rough stuff they are a completely different beast.
I am sure to enjoy many more hours on the trails over summer in this bright comfortable pair of shoes.
- As the latest release in a series, the Trail 5 boasts of an award-winning performance that has been recognized well before being available in the market. With a complete redesign, this highly successful shoe presents a blend of Italian and Swedish technologies to yield comfort and proficiency on any trail.
- The upper is now sleeker as it uses a new layout and new materials that promise utility even in the most rugged environments. Now with a 3-layer construction, the shoe guarantees comfort, breathability, and stability.
- A redeveloped midsole now boosts the level of underfoot protection from trail elements, as well as conveys a bouncier ride. Using an all-new midsole compound, the Trail 5 assures high energy return inside a plush and lightweight package.
- The outsole also gets a significant upgrade with the Vibram® Megagrip™. It supplies the shoe with a more aggressive grip that translates to a versatile work.
The Salming Trail 5 comes in the standard running shoe length and a wide range of size options. Although the shoe has a relatively moderate structure, runners of all foot volumes will achieve a relaxed fit. The shoe’s available width profile is medium for both the men’s and women’s versions.
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.
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.
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.
