Price: $160
Weight: 9.4 oz (M), 8.0 oz (W)
Type: Road
A Part of Hearst Digital Media: Published: Dec 10, 2018 9:51 AM EST.
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Trail running powerhouse Salomon has been going hard in the road running world this year, with a whole new road line that launched early in 2018. The company certainly isn't afraid to try things differently, and that's what brings us the Predict RA. The Predict RA really changes up stability from what we normally think of. You're not going to find any stability posts, multiple densities of foam, or a bulky, stiff shoe. The support and guidance of the shoe is designed to work on a smaller level, thanks to a unique midsole design that increases flexibility.
Anatomically-Inspired Ride
What really makes the Predict RA work is the construction underfoot. Grooves through the midsole follow the major joints of the foot, segmenting the shoe into the areas where your foot might flex differently. The shoe's 10 outsole pillars adapt to how your foot rolls from heel strike to toe off, guiding your foot for a smooth transition. Now, don't be confused: this isn't a shoe like the Nike Free. It's about support where you need it. When I put on this shoe for the first time, my reaction was “Holy s--t, that is firm!” Tests at the Runner's World Shoe Lab confirm that the foam used in this shoe is harder than average. But once I took it out for a run, I noticed that the shoe really starts to shine when it's in motion. Even though the EVA midsole foam is firm for support, the ride of the shoe allows you to hit cruise control on your runs. “The shoe felt supportive and stopped unwanted foot movement,” said one tester.
Weight: 8.0 | Moderate
We love the fit and comfort of the Predict. “The fit of this shoe is outstanding,” noted one tester. “The toe box is roomy and the heel cup keeps your foot very secure. The sock like lining around the ankle also added to that feeling.” That comfortable feeling comes largely from the heel of the shoe, which was made in a bra factory. The 3D-molded fabric conforms to your heel for a secure fit, without the need for a rigid heel counter. Combined with a secure midfoot lock, it delivers confidence when planting your foot. Built on the same last as the Sonic RA, the Predict also has ample room for toes to spread out, providing a stable platform during toe-off.
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The overall comfort that the shoe provides makes it a great option for everyday running. Even though testers noted it wasn't the fastest they've felt in a shoe, the comfort and fit were the highlights of the shoe. For all the complaining I like to do about how much my feet/ankles/knees/you-name-it hurt whenever I hit the pavement (yeah, trail runner here), that smooth ride and soft upper have me lacing up the Predict for weekday runs, especially as I take on the #RWRunStreak for the first time. Salomon Athlete Rickey Gates is also currently logging a few thousand miles in these as he pursues his quest of running every single street in San Francisco.
All the Stats You Need!
Men’s
- Weight: 9.4 oz | Light
- Races - Places
- Best Running Shoes 2025
- Heel Cushioning: Firm
- How Many Miles Do Running Shoes Last
- Forefoot Cushioning: Very Firm
- Flexibility: Moderate
- Forefoot Height: 19.2 mm | Low
- Energy Return: Less
Women’s
- Nutrition - Weight Loss
- Choose the Adrenaline GTS 24 as Your Everyday Shoe
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- Heel Cushioning: Firm
- Shoes & Gear
- Weight: 8.0 | Moderate
- Flexibility: Moderate
- Forefoot Height: 19.2 mm | Low
- Energy Return: Less
We put each shoe through real-world usage and a battery of mechanical tests in our lab to provide you with objective—and exclusive—data. In addition to a shoe’s weight, we measure sole thickness (everything that sits between your foot and the road), how well the foam cushions your stride, and the flexibility of the forefoot. All this is taken into account in our reviews of each shoe.
