I know it’s not all about looks…but hello sexy! This shoe is a work of art. Yet there’s substance in there, too.

The Sense 3 Ultra Softground is light, fast and even with the nominal 4mm drop offers good protection and stability. The rock plate stretches from the mid-foot into the forefoot and toes, so despite the shoe’s minimal feel you still don’t notice that harsh rock under your foot. The Contragrip outsole is super durable — with 200-plus miles on the shoe, there’s no visible wear to the lug — and it offers superior grip laterally as well as front-to-back. The fit is precise and comfortable, glove-like, without compromising the breathability.

Cons? The toe box may be a little narrow for some runners, though I’ve had no issues so far. When it comes to lacing, I prefer traditional, but Salomon is the only brand where I actually don’t mind the quick-lace system. I like that I can instantly loosen the shoe if my feet are swelling or if I’m wearing a thicker pair of socks. I have yet to experience any slippage in the lacing system, and the handy lace pocket works great. $160; salomon.com/us/

Author: Shalini Kovach is a competitive ultra runner and lead organizer of Terrain Trail Runners