I was excited to try the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4. In the last year, Salomon has really upped their game in running shoes. On my own blog, Salomon is actually one of the most requested brands. Salomon’s S/Lab lineup is known for its high-performance gear tailored to elite-level mountain athletes, and the S/Lab Pulsar 4 is no exception. With this version, Salomon builds on its existing trail dominance by offering a shoe that manages to be both lighter and more stable than previous versions.
Before trying the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 I had a few questions:
- Does the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 fit true to size? It fits fairly true to size but I do think it’s a bit narrow and the upper can be unforgiving.
- What is the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 made for? It’s a good option for most trails. It may struggle on some of the more muddy trails but it handles speed well.
- Does the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 have a carbon plate? Actually no, they chose not to add a carbon plate but make no mistake, you can run fairly fast in it.
Now, let’s get into an honest Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 shoe review.
Quick Facts:
- Weight: 9.1 oz
- Stack Height: 34mm heel / 28mm forefoot
- Drop: 6mm
- Price: $220
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Upper and Fit
The Matryx upper is incredibly lightweight yet impressively durable, thanks to aramid fibers that provide tear resistance without sacrificing breathability. The upper molds to your foot with a sock-like fit and features Salomon’s QuickLace system, which tucks into a lace garage for a snag-free experience. I thought the QuickLace system might bother me, but I really haven’t had any issues with it.
The collar around the ankle is more accommodating compared to the Pulsar 3, providing a locked-in feel while reducing potential hotspots. It fits on the more narrow side, and those with very wide feet may want to try before they buy. I have medium to slightly wider feet and I found it a lot more narrow than I was expecting. Is it the most narrow shoe out there? No, but it’s on the more narrow side.
The best running shoes disappear off your feet and I’ve found the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 to be pretty good. I haven’t had any hot spots or blisters. After a couple of runs, I felt comfortable but if a wide version was available, I would take it.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and I’ve found the size 11 to fit the best. I can’t emphasize enough, if your feet are on the wider side consider trying them on to find your best fit. Once you do, it will be very comfortable.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens. Salomon has overhauled the midsole with a dual-layer foam system. The top layer, called optiFOAM+, blends PEBA and EVA for a responsive and springy ride. Underneath, a lighter EVA-based optiFOAM provides structure and stability. This combo offers increased protection and energy return without feeling bulky. This feels like I wrote a paragraph completely on buzzwords…lol what does it all mean?
There’s no carbon plate here, and that’s intentional. Salomon emphasizes foam and geometry over stiffening elements, which makes sense for variable trail terrain. The “Active Chassis” sidewalls cradle your foot, adding guidance through uneven ground without compromising agility. In a blind test, I would not have guessed there is no carbon plate.
Despite its increase in weight over the Pulsar 3, the ride is smoother, bouncier, and more forgiving. It’s energetic on climbs and offers solid protection on technical descents.
Where does the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 fit into my rotation? It’s been a great option for any trail. It’s been able to handle any of the desert trails. I would be a little cautious to run on a muddy trail, but this has been good. It’s on the faster side as far as trail running shoes go but it feels fine to run moderate paces…I don’t think it would be my first choice for a trail day that I’m going to be doing a lot of walking or super easy running. If you are looking for a faster trail running shoe, then it’s a good option.
Outsole
The outsole uses All Terrain Contagrip rubber with 3.5mm lugs and increased ground contact surface area. Compared to the Pulsar 3, the Pulsar 4 offers more consistent grip across diverse surfaces, including hardpack, rock, snow, and loose dirt.
While 3.5mm lugs may fall short in deep mud, they strike a solid balance between grip and versatility. The lug layout promotes smooth transitions and bite where you need it. It’s not a mud shoe, but it’s close to an all-conditions performer.
As far as durability, I expect it to the last at least 400 miles. I’ve never had an issue with Salomon shoes not being durable, and I don’t expect the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 to be any different.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 Conclusion
The Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 continues Salomon’s streak of innovation, delivering a performance-focused trail shoe. While it doesn’t feature a carbon plate, its midsole geometry and foam setup create a smooth and energetic ride that’s race-ready for anything up to 50K. It’s especially suited for runners who want something nimble and responsive for technical trails but don’t need excessive cushioning.
If you’re a trail runner with a narrower foot or can make the fit work, the Pulsar 4 is a strong option. The grip, lightweight design, and overall ride quality make it a standout choice in the S/Lab lineup. It’s not a shoe for deep mud or relaxed hiking days, but if you’re eyeing PRs or looking to push your pace, it’s worth trying on.
Who Should Buy the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4
- Trail runners looking for a fast, responsive shoe for technical terrain.
- Competitive athletes targeting races up to 50K (or more for lighter runners).
- Fans of the S/Lab series wanting a better mix of comfort and agility.
Who Should Not Buy It
- Runners needing a wide fit or high-volume upper.
- Athletes seeking an easy run shoe
- Those looking for a budget-friendly trail option.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Altra Experience Flow 2, Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Questions for you:
Have you tried Salomon?
What is your favorite trail running shoe?