Features

• Weight – Approx 290g (UK9)
• RunLite™ midsole - constructed from high abrasion injected EVA
• 2 Layer Construction
• Exo Skeleton - for support and energy dissipation
• 5mm Heel/Toe Drop - promoting natural movement
• Rockshield™ - around the lower upper, protecting from foreign objects and wear.
• Anti Odour & Anti Bacterial treated insole
• Durable outsole - for high mileage and grip

You could be forgiven for not having heard of Salming before. I stumbled across the brand at the 2015 London Marathon Expo and as a gear junkie, it was exciting to discover a new brand, for me at least. Based in Sweden, a short jog from Gothenburg, Salming exist for the athlete and they state “Old truths often need to be reconsidered, and we are not afraid to break a rule or two if necessary.”

The first thing you notice about the Trail T1’s is colour. There is a lot of it, its bold, in your face and the designers aren’t shy. When many runners don all black outfits for the winter months, it was a refreshing sight to see the colours of the national flag encapsulating my feet. With a small flag at the tip of the tongue, there is no mistaking their heritage and origin.

Designed to be a versatile shoe, the sole of the trainer is not overly aggressive, with a combination of short and long lugs, complimented by varying sizes of circular tread in the center. The outer lugs provide traction when turning on technical terrain or loose surfaces, where the center lugs bite into the trail beneath, securing the foot through its movement.

The compound of the sole is pretty hard, aimed to give traction, but more over last for miles. Despite its relatively rugged feel, it coped well with sand and loamy trails, and on the odd occasions I found myself in mud, worked well until things got really deep and sloppy. If you’re running through a bog, you will need a more aggressive outsole, however, if you need an intermediate, something which can handle hardpack, sand, loam, technical trails and minimal slop, the T1’s sole is for you.

I was happy to bomb around my local trails in the T1 without a worry in the world and only once when I took it beyond its intended purpose did I come unstuck….. but I didn’t fall over! It slides well!

Despite no rock plate under the foot, nothing pointy managed to ruin a run. The tough outsole and generous EVA, held offending items at bay, protecting my feet regardless of terrain. The lower upper does contain RocShield™, which wraps around the lower side, offering protection, abrasion resistance and ultimately shoe longevity. I can’t say I used it in anger, but at the same time, I wasn’t scuffed by a misjudged rock or root.

The midsole is constructed from RunLite™, which is a highly abrasion resistant injected EVA. Is it light? Yes. Wear well? Yes. Comfortable? Yes. Despite the reasonably generous amount of EVA, the ride is responsive enough when things get interesting. I never found running to be dead beneath my feet, nor heavy. The outer EVA has stood up well to trail debris, still looking fresh.

It may seem an odd number, in a market dominated by 0,2,4,6,8 and beyond, but the Trail T1 has a 5mm heel to toe drop. The aim is promote a natural posture, maintaining correct lean throughout each movement. Having spent a lot of time recently in 4-6mm drop shoes, the feeling was not obscure. Though this may not be my go to choice for going long ultra distances, for two hour blasts, this is a speed machine. It performs, offers enough support and protects when things get rowdy.

A comfy insole benefits from anti bacterial and odour treatments, and I can testify despite my feet which often smell akin to a waste sewage plant, my Trail T1’s remain remarkably fresh. They don’t ooze scents of flowers, but you can leave them indoors after a heavy run, without my partner screaming and lurching from vile smells wafting from my shoes.

Cupping your foot, the heel cup isn’t plush, using relatively minimal padding. Just enough. Using less reduces weight when you run through puddles, streams and rivers, given there is less foam to absorb water.

Wrapped across your foot is the Exo Skeleton. Keeping things tight and supportive, the shoe stays true despite the angles you inflict on it, keeping your foot stable. It is supposed to relieve pressure on the Metatarsophalangeal joints, however, unless I get a physio to point where these are, I can’t say I know any difference. The exo skeleton also takes the brunt of some of the force, spreading it across the shoe rather than sending it straight through your skeleton.

Beneath the Exo Skeleton, you’ll find a ripstop nylon which as well as keeping out dirt, breathes well. The upper has performed well, with no visible signs of wear and tear. Durable, never stiff and conforms to the foot rather than the other way around.

Now the techy bit -TGS 62/75°.

TGS 62/75° is the distance from heel to the ball of the foot (62% of the shoe). It has been designed with extra stability, which ends in the so-called "ballet" line, a 75° angle. In front of the 75° line, the shoe has greater flexibility, aimed to stimulate the foots natural movement. The overall aim is to make sure the shoe bends in exactly the right places, stimulating the foot’s natural lateral and forward movements.

I can testify that when running, my gait and foot strike feels fluid and natural to me. Whether I feel the difference of 62/75° is hard to say, given I have not such information from rivals, but and there is a but. As I have said before, if a feature does not impede or discomfort me, I feel it doesn’t hinder me, meaning the jury is out but not unfavourably. 

To top things off, the tongue is low in profile, well ventilated and the classic flat laces provide a strong and secure lock. Sizing. I measure a 9.5UK and more often then not opt for a 10UK for my off road runners. The Trail T1 was no exception and they fit well, not lose, too spacious or roomy. So 10 for me, but for you, I recommend going to your local store. Always best to try before you buy.

So, the Salming Trail T1. Discrete by name, bold in nature.

With a hardwearing sole, aimed at mixed terrain short of British mud fests and a low heel drop to promote natural movement, those used to high drops need to take their time transferring to these speedy racers.

For those who have developed the leg and foot strength, these 5mm drop mile eaters promise a rapid ride for fast courses, whether on hardpack or loamy trails.

Priced at £100, the price is justified as they achieve a good blend of performance and longevity.