Linda Doke has been running in Salomon’s for 12 years and is, in her own words, biased towards the brand because they work so well for her particular feet. She does say up front however, that all feet are different, and Salomon won’t necessarily be the show for you.
“There’s a massive global industry for running shoes, and I’m not about to claim that the brand I believe in is the best for everyone. No brand can claim that. The foot is a complex thing, and everyone’s feet are unique. Hey, even our own two feet are different from each other. What one runner might consider a fantastic shoe won’t necessarily work for the next runner. No single design of shoe is perfect for everyone. So, that’s my caveat, and I’m putting it out there from the outset: these reviews just give you my opinion, and I hope they help you to choose the shoe that’s right for you. That shoe won’t necessarily be a Salomon shoe at all – but equally, it might.”
This week she takes the Trailsters for a test run – here’s the low down. 
Trailster
I was a little apprehensive about reviewing the Trailster. I’ve not run in an entry level shoe for years, and I expected to be highly critical and inevitably disappointed by its feel and performance. But I was happily surprised: this blue gal may be entry level, but she can strut her stuff!
First, some specs for the techies:
Comfort – the Trailster is a generous fit (that a manufacturer’s way of saying it’s not for narrow feet), which is complemented by Salomon’s Energy Cell midsole and Ortholite sockliner.
Grip – the Contragrip™ sole offers superior traction on soft and hard surfaces.
Lightweight protection – lighter than other shoes in its class, the Trailster still offers toe and heel protection, together with stable support underfoot.
Weight – 262g (for my size, UK6)
Drop – 10mm
Biomechanical fit – heel strike
Lacing system – conventional laces
Terrain – all types
Intensity of use – entry level
What I love about the Trailster:
This is an entry level shoe with guts! I first took them for a test run on easy jeep track, thinking I’d need to go quite easy on the shoe, being entry level and all. My feet felt surprisingly supported and the shoe sturdy, so I shifted to a very loose, rocky, steep single track in my hood, Hout Bay. I ran a few sharp climbs and then some steep descents, and the Trailster didn’t resist! While it’s by no means as slick and light a ride as I’m used to from something like the Sense Pro 3 or the Ultra Pro, it provides everything it should for an entry level runner on trail.
The Trailster’s grip is great and the lugs of its tread sturdy. It’ll grip reliably in well and dry conditions – great for the confidence of beginner trail runners.
There’s a reinforced toe guard across the front of the shoe to protect against scuffing on rocky terrain.
My broad feet loved the generous fit of the toe box.
This is a great shoe for newbies to trail – it’s rugged enough to inspire confidence on all levels of terrain, and will provide a good grounding for solid learning.
“The Trailster’s grip is great and the lugs of its tread sturdy. It’ll grip reliably in well and dry conditions – great for the confidence of beginner trail runners.”
New to trail running and haven’t got a clue what shoe to choose? The Trailster is Salomon’s entry level trail offering. Linda Doke transports her mind back to her early days of trail running and puts these to the test.
“This is an entry level shoe with guts!”
New to trail running and have no idea what shoe to choose? The Trailster is Salomon’s entry level trail offering. Linda Doke transports her mind back to her early days of trail running and puts these to the test.
Got any questions for Linda?
