11 Best Salming Running Shoes Rated In-depth
By utilizing their patented RECOIL foam, you can expect unmatched support that won’t weigh you down. In this guide, we have compiled a list of some of our very favorite designs that are made for trails, sidewalks, long-distances, and speed.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
Be honest. You want to be noticed for your sleek taste in trainers.
The Salming running shoes that we have chosen for our list are not only some of the best running shoes on the market, but they really look great too. It is true that, for the most part, style is a personal preference. One person’s preferences for the shape, color, and style of a shoe might not be another person’s preference. Still, our list of the best Salming running shoes covers a wide range of styles so we are confident you will find something that works for you.
Their shoes come in a variety of styles from minimalist shoes, to bulkier, heavier shoes that offer more stabilization. However, regardless of what your particular wardrobe style is, the shoes offered and sold by Salming are definitely up to date in “athleisure” trendiness. Most of them come in really fun colors and offer bright patterns and features.
However, we also know that many folks prefer neutrals and darker, more subtle tones so we have included shoes from Salming that come in a variety of colors and shades, to best match the rest of your workout and running attire and to suit your preferences. Your shoes should be aesthetically pleasing, and that also means staying fashionable and looking fresh, even when equipped with special features that help in your running and performance.
Comfort
A shoe’s level of comfort is extremely important for runners when they are in the market for a new pair.
Read also about low profile running shoes.
A shoe’s level of comfort is extremely important for runners when they are in the market for a new pair. In fact, aside from those who are on an EXTREMELY tight budget and the shoe’s cost and value simply has to be the number one priority when shopping, comfort is probably the most important factor in helping you determine which shoe is best for you – and for obvious reasons.
Hitting the trails or pavement in a shoe that is too stuffy, too hot, have soles that are too hard or too soft, to unstable, to light or too heavy, or just generally is uncomfortable or even causes you pain is simply just not going to cut it.
One of the first factors or components of comfort we considered when making our list is the level of cushioning that is maintained in the sole of the shoe. This will play a big part in how soft or hard the shoe feels to you while you run, as well as how much shock is or is not absorbed upon the foot striking the ground.
Features
So many feet and ankle injuries may be a result of shoes that do not have the right features for your intensity of running.
Read also about custom fit running shoes.
Overly heavy shoes will leave you working harder than you have to. You will have to exert more energy than necessary each time you pick up your foot mid-stride. Lightweight shoes are by and large the more preferred type of shoe because they make heel turnover so much easier and more efficient.
Be wary, though, of shoes that are too lightweight. Some manufacturers label their shoes as “minimalist” or “lightweight” to cover up the fact that the shoes actually just do not offer any sort of support. Luckily, the Salming shoes we included on our list do not border too much on the side of being too heavy. In fact, most of the models are lighter weight and “minimalist” but definitely still supportive of your workouts.
Support is a major factor of comfort, as well. So many feet and ankle injuries such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, fallen arches, and tendonitis may be a result of shoes that do not provide the proper amount of support for your intensity of running. Your ankles should feel secure and not wobbly upon your foot strike. They should also provide support for your arches, and keep your foot secure so that you are not over or under pronating (even if your natural gait tends to be one of pronation).
Drop
Our Salming shoes, especially the heavier models, are free of the painful drop that is common in many other shoe designs.
One of the biggest indicators of comfort and just whether or not a running shoe is worth your investment is the shoe’s heel to toe drop. Basically, this refers to the actual measurement and amount that the shoe drops in height when scaling from the ankle to the toe.
If you are having trouble understanding, then just think of a ladies’ pair of high heels. The drop in height from the heel to the toe is drastic, depending on how high the heel measures However, unlike when you choose to wear high heels, you want to stay away from a drastic heel to toe drop on running shoes because too much drop can lead to injury.
The result will be more front-loaded pressure on the balls of your feet, and with repeated pounding, your risk of developing a serious injury such as tendonitis or a stress fracture greatly increases. Salming shoes, especially the heavier models, are free of this painful drop.
Breathability
A great pair of running shoes will be designed to ventilate well and keep airflow in and out of the shoe so that your feet can breathe.
You will be wearing these things for a lot of miles, in varying temperatures, seasons, and conditions. Even if it is not super hot, you are likely going to sweat. And sweaty feet means hot, stinky, uncomfortable feet. A great pair of running shoes will be designed to ventilate well and keep airflow in and out of the shoe so that your feet can breathe.
This is especially important for people who train outside and sometimes end up running in the rain or through puddles – wet feet need to be able to breathe, and once your run is over, a breathable mesh or material will help air and dry out your shoes much more quickly than those shoes that do not offer any ventilation.
One final component of style to consider is how transitional they are from activity to activity, event to event. Shoes need to be stylish not only on the roads and trails but there is a level of practicality and convenience in being able to purchase a pair of running shoes that look good no matter where you wear them.
The shoes should also be easily transitional between outfits. It is helpful to know if you are the kind of person who sticks mainly with one type or color of clothing.
Our Top 11 Best Salming Running Shoes
1. Greyhound
If you found that sidewalk running brings you nothing but pain and misery, you are more than likely wearing the wrong shoes. The Greyhound design from Salming is specifically designed for running on hard surfaces. It provides you with extra protection where your joints and knees need it most, allowing you to finally conquer concrete!
Read moreWhat makes the Greyhound great for hard surfaces is the structure of the midsole and outsole, and how they work together. The outsole is composed of XS Trek, which adds an extra spring in your step and is 25 percent more durable than competitors’ outsoles. The midsole uses Salming’s Recoil tech to craft a stiff and responsive midsole that cradles your foot.
The upper is designed to keep your foot cool and dry, and has a structure to keep your foot securely in place. It is made from three different types of materials that are layered on top of each other. The top mesh layer helps to keep your foot cool, the middle layer offers stability, and the inner layer fits around your foot like a sock to provide an excellent fit.
If you want a good pair of roadrunners that help to protect your joints from hard surfaces throughout your entire gait, the Greyhound is worth checking out. We love that it is composed of lightweight materials that help to keep your foot protected without weighing it down.
2. Distance
Weighing in at about 8.4 oz. with a standard Salming 5mm drop, for the men’s version, this is a smooth shoe designed for long workouts.
Read moreWhen you look at a pair of Salming Distance's, you can almost believe you are looking at a design sketch of the running shoe because nearly every part of the shoe is labeled. This is a good marketing tool and enables you to match up the feature descriptions with the parts of the shoe being described, though after becoming familiar with the shoes, it doesn’t appear to have much.
The Distance include the two-layer upper construction consisting of a softer inner layer and durable outer for air circulation and breathability. The exterior, called an “Exo Skeleton Design”, delivers durability and protection against the intrusion of pebbles and dirt and also provides stability.
An interesting feature of the Distance is that the mesh features are extended to the padded tongue which helps prevent heat build-up on the upper part of the foot. The lacing system includes some distinctive features as well. Bypassing the usual holes for the laces, the Distance uses fabric loops which seem to enable more precise adjustment. The tongue stabilizing loop features the Swedish flag, in case you forgot the country of origin of the shoes.
The Distance features a Torsion Efficiency Unit ™ for durability and a translucent TPU.
Less cushioned than the Miles, this model still delivers a comfortable run. The rubber sole is durable and responsive and the shoe includes the trademarked RunLite Midsole with High ‘abrasion Injection EVA for excellent ground feel.
Value is different from price; these are still expensive, even for elite shoes, but if they are a match for you, it’s worth the investment.
3. Hawk
The Hawk is designed as a squash sneaker, and it really shines on the squash court. However, the construction of this design also translates off the court as well! Squash is a game of quick movements, so it demands a sneaker that offers unmatched lockdown with a wide frame that allows your toes to naturally splay. If you are looking for a sneaker for cross-training or to shave a few seconds off of your record, keep reading!
Read moreThe most notable feature of the Hawk is its wide frame. It boasts a wide toe box that allows your toes to naturally splay, which enhances your stability as well as balance. It has a reinforced heel that heightens your stability and is able to be removed as needed.
What we also love about this design is the construction of the outsole. It boasts a shallow Hexagrip design that sticks to flat surfaces. It also has a slightly tacky finish that is ideal for taking tight corners on sidewalks or when training at the gym as well.
If you want a great pair of trainers to take to the gym for running on the track, cross-training, and weight lifting, the Hawk is incredibly versatile and comfortable. We love that it is composed of comfortable materials that mirror many of the minimalist trainers out there on the market, and is designed to help maintain stability when making tight movements.
4. Kobra 2
Taking the proven form of the Kobra shoe and expanding its features and points, the Kobra 2 continues the great tradition started with these Salming running shoes!
Read moreThe Kobra 2 Salming running shoe is as stylish as its predecessor and is a great choice for any runner who wants to look good and feel good while they are out for a run or heading to the gym! With a durable yet comfortable design, this running shoe is made to keep your feet protected and comfortable no matter how long your run gets or how intense your workout ends up being.
Rugged material on the outer layer keeps the shoe clean, durable soles give you the traction you need while you run, and supportive insoles cushion your feet and provide shock protection too!
The Kobra 2 Salming running shoe is designed to have less of a drop than your standard sneakers or cheap running shoes so your feet will not be as sore and tired at the end of your run.
While they are not the most breathable pair of shoes on this top ten list they are better than cheap sneakers and will keep your feet comfortable and cooler which is definitely a bonus!
5. Quest
If you are looking for a good Salming shoe to try out then you need to think about Quest. When it comes to representing the points Salming stands for this model does it all and does it with great style and durability!
Read moreThe moment you first look at a Quest Salming running shoe you know you are looking at something special. It is styled unlike any other running shoe with a unique fabric overlay and an overall design that is sleek and elegant and really eye catching! The soft inner fabrics combine with a cushioned insole to make the Quest a very comfortable running shoe to wear. This is a running shoe that will feel as good at the end of your run as it did when you first put it on thanks to the support and shock protection it offers.
A unique material weave outer layer, thick soles, supportive insoles, laces designed to stay tied securely, and an overall style that is easy to wear this is a great choice for runners of all skill levels. It is easy to see why the Quest is growing in popularity among Salming fans!
Like all Salming running shoes, this one is made to reduce drop rate and to reduce shock impact as well. This will help you go the extra mile without the pain and fatigue that often accompanies long runs. It has a drop that makes it easy to wear and even easier to enjoy while on the go!
The Quest by Salming has a breathable outer layer that allows more air to flow over your foot. You will stay cool and comfortable while out for your run or while pushing through that new workout routine. These shoes are made for looking cool and staying cool as well.
6. EnRoute 2
The EnRoute 2 is one killer road runner. What users love most about this design is that it isn’t built to be too soft or squishy, which provides excellent shock absorption when training on hard surfaces. If you like stability shoes but still what something that is lightweight and breathable, the EnRoute 2 is worth checking out!
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it has a cushioning system that is unlike anything else out there on the market. The Torsion Efficiency Unit, found in the midsole, has a sturdy feel that brings a lot of stiffness and control throughout the full cycle of your gait. It also boasts a Recoil midsole that offers just a little extra cushioning where you need it most.
What we also liked about this design is that while the outsole and midsole are fairly stiff and rigid, the upper is lightweight while still providing a good deal of stability. It is composed of lightweight mesh materials that help to move hot air up and away from your foot. It also boasts an Exo-skeleton to help promote lockdown, which is ideal for taking tight corners.
If you are in the market for a great stability trainer that has a lightweight and easy fit like a pair of minimalistic trainers, EnRoute 2 is an excellent choice. It is the ideal Salming choice not only for long-distance runners but for those that want to reach higher speeds as well.
7. Trail 5
While the majority of the trainers on the Salming lineup are catered more towards road running, the Trail 5 is great for adventures off of the beaten path. It boasts a sturdy design to help you keep your footing on uneven surfaces without the weight and feel of a hiking boot. Plus, it clocks in at an affordable price point which makes it worth checking out.
Read moreThe most notable feature of this design is the ExoSkeleton found in the upper. It is composed of a blend of mesh panels and synthetic materials to keep your foot cool and dry as well as supportive. It has a higher frame that sits higher on the ankle that helps to support your ankles as well as keep rock and dirt out.
Runners also love the feel of the soft and flexible midsole on this design. It is made from Salming’s RECOIL compound which provides a soft and cushioned landing that is stiff enough to protect your knees and joints when running on hard surfaces. It also has a Torsion Efficiency Unit which helps to guide the foot to evenly distribute your weight throughout your gait cycle.
The best part of Trail 5 is that while the lugs are deep enough to grip the trails, they aren’t too deep that you can’t wear them to the gym or when running on sidewalks. This is a great option for overpronators, or for those that need just a little bit of extra stability and support both on and off of the trails.
8. Race 7
Is speed your number one goal? If you want to go fast, there is very little in Race 7 that will weigh your down. It is one of the lightest designs in the entire Salming lineup, and it still provides a few supportive features to keep your knees and joints happy as you push yourself just a little bit harder and faster!
Read moreOur favorite feature of Race 7 is the fit of the mesh upper. It is composed of a very thin layer of mesh that stretches over your foot for a great fit and excellent lockdown when taking tight corners. Users find that this style of the mesh upper is incredibly breathable, and helps to keep your foot cool and dry from then beginning to the end of your workout.
While it is touted as a minimalistic trainer to help you reach high speeds, it still offers runners with a bit of support. The midsole is composed of RunLite, which is super lightweight and provides excellent energy feedback as you train. Overall, this is one of the lightest and responsive designs in the Salming lineup.
If you need a pair of trainers that are lightweight, provide excellent lockdown, and are responsive to protect your knees and joints, Race 7 is a great choice. It is important to note, however, that this design isn’t ideal for trail running, long-distance running, overpronators, or heavy strikers.
9. Miles Lite
Sometimes, less is more. This is certainly true when it comes to Miles Lite. This design is very similar to the Miles design that we have seen, but it is stripped of a few supportive features that could potentially weigh you down. It is one of the lighter options in the Salming lineup, which makes it the perfect choice for shaving a few seconds off of your top speeds.
Read moreThe biggest difference between the Miles and Miles Lite boils down to weight. The Miles Lite is a full ounce lighter than Miles, which can make a huge difference when putting pavement in your dust. However, lighter weight also means fewer supportive features. If you need stability features, Miles Lite is not your guy.
The cushioning on this design is very minimal. It doesn’t add an extra spring in your step like some of the other designs, which may put a strain in your joints, especially for overpronators. However, the Miles Lite really shines when it comes to high speeds and energy feedback. While it’s not a great long-distance trainer, it’s snappy feel will make you want to push yourself even faster!
If you love a good pair of minimalistic trainers, but still want a bit of stability and support, the Miles Lite is one of your better choices. We love that it is a simplified version of the Miles, which makes it one of the lightest options in the entire Salming lineup!
10. Elements
The well-named Salming Elements shoes are your lightweight (9.8 oz.) off, off-trail shoes. Wear ‘em running in mud, swimming the Amazon or climbing icy mountain paths. Elements are built to address the elements and master them.
Read moreThe Elements feature tank-like traction, holding you upright over mud, sand and rocky paths. This traction doesn’t mean this is a clunky shoe; far from it. It hits an attractive place between minimalist plus trail shoes and the weighty hikers. It features a low profile, heel loop for easy wear and a generous amount of foam between your foot and the lugs. A substantial, nonrestrictive toe band protects the toe box and a similar band protects and re-enforces the heel for protection from debris and stability.
The lace holes are linked directly to the stability bands for more traction, a closer relationship with the road, and greater security.
Though light, the Elements don't scrimp on comfort. It includes the padded ankle collar we now expect from Salming, a large toe box, and remarkably porous mesh upper that sheds water quickly. The sole lugs and impressive grip in no way limit the flexibility of the midsole.
Though Salming's are expensive, this super trail shoe is on a par with high-end trail shoes.
11. Speed 7
While many of the designs in the Salming lineup host a base that is fairly stiff, the Speed 7 makes things a little more soft and squishy. What we love most about the Speed 7 (aside from unique and eye-catching style) is that it has a midsole that is composed of responsive and flexible materials that help you traverse a wide variety of terrains. Plus, Speed 7 comes in at a lower price point than most, making them worth a look.
Read moreWhat makes this design stand out from the pack is the inclusion of the Torsion Guide System. If you feel that you overpronate, or have a heavy strike, this system helps to even out your gait to take the pressure off of your knees and joints. It also boasts the Recoil tech in the midsole for a soft and responsive ride.
The upper is composed of a lightweight mesh that works to move hot air up and away from your feet to keep them cool and dry. It also has a SoftFoam heel insert that works to cradle your foot while also providing a soft and comfortable fit. This insert has about 70% better shock-absorbing features when you hold it up against basic EVA foam.
If you are in the market for something that is slightly less stiff for road running or modest trails, this is a great choice. The Torsion Guide System makes it the perfect option for those that overpronate because it naturally guides your gait to strike the sidewalk evenly, which in turn takes the pressure off of your knees and lower back.
Sources
- , 10 Best Running Shoes to Get You Going, Runnerclick Blog
- , Salming Sports, Official Salming Sports Website
- , Which Salming Indoor Court Shoe Is Right For You?, Blog
