Salomon Aero Glide 3

Review by Kate Agathon

The first time I put on the Salomon Aero Glide 3 running shoes, I was absolutely shocked about how light and cushy they felt.

It was unbelievable.

If one could walk on marshmallow pillows, I imagine that is what it would feel like – no exaggeration. They are absurdly cushy and the lightest shoes I have ever worn. I found myself bouncing up and down just for funsies during the initial try on.

Some Background

If you’ve gone to the doctor’s office recently, you’ve probably noticed many of the staff are wearing running shoes. Similarly, you’ll see that in retail spaces as well.

Why? Many of the key features of running shoes (i.e. support, cushioning, durability) are useful in non-running environments where people are on their feet all day.

Full disclosure: I’m not a runner. I got the Salomon Aero Glide 3 to wear at my weekend job at a warehouse where I’m on my feet doing shipping and receiving all day. After I finally wore out my HOKA Bondi SR, someone suggested I try the Salomons and I’m grateful that I listened.

My main interest in the Salomon Aero Glide 3 shoes were for their maximal cushioning, flexibility, and lightness: all of which totally met and exceeded my expectations.

Look and Fit

I chose the black Salomon Aero Glide 3 because the neutral color goes with everything I wear.

Aside from the white very high-level stack that characterizes a shoe with maximum cushioning (I have never quite gotten used to the look), the shoe looked fine.

Admittedly, it was kind of weird to look down and see the outsole sticking out around the entire perimeter. But I was more concerned about performance and fit than aesthetics.

Salomon is one of a handful of companies that offers a women’s US size 5. I’ve only previously worn their hiking shoes, but I was willing to give their running shoes a try.

From a fit perspective, I was overall pleased with the Salomon Aero Glide 3, thanks to the seamless and breathable construction upper.

Compared to my leather upper Hokas, the super light 3D open mesh uppers on the Salomons made my feet feel like they were wearing nothing at all. Note: the all-leather Hoka Bondi SR was designed with service workers in mind. Of course it will be a little burlier.

One other initial observation: the toe box was just a tad too roomy and left the tiniest amount of space. Not enough to size down (I can’t anyway, since size 5 is the smallest available), but just enough where it is noticeable.

The heel counter has extra fabric that sticks out. Initially, I thought the extraneous hardened fabric was some kind of pull to help with removal. I later realized that it is on the outside of the shoe and not the inside to ensure a completely seamless interior.

Performance and Features

I wore the shoes during one of the biggest sales days of the year when we get so busy, it is possible to never emerge from the warehouse except on breaks.

The outsole’s Road Contagrip® features flat, wide lugs that offer ideal grip on flat, hard surfaces (i.e. cement floors of the warehouse), so I was grateful for the additional slip resistance.

Featuring a traditional lacing system, the Salomon Aero Glide 3’s flexibility allowed my foot to move naturally, as I spent the day going up and down stairs, climbing ladders, moving bulky items on dollies, and packing hundreds of packages.

The durability and support were better than I expected for a shoe not designed specifically for work environments.

I appreciated the extra support from the molded OrthoLite® sockliner that was comfortable and enhanced the fit by cradling my tired feet. My feet kept pounding hard surfaces all day long and nothing problematic arose.

The breathable mesh uppers kept my feet cool and dry, thanks to improved air circulation.

In my opinion, the Salomon Aero Glide 3 is defined by its midsole.

That’s where the magic happens.

Inspired by Salomon’s ski heritage, the curved midsole geometry is designed to make you feel like you are floating over the ground (which it definitely did). Constructed from Salomon FOAM evo, the midsole offers incredible responsiveness, absorbs, and returns energy. In other words, bouncy! Can wearing floaty shoes be fun? You bet!

Final Thoughts

Do the Salomon Aero Glide 3’s deliver on the cushioning that was promised? Absolutely!

I can’t attest as to how the Salomon Aero Glide 3 performs as a running shoe, but as a light, cushy work shoe, it got me through the grueling workday.

It doesn’t have a reinforced toe, so it isn’t good for all work environments where you want to avoid your toes getting crushed. However, for my job in the warehouse, they performed admirably.

Available in five colors and 13 sizes, the Salomon Aero Glide 3 is partially constructed from some recycled materials and also includes some reflective details. Incredibly light, the shoes bring comfort, durability, and unparalleled cushy support.

If you work in health care or retail and are allowed to wear running shoes, I recommend giving Salomon Aero Glide 3 a try.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her fiancé, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.