Hey there, running enthusiasts!

Here at Sundried, we're always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gear to help you smash your PBs and enjoy every mile. Today, we're lacing up to give you the lowdown on a serious contender in the daily trainer category: the Salomon Aero Glide 3.

Now, Salomon might be a name you associate with rugged trail adventures, but they're making some serious waves on the tarmac, and the Aero Glide 3 is a testament to their commitment to road running. This isn't just an update; it's a statement.

The Salomon Aero Glide 3: Your New Daily Dynamo?

Imagine a shoe that cradles your foot in comfort while giving you a spring in your step - that's the promise of the Aero Glide 3. It's designed to be your go-to for those everyday miles, whether you're easing into a recovery jog or ticking off a long-distance effort.

At its heart lies Salomon's advanced Energy Foam EVO (eTPU) midsole. Forget clunky, unresponsive cushioning; this stuff is designed to be lighter, bouncier, and more energetic than many of its rivals. Coupled with Salomon's signature Reverse Camber geometry (inspired by their ski heritage, no less!), it creates a wonderfully smooth, "floating" sensation that truly comes alive once you get moving.

And it's not just about what's underfoot. The seamless 3D mesh upper is a stroke of genius, wrapping your foot like a second skin, providing a plush, glove-like fit that's also incredibly breathable. Comfort, breathability, and security - tick, tick, tick!

The Nitty-Gritty: What Makes it Tick?

Let's dive a bit deeper into the tech that makes the Aero Glide 3 sing:

• Energy Foam EVO: This isn't your average foam. It's an expanded bead supercritical eTPU foam, engineered to be remarkably light and bouncy. This means you get all the delicious cushioning without feeling like you're dragging your feet.
• Reverse Camber Geometry: This clever curved midsole design promotes a natural, smooth heel-to-toe transition. It's all about making your stride feel more effortless and efficient.
• Road Contagrip® Outsole: Designed specifically for the roads, this outsole balances durability with grip, giving you confident traction on hard, flat surfaces.
• Seamless 3D Mesh Upper: No more annoying seams or pressure points! This innovative construction ensures a comfortable, secure, and highly breathable fit.

Quick Specs at a Glance:

On the Road: What Runners Are Saying

We've been gathering feedback, and the consensus is clear: the Aero Glide 3 is a seriously impressive bit of kit.

The High Points:

• Unrivalled Comfort: From the moment you slip them on, the "super comfortable step in" is evident. The seamless upper truly delivers that "glove-like" fit, making every run a pleasure.
• Bouncy & Energetic Ride: That Energy Foam EVO really shines! Runners describe it as "light, bouncy, energetic, soft" with "incredible energy return." It's particularly praised for "coming alive" as you pick up the pace, offering a delightful "pop."
• Surprising Versatility: While it's a maximal cushioned shoe, it's proving to be a true "do-everything" daily trainer. It's ideal for easy, recovery, and long runs, but many are finding it capable of handling faster-paced workouts and even longer threshold efforts.
• Lightweight for its Stack: Despite its generous cushioning, the Aero Glide 3 remains remarkably light, contributing to an "effortless" and "swift and nimble" feel.
• Effective Rocker: The Reverse Camber design is a hit, creating that lovely "floating sensation" and promoting super smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

A Few Pointers to Note:

• The Break-in Period: This is perhaps the biggest consideration. Don't be surprised if the midsole feels a "bit too firm at first." Users consistently report that it "softens up" and "comes alive" after around 20-40 miles. Patience, young padawan!
• Sizing Nuances: While some find it true to size, others recommend going "half a size down," especially if you have narrower feet or prefer a snugger fit. If you can, try before you buy!
• Off-Road Limitations: While the GRVL version offers some versatility for smooth dirt and gravel, the shoe's inherent softness and high stack mean it's "too soft for uneven terrain." This is fundamentally a road shoe, and while it can handle a bit of light off-roading, it's not built for technical trails or deep mud.
• Wet Grip: The Road Contagrip® is excellent on dry surfaces, but some users have noted concerns about "wet grip."

How Does it Stack Up?

The Aero Glide 3 isn't just good in isolation; it's holding its own against some big names:

• Versus the Aero Glide 2: A huge leap forward! The previous version was often described as "VERY firm," so the Glide 3's softer, more responsive ride is a welcome improvement.
• Against the Competition: Comparisons are being drawn with the likes of the ASICS Novablast 5 (where the Aero Glide 3's TPU foam is expected to offer better longevity) and even the Saucony Triumph 22, with some runners preferring Salomon's offering for its plush, energetic ride.

This really highlights Salomon's growing confidence and prowess in the road running market. They're not just competing; they're setting a new standard for comfort and performance.

Sundried's Verdict & Recommendations

The Salomon Aero Glide 3 is a real game-changer for Salomon in the road running arena. It's a superb option for anyone seeking a comfortable, protective, and versatile daily trainer that's built to last.

Who is this shoe for?

• Your Everyday Runner: If you're looking for a comfortable and versatile shoe for your daily miles, look no further.
• Long-Run Lovers: Its maximal cushioning and energetic foam make it perfect for soaking up the miles on those longer efforts.
• Comfort Seekers: If a plush landing and smooth transitions are high on your list, you'll adore these.
• Durability Focused: The TPU foam is known for its resilience, promising consistent performance over a significant lifespan.
• Road & Light Gravel Explorers: Ideal for pavements, bike paths, and non-technical gravel tracks.

Things to keep in mind:

• Patience with the Break-in: Give it those initial 20-40 miles to truly come alive.
• Try Before You Buy (if possible): This will help ensure the perfect fit for your foot.
• Know Your Terrain: While versatile, remember its strengths lie on the road and light, non-technical surfaces.

In conclusion, the Salomon Aero Glide 3 is a truly exciting addition to the running shoe landscape. It successfully marries Salomon's performance heritage with a distinct focus on plush comfort and a dynamic ride. It's a shoe that promises to make your daily runs more enjoyable, more comfortable, and perhaps even a little more energetic.

Happy running!

The Sundried Team