Our verdict

Third time’s a charm for the Aero Glide 3, as it finally earns a top spot in the maximalist category. We tested it in the lab and out on the road and found it lighter, bouncier, and more stable than before. In our view, Salomon landed a great mix of comfort, cushioning, and low weight, making it an easy pick for long runs. Still, the tapered fit may be too tight for many, and we think the upper and outsole could fall short in durability.

Pros

  • Surprinsingly light for its size
  • Improved energy return
  • Maximalist cushioning from heel to toe
  • Smooth, natural-feeling rocker
  • Innovative inside-out upper construction
  • Solid ventilation
  • Handles long runs with ease
  • Good grip
  • Premium quality materials

Cons

  • Pricier than most competitors
  • Tight fit and tapered toebox
  • Upper and outsole durability concerns

Audience verdict

92
Superb!

Who should buy

We believe the Aero Glide 3 from Salomon is a smart pick for:

  • Runners who found the Aero Glide 2 decent but wanted more bounce and cushion—this update feels miles ahead.
  • Anyone looking for a lightweight, ultra-cushioned trainer built with high-quality materials.
  • Those who want strong protection for long runs without a super-aggressive rocker.

Salomon Aero Glide 3

Who should NOT buy

From our perspective, the Aero Glide 3 doesn’t quite work for runners with average or wide feet, as the narrow shape and tapered toebox feel overly tight and can get uncomfortable. If you want a roomier yet still max-cushioned ride, the ASICS Novablast 5 nails it—and it’s easier on the wallet too.

We also found that durability isn’t one of the Aero Glide 3’s strengths. Through our evaluation, both the outsole and upper showed signs of fast deterioration. For high-mileage runners, we think the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 or Adidas Adizero EVO SL are better picks.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

The Aero Glide 3 finally goes over the 40 mm mark in the heel. This time, we measured a solid 42.2 mm using our digital calipers. Interestingly, the Aero Glide 2 only had 35.5 mm despite claiming 41 mm in the spec sheet.

That ultra-cushioned design makes it a go-to option for those who crave plush landings and for heavier runners looking for extra joint protection. With this kind of stack, it’s clear that impact absorption won’t be a concern.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Heel stack
Test results
Aero Glide 3 42.2 mm
Average 34.3 mm
Compared to 420 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot impressed us as well, coming in at 31.9 mm and clearing the 30 mm barrier with ease. In other words: midfoot and forefoot strikers who want maximum impact protection will feel right at home too.

It’s also a massive upgrade in cushioning compared to version 2, which clocked just 24.2 mm in this same test and featured a noticeably slimmer forefoot.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Forefoot stack
Test results
Aero Glide 3 31.9 mm
Average 25.7 mm
Compared to 420 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

We measured a 10.3 mm drop using our digital calipers—slightly more than the 8 mm stated by Salomon. The difference is small, but the Aero Glide 3 may feel extra-friendly for heel strikers now.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Drop
Test results
Aero Glide 3 10.3 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 420 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The midsole upgrade stands out not only for its taller stack but also for the foam itself.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 EVO

Salomon switched from Energy Foam to Energy Foam EVO, a change from EVA to an eTPU blend that feels smoother and more responsive. And on top of that, it's lighter too.

We tested its softness and got a 21.0 HA reading, which sits in a sweet spot for a max-stack shoe. While some runners may want ultra-plush landings, that would’ve made the Aero Glide 3 potentially too unstable.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Midsole softness
Test results
Aero Glide 3 21.0 HA
Average 20.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 347 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.9 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Thanks to the switch from EVA to eTPU, the Aero Glide 3 handles cold weather far better. After chilling for 20 minutes next to our ice creams, we measured only a 14% decrease in softness.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
Aero Glide 3 14%
Average 25%
Compared to 346 running shoes
Number of shoes
1%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The Ortholite insole is made with recycled materials and measures 4.1 mm in thickness.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Insole thickness
Test results
Aero Glide 3 4.1 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 416 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

One of the most interesting features of the Aero Glide 3 is that, unlike most ultra-thick competitors, it sticks to a fairly classic rocker with only a mild curve in the heel and forefoot. 

Salomon Aero Glide 3 side

This creates a more natural-feeling ride and makes the shoe more comfortable for walking. We also think it’s a refreshing option for runners who prefer that unassisted running feel but also want to enjoy the benefits of a modern max-stack build.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Rocker

Size and fit

Size

Salomon Aero Glide 3 is slightly large (31 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 402 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Width / Fit

New

When we tried on the Aero Glide 3 after receiving the pair we purchased, we immediately sensed it wasn’t a roomy shoe—it actually felt quite snug.

And once we began our series of measurements, that impression was quickly confirmed. At 92.8 mm in width, it clearly leans toward the narrow side compared to almost any other running shoe.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Width / Fit
Test results
Aero Glide 3 92.8 mm
Average 95.3 mm
Compared to 175 running shoes
Number of shoes
88.5 mm
Width / Fit
102.4 mm

Toebox width

New

The Aero Glide 3 doesn’t just run narrow overall, it also features a tapered toebox that measures only 70.8 mm in the big toe area. So yes, there’s definitely limited space for natural toe splay.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Toebox width
Test results
Aero Glide 3 70.8 mm
Average 73.5 mm
Compared to 175 running shoes
Number of shoes
66.7 mm
Toebox width
83.5 mm

Toebox height

New

While the shoe feels tight in horizontal space, vertical clearance is far more generous, measuring 28.8 mm in height.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Toebox height
Test results
Aero Glide 3 28.8 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 174 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Traction / Grip

Traction test

New

Salomon has decades of trail-focused expertise with its CONTAGRIP rubber, and the Aero Glide 3 clearly benefits from that legacy to post a strong 0.49 grip score in our lab. This means reliable traction on both dry and wet surfaces for all-weather runs.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 0.49
Average 0.46
Compared to 214 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.11
Forefoot test result
0.83

Outsole design

New

The outsole of the Aero Glide 3 uses CONTAGRIP rubber compound arranged in long segments on both sides of the foot. There’s also a lot of exposed EVA foam, along with a small textured cutout in the forefoot that makes the Aero Glide 3 really lightweight.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Outsole design

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Aero Glide 3 is a neutral shoe that features subtle guidance elements like oversized heel sidewalls, a broad platform, and outsole guidance lines that help keep the foot centered. We recommend it for neutral runners, though mild pronators may also find it suitable.

Torsional rigidity

With such a high-stack midsole, we expected limited flexibility—and the 4/5 score in our torsional rigidity test confirms that’s a fair assessment.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 399 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

On the flip side, Salomon prioritized heel comfort over support, resulting in a rare 2/5 score in our test. This makes it a solid choice for runners with sensitive heels or Haglund’s deformity.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 383 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The shoe feels massive right out of the box. Up front, we measured a chunky 120.3 mm width in the forefoot—something that, not long ago, was seen only in stability-focused trainers and now is becoming normal even for daily trainers.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Midsole width - forefoot
Test results
Aero Glide 3 120.3 mm
Average 114.2 mm
Compared to 421 running shoes
Number of shoes
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

The same story continues in the heel, where we recorded a broad 96.2 mm width. This adds solid rearfoot stability to the sky-high platform—but naturally, it comes at the cost of agility. Not a match for nimble-shoe fans!

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Midsole width - heel
Test results
Aero Glide 3 96.2 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 421 running shoes
Number of shoes
70.8 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

New

We tested the Aero Glide 3 using our precision-calibrated bend machine and recorded a force of 16.0N to achieve a 30-degree flex. This lands it in the average range.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
Aero Glide 3 16.0N
Average 15.0N
Compared to 222 running shoes
Number of shoes
4.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
28.5N

Weight

Despite having a huge midsole in every dimension, the Aero Glide 3 keeps things impressively lightweight at just 8.7 oz or 248g. We discovered that Salomon crafted a true feather-built contender for the maximalist category as weight is clearly one of its standout strengths.

How did they make that possible? The updated foam plays a major role, the outsole trims off a chunk of rubber, and the upper uses a lighter mesh.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Weight
Test results
Aero Glide 3 8.7 oz (248g)
Average 9.3 oz (265g)
Compared to 421 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.6 oz (159g)
Weight
12.6 oz (357g)

Breathability

Salomon’s decades-deep experience with uppers clearly paid off: our breathability test revealed a strong 4/5 score, making the Aero Glide 3 a reliable all-season option, even during scorching-hot summer days.

The upper is built in two contrasting sections. The rear uses a dense and structured material to deliver rearfoot support, while the midfoot and forefoot feature a feather-light mesh to improve airflow and reduce weight.

We examined the shoe under our microscope and found an ultra-thin engineered mesh.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 mesh

Based on our testing background, this airy design definitely raises some red flags regarding long-term durability.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 microscope

We also discovered that while the upper provides solid comfort, Salomon intentionally reduced padding around the heel and tongue to trim some weight.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 350 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Our worst fears were confirmed the moment we brought out the Dremel. The upper disintegrated instantly, earning a rock-bottom 1 out of 5 in our durability test.

However, it’s worth noting that Salomon added a tough-and-protective TPU overlay to reinforce the toe cap.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 1
Average 2.6
Compared to 284 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding of the Aero Glide 3 held up noticeably better, earning a respectable 3/5. While not groundbreaking, it offers dependable durability in this impact-prone zone.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 3
Average 3.3
Compared to 279 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole durability

We tested the outsole durability and found it to be one of the less exciting parts of the shoe—something that became obvious in our Dremel durability test. The result? A wear depth of 1.4 mm.

While that’s still within an acceptable range for average daily trainers, we like outsoles that dip below 1 mm.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 1.4 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 262 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Salomon played it safe with a 3.9 mm outsole thickness, and given the underwhelming result from our Dremel test, we saw that as a smart move. It also makes us think that with a tougher, more durable rubber, they could easily trim the thickness and make this shoe even lighter.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Outsole thickness
Test results
Aero Glide 3 3.9 mm
Average 3.3 mm
Compared to 417 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Price

The Aero Glide 3 keeps the same price as the previous version, which we think is fair considering it was already on the high side for daily trainers. We didn’t expect a price cut, but we also can’t ignore that being more expensive than core competitors like the Nike Vomero 18 might hurt sales too.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 $160
Average $147
Compared to 421 running shoes
Number of shoes
$60
Price
$285

Reflective elements

Another highlight we appreciated in the Aero Glide 3 is its 360-degree reflectivity—a standout safety feature that’s surprisingly rare among daily trainers.

Test results
Aero Glide 3 Yes

Tongue padding

The tongue is relatively wide and decently cushioned at 6.4 mm, striking a balance between plush comfort and smart weight savings while doing a great job at relieving lace pressure.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 tongue

Flat, trail-inspired laces weave through reinforced textile loops instead of classic eyelets, offering a snug-fitting lockdown through the midfoot—though they might feel slightly long for some runners. Each loop is anchored with red zig-zag stitching that reinforces the structure and adds a touch of rugged durability to the overall design.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Tongue padding
Test results
Aero Glide 3 6.4 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 418 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue is partially attached to the sides, and this is one of those details where we clearly felt Salomon’s trail-focused heritage. Instead of adding a fabric gusset, they directly stitched the upper to the tongue—just like in mountain-ready designs to block debris.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Aero Glide 3 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

While there's no heel tab on this shoe, one of the coolest features we discovered in the Aero Glide 3 is its inside-out upper construction. This design leaves the stitching exposed on the outside of the heel, keeping the interior silky-smooth and irritation-free.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Heel tab
Test results
Aero Glide 3 None

Removable insole

The Ortholite insole isn’t glued down, so it’s easy to remove whenever you want.

Salomon Aero Glide 3 Removable insole
Test results
Aero Glide 3 Yes