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Salming Race 5 Performance Review

The Good

The Salming Race 5 is Salming’s racing flat, and although the outside looks flashy, and I literally mean flashy with its reflective geometric shapes, the running shoe is pretty simple. Salming would say “No Nonsense.” The Race 5 has a very low stack with a 5mm drop, but it feels lower than 5 to me. There really isn’t much under your foot with this one. The front of the flat is very flexible and there is lots of rubber for traction. Inside the midsole, there is a “Torsion Efficiency Unit” aka plastic plate to add some kick to your stride. The heel is smooth and wide enough to feel stable at higher speeds. Most likely you will be up on your toes for fast racing anyway. In a good way, the upper is unremarkable, it is pretty much one piece. The structure comes from the funky shapes welded on to the material and some additional padding in the collar and heel counter. There is some added rigid component in the heel counter to create a solid cup. The tongue and lacing are pretty standard. Unlike some other Salming models, the tongue is slim and doesn’t ride up too high. The weight of the Race 5 is awesomely low at 6.65 oz. for my size 10.5.

Salming Race 5

The Bad

Because the upper is so basic, I found my foot had a little play inside the shoe. Cornering at higher speeds sometimes didn’t feel as secure as in some other flats we have reviewed. It isn’t a crazy thing, but it is kinda weird that Salming put their URL in a prominent place on the shoe. Well, it is a little crazy.

Salming Race 5

Salming Race 5 Conclusion

I wouldn’t run over a 10k in the Race 5, there isn’t enough under foot for longer distances. With that said, Salming super fan Stefan Albinsson wore the Race 5 at The Boston Marathon with great results this past April. The shoe is definitely a head turner if you are looking for a race day shoe that has personality the Race 5 is your guy. The Salming Race 5 retails for $120. Side note: My brother in law grabbed the Race 4 from my collection when visiting awhile back. It is his favorite shoe for CrossFit. He is currently lobbying me for the Race 5.

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