At first sight they looked too flashy and somehow exagerated. I couldn’t be more mistaken!
The legacy
Being a former user of the Salming T1 and with the experience I had with them on the trails, i didn’t had many expectations regarding this new version. The T1 worn out quite rapidly and went from good to bad at a glance. Similar to the T5 the 1’s looked irreverent, but what i admired in the beginning didn’t last long, with the sole wearing out after some (not a lot) workouts. At the end i was wishing for new shoes and hoping never going back to Salming.
First impressions
As i pointed before the looks of the T5’s are irreverent, using (maybe abusing) of bright colours contrasting with a black upper. Putting the shoes on, at first you can feel the rockshield from the inside. I was worried if this could be a problem but fortunately this impression dissipated after the first run.
Regarding the fit, i was radiant with the way it secured the foot, like a sock, without any slack or slippage of the foot. This was just what I was looking for on a trail running shoe. I have the T5’s for almost a year now and my feelings didn’t change a bit. They are always ready to respond on every run or workout.
The sole doesn’t need any presentation, Vibram Megagrip compound that sticks bravely to anything, form cement, to dirt, passing trough grass and wet rocks, nothing seems too much for this sole. Only in deep mud you tens to slip a bit because mainly of the 4mm deep slugs that are not made for deep mud. Otherwise the grip is impressive.
The experience
Since the first moment and from the way they secure my feet, to the amazing grip they provide, the Salming T5 are here to stay.
Names and Numbers of the T5
Weight: 300g (44)
Drop: 5mm
TGS62/75: The distance from heel to the ball of foot (62% of the shoe) has been designed with extra stability, which ends in the so-called “ballet” line, a 75° angle. In front of the 75° line, we have equipped the shoe with greater flexibility to stimulate the foot’s natural movements. The TGS 62/75° feature assures that the shoe bends in exactly the right places, stimulating the foot’s natural lateral and forward movements.
3 Layer Construction: Covering mile after mile calls for a combination of comfort and durability. Accordingly, our shoes designed to function in more rugged environments utilize a 3 layer upper construction. A first layer of mesh material adds comfort, while the middle stabilizes lateral movements and reduces pressure on the foot. The exterior thin net mesh encapsulates and wraps up the front in a neat fashion, adding durability to the shoe.
Exo Skeleton: The Exo Skeleton design stabilizes the foot in lateral movements and relieves pressure at the MTP joints (Metatarsophalangeal joints). This part of the design construction eliminates friction and reduces the impact of the side forces in the soft parts of the foot, especially underneath the forefoot.
Roomy Toe Box: The toe box is more roomy in order to provide a possibility for the fore foot to expand properly in the landing phase, making it more effective in a biomechanic perspective.
Recoil: The material in the midsole is a newly developed compound named RECOIL™ – which is a super lightweight cushioning compound that releases a high rebound energy effect.
Rockshield: A special PU area covering the lower part of the shoe upper protecting it from sharp rocks and branches thus both increasing the durability of the shoe and adds confidence to the runner.
Vibram Megagrip: The Vibram Megagrip compound has been developed by Vibram, the world authority in terms of performance rubber outsoles, with more than 75 years of experience in more than 120 countries. The Megagrip is a sticky and very long lasting compound that provides excellent grip characteristics in wet, muddy, slippery conditions as well as dry rocky ground.
Opinions
Albino Olim
I’m using the Salming T5 for some time now (I’ve already used T1, T4 and Elements). And I always come back to Salming for the same reasons: good grip, low drop which favors my stride, quick dry and reinforced construction …
Filomena Cordeiro
As you may know I’m not very experienced in this matter, I’m just passionate for nature, when I acquire the Salming T5 I was going to do a 100kms trail, which would not be easy, so together with my husband Vitor Cordeiro and José Bancaleiro, I opted for these sneakers. They were very favorable for the challenge that I proposed, a course in which I was going to face, very hard climbs, many quite steep descents and lots of water. The shoes adapted perfectly to all of these situations, very comfortable. Completely satisfied.
Nuno Castanha
I was fortunate enough to do a test with them thanks to Alexandre and soon I was sure that I had found the shoes for my next adventures. I order them the very next day, although I was still testing the Hoka Speedgoat 2. They are shoes in my opinion for any distance and terrain. I run from short trails to ultras, for example Miut 85 kms and USM. They guarantee excellent comfort and grip. Durability – with 900 kms the upper is in excellent condition, while on the sole, the wear is evident, specially in the more impact zones, although still has a bit of rubber for some more curves. So pleased that I am that already have the new model at home waiting for the weekend to get them into the mud.
Renato Andrade
They are a good option for all types of terrain with the advantage of being very similar to the road Salmings.
Bruno Dantas
They are a dynamic, lightweight sneakers, probably the most indicated in the market for technical terrain – sky’s, Porto da Cruz, Porto Moniz, … – for trails up to 50 and some km and for lighter athletes, good for rolling.
As far as the grip is concerned, it is the best in the market – Vibram Megagrip in all the sole area – in my last test, Ultra Trail of Porto da Cruz, in dry or wet, stone or dirt, the “cerro” of the descent of the Poiso to Portela – before going through Levada do Serra do Faial (taken from Ribeiro Frio, or Furado) – it does not matter, the grip is always perfect. I have never tested them in greater distances, but as at first glance they are minimalistic and I think that for ultra endurance they will not be indicated. They have good stability in the heel zone, but in the front of the foot, and in descents, I had in the early times a tendency to bend the foot almost causing sprains, but maybe the problem is my feet.
Curiously, the first sensation when putting on shoes is comfort. It is not a pillow but has above average comfort.
Ah! It’s a good time to buy the T5’s – they’re in sale.
Alexandre Vieira
From the first moment I put them on my feet I had a smile on my face. Comfort, a lot of subjection, excellent grip and the right drop (5mm). Everything was inviting me to run. Could these be the perfect sneakers? Yes they could, if I had not bought a size above. It was just that little bit too loose. Even so, the 8 or 9 km I made with them were the most fun I can remember with a pair of new sneakers. Unfortunately (or fortunately) they were not the right size and I ended up selling them. But they stayed in the eye, and on the wish list …
Tiago Pontes