I was excited to try the Salomon Aero Blaze 3. It’s the kind of shoe you can take from easy recovery miles to faster-paced runs. At $140, it sits in a competitive spot in the market, offering runners a versatile trainer that doesn’t sacrifice bounce or comfort. I find it interesting, Salomon continues to be requested the most on the blog for shoes to review. They have grown a lot in the running world over the last few years.
I’ve been testing the Aero Blaze 3 throughout hot summer training on a mix of treadmill runs, road miles, and humid outdoor sessions. While Salomon is often associated with technical trail running gear, this model proves they’re making a serious push into the road category and doing it well.
Before trying the Salomon Aero Blaze 3, I had a few questions:
Is the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 good for daily training?
Yes. The Aero Blaze 3 was designed as a lightweight daily trainer with enough cushioning to handle mileage while staying responsive. It’s versatile enough for recovery runs, steady efforts, and even faster sessions, making it a solid “do-it-all” option in your rotation.
How does the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 fit?
The Aero Blaze 3 fits true to size for most runners, with a slightly snug midfoot and a more accommodating toe box. The engineered mesh upper is breathable and supportive, while the flat laces help provide good lockdown. Runners with wide feet may find the midfoot a little tight since Salomon doesn’t currently offer a wide version.
Can you use the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 for long runs?
Yes. With a 35 mm stack height and optiFOAM² cushioning, the Aero Blaze 3 has enough protection to handle long runs without feeling harsh underfoot. While it’s not a max-cushion shoe, the balance of comfort and responsiveness works well for weekend long efforts or midweek medium-long runs.
Is the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 good for racing?
The Aero Blaze 3 can work for everyday runners on race day, especially for 5Ks or 10Ks, thanks to its lightweight and bouncy ride. That said, it doesn’t have a carbon plate or super shoe-level propulsion, so competitive athletes may want to save it for training and workouts rather than goal races.
How durable is the Salomon Aero Blaze 3?
The Road Contagrip® outsole offers solid durability for a lightweight trainer. After multiple weeks of road and treadmill running, wear is minimal, and traction remains reliable. Most runners should expect the Aero Blaze 3 to last in the 300–400 mile range, which is about like other daily trainers.
Now, let’s get into an honest Salomon Aero Blaze 3 shoe review.
Quick Facts:
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Weight: 6.7 oz (women’s) / 7.9 oz (men’s)
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Stack Height: 35 mm
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Heel Drop: 8 mm
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Upper: Engineered mesh with reflective details
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Midsole: optiFOAM²
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Outsole: Road Contagrip® rubber
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Price: $140
Right out of the box, the Aero Blaze 3 feels sleek and modern. The design is simple but polished, and the lightweight build is immediately noticeable. I actually can’t believe how light it is for a daily trainer.
On the first few runs, what impressed me most was the balance between softness and responsiveness. Salomon’s optiFOAM² midsole provides enough cushioning for long runs but still has that pop you want when picking up the pace. This isn’t a mushy, overly soft shoe…it has a supportive, bouncy ride that adapts well to a variety of workouts.
Salomon Aero Blaze 3 Fit
The engineered mesh upper feels breathable and minimal, which is perfect for summer runs. It molds comfortably around the foot without being restrictive. I found the flat laces easy to adjust, giving the shoe solid lockdown potential.
One drawback is the tongue. It’s not gusseted, and although it isn’t floppy, it doesn’t stay as locked in as some runners may prefer. Still, it’s thin, breathable, and padded enough to keep the laces from digging in.
The best running shoe uppers fit true to size and I haven’t had any issues with the Salomon Aero Blaze 3. There hasn’t been any hot spots and it just feels good. What more do you need in a daily trainer?
As mentioned, the fit is true to size, though those with wide feet may feel a little squeezed in the midfoot since Salomon doesn’t offer a wide version. The toe box feels roomy enough without being overly spacious, which makes it a good option for runners who like a slightly performance-oriented fit.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and I’ve found the size 11 to fit the best.
Salomon Aero Blaze 3 Ride:
The midsole is where the magic happens and Salomon upgraded the midsole with optiFOAM². What does that mean? The foam is lively but stable and you feel like you can run a wide range of paces. Salomon’s added the Reverse Camber rocker so the transitions feel smooth and natural.
The 8 mm drop and 35 mm stack put this shoe in the sweet spot between low-profile lightweight trainers and maximalist daily trainers. It cushions well for longer efforts but doesn’t feel like too much shoe underfoot.
Where does theSalomon Aero Blaze 3 fit into my rotation? I hesitate to say the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 is a basic daily trainer, because it isn’t basic. But it is a great daily trainer option. I’ve used it for steady runs, tempo intervals, and pretty much every type of run.
The midsole handles all of these well, though it shines most in daily mileage and uptempo efforts. It doesn’t have the explosive pop of plated racing shoes, but that’s not its purpose. It’s a great daily trainer when you have no idea what kind of run you are going to do that day.
Outsole
The Road Contagrip outsole is durable and grips better than I expected for a lightweight trainer. Even on wet pavement, the outsole felt good. The rubber coverage is strategically placed, leaving some exposed midsole to keep the shoe light, but durability still seems strong. I have used it on back trails and haven’t had any issues. The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 is a good option for inclement weather and terrain that isn’t perfectly smooth.
After several weeks of testing, there’s very little visible wear. I’d expect this shoe to last as long as most daily trainers in the 300–400 mile range, which makes it a solid value at $140. Most daily trainers now are creeping up to $150.
Salomon Aero Blaze 3 Conclusion:
The Salomon Aero Blaze 3 is one of those shoes that doesn’t scream for attention but deserves it. I mean, honestly not many daily trainers do these days. It’s lightweight, cushioned enough for long runs, and versatile enough to handle a range of workouts. For $140, it provides comfort and performance and can handle your daily miles.
Who Should Buy the Salomon Aero Blaze 3
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Runners who want a versatile daily trainer for easy miles
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Athletes looking for a lightweight shoe that doesn’t sacrifice cushioning
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Those who prefer a smooth rocker feel in their stride
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Everyday runners seeking a reliable, under-$150 shoe that can do a bit of everything
Who Should Not Buy the Salomon Aero Blaze 3
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Runners with wide feet who need more room in the midfoot or toe box
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Those who want a max-cushion trainer for recovery days
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Runners looking for a plated shoe or race-day shoe
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite daily trainer?
Have you tried Salomon?