My first introduction to Salomon was a pair of rugged, durable hiking boots that carried me up countless mountain trails.
While I appreciated their sturdy protection, I found myself craving something lighter and more agile for my everyday adventures—the kind that mix smooth, paved paths with unexpected detours onto dirt trails.
That’s when I discovered the Salomon Women’s Ultra Flow Hiking Shoe. This shoe promises the best of both worlds: the cushioned comfort of a road running shoe and the reliable grip of a trail shoe.
It’s designed for the modern hiker who wants to move quickly and effortlessly, without feeling weighed down by traditional boots. As someone who enjoys everything from a quick run around the park to a long day hike on mixed terrain, I was intrigued by the Ultra Flow’s hybrid design.
I was curious to see if it could truly deliver on its promise of a seamless transition from road to trail, providing comfort and confidence on all my outings. So, I took them out on my favorite trails to see if they could live up to the hype.
Comparison
| Feature / Attribute | Salomon Ultra Flow | Topo Ultraventure 4 | Saucony Peregrine 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Door-to-trail versatility | Wide-feet comfort, road-to-trail | Everyday trail running, mixed terrain |
| Weight | ~9.1 oz (258 g) | ~10 oz (men) | ~9.7 oz (men) |
| Drop | ~12.5 mm (measured) | ~5 mm | ~4 mm |
| Stack Height (Heel) | ~34.9 mm | ~35 mm | ~28–31 mm |
| Upper Fit | Snug/narrow | Roomy/wide toe box | Standard—snug midfoot/wide forefoot |
| Traction | Moderate (2.8 mm shallow lugs) | Limited on loose terrain | Aggressive 5 mm lugs, grippy |
| Cushioning Feel | Balanced yet firm | Plush & responsive | Balanced, slightly softer than prior |
| Variants | GTX available | Standard only | Wide sizing & GTX versions available |
Introduction and Initial Impressions
First Contact and Unboxing:
Upon unboxing the Salomon Women’s Ultra Flow, my immediate reaction was one of surprise at its remarkably lightweight feel. The box itself was standard, but the moment I lifted the shoes out, they felt more like a pair of high-end running shoes than a traditional hiking shoe.
The colorway I received, a sleek combination of white, grey, and coral accents, was visually appealing and modern, a departure from the often-bulky aesthetic of classic hiking footwear.
The materials felt premium to the touch; the 3D Mesh upper was soft and pliable, while the synthetic overlays had a sturdy, well-bonded quality. There were no loose threads or uneven stitching, suggesting a high standard of manufacturing and quality control.
The laces were a standard flat design, and the shoe’s overall profile was low and streamlined.
Design Philosophy and Target Audience:
The design of the Ultra Flow is clearly a manifestation of Salomon’s “road-to-trail” philosophy. It’s a shoe built for versatility and a seamless transition between different terrains.
The designers have prioritized comfort and a natural, unencumbered feel over rigid structure and heavy-duty protection. The low-profile silhouette, the breathable mesh, and the cushioned midsole all point to a shoe designed for fast-paced activities on varied surfaces.
The ideal user for this shoe is someone who wants a single pair of shoes for their active lifestyle—a person who might start their morning run on pavement, transition to a local dirt trail, and then finish by walking on a paved park path.
It’s not for the person planning a week-long backpacking trip with a 40-pound pack, but rather for the lightweight hiker, the casual trail runner, or the daily dog walker who navigates a mix of surfaces.
The design choices, particularly the lightweight build and flexible upper, directly reflect a focus on agility and comfort over maximum ruggedness.
Upper and Fit
Material Composition and Feel:
The upper is constructed primarily from a 3D Mesh fabric, which is exceptionally soft and flexible. Unlike some technical mesh materials that can feel stiff or plasticky, this fabric is pliable and instantly comfortable against the foot.
Strategic synthetic overlays are bonded to the mesh, providing structure and support in key areas, particularly around the midfoot and heel. These overlays don’t add bulk or rigidity, maintaining the shoe’s lightweight feel.
On the inside, the lining is smooth and soft, ensuring no hot spots or rubbing, even without thick hiking socks.
SensiFit and Fit Customization:
Salomon’s signature SensiFit system is integrated into the lacing structure, wrapping around the midfoot to provide a secure and customized fit. In practice, this works exceptionally well.
As you tighten the laces, you can feel the shoe snugging up evenly around your foot, from the arch to the top of the foot, eliminating any feeling of lateral slippage. The fit was true to size for me, with a comfortable amount of room in the toe box.
It is worth noting, however, that the shoe has a standard width, and individuals with particularly wide feet may find it a bit restrictive, particularly on longer hikes where the foot swells.
For my average-width foot, the fit was snug but not constricting, and the lockdown felt perfect for both ascents and descents.
Breathability and Moisture Management:
The breathability of the 3D Mesh is a standout feature. During a hot, humid summer hike, my feet remained remarkably cool and dry. The air flowed freely through the mesh, preventing that clammy, overheated feeling often experienced in less-ventilated shoes.
The shoe also manages moisture effectively. While I haven’t taken them through a deep stream, a small rain shower left the upper damp, and it dried out within a few hours, a significant advantage over heavier, less breathable shoes.
Protection and Durability of the Upper:
The Ultra Flow features an integrated toe cap, which provides a good amount of protection from minor bumps and scuffs. It’s not a rigid, armored toe box, but it is substantial enough to shield your toes from unexpected rock impacts on the trail.
After approximately 50 miles of hiking on various terrains—from rocky paths to overgrown trails—the upper shows very little sign of wear.
There are no snags, tears, or significant abrasions on the mesh or synthetic overlays, which speaks to the quality of the materials and construction. The laces have also held up perfectly, with no fraying.
Midsole and Cushioning
Midsole Technology and Material:
The midsole is crafted from Energy Foam, a lightweight and cushioned EVA foam. I would describe the feel of the cushioning as a perfect balance between plush and responsive.
It’s soft enough to absorb the impact of landing on hard-packed surfaces and rocks, but not so soft that it feels unstable or overly mushy. The shoe provides a noticeable level of shock absorption, which is particularly welcome on long days.
The balance between comfort and ground feel is excellent; you feel cushioned and protected, but you still have enough tactile feedback to navigate technical terrain with confidence.
Stack Height and Drop:
The shoe has a specified drop of 6mm, with a heel stack height of 32mm and a forefoot height of 26mm. This medium drop feels very natural and accommodating to both heel and midfoot strikers.
For me, it encouraged a smooth, rolling stride that felt efficient on both flat trails and gradual inclines. Compared to a high-drop shoe, this felt more natural and less aggressive, while still providing a good amount of cushioning.
Long-Term Comfort and Fatigue:
The long-term comfort of the Ultra Flow is where it truly shines. I used them on a 15-mile hike with significant elevation gain, and the cushioning maintained its integrity and plush feel throughout the entire journey.
There was no “bottoming out” sensation where the foam feels compressed and unresponsive. My feet felt fresh and well-protected at the end of the day, with no arch fatigue or soreness. This is a crucial point for a shoe designed for long distances.
Outsole and Traction
Outsole Composition and Lug Geometry:
The outsole is Salomon’s renowned All Terrain Contagrip, which is designed to provide confident traction on a wide variety of surfaces. The lugs are relatively shallow, at approximately 3.5mm, and are multi-directional.
This lug pattern is a deliberate choice, intended to provide a smooth ride on pavement while still offering sufficient grip for the trail.
Grip Performance Across Varied Surfaces:
The grip performance of the Ultra Flow is consistently impressive across a wide range of conditions. On dry, hard-packed dirt trails, the shoe felt fast and grippy, with no slippage.
On loose gravel and sandy sections, the lugs bit in effectively, providing good stability. I was particularly impressed with the grip on wet rocks and roots—a notoriously challenging surface—where the Contagrip rubber held its own and prevented any unnerving slips.
The shoe’s performance on muddy trails, however, is its one slight limitation. While the lugs provide some grip, their shallow depth and close spacing mean they can get caked with mud, reducing traction.
On pavement, the shoe felt exactly like a road running shoe; the lugs are subtle enough that you don’t feel them, and the ride is smooth and quiet.
Durability of the Outsole:
After logging a considerable number of miles, the outsole shows minimal signs of wear. The high-abrasion areas on the heel and forefoot are holding up very well, and none of the lugs have chipped or torn.
The rubber compound seems to be a perfect balance of durability and grip, providing a long-lasting and reliable platform. The outsole’s longevity meets and exceeds my expectations for a shoe of this type.
Stability and Protection
Lateral Stability and Support:
For a shoe without a rigid chassis or ankle support, the Ultra Flow is surprisingly stable. The combination of the secure SensiFit upper and a broad, stable platform underfoot gave me confidence on uneven, rocky terrain.
My foot felt locked in place, and I didn’t experience any of the wobbliness or ankle rolling that can occur with poorly fitting shoes.
Underfoot Protection:
The shoe provides excellent underfoot protection. The cushioned midsole and outsole combination effectively shielded my feet from sharp rocks and roots on the trail.
I could feel the terrain, but I was never bothered by sharp pressure points. There does not appear to be a dedicated rock plate, but the thick midsole more than compensates for this, providing ample protection.
Overall Security and Lockdown:
The overall lockdown of the shoe is outstanding. The traditional lacing system, combined with the SensiFit overlays, ensures a secure and precise fit from the moment you tie them up.
The foot stays firmly in place during steep climbs and descents, and there is no heel slippage or toe jamming.
Pros
- Lightweight and Agile
- Exceptional Comfort
- Excellent Versatility
- Superior Breathability
- Reliable Traction
Cons
- Limited Traction in Mud
- No Wide Fit Option:
Why should choose Salomon Women’s Ultra Flow Hiking Shoe
The Salomon Women’s Ultra Flow is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a versatile and comfortable shoe that seamlessly transitions between different terrains.
Its most compelling feature is its lightweight and nimble design, which makes it feel less like a bulky hiking boot and more like a high-performance running shoe. This is ideal for lightweight hikers, casual trail runners, or those who enjoy walks on a variety of surfaces.
The shoe’s comfort is a major selling point, with a plush yet responsive Energy Foam midsole and an exceptionally breathable 3D Mesh upper that keeps feet cool and dry.
The fit, thanks to Salomon’s SensiFit system, provides a secure, customized lockdown that prevents slippage and hot spots. While it may not be the best choice for extremely muddy or technical terrain, its All Terrain Contagrip outsole provides reliable grip on a wide range of surfaces.
Ultimately, you should choose this product if you value a shoe that offers a perfect balance of comfort, agility, and protection for all your “road-to-trail” adventures.
FAQs
Is the Salomon Ultra Flow suitable for long-distance hikes?
The Salomon Ultra Flow is an excellent choice for long-distance day hikes and fastpacking. Its lightweight design and plush Energy Foam midsole provide sustained comfort and reduce foot fatigue over many miles.
However, for multi-day backpacking trips where you’re carrying a heavy load, you might want to consider a more traditional, supportive hiking boot.
How does the shoe’s grip perform on wet and rocky surfaces?
The shoe features Salomon’s All Terrain Contagrip outsole, which provides a surprisingly confident grip on wet, slick rocks and roots.
While it excels on a variety of dry surfaces and light trail conditions, its shallow lugs are a slight limitation in very deep or soupy mud, as they can get caked and lose some of their traction.
Is the Salomon Ultra Flow true to size, and is it suitable for wide feet?
Based on the review, the shoe runs true to size and provides a comfortable, secure fit for average-width feet. However, it’s worth noting that it only comes in a standard width. Individuals with particularly wide feet may find the fit restrictive on longer hikes when feet tend to swell.
What is the main difference between the Ultra Flow and a traditional hiking boot?
The main difference is the design philosophy. The Ultra Flow prioritizes comfort, breathability, and a lightweight feel, making it feel more like a running shoe. A traditional hiking boot, by contrast, focuses on rigid ankle support, a stiffer sole, and maximum durability and protection, making it better suited for rugged terrain and heavy loads.
Final Thought
The Salomon Women’s Ultra Flow Hiking Shoe stands out as a versatile and comfortable hybrid, perfectly bridging the gap between a lightweight running shoe and a capable trail hiker.
Its exceptional comfort and plush cushioning make it a pleasure to wear from the first step, while the breathable upper and reliable All Terrain Contagrip outsole ensure confidence across a variety of surfaces.
While it may not be the top choice for highly technical or muddy conditions, it excels on everything from pavement to hard-packed dirt. This shoe is the ideal companion for the casual hiker who values agility, comfort, and a single shoe for all their “road-to-trail” adventures.
Leave a Reply