I ran 35 miles in the Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX, and it’s a great waterproof shoe for mixed terrain running

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the cold, wet days of winter are approaching fast, and if you plan on running through the season, there are some benefits to buying a specialist set of running shoes for it.The two features I look for in the best running shoes for the winter are an outsole that grips well in wet conditions and a water-repellent or waterproof upper.Both boxes are ticked by the Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX, which has a Gore-Tex membrane in the upper, is fully waterproof, and has a gravel-ready outsole that works well on a wide variety of terrain.I’ve used the shoe for a mix of runs on roads, light trails and grassy hills and it’s impressed me as a winter-ready daily trainer. If you don’t need its waterproof upper or versatile outsole, though, you’ll get a better ride from some lighter, bouncier road options like the Asics Novablast 6.Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX review: Price and availability(Image credit: Future)The Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX launched in fall 2026 and costs $160 in the U.S. and £145 in the U.K., which is $20/£20 more expensive than the standard model of the shoe without the Gore-Tex upper.Salomon also released the Aero Glide 4 GRVL in its line-up, which is a slightly softer and more cushioned option than the Blaze, which some runners might prefer for easy long runs in particular.Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX review: Design and fit(Image credit: Future)The Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX is currently available in four colors, including Vanilla Ice, the model I tested for those who want to show off the dirt they run through, and an all-black design for those who don’t.My US men’s size 10 weighs exactly 10oz, which is light for a shoe with a thick outsole, waterproof upper, and tall stack of foam in the midsole.The stack height is 37mm at the heel and 29mm at the forefoot for an 8mm drop, which is a little lower than the stack on the Aero Glide 4 GRVL.I found the shoe fit me well in my normal running shoe size, and the Gore-Tex upper wasn’t stiff or uncomfortable during my testing.Upper(Image credit: Future)The Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX uses a mesh upper with Gore-Tex lining and padding on the tongue and around the collar.During my testing, I was able to run in heavy rain and splash through puddles without my feet getting wet, and I also like that it’s quick and easy to clean the waterproof upper after muddy runs. However, the drawback is that it’s not the most breathable material, and when running in warm conditions or using the shoe for walks, my feet got sweatier than normal.(Image credit: Future)Rather than traditional laces, it has Salomon’s QuickLace Neo system so you can loosen and tighten the fit quickly with the pull toggle, which you can then tuck under an elastic band so it doesn’t bounce around on the run.Midsole(Image credit: Future)The Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX uses a supercritical TPU foam called OptiFoam Squared in its midsole, with a mild rocker shape helping to roll you from heel to toe with each stride.I’m a fan of this foam, which is also used on the Aero Glide 4 GRVL. It’s soft enough to be comfortable without being overly squishy, and it gives a good amount of energy return when you hit faster paces.Outsole(Image credit: Future)The rubber outsole on the shoe has 2.5mm deep, chevron-shaped lugs that are built to grip on gravel tracks but also work well on roads and other light trails.This outsole is a star feature on the shoe because it allows you to tackle such a wide variety of terrain with confidence, even in wet conditions.Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX review: Running performance(Image credit: Future)The Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX proved to be an enjoyably versatile shoe in my testing. I used it as my main daily trainer, tackling easy, steady-paced runs mainly on the road and forest trails.I also used it for one run on slightly more technical trails with rocky and grassy sections, and throughout all my testing, the grip was impressively reliable, even in very wet conditions. It’s not a good option for deep mud, but can handle most other trails well.That versatility extends to the paces the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX can handle. The midsole has a responsive feel at faster paces while soft enough for long, easy runs — it felt good at all the paces I’d run at outside dedicated interval workouts.The waterproof upper does its job on rainy days well, and also helps keep your feet warm on easy runs in cold conditions. However, this upper did limit me because it can be a bit too hot at times. My feet got very sweaty on longer runs on dry days, and if you’re a runner who uses one shoe for everything, a fully waterproof sneaker like this probably isn't the best buy.Should you buy the Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX?(Image credit: Future)The Salomon Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX does a great job in the role it’s built for. The waterproof upper is great on wet, cold days; the outsole grips well in wet and dry conditions on both the road and light trails, and the midsole is enjoyably energetic.If that all sounds good but you want something a little softer and more cushioned, the Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL also comes in a Gore-Tex model, and Salomon also has non-GTX models of both shoes, and road versions with less substantial outsoles.There are a lot of choices in the line-up, and I’d say all are good shoes thanks to the OptiFoam Squared midsole at the heart of them, so you can tailor your Blaze or Glide to suit your needs and preferences.If you’re sticking to the roads during your winter runs, I’d also consider the Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR, which has a water-repellent upper and small lugs on its outsole. It’s a good option if the full waterproof upper and thick outsole on the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX is overkill for your needs.