The Salomon Ultra Glide has been a staple for trail runners who rack up the miles and prioritize comfort for years. With the introduction of the Ultra Glide 4, the question is logical: what's really different from the Ultra Glide 3? In this blog post, we'll explain it clearly – practical, honest, and relevant for long trails and ultras.
Renewed upper
Lower weight
Same competitive price
Table of contents
The core of the Ultra Glide series
The Ultra Glide is designed for long distances, where cushioning, stability, and a smooth transition are more important than an aggressive or technical approach. Think: running for hours on end, tired legs, but still moving comfortably.
Both the Salomon Ultra Glide 3 if the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 clearly fall into this segment.
What's new in the Salomon Ultra Glide 4?
1. Renewed upper
The biggest change is in the upper.
The Ultra Glide 4 has a completely redesigned engineered meshThis one is:
lighter
better breathability
faster drying
more durable on areas of wear and tear
In warm conditions or during long summer ultras, you'll notice this immediately. The Ultra Glide 3 is comfortable, but feels noticeably warmer and less refined.
Conclusion: the Ultra Glide 4 clearly scores better here.
2. Lower weight
Thanks to the new upper, the Ultra Glide 4 a little lighter It may seem like a minor detail, but over long distances, every gram counts – especially towards the end of an ultra.
Conclusion: subtle but noticeable improvement on long runs.
3. Cushioning and sole feel: almost the same
Good news for fans of the Ultra Glide 3:
The EnergyFOAM™ midsole
The relieveSPHERE geometry
The 6 mm drop
are largely unchanged remained.
That means:
lots of cushioning
a forgiving character
less peak load on your legs when tired
Conclusion: The familiar Ultra Glide feeling has remained intact.
4. Sustainability & wear resistance
The Ultra Glide 4 is designed with a higher wear resistance of the upperSalomon claims a clear improvement over the Ultra Glide 3, especially in areas where trail runners often see damage (forefoot and sides).
The All Terrain Contagrip® outsole is comparable in both models: reliable on dry trails, forest paths and light technical terrain, but not extremely aggressive.
Ultra Glide 3 vs Ultra Glide 4 at a glance
| Feature | Ultra Glide 3 | Ultra Glide 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | Comfortable, slightly warmer | Lighter, more breathable, more durable |
| Weight | A little heavier | A little lighter |
| Damping | High, forgiving | High, identical feeling |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Character | Comfort first | Comfort first, more modern |
| Target audience | Long trail runs | Long trail runs & ultras |
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 if:
you walk a lot of long distances
you are sensitive to warm feet
you want the latest and most refined version
Choose the Salomon Ultra Glide 3 if:
you can find it at a competitive price in our sale
Our opinion on Trail.NL
The Ultra Glide 4 isn't a radical overhaul—and that's a good thing. Salomon has maintained its strong foundation and improved where it really counts: upper, breathability and durabilityFor ultra-distance runners and long training days, the Ultra Glide 4 is simply the most complete version yet.
👉 Curious if the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 suits your feet and running style? You'll find it at Trail.NL – the trail & ultra store of the Netherlands.
Dirk
Founder of Trail.NLHe's done a lot of running. From all kinds of mud runs to ultra-trails and from the well-known road marathons to hour-long runs. He's tested a lot of shoes and other gear.
l.nl"> 
Where is your store?
The address of our store is Fannius Scholtenstraat 56H in Amsterdam.
What are the opening hours?
You can find the opening hours at this page.
Do you still have a good deal?
In our SALE There are always some good deals. And if you don't want to miss out, sign up for our newsletter.
