As someone who was lucky enough to be selected for the Salomon Sonic RA PRO review out of hundreds of thousands of applicants, I was ecstatic. This was my first in-depth encounter with such a top-tier international brand. Initially, I learned a bit about Salomon through the Codoon review event application. Salomon has appeared nine times in Codoon review applications, offering various series of trail and road shoes. However, I missed out on the first eight opportunities. During this time, I received attention from domestic brands like Bmai, Peak, Kailas, and 361°. I began to doubt whether I would ever get a chance with an international brand. Persistence paid off, and on the ninth attempt, I finally got the opportunity to get up close with Salomon. Known for its trail shoes, Salomon has not forgotten road shoe design, bringing the new Vibe technology-equipped road shoe, the Salomon Sonic RA PRO.
Basic Parameters
Brand: Salomon
Color: Wave Blue
Release Date: Spring 2018
Price: 1298 RMB
Origin: Vietnam
Gender: Men's
Suitable Terrain: Road, track, regular surfaces
Shoe Type: Speed training, marathon training
Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced runners, speed runners, lightweight runners
Closure: Traditional laces
Features: Lightweight, cushioning, durable, anti-slip, breathable, balanced, etc.
Shoe Technology: Geometric zonal cushioning technology
Weight: 225g (size 42.5)
Unboxing
"Why is it so light?" This was my first thought when I received the package. For a moment, I even suspected the delivery guy had handed me an empty box.
The shoe box features a pattern of the Alps, where the Salomon brand was born.
Opening the box revealed a striking blue color, officially called Wave Blue. This color was a first for me and had a significant visual impact, instantly reminding me of Pepsi and Jay Chou's song "Blue Storm." Could wearing these shoes really create a blue storm?
The tag was quite simple, only introducing the basic information of the shoes without detailing their features.
Upper
The Salomon SONIC RA PRO features a seamless upper design with heat-bonded support strips to enhance the wrap of the upper. Using fewer materials reduces weight and provides a breathable, soft, and comfortable wearing experience. Traditional laces, welded collar edging technology, and 3D foam support at the heel enhance foot comfort. Reflective materials on the shoes ensure safety during night runs.
The thin tongue indicates a focus on speed. All these elements show that the Salomon SONIC RA PRO is dedicated to helping runners achieve faster speeds.
The toe cap features a "S" logo bumper, a signature design in all Salomon running shoes. The main function of the bumper is to support the upper and prevent it from pressing on the toes.
Midsole
The midsole uses Salomon's new Vibe technology. I don't focus much on the technology used; I'm more concerned about the actual effect.
The Salomon SONIC RA PRO's heel incorporates innovative Vibe technology, which reduces horizontal vibrations while providing traditional vertical cushioning, reducing muscle fatigue. It supports speed while offering sufficient protection. This is said to be Salomon's exclusive cushioning technology, combined with lightweight cushioning materials EnergyCell and OPAL, providing cushioning and rebound effects.
To understand Vibe technology better, it's a combination of traditional Energy Cell+ (EVA elastic material) and OPAL (TPP elastic material). According to official descriptions, OPAL is one of the best cushioning and rebound materials in the world. It is feather-light yet highly durable, maintaining performance even in extreme weather.
Every brand has its own cushioning technology, such as ASICS' GEL, Adidas' BOOST, and Mizuno's WAVE. The high price of foreign running shoes has its reasons, much like the iPhone with its unique iOS system, making it the king among smartphones.
Outsole
Flipping the shoe over, I was surprised to find the outsole design so simple. Simple geometric blocks make up the entire outsole.
The geometric cushioning technology in the outsole, with square blocks arranged in five rows from the toe to the midsole, increases the stability of the outsole's average force distribution. This effectively provides anti-slip and wear-resistant properties, giving the shoe sufficient grip. It fully meets the needs of urban road racing, making it a thoroughbred road racing outsole.
The racing-style thin insole is very thin, almost without cushioning, but it is breathable, sweat-absorbent, odor-resistant, and provides good cushioning, maintaining long-lasting comfort.
Road Running Test
I received the shoes on Wednesday, April 11th. The next day was my running day. I always adhere to the principle of running one day and resting the next. That day, I woke up particularly early, perhaps because of the new shoes, eager to experience what makes the Salomon SONIC RA PRO different.
When I put on the shoes, the ground feel was very clear and direct. Besides the excellent wrap of the shoes, other sensations were not very noticeable. The first run felt comfortable with no discomfort, and I quickly adapted, probably because I usually wear a variety of running shoes. Running in these 225g shoes, the first impression was their lightness. I had previously reviewed a pair of Bmai 21k lite running shoes, which were also lightweight, but the Salomon SONIC RA PRO seemed even lighter. During a 10km morning run, I adopted a slow-to-fast strategy, mainly for warming up and adapting to the new shoes. The shoes remained stable at a pace of around four minutes, showcasing their lightweight and snug fit. Even at full speed, the shoes did not become a burden.
There's an old saying, "You don't know if a mule or a horse until you take it out for a run!" How good is the Salomon SONIC RA PRO? You need to try it over a long distance to find out.
Due to a rest day and rainy weather, the second test took place on Sunday. I had arranged a morning run with a few running friends. The shoe's color caught their attention, making them look particularly eye-catching and high-end. Our plan was to run 21 kilometers, perfect for testing the Salomon SONIC RA PRO over a long distance. We didn't aim for speed, focusing on heart rate. During the run, I could feel the slight elasticity of the outsole, the strong wrapping function, and the stability of the geometric-patterned outsole. During sharp turns, there was no slipping, and the entire foot remained stable inside the shoe. After the run, there was no significant discomfort. The mesh upper design of the Salomon SONIC RA PRO provided excellent breathability, with no stuffy feeling even after a long run.
Amidst laughter and chatter, we unknowingly ran nearly 21 kilometers. However, there was an issue: the tendons on the top of my foot felt tight and sore, becoming more pronounced as I ran. I only managed 18 kilometers, but I believe the Salomon SONIC RA PRO can handle a half marathon. The issue might be due to the need for more break-in time. Although I didn't complete the half marathon, the best part is often yet to come.
Track Test
In the following days, I ran two more road runs and one track run with the Salomon SONIC RA PRO. I rarely run on tracks but decided to try it out. The thin outsole provided a clearer ground feel on the track. Despite concerns about reduced cushioning, the Salomon SONIC RA PRO's cushioning remained excellent! It offered direct feedback from the ground, making pushing off and turning quicker and more powerful. The ground contact and rebound were crisp and forceful, providing a refreshing experience. Overall, these shoes are very suitable for high-speed training and racing.
Besides regular road runs and occasional track laps, I also wore them to work and for leisure activities. From receiving the shoes to the last track test, I ran five road runs and one track run, totaling 54 kilometers over nine days. The break-in period was essentially complete. These six runs also served as preparation for the upcoming Adidas 2018 Shanghai International Half Marathon.
This will be my ninth marathon race. Coincidentally, it was also the ninth time Salomon appeared in the Codoon review room, allowing me to apply. This review report will be submitted later to include my race experience.
Shanghai Half Marathon Experience
I wore the Salomon shoes this time to make up for not completing the half marathon last time, allowing the Salomon SONIC RA PRO to undergo a real half marathon test. I wanted to feel the charm of Shanghai with these outstanding shoes. It wasn't just a shoe review; I wanted to bring a touch of blue to the bustling crowd, making me stand out like a wave.
During the cherry blossom season, the 2018 Shanghai International Half Marathon finally arrived. The starting point was under the Oriental Pearl Tower in Lujiazui, following the Longteng route to the finish line at the Oriental Sports Center. Shanghai's prosperity and beauty were on full display. The Shanghai Half Marathon was fully committed, controlled by the runners! Before the race, I was lucky to be selected as a member of the Bright Glory Runners, so my race gear was provided by the Glory Running Team. The weather forecast predicted heavy rain, but it turned out to be a sunny 30-degree day. The faster you ran, the more you got sunburned. This Shanghai Half Marathon was tough for everyone due to the heat. I was no exception, contemplating life while running. After overcoming numerous challenges, I finally finished safely. The Salomon SONIC RA PRO accompanied me through a tough half marathon. Although my performance was average, there were plenty of race photos. Let's take a look at my performance in the Salomon SONIC RA PRO on the marathon course.
From this half marathon experience, the hot weather was one factor, but the tight and sore tendons on the top of my foot reappeared after 18 kilometers, becoming more pronounced. The thin outsole's cushioning was insufficient beyond 18 kilometers, making it feel like running on hard ground.
Summary
Many people might think that the more expensive the shoes, the better they are, and that shoes over a thousand yuan have no flaws. However, I believe the Salomon SONIC RA PRO's upper is too low, and the thin, trail-style tongue is not thick or soft enough, causing tight and sore tendons on the top of the foot during long runs. The thin outsole's cushioning is insufficient for long-distance running, causing numbness in the feet and poor blood circulation. Additionally, the synthetic leather material showed signs of color fading, leaving color residues on white socks, but this issue disappeared after repeated wear.
Overall, the Salomon SONIC RA PRO performs well in running, suitable for daily leisure runs, 10km road runs, and track laps. The quality of a shoe is not determined by its price but by how well it fits and feels like it was made for you.