We test the Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL hybrid run shoe
This hybrid run shoe promises performance over both road and trail – we find out where it really excels...
220 Triathlon Verdict
Not a shoe for hardcore trails but that’s not the point – this is a bouncy shoe for varied light surfaces. Score: 88%
Pros
- Versatile road-to-trail use
- Springy and cushioned
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Weak grip in deep mud and technical trails
Most running shoe brands will divide their shoes into two categories: road and trail. Of course there will be different varieties in those categories but that’s roughly the choice. French brand Salomon give runners three categories to choose from though: road, trail and gravel.
That gravel category is what concerns us here with the Aero Glide Grvl, home of two shoes in the range. The other is the Aero Blaze Grvl (£125), which is a slightly less cushioned shoe.
How we test running shoes
Each running shoe we review gets put through the same level of testing, including numerous runs of varying distances over the period of several weeks at a minimum. This includes long, slow runs, plus faster tempo efforts or interval sessions. We test against a range of criteria including comfort, breathability, support, stability, ride, propulsion and value. For more details, see how we rate and test products.
The gravel shoe category
First up, a little about the category. Much like gravel bikes which have taken off in recent years as a good mid option between a roadie and an MTB, think of the gravel run shoe as filling a similar spot in the run market.
Salomon describe these as “inspired by gravel bike tyres, the outsole offers an adaptive grip, allowing seamless asphalt to gravel”. The main shoe is based on the cushioned Glide from the road running range, so think of this as if it’s a road shoe but with grippier tread to allow you to take on other terrains as and when the need takes you.
Performance over varying terrain
To try these out, I took them on a few laps of the local parkrun course, thinking that’s the kind of runner who might appreciate the ability to switch between terrains. The loop takes in tarmac pathways, some light gravel trails and the odd chunk of mud and grass (depending on the weather).
With regards to grip, I found the Aero Glide Grvl did well on most surfaces aside from the mud – on grass, they gripped better than a road shoe, but when things got really soggy, I did find myself slipping. On man-made surfaces, these shoes performed as you’d expect from a cushioned road shoe.
Features and fit
The dynamic Optifoam cushioning made them springy and gave me plenty of bounce, with an 8mm drop. On roads and flat light trails this was great, though on wilder and bumpier trails, I prefer to be more connected to the ground to give me a more stable and agile feel. That sole is made up of the chevron pattern which Salomon tell us is to improve traction, while the Gravel Contagrip material used helps with grip.
The overall fit of these was great. I liked the shape of the toe box which allowed space to move without feeling too roomy and the heel cup was soft and comfortable. The lacing worked well here, too, with the quick-adjust laces including a pocket to tuck the ends into to stop them from snagging on things. I would have liked a heel loop too for ease of getting these on/off during triathlon racing, but that’s a minor point.
Seven colours are available for women and six for men. At the moment there is no GTX version in this style but there is a Blaze Grvl GTX available.
Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL specs
| Price | £140 UK / $145 |
| Size | Women’s: UK3-10 / US5-12 Men’s: UK6-14 / US7-15 |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Midsole | FF Blast Max Foam |
| Weight | 249g/8.8oz |
Helen Webster
Editor, 220 Triathlon 
