Salomon Aero Glide 2: Responsive Cushioning for the Road

The Salomon Aero Glide 2 is engineered as a road running shoe that aims to deliver a blend of plush cushioning, lightweight agility, and responsive performance. It caters to runners seeking comfort for daily training and longer distances, with design cues that may appeal to those familiar with Salomon’s broader footwear lineup, including its notable 10mm drop.

Upper Construction and Fit

The Aero Glide 2 features a lightweight textile mesh upper designed for breathability and a comfortable foot climate. Comfort is further enhanced by well-padded tongue and ankle collars, complementing a standard lacing system. This system utilizes five primary attachment points on each side, with an optional sixth eyelet allowing for a more secure heel lock-in if needed.

Salomon’s Sensi-Fit™ technology is integrated into the upper, designed to cradle the foot from the midsole to the lacing system. This aims to provide a precise, secure, and adaptable fit for various foot shapes, including narrower feet within a standard width shoe. The shoe is generally reported to be true-to-size, offering a balanced fit that is neither excessively wide nor constricting.

Midsole and Insole Comfort

Internally, a removable Salomon Ortholite insole offers initial step-in comfort and features a well-defined heel cup. This insole integrates smoothly with the shoe’s sidewalls to minimize potential friction and hot spots, particularly during long runs. The midsole is where the Aero Glide 2 emphasizes its cushioning credentials, constructed to provide a soft, “cloud-like” feel underfoot. This maximal cushioning is engineered to absorb impact effectively without sacrificing responsiveness or overall stability, a crucial balance for dedicated road running.

Outsole Design and Performance

The outsole of the Aero Glide 2 is a thin yet durable rubber layer. It features a low-profile pattern composed of many small circular contact points, designed to offer excellent grip on paved surfaces, even in wet conditions, while facilitating a smooth and quick release during the toe-off phase of the stride. A reverse camber rocker geometry is incorporated into the sole’s design, aiding in promoting a fluid, rolling transition through each step.

Notably, the outsole features a split design along the midline of the heel. This characteristic is intended to allow for a comfortable and stable landing, potentially benefiting runners with various foot strike patterns and enhancing stability when encountering slightly uneven road surfaces. The overall outsole construction aims for toughness without adding excessive weight, contributing to the shoe’s nimble feel.

Noteworthy Details

Beyond the core construction, the Aero Glide 2 includes thoughtful details such as two reflective patches for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions and a lightweight yet durable rand in high-scuff areas of the upper to protect the textile. The shoe is available in a variety of colorways for both men and women, catering to different style preferences.

Overall Ride Experience and Suitability

The combination of the maximally cushioned midsole, the rocker geometry, and the grippy yet efficient outsole results in a ride quality that is both smooth and highly responsive. The lightweight nature of the shoe (approximately 230g) contributes to a feeling of agility, making the Aero Glide 2 suitable for a range of road running applications. This includes daily training, long-distance efforts, faster-paced tempo runs, and potentially even road races for runners who appreciate its blend of cushioning and responsiveness.

Technical Specifications

• Drop: 10mm
• Forefoot stack height: 27.4mm
• Heel stack height: 37.4mm
• Weight: Approximately 230 grams (8.1 oz)
• Lacing system: Regular laces
• Lining: Textile
• Inlay sole: Textile (Removable Ortholite)
• Outsole: Rubber
• Upper: Textile / Synthetic
• Available Sizes: Men 7-14 (including half sizes except 13.5), Women 5-11 (including half sizes)

Conclusion

The Salomon Aero Glide 2 positions itself as a compelling option for road runners seeking a maximally cushioned yet responsive and lightweight shoe. Its well-executed fit features, innovative outsole design, and comfortable ride make it a versatile performer for various types of road work. Priced competitively at $160, it offers a strong blend of Salomon’s design expertise tailored for the demands of pavement running. For further details and purchasing options, the Salomon website is the primary resource.