The RW Takeaway: Runners who like a firm, stiff daily trainer that doesn’t skimp on cushioning will find a reliable high-mileage companion in the Sonic 4 Balance.
- Rear-foot OptiVibe cushioning dampens shock especially well for heel strikers.
- Redesigned upper uses a softer, more breathable mesh and snug gusseted tongue.
- Durable ContaGrip blown rubber outsole provides versatility for light trails.
Price: $130
Type: Road
Weight: 9.0 oz (M), 7.5 oz (W)
Drop: 8 mm
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A is for Accelerate, B is for Balance, C is for Confidence, D is for...
Alright, Salomon doesn’t have a full alphabet of road shoes. But, these three versions of its Sonic road shoe show the brand’s been expanding beyond the trail models it’s known for. The lighter Sonic Accelerate is designed for racing, the cushier Sonic Confidence provides a little extra stability, and the Balance, well, it’s exactly that—a nice middle ground of A and C that make for a springy neutral trainer.
The midsole heel uses Salomon’s OptiVibe cushioning, a two-layer construction that soaks up shock on impact and then returns some of that energy back to your stride. To do it, the midsole combines a minty green puck of denser EVA with a white bottom layer of full-length OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer) foam that Salomon developed alongside Dow Chemical. It’s light and responsive at faster paces, but like the cushioning of Salomon’s trail shoes, still rides fairly stiff and firm. The biggest changes, however, are largely unseen from the outside, as our testers most appreciated the new internal fit sleeve and a softer upper mesh. “I was surprised by this shoe,” one said. “The Sonic fit like it was custom-made for me and the lacing system kept my midfoot cradled and secure.”
When we tested the Sonic 3 Balance at the RW Shoe Lab, we found the shoe’s cushioning was “very hard” in the heel, and “hard” in the forefoot. That midsole remains unchanged in the 4, but it’s important to remember that firm cushioning doesn’t necessarily indicate insufficient cushioning—and it definitely doesn’t mean a harsh ride. Our testers found that the Sonic kept their legs feeling well-protected from the pounding over longer runs. In fact, for many runners with lingering knee issues, a hard shoe may actually work better. Some biomechanical studies suggest that a too soft feeling underfoot can make you inclined to Чоловічі кросівки salomon 41—even if you don’t realize it—which could play a role in injuries.
Worth the Upgrade?
Last year’s Sonic 3 was a huge overhaul—new midsole, new upper, the whole shebang. This iteration is geared more toward fine-tuning the fit of the shoe. Testers found that the new internal gusset works much better for keeping their feet secure, and feels much more comfortable and breathable than its predecessor. That said, the overall fit of the Sonic 3 wasn’t terribly lacking, either. Unless you’re planning on a lot of humid-weather running this summer, or if you have narrower feet that will benefit from a more snug, more supportive wrap around the arch, you might be better Skin grabbing the older Sonic 3 Balance at a deep discount.
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What Our Testers Said
Boné Salomon Bonatti Five P preto
Arch: Medium | Gait: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
“I liked the support the Sonic offered given its light weight. I like to alternate shoes during my training and this shoe fit well into my rotation. It’s great for shorter distances (between 3 and 6 miles) and has a good amount of support with enough room for my wider foot. It provided me with space but didn’t allow my foot to slide around. The cushioning worked fine for shorter runs, but it felt too hard once I got up to about 8 or 9 miles, and I could feel my foot hit the pavement more so than at the beginning of the run. I have about 150 miles on these shoes, and the outsole has gripped the road well in both wet and dry conditions and is holding up really well.”
Peter V. | Tester since 2012
Arch: Flat | Gait: Overpronator | Footstrike: Heel
“My favorite feature of this shoe is its comfortable material, minimal stitching, and fit that hugs nicely around the foot. Salomon kept it simple and it works really well. My least favorite thing has to be the flexibility. It seems to be getting a little better as there is now some mileage on the shoe, but it’s definitely still stiff and bothersome to me on longer runs. I typically like a little cushioning, but I don’t want it to feel like I’m sinking in the midsole. The sole is thick with lots of cushioning, but I would not call this shoe soft at all; it is better equipped for the runner who wants a firm, stiff shoe to push off quickly during tempo runs or speedwork. I felt very secure going up and down hills and around corners, and I was able to keep a pretty good stride on trails as well. This shoe was grippier on loose gravel that others I have tested, and based on the very minimal outsole wear, I can see it lasting many more miles without an issue.”
