Cushioning is excellent if a bit on the firm side, but the Optivibe does a great job dampening impact. With a firm midsole, the ride is very steady and predictable, inspiring confidence in just about any terrain. I also appreciate that the Sense Ride 4 is very stable, secure and protective, yet with just enough ground feel. However, you're never going to get the same level of protection required from a trail runner as you would a heavy-duty hiking shoe. Although they are often heavier and less agile, if you only need a hiking shoe, good options for you could be Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 6 or Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3. But beware, there is a marginal increase in price with the Nike hiker, and the Salomon shoe is over double the price.

Salomon Sense Ride 4 Review: A Most Sensible Upgrade! Salomon Sense Ride 4 Review: A Most Sensible Upgrade!

It appears by pressing, and on the run, that the overall midsole is slightly firmer and denser than the very lively Sonic 3 Balance road shoe which also has Optivibe. As a result, the underfoot feel is highly protective if a bit dull in response compared to the Sonic 3 road shoe with the forefoot protection and feel reminding and approaching that of the S/Lab Ultra if a bit thinner.” EndoFit: This is an internal fit sleeve designed to hug the foot in exactly the right places and provide a precise fit. At 10.5 (297g) ounces the Sense Ride 4 is not really a lightweight shoe, but it’s not overly heavy either. The materials used in the Sense Ride 4 are some of the things that make it so great. I'm also pleased to find that the SR4 has kept the comfort of the Optivibe EVA foam.

Verdict

One shoe to rule them all, claims one happy reviewer. I agree; why buy multiple trail runners when you can buy one that does it all. So look no further for the perfect all-rounder. The Sense Ride 4 (SR4), upgraded from the Sense Ride 3 (SR3), is entirely beginner trail-runner friendly. Outsole: The Sense Rides feature a Contagrip MA Midsole. This is built for the widest variety of surfaces. It balances both the geometry and the rubber compound to deliver confidence on wet, dry, hard or loose surfaces, and offer long-term durability. SensiFit: SensiFit cradles the foot from the midsole to the lacing system, providing a secure, snug, and virtually customized fit all around the foot. The Salomon Sense Ride 4’s are everything you want in a trail shoe – they are incredibly stable, lightweight, breathable and work well on all different types of terrain. Perfect for summer trail runs or hikes in the mountains. This is a small thing, but I also like that in the fully loosened position, the shoe still fits well enough to wear around, and there’s no lace ends dragging on the ground. I found myself just loosening these after a run and lounging in them a bit rather than feeling the need to immediately take them off post-effort. Sense Ride 4 doesn’t weigh you down

Salomon Mens Sense Ride 4 Shade - Trekitt Salomon Mens Sense Ride 4 Shade - Trekitt

As mentioned earlier, the upper material and fit have been dialed in ever so slightly, going from being perfect to yet more perfect for my tastes. Sam did such a great job describing the midsole for the Sense Ride 3 ( RTR Review ), I feel inclined to copy his description below: The Sense Ride 4 immediately delivers a responsive ride with the right amount of cushioning and Optivibe™ foam, without feeling too spongy or too bare. This cushioning is essential for speedy runs as you don't want to feel awkward on your feet. The Optivibe Foam also allows the shoe to absorb vibrations and decrease muscle fatigue without your feet having to take the impact while staying lightweight. Without sacrificing durability, Salomon moved to single-layer mesh in the Sense Ride 4 and the difference in flexibility and overall comfort is immediately noticeable. The upper moves better with the foot, breathes better in hot weather, and drains more efficiently when wet.The heel counter has been slightly redesigned, with a visually more narrow and slightly higher profile and with thinner padding around the collar.