Salomon Predict 2 Review
A Sharp-Looking Daily Trainer for Shorter Runs
Likes
- Lightweight on-foot feel
- Breathable upper
- Smooth flexibility
Dislikes
- Narrow midfoot
- Too firm
- Lacks responsiveness
What's New
Salomon has redesigned the Predict 2's midsole to provide runners with a premium cushioning package that delivers a more dynamic running experience than its predecessor. With excellent flexibility and an improved upper, this dialed-in new Predict is sure to impress runners.
The Bottom Line
The Salomon Predict 2 is a firm and flexible daily trainer with a stylishly sleek design that is sure to attract compliments. The shoe features a lightweight, breathable upper which is ideal for runners whose feet tend to overheat in hot weather. The Predict 2 also offers enough protection for distances up to 5K, however our testers were left wanting more protection on longer runs. This is likely not the ideal shoe for runners who prefer a super plush underfoot experience like that of a HOKA Clifton, but if you seeking a sleek daily trainer that offers a firm, connected-to-the-ground feel, then the Predict 2 may be exactly what you’re after.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium to Low |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.9 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.0 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 30 mm (Heel), 22 mm (Forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Ben: "The Salomon Predict 2 is not very soft. The shoe was okay for running short distances, but I wouldn't use it for long distances or all-day wear because of the firm midsole."
Kaleb: "I found the Infiniride foam midsole to be really firm. There was a noticeable give to the heel, but this slight cushion was not present in the forefoot. I wore the Predict 2 on a variety of runs ranging from long road runs to shorter workouts on the track, and I would not recommend it for distances much longer than 5K due to the firm midsole. Unfortunately, my feet and calves were sore after my long-distance runs, but I found that the surface of the track helped soften the ride enough to enjoy track sessions."
Ride/Energy Returni
Ben: "When wearing shoes with low energy return, I often notice that my feet drag on the ground and it's much harder to lift my legs. I did not experience this at all with the Predict 2. I enjoyed a smooth ride on the runs I took."
Kaleb: "Again, I think the Infiniride midsole missed the mark concerning energy return. Unfortunately, I did not really feel any bounce from the midsole. That said, the flexibility of the midsole contributed to a relatively smooth and fairly enjoyable running experience for shorter efforts."
Underfoot Protectioni
Ben: "I was able to run 11 kilometres on the pavement without my joints creaking or feeling jarred from the asphalt. I also took them out on some rocky fire roads and was surprised that I barely felt the rocks."
Kaleb: "The Salomon Predict 2 has a reasonable amount of foam in the midsole, but I was still left wanting more protection. I was able to run around a 5K distance without discomfort, but even at these shorter distances, I felt surprisingly sore during my recovery periods post-run. I would reserve these shoes for short distances or uptempo workouts on the track."
Flexibilityi
Ben: "The Predict 2 is not as flexible as a racing shoe, but it is pretty flexible for a daily trainer. My feet were able to go through the full range of motion during my run."
Kaleb: "This is where I thought the Predict 2 performed well. The Anatomical Mirrored Grooves on the bottom of the midsole were very flexible and created a surprisingly smooth ride that worked well with the firm foam when I wanted to pick up the pace."
Upper Supporti
Ben: "I found that the Predict 2's upper provided a secure but comfortable fit in the heel, but the midfoot was too narrow for me. The white upper collects mud very easily."
Kaleb: "Another positive of the Predict 2 was the upper. I thought the Single Layer Mesh design felt extremely lightweight on foot and breathed very well. The fit was structured through the midfoot and spacious (almost too spacious) in the forefoot. I would say that even though I enjoyed the upper, it was unique and definitely took some getting used to."
Men's Salomon Predict
Women's Salomon Predict
Individual Thoughts
As a Californian, I usually think of Salomon as a brand that I would take on a run up on the Pacific Crest Trail in the Sierras, but this brand also makes good road shoes like the Predict 2 as well. The shoe provides a responsive yet smooth ride, and there is enough cushioning that I don't feel the pavement underfoot. The shoe is also flexible enough that my feet can roll through their full range of motion with ease. The upper is a bit narrow in the midfoot, but overall the Predict 2 is a decent choice for your next daily trainer.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I have mixed opinions when it comes to Salomon's Predict 2. I thought the upper of the shoe was the highlight, providing a lightweight feel that was also very breathable. The fit was comfortable and secure with an abundance of room in the forefoot, which I did not mind in the slightest. Midsole performance is where the Predict 2 fell short for me. The forefoot was very firm, and I was not able to comfortably run long distances. The Inifiniride foam also did not have the responsiveness I look for in a daily trainer. This Predict 2 felt a lot more like a cross-training shoe than a pure running shoe, and I would liken it to shoes like Nike's Metcon series. To end on a more positive note, I did find it to be a sleek and stylish shoe that looked really sharp on foot. I will probably reserve the Predict 2 for speed training on the track moving forward.