Overview: A premium trail racer with a mixed performance
The Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 lands as a premium trail racing shoe that aims to blend stability, comfort, and a nimble ride. Our lab-tested data reveals a notable shift from its predecessors: more cushioning and a higher stack, but at the cost of energy return and a few trade-offs in breathability and grip on softer surfaces. It’s a model that will appeal to runners who want a secure, race-ready feel for longer mountain days, yet it may frustrate those chasing the sharp, bounce-forward rides of earlier Pulsars.
Design highlights: upper, chassis, and outsole
The Pulsar 4 features a dense MATRYX upper and a supportive Active Chassis. The upper earns praise for its premium feel and secure lockdown, while the two large white sidewalls of the midsole cradle the foot for stability without sacrificing agility. The outsole uses Contagrip with a big midfoot gap intended to shave weight, resulting in solid durability but a slight dip in traction on grass or mud compared with fully covered designs.
Upper and fit
The MATRYX fabric is durable and structured, though it’s denser than some runners expected, which reduces airflow. Breathability scores trail behind some rivals, yet the dense weave contributes to heat retention and durability. Width is more accommodating than some S/Lab models, and its toebox height remains generous for comfort on longer runs. The gusseted tongue and Quicklace system deliver a secure fit with minimal pressure points.
Midsole: foam, rocker, and energy return
A standout change for Pulsar 4 is the midsole, which uses two foam concepts without a carbon plate. Energy Foam provides cushioning, while Energy Foam+ sits closer to the foot for a softer, more responsive feel in the forefoot. The foam depth results in a higher stack (32.6 mm heel), which improves shock absorption but dampens the energy return. Lab tests show heel rebound at 47.7% and forefoot rebound at 57.6%, numbers that underwhelm for a racing-focused model at this price point.
Salomon adds a more pronounced forefoot rocker to maintain forward momentum with the taller midsole. The result is a ride that feels cushioned and stable rather than aggressively responsive, which may suit longer, technical courses more than sprint-like races.
Performance review: where it shines—and where it doesn’t
Strengths include enhanced shock absorption, the stability of the Active Chassis, and a wider, more forgiving fit for most runners. The outsole remains durable, with minimal wear after testing. The new deeper midsole and toe box height give confidence on rooty trails and technical ascents, and the supportive platform aids stability on uneven terrain.
Weaknesses center on energy return and breathability. For a high-priced, competition-oriented model, the Pulsar 4’s midsole energy return lags behind expectations. Breathability is modest due to the dense MATRYX weave, which can feel stifling on hot days. Traction on grass or mud also drops slightly due to the lighter, wider lug pattern and midfoot gap.
Who should buy the Pulsar 4
- Runners who loved previous Pulsars but want extra cushioning for longer mountain adventures.
- Athletes seeking a stable, agile design without a carbon plate, offering a natural-feeling ride with solid support.
- Runners prioritizing lockdown, durability, and a premium upper over maximum energy return.
If peak performance and explosive energy return are your primary goals, alternatives like the Nike Ultrafly or HOKA Tecton X 3 might deliver a faster ride. Pulsar 4 sits in a unique niche: high stability and comfort for longer trails, not a pure sprint shoe.
Tech specs and practical takeaways
Weight: 247 g (size 9 US) 8.7 oz. Drop: approximately 6–7 mm. Midsole: two-foam setup with no carbon plate. Outsole: Contagrip with a lighter midfoot gap. Insole: non-removable. Price: premium, with value depending on how you weigh stability and comfort against energy return.
Bottom line: the Pulsar 4 is a capable, well-built shoe that excels in security and comfort, especially on longer, technical trails. If that’s your kind of race-day package, it’s worth a test run; if you chase explosive speed and light feet, you may want to look elsewhere.
