Salomon Outline Low Gtx Vs Sense Ride Review

Salomon's OUTline mirrors the modern trends: it's essentially a trail runner up top with hiking shoe tread on the lesser. At 1 pound 8.6 ounces for the pair, the shoe is lighter than the pop X Ultra three and has a sleeker look that tin exist readily worn around town. We took both the Low and Mid versions of the OUTline hiking on the PCT in Washington's Cascades, and below we break down our experiences. To meet how the OUTline stacks up to the contest, see our articles on the best hiking shoes and hiking boots.

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Tabular array of Contents

• Condolement
• Weight
• Traction
• Stability and Support
• Waterproofing and Breathability
• Build Quality and Durability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What Nosotros Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

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Operation

Condolement

More than whatever other pair of Salomons we've tried, the Salomon OUTline Low GTX feels like a running shoe. It'due south extremely light on the foot, the ankle is cutting noticeably depression, and the apartment laces are less bulky than the Quicklace system found on other models. As covered in more detail below, the fit is somewhat narrow, and particularly in the toe box, which wasn't ideal for one of our regular-footed testers. But out of the box, and particularly for those with narrow feet, the OUTline is a comfy shoe.

On the trail, the OUTline has limitations. Nosotros tested it on what we idea would be a perfect scenario for the shoe: a xiii-mile day hike on the Percent in the Cascades. The trail was well-built and broad, and although we crossed some rocks and the occasional boulder field, the hiking conditions were good throughout (many of the thru-hikers were wearing trail running shoes similar the Altra Lone Peak and Brooks Cascadia). By the terminate of the twenty-four hour period, both testers had tired feet and felt the impacts of the trail more than anticipated. It'southward possible the OUTline requires a gentler intermission-in flow (we took them straight from the box to the trail), but the lightweight nature of the build means less cushion, protection, and support than other Salomon models. Appropriately, we would categorize the OUTline equally a fine selection for short-to-moderate twenty-four hours hikes, but even our 13 miles pushed the boundaries in terms of comfort.

Weight

At ane pound 8.6 ounces for the Depression GTX men's version, the OUTline undercuts Salomon'southward pop X Ultra 3 GTX (1 lb. 10.8 oz.) and XA Pro 3D V8 (1 lb. 10.1 oz.). For those who want to cutting even more than weight, Salomon's Ten Raise GTX saves you lot 1 ounce for the pair, or you tin can become with a trail running shoe like the non-waterproof Altra Lone Summit five at ane pound 6.2 ounces. And for a comparable hiking shoe with waterproofing, the Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX is the verbal same weight as the OUTline.

Traction

If there is a strong suit of the OUTline, information technology's traction. Some of Salomon's previous lightweight shoes like the Odyssey Pro fell short in this regard (and the newer X Enhance isn't much better), just not in this case. The in-house Contagrip outsole features relatively deep 5mm lugs with generous spacing. The tread gripped nicely on everything from rocks to low-cal mud, although the softer flexing pattern does mean it doesn't concur as nicely in off-camber sections as the 10 Ultra (more on this below). For the vast majority of hikes and backpacking trips, the OUTline'south outsole does the flim-flam.

Stability and Support

Equally mentioned above, the Salomon OUTline is built like a running shoe. Even the "Mid" model has a more flexible, lower-cut ankle than many other "Mids" nosotros've tested, and neither are intended for carrying a heavy pack or hiking off trail. Having said that, nosotros didn't experience turned ankles or any other stability-related issues. The sole of the OUTline has the stiffness of a light hiker, traction is impressive for such a nimble shoe, and our twenty-liter daypacks didn't weigh us down and make united states of america feel less confident. Yet, for those carrying a heavier pack or covering more distance, nosotros would recommend a shoe with more support. Fifty-fifty the 2-ounce-heavier X Ultra three feels noticeably more secure with its wider base, every bit do most other lightweight hiking shoes.

Waterproofing and Breathability

The OUTline Low comes in both waterproof and non-waterproof versions, while the Mid currently is only offered in a GTX. In our testing, both the Low and Mid performed as we've come to expect from industry-leader Gore-Tex. The shoes breathed well on a warm and smoky day in the Cascades, and after submerging them in multiple stream crossings, our feet remained dry out and the mesh-like uppers dried quickly. Given that many people will be using the OUTline for short hikes in good conditions, the non-waterproof version is a nice way to save $twenty and a tiny fleck of weight (.8 ounces for the Low, to be exact).

Build Quality and Durability

Of all hiking footwear brands, Salomon is at the elevation of the heap in terms of build quality—we've had very few issues with the brand to date. Out of the box, the Salomon OUTline Low GTX was noticeably light in its construction but seemed to exist right in line with what nosotros've come to await. All the same, after our initial hike, we noticed that the low-contour safe toe cap already had begun to peel away. On one shoe, it'southward already separated, and simply pushing down on the toe of the other acquired it to separate. In our opinion, that's unacceptable and something that shouldn't happen until way down the road when the residual of the shoe is starting to requite out. No other part on the shoe indicates durability issues, but nosotros sincerely hope that Salomon improves the connection point at the toe cap.

Lacing and Natural language

Salomon is known for its Quicklaces, which is a single-pull system that we find works great for tightening down the shoe quickly and evenly. Y'all'll find Quicklaces on other shoe models like Salomon's Ten Ultra 3, XA Pro, and Speedcross, whereas the OUTline has flat, low-profile laces that are much more than traditional in nature. Nosotros like these laces merely fine, but the tongue is noticeably unlike. Information technology's padded and most pillow-y with felt-similar fabric at the peak. We did observe some slight bunching when the shoes were tied tightly—particularly on the kick model—but overall the laces were comfy and did their chore.

Fit and Sizing

In full general, Salomon shoes tend to run a bit narrow, and the OUTline is no exception. The shoe is on the snug end of the spectrum both in the centre of the foot and toe box, and does not come in wide sizes. If you have narrow feet, this shoe likely will fit you well, and those with regular feet should endeavor them on beforehand to brand a conclusion. In terms of sizing, the OUTline fits truthful. Our testers bought their regular sizes (9 and 12) and both were the correct length. Finally, nosotros recommend wearing these shoes around boondocks or at domicile before hitting the trail. Some lightweight hiking shoes manage to fit swell out of the box, only we had some mild discomfort later putting in a decently long day right off the bat.

Other Versions of the Salomon OUTline Low

Like their popular Ten Ultra 3 Low, Salomon offers both Gore-Tex and not-waterproof versions of the OUTline Low. The two shoes are identical except for the lining in the GTX model that increases weight by less than an ounce per pair and adds $20 to the lesser line. Y'all can too get the OUTline Low in a women's-specific fit and unique colorways, just the overall design is otherwise the aforementioned. Due to sizing differences, however, the women's OUTline Low GTX is a little lighter at ane pound 5 ounces (for more information, see our in-depth review of the women's model).

Depression Version vs. Mid Version

As mentioned in a higher place, we took out both the Salomon OUTline Low and Mid for testing. The Low seems like the more logical pick: it's light on the foot and feels like a running shoe while however retaining good traction. The OUTline Mid GTX, on the other hand, weighs 5 ounces more and offers a tad more stability, but that'southward not why yous would cull this shoe in the kickoff identify. The OUTline is most at habitation on short day hikes on established trails and without a serious pack, and the flexible construction of the Mid wouldn't convince usa to take it off-trail or on an overnight trip. As we cover below in our "Contest" section, there are better options for those types of excursions.

What Nosotros Like

• Lightweight and thoughtfully designed. The OUTline has the feel of a running shoe only with the sole and traction of a hiker.
• Cheaper than Salomon's Ten Ultra three and XA Pro 3D v8.
• A sleek expect that has more than everyday appeal than most hiking footwear.

What We Don't

• Non super comfy when covering serious basis. The OUTline performs best on curt solar day hikes on established trails.
• Limited support, although nosotros didn't feel any turned ankles.
• The toe caps began to separate after just one hike, which is unacceptable.

Comparison Table

Shoe	Price	Type	Weight	Waterproof	Upper
Salomon OUTline GTX	$130	Hiking shoe	one lb. 8.6 oz.	Yes (Gore-Tex)	Constructed
Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX	$150	Hiking shoe	one lb. 10.eight oz.	Yes (Gore-Tex)	Synthetic
Salomon Ten Raise GTX	$130	Hiking shoe	1 lb. seven.6 oz.	Yes (Gore-Tex)	Synthetic
Merrell MQM Flex 2	$110	Hiking shoe	1 lb. ix oz.	No	Mesh
The N Confront Ultra 111 WP	$120	Hiking shoe/trail runner	1 lb. 14.2 oz.	Yes (DryVent)	Synthetic
Adidas Terrex Swift R2 GTX	$140	Hiking shoe	ane lb. viii.half-dozen oz.	Yep (Gore-Tex)	Synthetic

The Competition

The Salomon OUTline was designed as a calorie-free and comfortable option for solar day hiking. In this category, we prefer Salomon's ain 10 Ultra 3, which is our top-ranked hiking shoe. The Ten Ultra 3 offers amend support, cushioning, and protection around the foot, all while weighing simply ii.ii ounces more per pair. It's true that the X Ultra 3 costs $xx more at $150 for the GTX version, and information technology tin't match the sleek, urban wait of the OUTline, but we find it to be the more versatile and trail-ready shoe.

Another lightweight blueprint from Salomon is their 10 Enhance GTX. This shoe is competitively light at 1 pound 7.six ounces and has a thick midsole that mimics a cushioned trail runner. Both shoes are pretty flexible and don't excel over technical terrain or when conveying a heavy pack. The X Raise does include Salomon'due south Quicklace organisation, which tin can be a bit polarizing, only we call back information technology's the far amend shoe. The soft foam underfoot is significantly more comfortable, especially every bit the miles add up, and its wider toe box is a better match for most backpackers. Unless you lot demand a narrow fit, the 10 Raise is the clear winner for us.

Moving outside of Salomon, Merrell's MQM Flex 2 falls into virtually exactly the same category as the OUTline: it has the upper of a running shoe but with the sole of a lightweight hiker. The Merrell is the identical price at $110 for the non-waterproof model (the GTX version is $140), weighs almost the same, and has a similar build. All in all, the Merrell is more comfortable and better suited for long days on the trail, only we have some concerns about the very flexible lugs wearing and being torn off over rough surfaces like granite (time volition tell here). Other than that potential issue, the Merrell strikes united states equally the superior all-around shoe.

The Northward Face's Ultra 111 WP is labeled equally a trail running shoe, but we consider information technology more than of a lightweight hiker like the OUTline. That said, overall performance and trail experience are quite different: while the Salomon feels similar a running shoe, the Ultra 111 is noticeable stiffer and more stable, which makes information technology the more capable and durable option when hiking through catchy terrain. In terms of downsides, the TNF shoe weighs a fairly hefty 1 pound 14.2 ounces, and its thicker build and in-firm waterproof liner falls short of premium Gore-Tex when it comes to breathability. In the terminate, both are pop low-summit hikers for a reason, merely we give the overall edge to the Ultra 111 for its amend protection and support at a lower cost.

A final hiker to consider is a long-time favorite from Adidas: their Terrex Swift R2 GTX. The two shoes have the aforementioned listed weight at 1 pound 8.half-dozen ounces but differ a lot in performance. The Adidas is nigh approach shoe-like with its semi-potent build and tacky tread, while the OUTline is softer and flexier. We also found the Terrex to offer protection and ameliorate cushioning over long days, and we'd reach for it over the Salomon for backpacking trips. It'due south true the Terrex Swift may feel similar overkill on a well-maintained trail, merely it'southward hard to knock its comfortable and capable blueprint.

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Source: https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/salomon-OUTline

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