Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL

The Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL is Salomon's answer to the rise of gravel running, a discipline imported from mountain biking that is exactly what it says: running on trails and hardpacked dirt paths. It is a soft, versatile trail shoe designed for those who alternate between tarmac, hardpacked paths and forest tracks without wanting to change shoes, unless you want to show off an extensive collection in different colours. Its road version, the Aero Glide 4, shares the OptiFOAM²™ midsole and cushioned character, while this GRVL adds a Contagrip® outsole with a more pronounced lug pattern aimed at mixed terrain.

Compared with its predecessor, the main changes are in the upper. Salomon drops traditional laces and introduces the Quicklace™ Neo system with a pocket to stash the excess, which holds the midfoot well once adjusted, although not everyone prefers it and putting the shoe on is still a bit fiddly. The main mesh is breathable and wraps the foot firmly, while the side overlays and reinforced toe bumper provide just enough protection for light terrain. The fit is relatively snug, especially over the instep, so those looking for more room should bear that in mind.

Underfoot, the TPU-based OptiFOAM²™ midsole offers a generous combination of cushioning and energy return, with a high stack height but a fairly natural transition and no rigid plate. The geometry keeps an 8 mm drop, and the Contagrip® outsole bites well enough on gravel and dry trails without too much of a penalty on tarmac. It is a very interesting option for racking up the miles across mixed surfaces or for trips where you do not want to pack two pairs. Also for those who want to sport a mountain look while staying comfortable and coordinated; no judgement here.