Sense Ride 5

What Reviewers Say

Reviewers describe the Salomon Sense Ride 5 as a beefed-up, all-around trail trainer that offers a smooth, stable, and protective ride, earning an 8.9/10 score from one analysis. It is noted for its secure lockdown and comfortable, breathable upper, making it suitable for daily miles, longer efforts, and even some road running. While it excels on moderate trails and steep downhills, its performance on highly technical or slick terrain is a point of caution. The shoe provides good ground feel and improved comfort compared to its predecessor, with 4mm more cushioning without a weight penalty.

Strengths

• Immaculate and secure upper hold/lockdown

• Smooth and stable ride

• Comfy and breathable upper

• Good for daily miles, longer efforts, and road runs

• Confident on moderate trails and steep downhills

• Can hold its own for speedwork

• Softer compound and more energy efficient/comfortable than the previous version

• Provides good ground feel

• Well cushioned and stable for its purpose

• Features 4mm more cushion/protection than the previous version with no weight penalty

Drawbacks

• Not suitable for hard, really heavy, or highly technical/aggressive/pokey/jagged trails

• Thin under the forefoot

• Runs a little bit narrow

• Outsole lacks friction on really slick, smooth surfaces (e.g., wet logs, lightly wet rocks, white lines on roads)

• Offers limited protection, especially for sensitive feet on technical/pokey terrain over extended periods

• Runners may feel objects in the midfoot area due to a lack of Profeel Film

• Can lead to fatigue on technical terrain during long downhills in ultra distances

• The rigid, stable flat platform could benefit from longer flex and more decoupling

• May require sizing up a half size due to a tight, secure upper and low toe box

Who It's For

The Salomon Sense Ride 5 is best suited for daily miles, longer efforts, and can even be used for road runs. It particularly excels on moderate trails and steep downhills, serving as a general-purpose trail shoe. It is ideal for runners who appreciate good ground feel and a secure, stable ride. While it offers improved comfort and cushioning over its predecessor, it is not recommended for highly technical, aggressive, or extremely slick terrain, nor for runners requiring maximum underfoot protection for long ultras on rugged ground.