Facts
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who need arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overpronation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who does not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who needs arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overproanation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
Summary
We spent 7.3 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:
8 reasons to buy
- Several purchasers admired the apparent durable nature of the Salomon Sense Pro Max.
- Most of the runners were highly appreciative of the shoe’s reliable grip on varied terrains.
- The roomy toe-box gained positive feedback from several users.
- Some of the wearers lauded the long-lasting cushioning of the Sense Pro Max, stating that it’s very useful for long-distance runs.
- The Salomon Sense Pro Max was used by some users as their daily casual shoe and they felt that it was still efficient.
- More than a few noted the comfortable feel of the shoe.
- According to a few wearers with slightly-wide foot shapes, this running shoe offered a great fit.
- A few testers admired the lightweight construction of the shoe.
3 reasons not to buy
- The shoe is a bit expensive, said a few reviewers.
- One user mentioned that he was disappointed by the lacing system because it did not work as expected.
- According to a couple of wearers, the mud or dirt got easily stuck between the tread, particularly in the heel area.
Bottom line
The majority of the users lauded the overall performance of the Salomon Sense Pro Max. They generally said that the shoe truly provides the reliable grip, durable cushioning, and efficient foot protection that are needed for a better trail running experience. The comfort, durability, and its lightweight construction are additional features of the shoe that made some users satisfied. Given the shoe’s long-lasting cushioning, this shoe is indeed a good partner for long-distance runs.
Rankings
Popularity
Ratings
My Rating
Expert Reviews
Experts are running shoe geeks, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
89 / 100 based on 13 expert reviews
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85 / 100 by Leave The Couch LTC • Monica • Level 1 expert
What I don't like about the shoe ironically is the same thing I love about the shoe which is cushioning.
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98 / 100 by Road Trail Run • Sam Winebaum • Level 5 expert
The Sense Pro Max is a superb and I would say more fun to run maxi cushion shoe than other current alternatives. With its all terrain versatility, quality construction and with no real compromises on any terrain the Pro Max is a strong new maxi cushion contender worthy of consideration.
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97 / 100 by Road Trail Run • Jeff Valliere • Level 5 expert
The Sense Pro Max, with it’s excellent cushion, Vibe dampening, stability, protection, traction, quality and secure upper will certainly lead the way in the maximal shoe category and will likely be a top choice for those looking for a shoe to get them through races up to 100 miles.
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85 / 100 by Trail to Peak • Drew Robinson • Level 4 expert
The Sense Pro Max is a sensible evolution to the Sense Propulse in Salomon’s line up, and fills a missing [sic] whole in the Salomon line up with a max cushion option.
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90 / 100 by Finish Line Fever • Ferdinand Batatan • Level 3 expert
Salomon took the leap when they created the Sense Pro Max and I am really pleased on what they have accomplished. A very well rounded shoe that delivers a great cushioning and stability.
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88 / 100 by Real Runner Reviews • Brian Goldman • Level 3 expert
I took the Sense Pro Max out on some really wet and muddy runs as well as dry dusty trails and even a few jagged technical single tracks. These shoes never let me down. I always felt confident in the grip and my feet were happy mile after mile.
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87 / 100 by It's All About the Vertical • Robert • Level 3 expert
A premium fit, trail-worthy, highly cushioned, “almost-racing-weight” trail shoe with dampening technology from Salomon.
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81 / 100 by Ultra Runner Podcast • Ben Zuehlsdorf • Level 3 expert
What’s good: the new, differentiating, or simply well designed or built features or aspects of the shoe.
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90 / 100 by Run Blogger • Peter Larson • Level 2 expert
If you’re looking for a low profile, snug-fitting trail shoe that will handle most trail conditions, the Salomon Sense Pro is a great choice. It’s a shoe that is going to continue to get a lot of use from me, and I’d go so far as to say that it’s one of the best trail shoes I have tried, an all-around winner!
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87 / 100 by Ultra Chef • Ultra Chef • Level 1 expert
The Max’s have become my day-to-day go to shoe; they tick all the box’s I need from a trail shoe. Low drop, but not too low, great cushioning and protection but not compromising on the feel of the ground.
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86 / 100 by Keller Sports • Manuel Zierer • Level 1 expert
Apart from that, though, Katharina has nothing bad to say about the shoe and finds the Salomon Sense Pro Max a very well made trail running shoe that she gladly recommends to other runners.
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82 / 100 by Leave the Couch • Malikah Patel-Davids • Level 1 expert
Overall I would call the Salomon Sense Pro Max the SUV of trail shoes. It’s comfortable, it’s got amazing cushioning, and it will go the distance and be kind to your feet while doing so.
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80 / 100 by TerraMotion • TerraMotion • Level 1 expert
If i were to classify the Salomon Sense Pro Max, it would be that shoe you can run in all day, hitting either dirt roads, forestry roads, jeep tracks or groomed single tracks with a level of comfort that puts a smile on your face.
Updates to Salomon Sense Pro Max
- The Salomon Sense Pro Max features the innovative VIBE technology. This midsole technology is the combination of Opal and EnergyCell+ compounds. The Opal is a lightweight cushioning compound that is designed for a soft and comfortable ride. The EnergyCell+ is another midsole compound that delivers a high-energy return for a more responsive ride.
- On the upper of the shoe is the 3D Stretch Air Mesh material. It provides the foot a breathable coverage while enhancing the overall comfort. It is stretchable enough to hug the foot comfortably and provide a more personalized fit.
- The Sense Pro Max also features the premium Wet Traction Contagrip® outsole technology. It provides reliable grip on varied surfaces, especially on wet and slippery conditions.
Salomon Sense Pro Max size and fit
The Salomon Sense Pro Max has a standard running shoe length. For men and women’s version, the available width is medium. It has a semi-curved shape that conforms to the natural shape of the foot.
Outsole
In the outsole of the shoe is the notable Wet Traction Contagrip® technology. It is made from durable material that provides maximum grip on dry, muddy, and wet surfaces. It also gives added durability in high-wear areas.
Midsole
Present in the midsole is the VIBE technology, which is designed to provide a comfortable underfoot cushioning and high-energy return. The technology is the combination of Opal and EnergyCell+ cushioning compounds.
The Opal cushioning compound is specifically inserted into the midsole for a soft and comfortable underfoot cushioning. It encourages a well-cushioned and bouncy running experience. This compound is lightweight and durable. It also performs well in extreme weather conditions.
The EnergyCell+ compound is designed for high-energy return. The 17mm of EnergyCell+ foam also provides reliable cushioning and added durability.
The shoe also utilizes the thin TPU Profeel Film. It provides underfoot protection while enhancing the ground feel. It also provides stability and consistency in the midfoot area of the shoe.
Upper
The upper of the Salomon Sense Pro Max uses a 3D Stretch Air Mesh material that gives the foot a breathable coverage for a well-ventilated running experience. The stretchy upper mesh hugs the foot comfortably for a more customized fit.
Along with the mesh upper are the Sensifit and Endofit technologies. They are designed to give enhanced comfort and a secure fit. The Sensifit overlays wrap the foot for a secure and snug fit while the Endofit provides a seamless environment for a comfortable and sock-like fit.
For an easy-on and easy-off of the foot, the shoe utilizes the minimalistic Quicklace System with friction-free lace eyelets. It facilitates the one-pull tightening and loosening of the lace for a more secure running experience. There is also a lace pocket, which provides a secure storage for the lace, keeping it out of the way while running.