Salomon S-Lab Pulsar 2 Shoe Review
Published: May 3, 2023
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | 6.3 oz (Men's Size 9) |
| Stack Height | Heel: 24.5 mm Forefoot: 18.5 mm |
| Heel-Toe Offset | 6 mm |
Individual Thoughts
ErikOverall Score: 9/10
The Salomon S-Lab Pulsar 2 is a true racing flat for the trails. No fancy plates or gimmicks are included. The shoe features the ultra-responsive and lightweight Energy Surge foam and a Profeel film that acts as a minimal protection plate in the midsole, but that is all. The changes from v1 to v2 of the S-Lab Pulsar are very minor and only in the upper. These updates have resulted in a slight increase to the weight of the shoe, but that weight does not decrease the performance in any way. Rather, the fit and performance of the shoe have changed for the better. The new upper is a bit more flexible, has a little more padding in the heel, and conforms to the foot better, which results in a smoother overall ride.
The S-Lab Pulsar 2 also does well on road sections. There is enough cushioning and flexibility underfoot to provide a comfortable ride when you need to hit the pavement for some speedy stretches of racing.
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Erik: "The big update to version 2 of the S-Lab Pulsar is the upper. This year's new Matryx mesh upper is similar to the previous one, but a little more pliable. It feels a bit more comfortable and less stiff than what was on v1, and the durability has not been decreased in any way. The padding around the heel collar has changed as well, resulting in a more comfortable fit around the Achilles.
I have a foot that runs on the narrow side, so the fit of the shoe was good for me. I was able to get it on easily, and I didn't notice any hot spots. The upper has a snug, race-like fit, so if you have wide feet, you may need to look elsewhere for your perfect race shoe."
Midsole
Erik: "The S-Lab Pulsar 2's midsole is cushioned and lively while remaining shockingly light. Racing on the trails in these shoes is an amazing experience. You might expect that you'd have to give up some protection for a shoe that's this lightweight, but that is not the case. The Pulsar 2 has just the right amount of cushioning for comfort even over longer distances. While you will feel the sharp rocks if you aim for them, the Profeel film adds a nice bit of protection. With a shoe as nimble as the S-Lab Pulsar 2, the rocks are easily avoided anyways."
Outsole
Erik: "The Contragrip outsole provides great traction in wet and muddy conditions. I was able to transition from mud to dry trail, to wet rocks, then to the roads with minimal worries about grip. If you want maximum durability, then a lightweight racing shoe such as this should be avoided. But if you are looking to ride the edge and get the most speed out of a trail shoe, then look no further."
Comparable Models
Erik: "There are no comparable models to the Salomon S-Lab Pulsar 2 unless you want to pull the first version off the shelf. Coming in at just over 6 oz for a size 9.0, there is no trail shoe within an ounce of this racer. Most people probably won't be able to take this shoe over a marathon on the trails because of the lower level of cushioning underfoot, but if you want a sub-ultra racing shoe that is the lightest in class, then the S-Lab Pulsar 2 has no equal. If you are light and efficient, you can probably extend the use of this shoe to 100K."
Salomon Men's S/Lab Pulsar
The S/Lab Pulsar is an elite trail racing shoe that was made to break records. This shoe has Salomon's lighest midsole, and a reinforced sock-like upper to help runners fly around any trail.
Salomon Women's S/Lab Pulsar
The S-Lab Pulsar is an elite trail racing shoe that was made to break records. This shoe has Salomon's lighest midsole, and a reinforced sock-like upper to help runners fly around any trail.
