Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 Performance Review

The Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 is a lightweight, fast, and versatile trail shoe. It falls within the S/LAB line, which is Salomon’s highest performance line. The Pulsar family is known for light and precise shoes designed to feel like an extension of your foot and power you through all types of terrain.

Cushion/Midsole/Support

The Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4’s midsole consists of two layers of foam that provide different benefits. Directly under most of the foot is a red layer of optiFOAM+, a blended compound that provides the bouncy and responsive feel you want while toeing off. Making up the majority of the midsole is a second layer of standard optiFOAM that is denser and sturdier than optiFOAM+. This follows a typical model we find in many high-performance shoes these days, where a dense carrier foam supports a softer, more responsive foam. 

While I caught glimpses of snap and responsiveness from this shoe, I kept waiting for the foam to feel like it had truly broken in…but still haven’t gotten there. On vertical terrain, I felt that the midsole combination provided a sure step; but on flatter terrain where I wanted to run fast, I never felt the energy return I wanted. I don’t know what it is, but it just kind of feels like I’m running on a brick. I will continue to work it in, and, if I notice any changes, will gladly report back. However, I’ve put enough miles into the shoe at this point that it’s unlikely the midsole will ever fully break in.

Because I feel like there isn’t a ton of give with the midsole, I’ve found it a little clunky. I do think the optiFOAM wing provides some stability around the bridge of the foot, which helps. However, be it fit or midsole, I didn’t feel super stable in this shoe. I think that may be personal to me, as I’ve read or seen lots of reports that indicate the contrary. One thing I’m considering is the Profeel Film ground filter, which is essentially a layer between the midsole and outsole to protect your foot from rocky surfaces. This might be why I haven’t felt like the midsole was super soft underfoot.

Traction

I have never found Salomon Contagrip lacking in performance. Salomon is so rooted in mountains and technicality that you can come to expect this aspect of the shoe to perform. The lugs are about 3.5mm deep, so not too clunky as to get in the way of the S/LAB Pulsar 4’s speed performance. I’d say that this outsole is good for pretty much any terrain, which is an impressive range for a shoe like the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4.

Upper

This upper is somewhat of a mixed bag for me. Salomon’s fit is traditionally quite snug and narrow, which can be difficult for a lot of people. The Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 is supposed to be snug, and in being so, is meant to provide a fit around your foot that almost feels like a glove. However, that comes with a caveat for some foot shapes. I have a remarkably high instep, meaning my foot is tall throughout the arch (sometimes called “high volume”). With the tight-fitting midfoot and gusseted tongue, it’s slightly too snug for me in that spot, making it pretty hard to get my foot in this shoe. I’d prefer a little more space there. 

However, the other caveat here is that the forefoot area seems on the wider side for Salomon. I have more room for toe splay in this model than in other Salomon shoes, which is nice and provides more control. 

The upper consists of a semi-thin Matryx material that is quite soft. I really liked the heel cup on this shoe, and the overall security the Matryx offers is great and confidence-inspiring. As always, the Quicklace system can be polarizing, but I generally find it leads to a nice lockdown and consistent fit.

Is the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 wide foot friendly?

No, the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 has a narrower fit that largely matches the traditional fit found in other Salomon models (except in the toebox where there is some unexpected wiggle room).

Is the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 worth $220?

I have a hard time justifying this price point for the performance I’ve received from the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 and what else is available on the market.

How to use the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4

The one saving grace with the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 is the versatility. This shoe can be used on fast and steep pitches all the way to ultra distances. It should perform well on any terrain.

Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 Summary

The Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 is a lightweight, secure-fitting, and precise trail racer. This shoe acts as a foot glove and was designed with the Pulsar ethos of ultimate control and performance. 

Although I found the midsole to be lacking, it is worthy to note that this is a versatile shoe and has become a favorite amongst Salomon athletes at multiple distances. 

If you typically like how Salomon shoes fit your foot, the S/LAB Pulsar 4 will be a welcome addition to your arsenal. I didn’t quite find the pop I wanted in this shoe, but I’m hoping that some more time might unlock it. If you happen to find yourself trying this shoe on and enjoy the midsole, you’ll certainly love the security and the outsole control.

If you’re looking for our favorite Salomon Running and Trail Running shoes, check out our list here.

How does the Author Run?

Sam Lohse (age 28, 6’0″, 170 lbs): Runs daily, sometimes morning/night doubles, with one rest day a week (typically). Hangs right around 40-50 miles a week in general unless in race-specific training. Races distances from 50K to 100 miles, almost always on the trails.

Disclosure

While Salomon did provide pairs of the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.