bigers high running shoes—salomon sonic ra
I've been contemplating how to write this review because other Codoon friends who received the SALOMON professional marathon running shoes for review got their samples four months ago. My review will likely be the last one submitted, and any similarities can only be attributed to pure coincidence. I originally planned to test the shoes during the Changsha Marathon last October, but due to size and stock issues, the shipment was delayed. The plan to test the shoes at the marathon fell through, and I had little hope for the shipment. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of Guan Jie, who believed that 'there will be times when the long wind breaks the waves, and the sails will be hoisted to cross the sea,' I finally received the shoes before the 2019 Spring Festival.
1. Unboxing
Salomon's footwear primarily focuses on trail running, but the Sonic series is designed for road running. The latest Sonic RA series features Vibe technology and includes the Sonic RA (basic model), Sonic RA Pro (enhanced model), and Sonic RA Max (premium model) based on cushioning performance. The package arrived safely, and the packaging was perfect. Kudos to the delivery person!
2. Static Display
The review samples were shipped randomly, and I received the Sonic RA (basic model) in UK size 6.5, in the color Surf Blue, made in Vietnam. Each shoe weighs 231 grams, which is 31 grams lighter than the Xtep Racing 300 I previously wore, making it relatively light for a running shoe.
The upper features traditional laces, welded Sensifit technology, and breathable mesh fabric, providing good breathability. The outer side of the heel has the SALOMON logo, and the inner side has the SONIC RA logo, both made of reflective material. The heel also has reflective strips and a pull tab for easy wearing and night running.
The area around the inner ankle and the top of the tongue are made of foam material, enhancing the fit. The outer side of the tongue and the insole have the Running Avenue logo. It is said that RA in SONIC RA stands for Running Avenue, which I interpret as meaning 'smooth road.' The tongue also has ventilation holes to address the sweating issue caused by the foam design. The insole is about 3mm thick and has good elasticity.
The toe cap features an anti-kick design and is relatively wide, preventing toe squeezing. The outsole uses geometric foam rubber zonal cushioning technology and wet traction CONTAGRIP@, with an ENERGYCELL+OPALVIBE midsole. The midsole has an 8mm height difference. Notably, the forefoot and heel materials are different; the rear half of the outsole is harder, while the front half is softer, similar to the Xtep Racing 300. This design aims to enhance feedback when landing on the forefoot.
3. Road Running Test
In January and February, Changsha experienced continuous rainy weather, the likes of which hadn't been seen in 50 years, so the review had to be conducted during breaks in the rain.
Taking advantage of the rain breaks, I completed a 10km track run, a 16km road run, and a half marathon.
The main impressions are as follows:
1. The appearance is attractive, with bright but not flashy colors. Besides running, they can also be worn casually, making them suitable for both exercise and daily life.
2. The cushioning performance is good, thanks not only to the midsole but also to the forefoot material and foam insole.
3. The breathability is excellent; after running a half marathon, my feet barely felt sweaty, which might also be due to the low winter temperatures.
4. The fit is average; although the foam around the ankle helps, the heel feels like it sinks upon landing, and the landing noise is quite loud.
5. The durability is average; after the first 10km track run, noticeable wear was observed on the outer side of the heel.
Overall, the SALOMON SONIC RA road running shoes are suitable for mid-level forefoot runners, medium-weight runners, and are ideal for plastic tracks or asphalt roads for 10-20km aerobic runs. In terms of durability and cushioning, they are not suitable for concrete roads, interval training, speed runs, or very lightweight runners.
