Two Days. 70 Kilometres. 2800 Metres of Elevation. One Pair of Salomon UltraGlide 3s.
Let’s start by painting the picture: It’s the Kruger2Canyon Challenge. Day 1 kicks off in Kampersrus, and before long you’re knee-deep in mountain mist, winding your way up a beast of a climb with 2800 metres of elevation coming your way over the weekend. The trails are wet, the rocks are slick with moss, and the downhills? Well, let’s just say your quads won’t forget them anytime soon, especially just 3 weeks after Comrades.
This is no place for fragile feet or a dodgy shoe choice. Enter the Salomon UltraGlide 3 a trail shoe that proved it’s more than just good looks and brand heritage. It’s built for the long haul, made for unpredictable terrain, and it handled everything the wilds of Hoedspruit could throw at it.
First Impressions – A Good Fit from the Get-Go
The UltraGlide 3 is lighter than it looks – weighing in at about 278g (UK size 8.5). Slipping it on feels like putting your foot into a snug, ready-to-go sock. The upper is super breathable, made from lightweight mesh that keeps things cool but doesn’t let in every little stick and stone. The tongue is padded without being bulky, and those classic Salomon Quicklaces – you either love them or you really love them after your third river crossing. They just work. No fuss.
The heel collar and heel counter hold your ankle firm without feeling stiff or overly structured. No rubbing. No slipping. Just a confident fit, whether you’re power-hiking the steeps or flying down a rooty descent, or making a feeble attempt at a Superman (think I’m still winded)
The Salomon Ultra Glide 3 has a 6 mm heel-to-toe drop, with approximately 41 mm of stack in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot That drop helps deliver a balanced, cushioned trail experience
On the Trails – Grippy, Cushioned, Reliable
This shoe shines when the going gets tough. Through the slippery river crossings and along the moss-covered boulders of Day 1, the Contagrip® outsole gave solid traction. Even on the super sketchy downhills, the lugs bit into the trail just enough to keep things upright – most of the time. (Let’s be honest, if you don’t fall at least once in a trail run like this, were you even trying? I fell 6 times)
The midsole is a soft Opti Foam, which is Salomon’s way of saying: “Hey, let’s make a trail shoe that doesn’t feel like a brick by the end of the day.” It’s comfy, with a nice bounce on the flats and enough protection on the rocky bits to keep your feet from crying out for help. For a shoe with this much cushion, you’d expect it to feel wobbly on technical single track – but it doesn’t. It strikes that sweet balance between comfort and control.
Day 2 Legs? Thank the Glide in UltraGlide
The real test came on Day 2 – 28km of varied terrain, tired legs, hammering the Kruger rough sand roads and fynbos. Here’s where the UltraGlide 3’s name really made sense. Your legs may be stiff, your lungs may be gasping, but the ride stays smooth, and that rocker-style geometry helps you roll from heel to toe without much effort. It’s like the shoe wants to keep you moving forward no matter how much you want to lie down next to an Impala and nap.
Looks & Style – Trail, But Make It Slick
Not everyone cares what their trail shoes look like. But if you do, the UltraGlide 3 won’t disappoint. It’s got that sleek, race-meets-outdoor gear look, and it comes in a few colourways that won’t make you feel like you’ve raided a hardware store. Trail ready, Instagram ready.
Who’s This Shoe For?
– You love your long days on the trails – think 20km and up.
– You want comfort without sacrificing grip.
– You don’t mind getting muddy and wet, but still want your feet to feel supported and dry-ish at the end.
– You enjoy technical terrain but don’t want a super aggressive, overly rigid shoe.
– You’re the type of runner who values versatility – the UltraGlide can handle anything from weekend trail missions to ultra-distance goals.
Final Thoughts – Salomon Nailed It
The UltraGlide 3 isn’t just a good shoe – it’s a dependable partner when the trail gets gnarly. It handled Hoedspruit’s climbs, rivers, roots, and rocky switchbacks like a champ, and kept my feet happy and blister-free across 70km of punishment.
If you’re gearing up for your next trail race or simply looking for a shoe that makes you feel lekker out in the mountains, the Salomon UltraGlide 3 should be on your shortlist.
Go on, give it a bash – your feet will thank you later.
Available at most leading running outlets and online at:
Ultra Glide 3
RRP: R3499.99
