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Did Salomon Just Invent a New Class of Running Shoes?

The brand turned to cycling to fill a hole in the shoe aisle.

salomon running shoeSalomon

By Jack Seemer

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Most running shoes fall into one of three buckets: the road, trail or track. But what about gravel?

Historically, it’s been enough for brands to simply back into the question, providing solutions by way of shoes with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. But nothing to date has ever felt all the way there.

In some way, Salomon gets closer than any brand before with the release of the DRX Defy Grvl, one of the first shoes designed specifically for those who find themselves pounding gravel — either by choice or necessity.

Salomon DRX Defy Grvl

Gravel can be great on joints, however, traditional outsoles struggle with the soft, uneven terrain.

That’s because road shoes have very little grip, increasing the odds of someone slipping or rolling an ankle. They also offer minimal protection against errant rocks underfoot.

As for trail shoes, their lugs are either too soft (as is the case with the famous XT-6) or too stiff, harsh and heavy. No, thank you …

To bridge the gap, Salomon turned to gravel bikes to inspire a brand-new kind of outsole with flat, chevron-shaped lugs that provide multi-directional traction on loose dirt.

Salomon running shoe
The tires on gravel bikes inspired the 2.5mm chevron-shaped lugs.
Salomon

They also measure a unique 2.5mm thick — more than what you’d find on a road shoe but only about half as aggressive as your standard trail runner.

On top of that, the shoe features a bed of durable and responsive EVA foam that combines with a medial wedge Salomon calls the ActiveChassis for extra stability and support. A large fork-shaped cutout saves weight and improves torsional flexibility.

salomon running shoe
The fork-shaped cutout not only saves weight but improves torsional flexibility.
Salomon

The upper is probably the least novel part about the new model. Nonetheless, a 3D mesh material promises adequate air flow and breathability, while Salomon’s signature SensiFit system cradles the foot for a secure fit.

Availability and pricing

At launch, the standard version of the DRX Defy Grvl comes in two colors — black (with red accents and a blue midsole) and light green. It costs $140.

In a nod to the shoe’s gravel-grinding roots, Salomon also teamed up with the cycling brand Pas Normal Studios.

The pair will release an exclusive black-on-black colorway of the DRX Defy Grvl on Wednesday, October 9. When it does, expect it to move quickly.

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