The Predict 2’s midsole includes a durable TPU-based Infiniride™ to reduce impact, along with anatomic decoupling allowing the shoe to flex with your foot. EnergyCell™+ technology provides soft cushioning to deliver ultimate comfort and reduce stress on your knee joints. There’s extra soft heel padding which cradles your foot, which is extremely comfortable. I was excited to try the Salomon Predict Soc 2. I haven’t reviewed a lot of Salomon shoes but enjoyed the Salomon Sonic 3 and use the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest regularly. I’m looking forward to trying more of their shoes in the future.

Comparing this to super shoes rather than similar shoes for the purpose, 4 out of 5 just based on mileage shoes. The rear collars are amply and comfortably padded without overdoing it and prevent any sensation of the dread top of knit upper collars flopping around sensation. The heel counter is semi rigid with its substance mostly it seems coming from the wrap around rear overlay extension of the mid foot cage. The entire mid foot to rear support array is one piece. The knit upper..It is well held overall especially at the mid foot and rear with an excellent but not overdone “cage like” design. The front of the shoe could use a bit more structure for my tastes as the toe bumper is essentially a somewhat denser, less stretchy knit than the rest of the toe box knit. Things got a bit shakier in hold and feel up front at faster paces. I would also like to see slightly firmer rubber for more pop, again at faster paces.Jeff: The updated midsole was the element I was mostly excited for, and found it a little disappointing. Infiniride is a nitrogen-infused TPU midsole that is literally hollowed out in areas to encourage flexibility as you run. Sadly, this is also the case for the Salomon Predict Soc 2, and if you are running in hot or rainy weather, you will notice the Predict Soc 2 doesn’t breathe and traditional shoes. Right now, it’s fine because the climate is not usually either. Although running through the slush might be another story. Jeff: Salmon unveiled the Predict RA in 2018 and it impressed right out of the gate. The midsole was deliberately modeled after the human foot to allow it to flex appropriately as the foot was going through the gait cycle. Its upper was very impressive, and part of the marketing was that it was made alongside some of the best bras in the world - and you didn’t have to look too hard at the shoe to see the similarities.

Though trail remains its focus, Salomon’s lineup has expanded to include a wider range of running shoes in recent years. Its roading running designs, like the Aero Volt and Aero Glide, run the gamut from lean, peppy shoes for speed training to more cushioned models for longer runs. Despite the brand's focused reputation, the best Salomon running shoes have something for all kinds of road and trail runners. Best Saloman Running Shoes

That said, for a super flexible midsole, there’s lots of inherent stability to the shoe. Even overpronators could wear this shoe without concern, though the shoe’s overall firmness likely plays a part of that.

Jeff is the token slow runner of the RTR lineup, and as such his viewpoints on shoe and gear can differ from those who routinely finish marathons in three hours or less. Jeff runs 30 miles per week on roads and trails around Denver, CO (and sometimes on the treadmill when the weather gets too much for a Phoenix native). Jeff only got into running in his 30s, as a result his career PR's are 4:07 for the marathon and 5K at 23:39 . Jeff has finished several ultra marathons, from 50K up to 50 miles, and is still debating if he wants to go down that road again. I was pleasantly surprised with how this shoe performed on the roads … imagine gazelle speeding down the high street vibes, with an efficient and elegant stride – although probably not how I looked, it was certainly how I felt! 8-miles later, I took them off, with no sign of muscle fatigue, and I can confirm no post 24-hour DOMS. At last a functional knit upper with well secured mid and rear of foot and adequately secured toe box Sam I honestly don’t know, the shoe “does exactly what it says on the tin”. You get exactly what you expect.

Our Verdict

The stretch knit upper is not overly snug over the top of the toes (looking at you Levitate 4) so not exactly high performance but adequate for most runs.