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Salomon Aero Blaze 4 review
Salomon tuned the optiFOAM² midsole, and the Aero Blaze 4 runs smoother and livelier for it. Still $140, still versatile, now better.
The Aero Blaze keeps its no-fuss, versatile character, but a tuned midsole makes it smoother and more responsive than before.
The Salomon Aero Blaze 4 takes everything I liked about the previous version and quietly sharpens it.
It's still a versatile daily trainer that handles most runs without asking anything of you, a stable, connected-to-the-ground platform you can trust.
The difference this time is in the ride. The tuned optiFOAM² midsole feels smoother and more responsive underfoot, and I prefer it over the 3 across pretty much every run I've taken it on.
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Key specifications
- Price: $140 at Salomon (unchanged from v3 - thank you Salomon!)
- Weight: 8.3oz (235g) for a size US(M)9 on my scale (same as v3)
- Drop: 8mm (35mm/27mm stack)
- Upper: New engineered mesh with zoned structure for airflow and support
- Midsole: Updated optiFOAM² with fine-tuned reverseCAMBER rocker geometry
- Outsole: Road Contagrip with optimized rubber zoning
- Extra attributes: Molded OrthoLite sockliner, lightly cushioned tongue, recycled materials, flat laces
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Sizing and fit
They fit true to size, with a medium overall width and a spacious toe box that leaves room for natural toe splay. No change from the 3 here, so if that pair worked for you, stick with your usual size.
Lockdown is secure and there's no heel slip, even without using racer's loop lacing.
The upper is where Salomon has done visible work. The engineered mesh is redesigned with zoned structure, firmer where you want support and more open where you want airflow, plus a lightly cushioned tongue.
The collar and heel counter stay soft and padded without overdoing it, which is exactly what I want from a daily trainer.
There's also some nice arch support underfoot for those who need it; that also makes them great for those recovering from plantar fasciitis.
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Performance review
The optiFOAM² update is the real story
On the run, the Aero Blaze 4 keeps the same geometry, and balanced, protective feel I liked in the 3, but the midsole now has more life to it.
The re-tuned optiFOAM² feels smoother and more responsive underfoot.
Landings still feel controlled and grounded, but there's a little more give-back through the stride, so the ride reads as less flat than the 3's modest rebound.
It's still not a super soft, spring-loaded maximalist shoe, and it isn't trying to be. This is a controlled, planted feel with a touch more energy, not a bouncy one.
It's happy to pick up the pace now
At 8.3oz (235g) it stays light for an everyday trainer, and that keeps it versatile across long runs, steady daily mileage, and uptempo efforts.
The fine-tuned reverseCAMBER rocker helps here. Transitions feel more fluid heel-to-toe, and toe-off is a little more willing than the 3, which I always felt lacked snap when I wanted to push.
It still won't replace your speed training shoes, but it no longer feels like it's holding you back when you lift the effort.
Cushioning that holds up over distance
The balanced platform is protective enough for longer miles without going soft and mushy. I've found it comfortable holding pace on longer efforts while staying stable underneath me.
That combination of light weight, moderate forefoot flexibility, and a smoother midsole is what makes it such an easy shoe to reach for on a normal training day.
Grip and durability stay dependable
The Road Contagrip outsole carries over with refined rubber zoning, thinner in low-wear areas and protected where it counts.
Grip has been reliable across road, gravel, and very light trail, which matches my experience with the 3. Durability looks solid so far, though I'll update this once I've put even more miles on them; I'm keeping these in my rotatoin, I like them that much.
If this appeals, these are worth a look
If you want more bounce and higher stack, softer and livelier midsole in the same family, the Salomon Aero Glide 4 is the softer, max cushion option.
Salomon Aero Glide 4 review: the polished upgrade I wanted
Salomon keeps the lively, lightweight max-cushion ride of the Aero Glide 3 and refines it into an even more complete daily trainer.
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If you like the grounded, stable daily trainer character but want to compare across brands, the shoes in my daily trainer roundup are all worth weighing up, and the Aero Blaze 4 has shuffled that leaderboard more than I expected. Where it landed might surprise you: see my full daily trainers roundup here.
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Who it's for, and who should skip it
It's for you if you want a light, stable, versatile daily trainer with a smooth, connected ride and enough response to handle a mix of paces. It's an easy, low-drama shoe that just works.
Skip it if you're chasing a soft, maximally cushioned ride or a plated, snappy racer. This is a practical do-it-all daily trainer, not an exciting one, and that's the point.
If you ran the previous version, the 4 will feel familiar but noticeably smoother and more responsive. You can read my Salomon Aero Blaze 3 review for the full comparison, and my best salomon running shoes roundup to see how it sits within the broader Salomon product line.
My verdict
The Salomon Aero Blaze 4 is a smart, low-risk update that keeps the reliable, versatile daily trainer formula I liked in the 3, while fixing the two things I wanted more of: a smoother, more responsive ride and better transitions.
At $140 it stays excellent value, and it's become one of my most-reached-for road daily trainers right now, as I train for Speedgoat by UTMB. It's still the practical, dependable option rather than the flashy one, just a better version of that formula at the same weight and price. You can pick up a pair now for $140 below.
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