What Is Gravel Running? Understanding Salomon's GRVL Running Shoes

Road run. Gravel path. Canal towpath. Park trail.

For many runners, these surfaces all feature in the same run, yet until recently there wasn't really a category of shoe designed specifically for that experience.

That's where Salomon's GRVL range comes in.

In this guide, we'll explain what gravel running actually is, why mixed-surface routes are becoming increasingly popular, and how Salomon has created a dedicated range of shoes for the terrain that sits between road and trail.

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What is Gravel Running?

Gravel running sits somewhere between road and trail. It’s running that feels less structured. It’s running that opens up more space to explore.

While the term ‘gravel running’ may feel relatively new, the reality is that runners have always been doing it — linking together roads, parks, towpaths and light trails in a single run without really thinking about it. You’ve probably done it yourself.

These mixed-surface routes have always existed. What’s changed is that brands like Salomon have now leaned into this in-between space to create shoes that really excel for this type of running, meaning you're no longer forced to choose between a road shoe or a trail shoe.

You may have previously reached for a trail shoe with smaller lugs, or a road shoe with the best traction you could find. But with the new Salomon GRVL range, you don’t have to compromise.

As pioneers in off-road running, Salomon have drawn on decades of trail expertise to create a shoe that's purpose-built for the mixed-surface routes many runners tackle every day. Combining road-shoe comfort with trail-inspired grip, the GRVL range gives you the confidence to venture onto those light off-road sections that a typical road shoe was never designed for.

The result is a shoe that's prepared for those natural gear changes underfoot, allowing you to move seamlessly from road to path, gravel, and back again.

This type of running appeals to runners of all levels because it strips away the boundaries of your usual route. You can head out the door without overthinking surface changes or footwear choices — simply follow the route wherever it takes you.

So in a way, gravel running isn’t a brand-new discipline. It’s more of a fresh label for a familiar kind of run. And that’s where the Salomon GRVL range was born.

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Why More Runners Are Exploring Gravel or Mixed Terrain running?

Most runners are looking for variety in their training, which has helped gravel routes become increasingly popular.

With a gravel running shoe, you’re not tied to a single surface. You can push past the pavement and follow a route as it naturally unfolds, from road to path to gravel without having to think about changing gear or shoes.

On the right hard-packed terrain, many runners find they can still maintain a similar rhythm and effort to road running, thanks to lightweight designs and road-inspired geometry.

For many runners, it can be a welcome break from repetitive road mileage. For others, it’s a natural stepping stone into trail running, as you begin to explore light forest paths and off-road sections without needing technical trail experience.

At its core, this style of running is about switching off a little, instead of watching your watch, you begin to appreciate your surroundings. It’s the run where you follow the path you’ve always wondered about, turn down the canal track you normally ignore, or finally discover that small stretch of local nature you’d never linked together before.

What is a GRVL Shoe?

The GRVL range blends elements of both road and trail footwear, creating a shoe that feels comfortable on the road while still giving you the confidence to venture onto lighter off-road terrain.

Rather than simply taking a trail shoe and making it lighter and more cushioned, Salomon has created something purpose-built for mixed-surface running. The result is a shoe that feels efficient and cushioned on  firmer tarmac, and stable and secure on uneven terrain.

Part of that comes from the outsole. The GRVL range uses lower-profile 2.5mm lugs, providing extra traction on loose surfaces without creating the firm, heavy feeling that some trail shoes can have on the road.

The cushioning also plays an important role. By retaining much of the comfort and ride feel you'd expect from a road shoe, the GRVL models remain enjoyable during longer stretches of pavement.

Essentially, Salomon has designed a shoe for the way many people already run. You might leave the house on roads, cut through a local park, follow a gravel path for a few miles and then finish back on tarmac. The GRVL range is built to handle those transitions naturally, so you can focus less on the surface beneath your feet and more on where the route takes you.

Salomon GRVL Range in Detail:

Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL

Max cushioning across gravel routes

The Aero Glide 4 GRVL takes your everyday runs to the next level with responsive max cushioning, standout comfort, and gravel-ready performance. The OptiFOAM² midsole foam delivers springy, cushioned strides mile after mile.

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Salomon Aero Blaze 3 GRVL

A lightweight daily gravel trainer

Lightweight, all-terrain running shoe that gives you the freedom to pick up the pace on road, gravel and beyond. An optiFOAM² midsole promises soft landings and an added bounce to your stride. Its secure fit and grippy sole dares you to switch terrain and explore new playgrounds.

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Salomon Aero Blaze 3 GRVL GORE-TEX

Lightweight & waterproof

Offering all the benefits of the Aero Blaze 3 GRVL, but with a GORE-TEX membrane upper, keeping your feet dry on wet gravel routes.

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