The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust is crazy. How about that for an introduction? But seriously, one look at the shoe and you’re like whoa, it means business.
If you’ve ever dreamed of running across deserts, navigating sandy fire roads, or just tackling dry, hot trails without the constant annoyance of dust in your shoes, the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust might be what you’re looking for. As someone who lives in the Mojave Desert and runs almost exclusively on sandy trails, this seemed like the ideal shoe for me. Designed from the needs of Salomon pros, this high-performance trail shoe blends the plush comfort of the Ultra Glide with the protection-forward gaiter style of the Genesis Spine. The result? A rugged and reliable long-distance companion for your next adventure.
Before trying the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust, I had a LOT of questions:
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Are we going to see the rise of niche running shoes designed for specific environments? Maybe. While most trail shoes can handle the desert fine, they aren’t really created for the desert and there are different needs. The sandy trails, climbing up sand dunes…you may need a different kind of trail shoe for that. So long story short, I do think there is a market for highly specialized niche shoes.
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What is the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust made for? It’s made for desert running. If you log most of your miles on sandy trails, this could be the shoe for you.
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Does the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust fit true to size? I was actually very surprised that it does fit true to size, even with the built-in gaiter.
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Does the upper of the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust chafe? No! This was another surprise to me. I’ve used shoes with similar setups and they have chafed before, so I was happy when this did not.
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Is the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust worth the price? It depends. If you live and train in a desert, then you could get your money’s worth out of it. If you run on trails once a month, then maybe… maybe not. If you’re gearing up for an ultra in the desert, then maybe. So it really depends on what your own training looks like.
Now, let’s get into an honest Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust shoe review.
Quick Facts
Price: $279.95
Weight: 11.8 oz (335g)
Stack Height: 41 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
Drop: 6 mm
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust Fit
When I first saw the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust, I was overwhelmed. Just looking at the shoe, it looks like a lot. I was most curious about the full gaiter and if it would chafe. Borrowed from the S/Lab Genesis, the zippered upper completely encloses the foot, sealing out sand and grit even on the driest and dustiest trails. I appreciate that feature because there are times that my shins, ankles, and feet are a sandy mess after a run. Salomon claims this gaiter is breathable and designed for airflow, so your feet stay cool even when the sun is high and the trail is dry. I wanted to say I totally agree that it did that, but there were a few times it got a little hot.
Would I take the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust in the 120-degree Mojave Desert day? Well, trick question because I’m running inside or not running on those days. But on super warm days, I’m a little hesitant. Although really, you can’t avoid the sweat either way.
Inside the gaiter is Salomon’s Quicklace system, which delivers the familiar locked-in feel many trail runners know and love. The narrow midfoot ensures a performance fit, while foam sidewalls offer additional structure and lateral security—almost like being cradled in a lightweight race bucket seat.
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust fits true to size, and even though the upper is a beast, I haven’t had any fit issues. Once I zipped myself into place, it did feel very comfortable. In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide and found the size 11 to fit the best.
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens, and the Ultra Dust does not disappoint. Underfoot, the S/Lab Ultra Dust feels surprisingly plush and energetic. I thought it would feel like a tank but it’s a lot lighter underfoot than anticipated. Using a dual-layer foam system, Salomon blends a top layer of Energy Foam+ (PEBA-based) for rebound with a base layer of Energy Foam (EVA/PEBA mix) for stability and long-haul durability. It’s a setup that handles both daily mileage and race-day efforts across variable terrain. To be fair, I usually like to go into Los Angeles during the summer to cool off, so I’m not running a ton of races (by that I mean none) on the actual sand. Someone should really sponsor me for the Speed Project LOL.
Flipping the shoe over, you’ll notice the Relieve Sphere technology. It feels like this is a buzzword to buy the shoe, but what are they? Small dome-shaped structures built into the midsole help diffuse pressure points, improving comfort over time and reducing fatigue. You wouldn’t notice these until you’re deep into a long run and you’re less fatigued than usual. I’m not really running more than a couple of hours, but towards the end of long runs in the desert, I can feel these.
Where does the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust fit into my rotation? It’s a desert trail workhorse. I use it often when I have super long desert runs (15ish miles) and I’m out there for several hours. I do appreciate the Relieve Sphere technology because I can feel the difference. It keeps the sand and dust out. This is definitely a highly specialized shoe made for those running in the desert, but it excels at it.
Outsole
Built with Contagrip All Purpose rubber, the outsole is designed to provide grip across a wide range of trail surfaces. It’s not an aggressive lug pattern like some other Salomon models, which makes sense given this shoe is built for smoother terrain like desert trails and fire roads. I haven’t had any issues with traction, even when I’m climbing up and down sand dunes. If you often find yourself in dusty or sandy environments, the outsole gives you just enough bite without feeling overly bulky or weighed down.
Combined with the Relieve Sphere cupolas that extend into the outsole, the shoe feels both cushioned and responsive underfoot without being marshmallow soft.
At $279, I expect this shoe to last. At least I hope so. Right now, I have about 100 miles on it with no signs of it slowing down so I anticipate it will last above 400 miles. It’s just already so dirty (which let’s be honest is a badge of honor in trail shoes).
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust Conclusion
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust is a highly specialized trail shoe that does exactly what it promises: keeps out dust, provides a secure and breathable fit, and offers high-end cushioning for long miles. It’s not trying to be your every-trail shoe, but if you’re gearing up for hot, dry ultras or want a go-to model for summer desert running, this one delivers. I can’t emphasize enough: this is a specialized trail shoe made for the desert. If you’re running on technical East Coast trails or more lush environments, there are better options…even from Salomon.
Who Should Buy the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust
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Runners tackling long distances in hot, sandy, or dusty environments
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Trail athletes looking for a breathable gaiter shoe that still offers bounce and structure
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Those who love the feel of the S/Lab Ultra Glide but want better debris protection
Who Should Not Buy the Salomon S/Lab Ultra Dust
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Runners regularly hitting muddy, wet, or highly technical trails…this shoe isn’t built for deep lugs or water resistance
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Those who prefer wide toe boxes or a more relaxed midfoot fit
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Budget-conscious trail runners, since the price is on the premium side at nearly $280
