Salomon Introduces the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL and GRVL GTX

Quick answer: Salomon has released two gravel-ready versions of its Aero Blaze 4 daily trainer, both available now: the waterproof Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX ($160), built for wet, cold-weather running across mixed terrain, and the lighter, non-waterproof Aero Blaze 4 GRVL ($140) for milder conditions. Both share the same optiFOAM² midsole and Gravel ContaGRIP® outsole and an 8mm drop.

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The Aero Blaze line has quietly become one of Salomon's better road-to-trail crossover options since it launched, praised by reviewers for a lightweight, do-it-all ride that splits the difference between a daily trainer and something you can take off the pavement. With the GRVL naming convention already established elsewhere in Salomon's lineup, the brand is now bringing that same road-to-gravel versatility to the Aero Blaze 4, and adding a waterproof option for the first time.

Here's how the two new versions differ, what's shared between them, and what to know if you're deciding between them.

What Is the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX Built For?

The GRVL GTX is the cold-weather, foul-conditions version of the shoe. It's built around a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofing, aimed at runners who need to move between road, hard-packed trail, and looser gravel without changing shoes, even in wet or freezing conditions.

At the core of the shoe is Salomon's optiFOAM² midsole, the same supercritical foam compound the brand has been rolling out across its Aero line, engineered for cushioned landings and a lively rebound rather than a flat, dead feel underfoot. The Gravel ContaGRIP® outsole underneath draws its tread pattern from gravel bike tires, designed to hold traction as the terrain shifts from asphalt to hardpack to loose ground without the shoe losing composure.

The upper wraps the foot snugly while staying breathable enough to avoid the clammy feeling that can come with waterproof shoes, and Salomon's quickLACE™ neo system, new on this version, lets you make fast adjustments without stopping, useful when conditions are changing underfoot and you need a secure lockdown on wet or slippery ground.

What Makes the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL Different From the GTX Version?

For runners who don't need waterproofing, the standard Aero Blaze 4 GRVL offers the same core technology in a lighter, more breathable build. It shares the optiFOAM² midsole and Gravel ContaGRIP® outsole with the GTX version, so the cushioning feel and traction on mixed terrain stay consistent. What changes is the upper, built here to prioritize airflow over weather sealing, which makes it the better pick for dry conditions and warmer-weather running.

How Do the Two Versions Compare?

Side by side, the choice mostly comes down to conditions rather than performance philosophy, since the midsole, outsole, drop, and stack height are identical across both shoes.

For runners who train through winter in wet or snowy climates, the GTX is the more sensible pick despite the added weight. For everyone else, or for runners who already own separate winter gear, the standard GRVL delivers the same ride in a lighter package. This guide to the Salomon Aero Glide 4, the Aero Blaze's max-cushion sibling, is worth a look if you find you want more stack height than either Blaze offers.

Where Does the Aero Blaze 4 GRVL Fit in Salomon's Lineup?

The Aero Blaze line has always played the role of Salomon's lightweight do-it-all daily trainer, sitting between the max-cushion Aero Glide and the faster Aero Volt. Adding a dedicated GRVL treatment, and now a waterproof GTX option, extends that versatility further off the pavement without pushing the shoe into true trail-running territory. It's a natural next step for a brand built on mountain sports expertise applying that background to road-adjacent running.

Price and Availability

Both shoes are available now. The Aero Blaze 4 GRVL GTX retails for $160, and the standard Aero Blaze 4 GRVL retails for $140. Both are sold directly through Salomon.com and select retail partners, including Fleet Feet, in multiple colorways for men and women.