Salomon Aero Glide – Specs
Weight: Actual: 250g in size US 8.5
Stack height (forefoot/heel): 37mm/27mm
Drop: 10mm
For specific values, please check the Shoe Comparator in which you can compare the width for the forefoot, midfoot and heel against other shoes.
Upper and Fit of the Salomon Aero Glide: generous in volume
Ivan: I think the Aero Glide runs true-to-size both in length and overall volume. Maybe it’s a bit on the roomy side, but I don’t think that I could go down half a size. The shoe is nicely padded around the heel collar and the tongue is fairly thick. Combined with an overlay/reinforcement – running from the eyelet row to the heel – I find the overall lockdown sufficient without being spectacular. The mesh upper is quite simple and breathability is decent. However, I am not a fan of the “faux mesh look”. I rarely comment on design choices, but in this case I think it makes the shoe look a bit cheap. I also feel the urge to point out the included insole. It is extremely flimsy and it slides around constantly during my runs. Usually I think that Salomon products are very well executed, but I feel like Salomon has made some unsatisfactory choices with the Aero Glide that affect my overall impression.
Silke: The first look makes you think of comfort, foamy comfort and maybe squishy comfort, but the step in feeling is more like: “oops” its not squishy but more roomy and unspectacular. The big package of foam comes in at 238g in my size US W8,5 with a 10mm drop.
Caution: This Salomon model runs a bit big and wide. I usually wear a US W8.5. I managed to get a blister under my big toe because there is too much movement in the forefoot.
The upper material is lightweight and to a certain extent breathable with no real structure except from the midfoot overlays. There is a lining underneath the mesh and it is sure perfect if you tend to have cold feet during your runs. The tongue is nicely padded and even though it is not gusseted the laces are fixed and so it stays at its place. The lockdown could be better, I think that is because the upper material is so flexible and the midfoot overlays seems to not give any real structure. Structure on the other hand is to be found in the heel. There is a dominant heel cup that keeps your heel in place and avoids slipping. It is very stout and the complete heel area is padded. Although the material around the ankles is not the softest I did not have any blisters or issues from that.The insoles/ sockliners are nothing special but you can take them out easily if you like to replace them.
Midsole – best in class weight to cushion ratio but nothing spectacular in terms of ride
Ivan: I have a bit of experience with this foam compound from Salomon and it seems like they tweak it a bit differently every time. In this case it feels very light, airy and cushioned, but lacks a bit of energy return. A very pleasant rocker geometry makes up for it to some extent. I welcome the 10mm drop which is rare for these kinds of rockered shoes. It works quite well for me at easy paces. The simplicity of the shoe – both in the upper and midsole – is in one way a strength, while also a weakness. It helps keep the weight down at a very reasonable level compared to the level of cushioning. But the ride also feels a bit shallow and dull. It just rolls along nicely and doesn’t get in the way. The platform is fairly wide – especially compared to the upper – and stability has not been an issue, despite it being a neutral shoe. I found it most comfortable for recovery and easy runs. It is light enough to work also at moderate paces, but I just think there are better and more nimble options out there for that use case. Including the Aero Blaze and Aero Volt in the same ‘Aero-lineup’ from Salomon.
Silke: The Aero glide offers a maximum cushion of Salomon’s Energy foam. It is an EVA and Olefin based compound for long lasting cushioning and lively energy return. Salomon are using a skiing inspired rocker geometry they call reverse camber. As this is my first pair of Salomon street running shoes I was curious how all this foam would feel and I have to say I am a bit disappointed. After my first 10k I was confused what to do with this shoe. I found the foam a bit stiff and although it absorbed all the impact it absorbed all of my energy too! But I never judge a shoe from one run and I took the shoe out for easier and recovery runs and use d it more and more. I eventually got to like the simple ride and the rocker geometry that lets me roll easily through my gait cycle.
The Contagrip outsole is decent and will be durable but should be more flexible
Silke: The rubber on the outsole has some flex grooves and it turned out that after about 100k it has become a smoother ride. There are flat, wide lugs for good grip on flat, hard surfaces. Salomon says it is “ideal for running on asphalt”. I personally think that this outsole is also suited for light gravel and I do not see why there should be less traction on light trails. In my opinion, the flexgroove under the forefoot could be placed more to the midfoot or they could add more of them to give a better flexibility especially when you are running uphill.
Ivan: The outsole is well-covered and thick and should hold up well. With only one groove up front, it is not very flexible and you get almost no ground feel. But that makes sense with this kind of rocker geometry, which works as a solid platform that guides you though the gait cycle. As for the grip, I was very surprised to discover that grip was sub-par. Usually I have had no issues with the so-called ‘Contagrip’ that Salomon often uses. But I have been sliding around non stop in damp conditions this time around.
Conclusion – the best Salomon road trainer without bells and whistles
Ivan: While being impressed by the overall cushion-to-weight ratio, I feel like the overall “package” is somewhat dull and uninspiring. The upper and fit is decent. It is simple with no bells and whistles. It doesn’t scream comfort and it doesn’t have to. But I can’t help feeling a bit underwhelmed considering my previous experiences with uppers from Salomon.
As for the ride, it just lacks a bit of fun despite a nice rocker. It is best described as dampening with only very little squish or bounce. There should be enough cushion and stability to please the majority of runners and I imagine that most will be using it as a “bread-and-butter’ kind of shoe to get some mileage in.
Silke: After 166k/ about 100 miles there are no real signs of wear – albeit slightly on those little circles on the Salomon Contagrip outsole. And even though the ride is nothing special I took the Salomon Aero Glide to 100 miles. I use it in my shoe rotation for daily runs up to 20k. Yes, during my runs I am thinking of how it would feel if the midsole would offer a bit more bounce. But then your daily runs are bread and butter and it is easier not to pick up the pace with the Salomon Aero Glide and keep my hear trate under control.
Authors
Alex
27 yo
183cm (6′) – 68kg (148lbs)
Mid/Forefoot striker – Stride runner
Moderate pronator
Ivan
46 yo
180cm (5’9″) – 63kg (138lbs)
Heel/Midfoot striker – Cadence runner
Mild pronator
Tim
29 yo
169cm (5’5″) – 57kg (125lbs)
Heel/Midfoot strike – Cadence runner
Moderate pronator
Ivan
47 years old
180cm (5’9″) – 63kg (138lbs)
Midfoot striker – Cadence runner
Mild pronator
