Trail Running In Salomon S-Lab 3 XT Wings & Save Lembah Kiara Trail Run

Only in recent months that I got to try out my second Salomon shoe, S-Lab 3 XT Wings. This is supposedly one of the best trail racing shoe (once upon a time before the newer models came out). Now you have the newer model, XT S-Lab 4 and also Speedcross 3. I don't really like the outsole of Speedcross 3, which I think would suit those hardcore trail runners more. Me, as a runner coming from road running, would prefer the design of XT S-Lab 3. The other shoe I had was the XR Crossmax Neutral CS which I reviewed earlier.

I took this shoe with me to US. I guess I spent more time walking on it rather than running. But me and Moey had a chance to try out some trail running in Washington. For most part we had to run through the tarmac surface, but once we hit the the Four Mile Run Trail, Arlington County in Virginia we get to run some form of trail running. This shoe was a little uncomfortable going thru the tarmac but once it hit the trails, I find it easier to run with. For XR Crossmax, shoe is a little heavier but due to the outsole build, it fares much better on tarmac.

The S-Lab series are designed specifically with the international trail racing individual in mind.

This is what it says on their website....

"Salomon Lab is a process of making dedicated products to meet the individual fit and performance needs of our international team. Athletes and designers work together, through every step of the process, because a millimeter or a gram is ultimately the difference between gold and silver."

Here's a short video on Salomon S Lab

This is where renowned trail running champion, Kilian Jornet comes in and work with the designers to come out with shoes that makes him a champ. The recent shoe he wore, Salomon S-Lab Sense won him the 2011 Western States 100 and the 2011 Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc. Of course, winning relies a lot on the runner themselves, but equipment and apparels do play a big part in increasing the performance. Here's a preview of S-Lab Sense (this probably one of the trail shoe I will get as it looks just like a road racing shoe!).

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Back to the XT S-Lab 3. This shoe is much lighter than the previous XR Crossmax I was wearing. The funny thing about the Salomon trail shoes is that the sizes come in 1/2 size bigger or smaller (depending on how you see it). As I am wearing UK Size 8, I took the 1/2 size bigger. It doesn't seem to be fitting my feet well but since I have wide feet, it still held out well. But it would be better if it was snug fit.

As with the XR Crossmax, it comes with the Quicklace™ Kevlar one-pull lacing an easy-on, easy-off system for a secure and customized fit. The shoe also comes with an Ortholite™ footbeds which provides step in comfort and enhanced durability by using a combination of special PU and rubber crumbs. Ortholite™ footbeds use an anti-microbial treatment for reducing odor.

Quicklace™

With its Agile Chasis System (ACS) provides better cushioning when you run through those rough trails. As for the outsole, the Contragrip provides better traction and stability on the rough terrains. In front of the shoe, it is made of stronger material that provides protection to your toes when your feet hit the rocks. 

Overall, this shoe is light enough if you want to do your intervals in the trails or race. Personally, I have not try both but I will be looking out to running a trail race in this shoe. My target will be the KPAC Trail Relay Run 2012 which will be happening in Klang. I will gather some of the Dutamas Runners to run in this. I won't be aiming for a podium finish for this relay but it's more of keeping myself race ready, as it is going to be 4 x 3km, so this will be a short and speedy run across the trails. 

I had a chance to use this shoe in one of our local trail in Lembah Kiara. I showed up in this Magic Carpet Trail Run, organised by Raymond-Tomatoman. What we did was to run along the trails and pick up the rubbish along the way. A special gift will be given out at the end of the run for the runner who picked up the most rubbish. Fellow runners were quite surprised by the number of rubbish especially plastic bottles. The run was also in support of Save Bukit Kiara! Say NO to Development. In recent months, part of the park has been heavily fenced up which is suspected cleared for development.

If you care about the park, do head on this link to sign the petition.

I do have an opinion that Klang Valley currently has an oversupply of properties with many units unsold or unoccupied. There's no need for more developement especially those which is enroaching into the greeneries of Lembah Kiara. Looking from the viewpoint, the Hartamas and Mont Kiara area are pretty much cleared in the name of development. Do your part by signing the PETITION which we hope will save the greens in Lembah Kiara!

Here's a group photo from Tri Stupe