Run Oregon receives and tests running shoes from time to time. Check out Matt’s initial post about the Salming Distance.
Company: Salming
Shoe: Salming Distance
Here are some of the descriptions of the design:
- The RunLite midsole and a three-layer upper construction deliver a comfortable feel, and the ExoSkeleton feature provides outstanding responsiveness.
- 3 times more durable rubber compound than previous season. Outer Sole – Tear & Wear. The upgraded outsole has been built up by a further enhanced rubber compound in order to get the most mileage of your shoes, yet maintaining a high level of feel for the ground while running.
- Three layer construction allows you to cover 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.
- The Torsion Efficiency Unit™ brings sturdiness to the shoe. It is appropriately placed to generate maximal running efficiency. The Distance model features a semi-transparent TPU, while the Race model is powered by a lightweight carbon fiber torsion unit.
- 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 feature assures that the shoe bends in exactly the right places, stimulating the foot’s natural and lateral forward movements.
My Thoughts:
When trying out new shoes, it’s always a little nervewracking. Despite reading into it, you just aren’t entirely sure how it will fit, how your feet will react to a new design, or how your body will adjust to the complexities. Even the Salming Distance, an award-winning shoe in Europe, had me nervous.
However, the Distance is a very solid shoe. I have put in 150+ miles with no issues. The shoes are lighter than my typical shoes I use to pack on the miles, but these still held up to the challenge and are going strong. There is little to no visible wear, despite my best efforts.
I stated this in my initial post:
The upper layer’s mesh outer really frees up some of the weight, while the shoes still looks as if it will hold up over time with the three layers…
The minimalistic upper shows no sign of wear. It looks and feels the same as the first wear. Some people may balk at the “plastic-y” visual that it has to it (as opposed to the fancy mesh layering that Nike and shoe giants have gone towards), but I
My Qualms:
- None at this time. Seriously.
Overall:
It’s really a weird thing to describe, but this shoe doesn’t have the “wow factor” to it. The look and design is nice. The initial fit is nice. Walking around is nice. It’s all nice. But when running…that’s a whole different thing. Their slogan of “No Nonsense” is PERFECT. When I’m out on the roads, the shoes fit and feel fantastic and like they are a part of me. I don’t think “My soles feel very springy” or “this design is letting my feet breathe”. I just think about how comfortable and easy it is to run in these and that I am glad I have been able to try out a pair. No Nonsense = Yes Salming.
Price: $155.00 ($89 on Amazon!)