Best Salomon Running Shoes

Salomon Aero Glide 2

The Salomon Aero Glide 2 is the follow up to Salomon’s first max cushion road shoe. The foam is firmer than you’d expect but has softened up slightly from the first version. The rocker motion feels smooth which allows the shoe to glide across the ground (see what I did there?). The engineered mesh upper is comfortable though the tongue can be slippy and the forefoot width is iffy (a theme of many Salomon shoes). The outsole grips extremely well but is made with blown rubber so durability isn’t top-tier. If you like Salomon on the trails, you’ll enjoy the Aero Glide 2 on the roads.

Fit: Go down a half size, Drop: 10mm, Price $160

Salomon S/Lab Spectur

The Salomon S/Lab Spectur is aimed at runners with marathon times above three hours. It does that by adding extra stability and comfort for runners who will be on the course a bit longer. And it works. Salomon effectively created a marathon shoe that still offers great bounce but a better build to withstand all the issues (like form breakdown) inherent with so much time on feet. At $220, it’s a great value and delivers a better experience for the majority of marathon runners. Read the review.

Fit: True to size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $220

Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2

The Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2 is a solid first marathon shoe for the brand. It’s lightweight, has great bounce, fantastic traction, and is way more stable than expected. But it needs to be more accommodating and be priced lower. The S/Lab Phantasm 2 is a throwback super shoe that feels similar to the original Vaporfly while adding awesome traction and tongue padding. So if you want that early super shoe feeling back, this is for you. Read the review.

Fit: Go down a half size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $275

Salomon Thundercross

The Salomon Thundercross feels low to the ground despite the mid-tier stack height. It’s a firmer ride that protects without feeling disconnected but as long as you stay on trails, you’ll have enough cushion underfoot. The Contagrip traction and 5mm lugs grip everything and really dig in on climbs.

It’s got the typical Salomon fit and speed lacing system with a lace garage. You may think this is a huge departure from typical lacing, but in practice, it’s not that different and delivers a locked-in fit. One of the best features is the sheathed tongue that prevents rocks, twigs, and leaves from getting in your shoe anywhere but around the ankle collar. Salmon nailed the details on the Thundercross and that’s why it’s our favorite Salomon trail shoe.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price $140

Salomon Phantasm 2

The Salomon Phantasm 2 is all about bounce with its Energy foam midsole bisected by a composite fiber plate. Because of that, the Phantasm 2 has great toe off but the midsole is on the firmer side. Which isn’t a problem if you want something responsive.

The main watch outs on the shoe are the narrow last and the outsole durability. The rubber wears away too quickly and the toe curves in a bit like a hockey stick. Unfortunately, there’s no wide option so the fit won’t work for everyone. But if it works for you, it may be the speed day shoe you’re looking for.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 9mm, Price $170

Salomon Aero Volt

The Salomon Aero Volt is a firm lightweight daily trainer that’ll work for lighter, smaller runners. The Aero Volt’s upper is comfortable but the tongue is slippy and the forefoot is narrow. The price point is concerning because you can get non-Salomon running shoes with the same characteristics that are much easier on your wallet. At the $150 price point, we can’t recommend it. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price $150