The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 (non gravel version) already won me over as a no-fuss daily trainer that values control and stability over bounce and flashiness. Now there’s a GRVL version, designed to handle gravel and light trails, as well as road surfaces.
The big question is: how much do you gain in trail-readiness, and what do you give up for it? I’ve been testing the Aero Blaze 3 GRVL across a mix of paved roads, gravel paths, and light trails to find out.
If you're someone who splits your time between surfaces, this review should help you figure out whether it's worth picking the GRVL over the standard version.
Key specifications
- Price: $140 at Salomon.com / Sportsshoes.com (UK Readers)
- Weight: 8.7oz (247g) for a size US(M)9 – my pair
- Drop: 8mm
- Upper: Engineered mesh with sensiFIT, reinforced with TPU overlays, high-rising padded collar walls
- Midsole: optiFOAM² for a balanced, responsive ride with Reverse Camber geometry
- Outsole: Gravel ContaGRIP with chevron lugs for multi-directional grip
- Extra attributes: Molded OrthoLite sockliner, textile lining, traditional flat laces, made using recycled materials
Sizing and fit
They fit true to size, with a generous toe box and medium width overall, ideal for higher volume or wider feet.
Lockdown is solid when you do the laces up tight, even with the non-gusseted tongue, and I haven’t experienced any heel slip.
The collars are soft and padded, but it's worth noting that the walls ride higher around the ankle than on the road version.
Performance review
This is where the Aero Blaze 3 GRVL justifies its name. The ride is still very similar to the road version; predictable, stable, and protective, but the tweaks make it more capable when your route takes a turn onto gravel, fireroads, or light trails.
The optiFOAM² midsole is nicely tuned for cruising at steady aerobic paces (around 5–6 min/km in my runs).
It doesn’t encourage you to speed up, but it gives you consistent cushioning with a touch of rebound.
There’s no harshness through the heel, and the firm but forgiving platform means you can stay out there for longer efforts without feeling too beat up.
That said, this isn’t a peppy midsole, the GRVL, like the road version, doesn’t snap at toe-off or give you much of a propulsive push.
It’s not a tempo-day shoe, it’s more about control and durability over unpredictable surfaces. Think of it as a versatile daily trainer that can handle road surface just as well as light trails.
On those surfaces, the Gravel ContaGRIP outsole shines.
Alastair Dixon
The chevron lugs and tackier rubber compound bite into dirt and gravel better than the road version.
And the addition of TPU overlays around the toebox gives extra structure and protection up front (see photo below).
These two upgrades make the GRVL a better choice if you’re running fire roads, or in the park.
Of course, you give something up for that, the GRVL is slightly heavier than the standard version (by about 12g in my US(M)9) and less breathable.
The upper traps more heat, especially in warm, humid weather, so this isn’t the ideal choice for summer road mileage but that's fine, we are coming into Fall and Winter months now.
Alastair Dixon
The sockliner is molded OrthoLite and it does a decent job of adding step-in comfort, but the material doesn’t feel as soft or movement-dampening as it could.
There’s some occasional shift underfoot which i think will be different for different feet shape and different running gaits.
My verdict
The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 GRVL feels like a smart extension of the regular Aero Blaze 3. It keeps the same midsole geometry and ride quality; stable, predictable, grounded, but adds the grip and ruggedness needed to tackle gravel, light trails, and wet roads with more confidence.
If your running routes include both road and unpaved sections, and you don’t want to mess with multiple shoes, then the GRVL version is a solid pick. If you have any questions, just drop them below, I reply to everyone!
