Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL Running Shoes Review

Some shoes are built for the mountains. Others for pavement. And then there’s that rising category that sits somewhere in the middle, perfect for runners who dip in and out of both worlds. That’s where the Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL lands.

This high-stack, road-to-trail daily trainer offers big cushioning, a smooth rolling ride, and just enough trail grip to handle fire roads and dry singletrack. It’s not a shoe you’d want to take on technical trails, it’s just not stable enough for that, but for cruising across mixed terrain, especially on tired legs, it hits the mark.

I’ve been testing both the GRVL and standard Aero Glide 3 back to back, and while they share the same soft, energetic midsole, some key differences in the upper and outsole may help you choose which is better for your style of running.

Key specs

• Price: $160 at salomon.com / sportsshoes.com (for UK readers)
• Weight: 9.7oz / 275g (Men’s US 9)
• Drop: 8mm
• Upper: 3D open mesh with neoprene tongue & reflective detailing
• Midsole: Energy Foam EVO (optiFOAM²), with Reverse Camber rocker
• Outsole: Gravel ContaGRIP with shallow Chevron lugs
• Extras: OrthoLite insole, flat laces, made with recycled materials

Fit & feel

This is one of the roomier Salomon shoes I’ve run in, especially in the midfoot and toe box.

It fits true to size in length, but if you’ve got narrow feet, expect a slightly looser feel unless you really crank the laces.

For wide-footed runners or anyone who wants to give their toes room to splay and swell on long runs, the fit is generous in the best way.

It’s forgiving and comfortable, particularly when recovery days call for plushness over precision.

Performance

Let’s cut straight to the chase, the ride is SOFT.

That Energy Foam EVO midsole brings plenty of bounce and cushioning, and even though it’s not built for speedwork, it’s got just enough response to keep things feeling fun.

It’s especially good for long runs, easy miles, and recovery days where all you want is the feeling of a little cloud underfoot.

Transitions feel natural thanks to the Reverse Camber rocker, and the wide base helps keep things stable on smoother terrain.

But when the trail gets unpredictable, that high stack and soft midsole can start to feel a bit wobbly, this isn’t a shoe built for tight corners or rocky descents.

The GRVL version adds shallow Chevron lugs via Salomon’s Gravel ContaGRIP outsole.

Traction is solid for dry dirt, gravel paths, and parks—but don’t expect miracles on wet rock or muddy trails. This is light trail territory only.

GRVL VS standard Aero Glide 3

This GRVL version trades the airy mesh of the road model for a denser upper and a neoprene tongue.

That combo helps keep dust and debris out, and offers a bit more structure but it’s definitely warmer. On hot days, I noticed my feet heating up more quickly in the GRVLs than in the standard version.

The tongue hugs nicely and avoids lace bite, but breathability takes a hit. So if you’re mostly road running or running in warmer temps, you might prefer the standard version.

But if your miles often include fire roads or dusty gravel tracks, the GRVL edition makes a compelling case.

Verdict

The Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL is a soft, stable, and accommodating shoe that thrives on smooth surfaces whether road or light trail.

It’s not trying to be a mountain shoe, and that’s okay. What it does deliver is comfort, room, and cushioning for long and easy days.

If your runs float between quiet asphalt and dry gravel, and you want a high-stack trainer that takes the edge off every landing, this is a great pick.

But if you lean more toward breathability and pavement comfort, stick with the standard version.