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Salomon Sense Pro 4
Editor’s Conclusion
Road running and trail running are two opposite styles of running. One requires less endurance and is faster-paced, the other requires working different muscles, so it isn't often that you will find a pair of trail running shoes that have the same technologies as a road running shoe.
Salomon has designed and crafted just that. The Sense Pro 4 is a trail running shoe that maximizes all of the features a road running shoe has. Benefiting from a soft hydrophobic upper and Optivibe vibration-reduction technology, the Sense Pro 4 is made for mixed terrains but will grace your feet with less impact than other trail shoes.
The Contagrip outsole is perfect for giving you that extreme grip and traction you need to tackle uneven ground and in both wet and dry weather, and the smaller drop of 4mm allows your feet to feel more at one with the ground beneath you.
The Sense Pro 4 offers your feet a hug-like feel that you'll benefit from greatly and is efficient with the heel-to-toe transition. However, keep in mind this shoe does fit on the slim side so best to be aware of that when thinking of sizing.
The cushioning is minimum which for some will be an advantage as it allows that 'close to the foot' feel, but for others, it may come at a disadvantage as some will want more cushioning to soften the impact on heavier terrain.
Salomon has designed and crafted just that. The Sense Pro 4 is a trail running shoe that maximizes all of the features a road running shoe has. Benefiting from a soft hydrophobic upper and Optivibe vibration-reduction technology, the Sense Pro 4 is made for mixed terrains but will grace your feet with less impact than other trail shoes.
The Contagrip outsole is perfect for giving you that extreme grip and traction you need to tackle uneven ground and in both wet and dry weather, and the smaller drop of 4mm allows your feet to feel more at one with the ground beneath you.
The Sense Pro 4 offers your feet a hug-like feel that you'll benefit from greatly and is efficient with the heel-to-toe transition. However, keep in mind this shoe does fit on the slim side so best to be aware of that when thinking of sizing.
The cushioning is minimum which for some will be an advantage as it allows that 'close to the foot' feel, but for others, it may come at a disadvantage as some will want more cushioning to soften the impact on heavier terrain.
Salomon has always made excellent running shoes and the Sense Pro 4 is no exception. This shoe is for badass runners who aren't afraid to venture into the unknown.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Contagrip MA
Optivibe
EndoFit
Water repellent
Quicklace
Cons
Slim fit
Minimum cushioning
Lack of protection
Key Features
Technologies
Contagrip MA
Contagrip MA is built for the widest variety of surfaces. It offers confidence on both wet and dry surfaces and insures long-term durability.
It's perfect for mixed terrain as it can combat uneven and loose ground, as well as dirt and hard surfaces. Great for a trail shoe that desires to be tested.
Optivibe
Intended to lower leg fatigue, this technology helps produce a comfortable and high-performance shoe.
The Sense Pro 4, therefore, benefits from this unique combination of cushioning and dynamism, and it does it without affecting the rebound.
EndoFit
Remember I mentioned the hug-like feel? That is thanks to the EndoFit technology which is an internal sleeve designed to offer a more precise fit. It's a great feature to have in any trail running shoe.
Water Repellent
Not to be mistaken for being waterproof, the Sense Pro 4 has the added benefit of being water repellent.
This special treatment provides you with that little bit more reassurance should you be caught out in a shower.
The fabric won't absorb the water and you won't be running with a puddle in your shoe.
Quicklace System
I can't praise this feature enough, even though it isn't at the top of the list. The Quicklace system is perfect for trails as it keeps your foot securely in place without the worry of your laces coming undone at the most inconvenient time.
It's a strong, minimalist design that adds to the Sense Pro 4, and is great for an easy-on, easy-off.
Molded OrthoLite Sockliner
Designed to match the contours of your foot, the OrthoLite sockliner offers a more intimate fit to your feet.
It's great for breathability and durability, as well as that added cushioning and will, no doubt, aid your performance.
Design
Available in three different color options, the Sense Pro 4 is simply stylish and easy on the eye. The striking diagonal change of color is a bold and fashionable offset.
The breathable hydrophobic uppers not only help with the airflow to the foot but permit more movement and flexibility. A real advantage for when you're going over uneven ground and your foot has to move with the ground rather than against it. The stitch-free construction is great for providing a smooth and glove-like feel.
The Biomechanical fit aims more towards a runner with a forefoot strike so the technologies and heel-to-toe drop are more specific towards this style of runner. If you have a midfoot strike, you may want to consider a shoe with a slightly higher drop.
The Sense Pro 4 is lightweight and the materials are durable, perfect for mixed terrain. With a frequency use suggestion of 3 times or more per week, the Sense Pro 4 is the perfect shoe for continuous use.
Price
Salomon is renowned for crafting quality performance footwear. They use the best technologies and deliver shoe after shoe so the price is something that reflects this.
However, these shoes come at a price that I find to be fair. Given the features, the Sense Pro 4 benefits from, I would say they are priced fairly.
Contagrip MA
Contagrip MA is built for the widest variety of surfaces. It offers confidence on both wet and dry surfaces and insures long-term durability.
It's perfect for mixed terrain as it can combat uneven and loose ground, as well as dirt and hard surfaces. Great for a trail shoe that desires to be tested.
Optivibe
Intended to lower leg fatigue, this technology helps produce a comfortable and high-performance shoe.
The Sense Pro 4, therefore, benefits from this unique combination of cushioning and dynamism, and it does it without affecting the rebound.
EndoFit
Remember I mentioned the hug-like feel? That is thanks to the EndoFit technology which is an internal sleeve designed to offer a more precise fit. It's a great feature to have in any trail running shoe.
Water Repellent
Not to be mistaken for being waterproof, the Sense Pro 4 has the added benefit of being water repellent.
This special treatment provides you with that little bit more reassurance should you be caught out in a shower.
The fabric won't absorb the water and you won't be running with a puddle in your shoe.
Quicklace System
I can't praise this feature enough, even though it isn't at the top of the list. The Quicklace system is perfect for trails as it keeps your foot securely in place without the worry of your laces coming undone at the most inconvenient time.
It's a strong, minimalist design that adds to the Sense Pro 4, and is great for an easy-on, easy-off.
Molded OrthoLite Sockliner
Designed to match the contours of your foot, the OrthoLite sockliner offers a more intimate fit to your feet.
It's great for breathability and durability, as well as that added cushioning and will, no doubt, aid your performance.
Design
Available in three different color options, the Sense Pro 4 is simply stylish and easy on the eye. The striking diagonal change of color is a bold and fashionable offset.
The breathable hydrophobic uppers not only help with the airflow to the foot but permit more movement and flexibility. A real advantage for when you're going over uneven ground and your foot has to move with the ground rather than against it. The stitch-free construction is great for providing a smooth and glove-like feel.
The Biomechanical fit aims more towards a runner with a forefoot strike so the technologies and heel-to-toe drop are more specific towards this style of runner. If you have a midfoot strike, you may want to consider a shoe with a slightly higher drop.
The Sense Pro 4 is lightweight and the materials are durable, perfect for mixed terrain. With a frequency use suggestion of 3 times or more per week, the Sense Pro 4 is the perfect shoe for continuous use.
Price
Salomon is renowned for crafting quality performance footwear. They use the best technologies and deliver shoe after shoe so the price is something that reflects this.
However, these shoes come at a price that I find to be fair. Given the features, the Sense Pro 4 benefits from, I would say they are priced fairly.
Comparison to Similar Trail Runners
Saucony Endorphin Trail – You won't be missed on the trail in these 'out there' trail running shoes. The Endorphin is ultralight with maximum cushioning for that bounce back effect. The Speedroll technology is excellent for propelling you forward for faster movement and responsive carbon fiber delivers versatile power transfer. In these shoes, you are going to be an absolute powerhouse.
Merrell Agility Peak 4 – The Agility Peak 4 have perks such as Vibram MegaGrip, FLEXconnect dual-directional flex-grooves, and rock plate protection. These bad boys are ready for an adventure and will give you a superb running experience.
Merrell Agility Peak 4 – The Agility Peak 4 have perks such as Vibram MegaGrip, FLEXconnect dual-directional flex-grooves, and rock plate protection. These bad boys are ready for an adventure and will give you a superb running experience.
Verdict
The Salomon Sense Pro 4 offers all you want and need in a trail running shoe. They are equipped with technologies that will help you tackle different challenges on mixed terrain and excel in your performance.
The Optivibe, Ortholite sockliner, and Contagrip MA are all great features for any trail running shoe - it will give you more confidence on the trail and a better energy return.
Things I would consider before purchasing these shoes are the lack of exterior protection and minimal cushioning. Also, this is a shoe concentrated more towards a forefoot strike rather than a midfoot strike.
These shoes are more specific towards a certain type of runner so be mindful of that.
The Optivibe, Ortholite sockliner, and Contagrip MA are all great features for any trail running shoe - it will give you more confidence on the trail and a better energy return.
Things I would consider before purchasing these shoes are the lack of exterior protection and minimal cushioning. Also, this is a shoe concentrated more towards a forefoot strike rather than a midfoot strike.
These shoes are more specific towards a certain type of runner so be mindful of that.
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