I was excited to try the Salomon Predict Soc 2. I haven’t reviewed a lot of Salomon shoes but enjoyed the Salomon Sonic 3 and use the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest regularly. I’m looking forward to trying more of their shoes in the future.
Salomon Predict Soc 2 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.8 oz
Heel to toe drop: 8 mm
Cost: $130
Salomon Predict Soc 2 Introduction:
As mentioned, I’ve never tried many Salomon running shoes. The Salomon Predict Soc 2 is a decoupled road shoe. The upper was not well received in the first version, so it was completely overhauled. The knit upper worries me. I haven’t been a fan of it in the Brooks Levitate or Ultraboost. Theoretically, it should fit well, but usually, with the knit uppers, it feels tight or stiff. So I was excited to see Salomons take on it. According to Salomon, the updated Predict Soc 2 weighs about an ounce less.
Salomon Predict Soc 2 Fit:
First, I really like the look of the Predict Soc 2. It’s a fun neutral shoe that I thought even if I don’t love the ride, I would be likely to wear this around casually. It’s always nice when a shoe looks good to wear out. My only complaint with knit uppers is they do that ‘t always breathe as well.
Sadly, this is also the case for the Salomon Predict Soc 2, and if you are running in hot or rainy weather, you will notice the Predict Soc 2 doesn’t breathe and traditional shoes. Right now, it’s fine because the climate is not usually either. Although running through the slush might be another story.
As mentioned, I was worried about the tight-knit stretch upper. I haven’t found a brand that has successfully made a knit upper that fits and feels well, so I was excited to see the Salomon take. The stretch knit upper doesn’t feel overly snug, and my feet have plenty of room to move. It has no overlays, so if you have any bunions or a wider foot, you should feel fine with no irritation.
Another interesting thing about the Salomon Predict Soc 2 is the lack of a rigid cage. Most stretch knit uppers have a rigid case designed to keep the feet supported. Usually, it’s too tight and doesn’t feel great. The Predict Soc 2 has a rubber midfoot that feels smooth and not too stiff. It’s probably my favorite fitting knit mesh upper shoe.
The heal collar is made from comfortably padded cushioning. It’s rigid, and it just feels good. The tongue is just an extension of the knit shoe. I find the best shoes disappear off the foot, and the Salomon Predict Soc 2 does just that. I don’t feel anything blistering and chafing. I’ve actually never had a knit upper shoe successfully do that.
In running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide. I found the size 10.5 of the Predict Soc 2 to fit well.
Salomon Predict Soc 2 Ride:
The Salomon Predict Soc 2 uses a midsole made from Salomon’s Energy Cell+ a compression-molded EVA. This has been around a few years with the brand as original Predict and Sonic RA. What does that mean for you? The midsole is more firm, but you’ll feel the responsiveness. It’s not extremely bouncy, but it does respond well.
The midsole in the Salomon Predict Soc 2 also has decoupled grooves through the outsole, matching the grooves on the footbed. You can see them matching up. I was worried this might provide less stability, but you won’t really notice. The decoupled footbed allows for a more natural ride and lets your foot do what you want it to. I love that the shoe moves with your feet.
Ride and Traction: The outsole of the Salomon Predict Soc 2 uses Salomon Contagrip FA road rubber. It is a full-contact design that works with the midsole. The rubber is soft but provides plenty of traction. I’ve run in a few inclement weather days as well as on sand dunes with no issues. I’ve already logged about 100 miles on the Salomon Predict Soc 2 with no signs of it slowing down.
I’ve taken the Predict Soc 2 on several different runs, and I really didn’t know where the best spot in my rotation would be. I prefer something lighter and faster for workouts and something with a lot more cushion for easy runs. It’s a good option for daily and easy runs.
In all, I think it’s best suited as a daily run shoe. Right now, it’s probably my favorite option to bring with me if I have no idea what kind of run I’ll do for the day. It can pick up the pace if needed, but it also provides cushion too. While not glamorous, it falls into the daily trainer category. Often these are the workhorse trainers of running, but rarely get all of the glamorous reviews and publicity.
Salomon Predict Soc 2 Conclusion:
As mentioned, the Salomon Predict Soc 2 is not a glamorous shoe, but it’s a shoe that gets things done in your training. If you are looking for a well-cushioned shoe that fits well and feels good, it’s a great option. It’s probably my favorite knit upper-fitting shoe, and at $130, it’s cheaper (by a lot) than any other knit shoe. It fits well, has a lightweight but cushioned ride; what more do you need in a daily trainer? The fact that it looks good too?
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Salomon Predict Soc 2
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Salomon Predict Soc 2?
What is your favorite daily trainer?