Salming Running Speed1 Review

Salming Running market themselves as a natural running shoe brand. The shoes are designed with a holistic approach. At this point Salming Running offers four different running shoes. "Distance" (most cushion), Speed (Performance shoe), Race (Racing flat) and Xplore (lightweight 0mm drop). The Salming running shoe line up is very self explanatory and I have to admit, it does not have to be more complicated then this. On Salming Running's website you will find ton of information about their shoes and the approach. To me "natural running" is an organic feeling, you can connect with the road and the shoes are not in your way. Salming Running and Speed1 offer just that feeling.

Upper
Salming says: Covering mile after mile calls for a combination of comfort and durability. Accordingly, our shoes designed to function in more rugged environments utilize a 3 layer upper construction. A first layer of mesh material adds comfort, while the middle stabilizes lateral movements and reduces pressure on the foot. The exterior thin net mesh encapsulates and wraps up the front in a neat fashion, adding durability to the shoe.

We Say
The upper has been great during a hot humid summer here in NJ. The upper breathes well and dries up fast. The feel is very smooth and I feel that nothing is in the way. You will find a simple lacing system that is easy to get an even pressure, not creating any hot spots. The upper wraps your foot well with out any bells and whistles. The mesh closest to your feet offer a really smooth feel and if you prefer, you would be able to go without socks.   The upper reminds me how the first version of Kinvara felt. Very light and smooth.

Midsole/Drop
Salming says
The RunLite™ midsole features a special High Abrasion Injection EVA, designed to create a nice feel for the ground. The midsole is light and responds to the surface in a flexible way from the very first step. Our standard heel to toe drop of 5 mm sets up a natural running posture, allowing a correct lean throughout the stride. This drop is used in Distance, Speed and Race models.

We say: Last couple of years I have been using 4mm drop shoes. Salming Speed comes in 5mm, to me the 1mm does not make a difference in feel. I get the same great road feeling with 5mm. Drop is all about preference and a low drop shoes might not be for everyone. The Runlite foam offers a really firm responsive ride, and I think with the low profile of the midsole that Speed offers is the glory of this shoe. You dont have to much, just the right amount of protection between you and the road. To me this is "natural running".

Outsole
Salming Says
"Lightweight yet with sticky characteristics, our blown rubber compound is strategically placed to provide you with great grip in all slopes, twist and turns you might encounter. This particularly durable outsole material is used to further enhance the long-lasting characteristics of the shoe. The special rubber compound will get the most mileage possible out of your shoes."

 

We Say:

Outsole rubber has a great grip and you feel secure in all weather conditions. Speed has a smaller amount of rubber then a traditional running shoe. I wore out the non protected area in the forefoot faster then the rubber covered parts. I would have preferred to have this area covered as well, for more protection, faster transition and better durability. All the rubber covered parts durability shows normal wear and tear to me after 300 miles.

TGS 62/75°
Salming Says
"The distance from heel to the ball of foot (62% of the shoe) has been designed with extra stability, which ends in the so-called “ballet” line, a 75° angle. In front of the 75° line, we have equipped the shoe with greater flexibility to stimulate the foot’s natural movements. The TGS 62/75° featureassures that the shoe bends in exactly the right places, stimulating the foot’s natural lateral and forward movements"

 

We Say :

The shoe itself has no added features for stability, but the shoe is built low to the ground and it is supportive and secure enough for my gait and stride. Speed is not the most flexible shoe on the market, but compare to other running shoes in the performance category I would say Speed offer the same amount. To me the flexibility is enough to get me up on the toes fast. The 75% make sense, but I'm not the one to judge if this number is the right one for your foots anatomy.

 

Ride:

Speed1 offers a really close to the road feeling. The shoe really shines when you pick up the pace and you can enjoy the firm responsive ride. The firmness works well together with flexibilty and you get up on the toes quick for a fast run and turn over.

Conclusion:

Speed is a great shoe for faster tempo runs or as a race day shoe. If you enjoy a firmer responsive ride, you might find Speed being a great every day shoe in the same category as Saucony Kinvara or Brooks Pure Connect

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Salming Running as part of their brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”