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Salomon Pulsar Trail 2: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
In-depth review of the Salomon Pulsar Trail 2. See how it compares to similar lightweight trail shoes, specs, pros, cons, and where to buy.

Salomon Pulsar Trail 2: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
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Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.
Overview
The Salomon Pulsar Trail 2 is Salomon's lightweight trail shoe—designed for runners who want speed on technical terrain. With Energy Foam cushioning, responsive ride, and reliable Contagrip traction, the Pulsar Trail 2 delivers fast trail performance without excessive weight.
This is Salomon's fast trail option: nimble, responsive, and ready to race.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Trail |
| Cushion Level | Moderate |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Weight (Men's/Women's) | 9.2oz / 7.9oz |
| Stack Height | 32mm heel / 26mm forefoot |
| Pronation Support | Neutral |
| Width Options | Standard |
| MSRP | MSRP: $140 |
| Surface | Trail |
What It's Known For
The Pulsar Trail 2's lightweight construction and responsive Energy Foam create a nimble, fast-feeling trail shoe. Less bulky than cushioned trail options, it rewards efficient runners with quick, responsive feedback.
Trail runners appreciate the Pulsar's ability to move quickly on technical terrain.
Why Runners Love It
Pros
-
Light: At 9.2oz, nimble for trail running.
-
Responsive: Energy Foam provides snappy feedback.
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Good Grip: Reliable Contagrip traction.
What Some Runners Don't Like
Cons
-
Less Protection: Lighter construction means less underfoot protection.
-
Narrower Fit: Traditional Salomon fit isn't for everyone.
Who Should Consider This Shoe
The Salomon Pulsar Trail 2 is ideal for:
- Fast trail runners (15-50 miles per week) seeking speed
- 5K to marathon trail racing
- Efficient runners who value light weight
- Those who prefer nimble over cushioned
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
Consider other options if you:
- Need maximum underfoot protection
- Have wide feet
- Run primarily on rocky terrain
- Want maximum cushioning
How It Compares: Cross-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Pulsar Trail 2 | Moderate | 6mm | 9.2oz | MSRP: $140 | Fast light trail |
| Saucony Peregrine 14 | Moderate | 4mm | 9.9oz | MSRP: $140 | Fast trail |
| HOKA Zinal 2 | Moderate | 5mm | 8.3oz | MSRP: $160 | Lightweight trail |
| Nike Zegama 2 | Moderate | 4mm | 10.1oz | MSRP: $160 | Technical trail |
| Brooks Catamount 3 | Moderate | 6mm | 8.8oz | MSRP: $170 | Speed trail |
Salomon Lineup: Same-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Pulsar Trail 2 | Moderate | 6mm | 9.2oz | MSRP: $140 | Fast trail |
| Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3 | Moderate | 6mm | 9.0oz | MSRP: $200 | Ultra racing |
| Salomon Sense Ride 5 | Moderate | 8mm | 10.2oz | MSRP: $140 | Versatile trail |
| Salomon Speedcross 6 | Low | 10mm | 10.6oz | MSRP: $145 | Mud/soft trail |
| Salomon Ultra Glide 2 | High | 6mm | 10.2oz | MSRP: $150 | Cushioned trail |
Final Verdict
The Salomon Pulsar Trail 2 delivers lightweight, responsive performance for fast trail running. It's for runners who value speed and agility over maximum cushioning.
For fast, nimble trail running, the Pulsar Trail 2 is an excellent choice.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.