Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust Review

When I unboxed the Ultra Dust, I thought—this shoe looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. I was mostly curious about how the integrated gaiter would feel. Borrowed from the S/Lab Genesis, it uses a full-zip design to wrap the foot and keep debris out. On long, dry runs, sand typically creeps into my socks and causes irritation. This setup actually kept everything out. Salomon claims the upper is built for breathability, and for the most part, I’d agree. On a few particularly warm days, it did start to trap heat a bit...but not enough to be a dealbreaker.

Would I wear these in 120-degree heat? Realistically, I’m not running outside when it’s that hot. On days it hit the triple digits, I was either inside or not running at all. But for 80–100 degree days, it worked fine. There’s no miracle shoe that prevents sweating.

Inside the gaiter, you get the familiar Quicklace system that Salomon fans will recognize. The midfoot runs snug with added foam sidewalls that cradle the foot without feeling overbuilt. It’s snug but not suffocating, and I appreciated the added support for side-to-side movement.

Fit-wise, the shoe runs true to size. I typically rotate between a women’s 10–11 wide, and the 11 gave me a secure and comfortable fit. No toe smashing, no heel slippage, and most importantly...no rubbing from the gaiter. In all, the fit is actually good because I was not expecting much. 

Let’s talk midsole. It’s built with two layers: Energy Foam+ up top for bounce, and a denser Energy Foam layer underneath for long-term support. I thought it would feel stiff and bulky given the shoe’s appearance, but the ride surprised me. It’s smooth, slightly soft, and surprisingly nimble on firm ground.

I don’t do a ton of sand racing, but I’ll take weekend trips to LA or long training runs on loose terrain, and that’s where this shoe shines. It feels light enough to cruise through flatter sections but sturdy enough to take on deep sand climbs.

The standout feature is Salomon’s Relieve Sphere geometry. Think small rounded pressure relief pods built into the midsole...meant to reduce pressure buildup on long runs. I wasn’t sure I’d even notice them, but toward the end of longer outings, I felt less beat up. The difference is subtle, but it’s there.

So where does it land in my shoe rotation? It’s my go-to for long, sandy efforts...especially when I know I’ll be out for a few hours. It’s not something I’d grab for fast, rocky climbs or wet, slick trails. But for desert running? Hard to beat. If you are training for a desert race or live in the desert, it's an awesome option. 

The Contagrip All Purpose rubber used on the outsole works well on most dry surfaces. It’s not overly luggy, which is perfect for hard-packed dirt, fine sand, and dry fire roads. I’ve climbed sand dunes and run through loose washes without any traction problems.

The outsole isn’t flashy, but it gets the job done. It also integrates with the Relieve Sphere system to add some extra give without sacrificing grip. The ride remains responsive and protective...just don’t expect aggressive traction for mountain mud runs.

As for durability, it’s held up well so far. I’ve put around 100 miles on my pair and the outsole shows only minor wear. Given the build quality and materials, I wouldn’t be surprised if these hit 400+ miles. They’re already filthy (honestly, that’s a good thing), but performance-wise, they’re going strong.

This isn’t your everyday trail shoe...and it’s not trying to be. The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust is designed for specific environments and it thrives there. If your running routine regularly includes desert routes, hot climates, or loose sand, it delivers everything you need: protection, grip, and long-haul comfort. But if you’re logging miles on East Coast roots and rocks or constantly running in rain and mud, this might not be the best match.

Still, for a niche shoe, it does its job extremely well.

Who Should Buy the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust

• Trail runners who log high mileage in dry, dusty, or sandy environments
• Athletes training for desert ultras or events like the Speed Project
• Runners who love the S/Lab Ultra Glide but want better protection from trail debris

Who Should Not Buy the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust

• Runners needing a shoe for technical, muddy, or consistently wet trails
• Athletes who prefer a wider toe box or more relaxed upper
• Budget-conscious runners who won’t use it often enough to justify the price