Article by Michael Ellenberger, Jamie Hershfang, and Sam Winebaum
Salomon Aero Blaze 3 ($140)
Pros:
Low slung, soft, energetic, fun and well cushioned ride: Sam/Michael/Jamie
Even if soft riding, stable from heel through midfoot with no sinking mush feeling: Michael/Sam/Jamie
Ultra-versatile shoe - a true do it all! Michael/Jamie
Light weight for stack height: sub 8 oz / 227g, 35 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot: Sam/Michael
Comfortable soft and friendly upper with easy cross over to daily wear: Sam/Jamie
Cons:
Heavier runners may over compress the soft midsole, especially upfront: Sam
More midfoot upper support: tongue could use a gusset: Sam/Michael/Jamie
Center forefoot outsole pod has below average grip on wet (same with AeroGlide 3): Sam/Michael
Slightly narrow fit, not ideal for wider feet: Jamie
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 7.9 oz / 223g US9 Spec. women’s 6.8oz / 193g US7.5
Sample Weights:
men’s 7.7oz / 217g US8.5
Stack Height: 35 mm heel / 27 mm forefoot, 8mm drop
Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 105 mm forefoot (US M8.5)
Most comparable shoes
ASICS Novablast (RTR Review)
New Balance Rebel v5 (RTR Review)
Puma Velocity Nitro 4 (RTR Review)
Salomon Aero Glide 3 (RTR Review)
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Michael: Expectations were high for the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 (at least for me) - the Aero Glide 3 represented a massive step forward from Salomon, and has become one of my most-recommended shoes of the year. Thus, it is my pleasure to report that, from the first step-in, the Aero Blaze 3 impresses. With a dialed-in balance between comfort and responsiveness, Salomon has done a great job to trim down the upper here - even compared to the Aero Glide 3 - opting for a slightly thinner, more breathable engineered mesh that sheds a few grams without sacrificing structure. I may overuse the term “race ready” (and ultimately, this isn’t a shoe designed for racing) but Salomon has really done a good job to include everything you need here (and nothing you don’t).
Similar to the Aero Glide, the fit is true to size with moderate to slightly generous volume. The toe box offers a touch more width than older Salomon models, aided by a stretchy front mesh and no intrusive internal seams. The heel counter is semi-rigid and externalized, allowing a secure rear lockdown without extra weight or pressure points.
This was very far from the harshest shoe on my Haugland’s bump, and I would recommend it to Achilles-plagued runners like myself. The tongue is lightly padded and un-gusseted, but I didn’t have any issues - the lockdown overall is solid and should work well for most foot types with minor lacing adjustments.
Jamie: After testing out the Aero Glide 3 and falling in love with it, my expectations were high for the Aero Blaze 3. In the current running world where stack height, cushion, and more shoe is often better, the Aero Blaze 3 delivers a sleek design and a shoe that can do it all.
In the hot summer days we’ve had, the upper is super light and breathable, and almost unnoticeable while providing a secure lockdown. While the Aero Blaze 3 ran about a half size big and felt like it provided a lot of volume, the Aero Glide fits much narrower and true to size. As someone with a wider foot, the fit was still spot on, but something to consider if you are between sizes.
As someone who doesn’t tend to love overly soft shoes, the Aero Blaze 3 is perfect. It’s light, responsive, and a non-plated option for daily training.
Sam: the Blaze has a sleek, modern and streamlined look. While the toe looks “pointy” on foot, lower volume feet may actually find it not only a bit long but highish volume due to its soft unstructured upper and slightly stretchy mesh.
On multiple occasions I have reached for it over dozens of others for casual wear, that comfortable and easy fitting post runs.
Hold is moderately secure but not what I would call a “performance” fit as say the recently tested (RTR Review) Puma Velocity Nitro 4 has. In particular I note the lack of a gusset for the softly padded tongue. This is one upper and shoe intended for moving along that calls for a gusset or a more substantial tongue design to wrap the top of the foot.
Fortunately the rising midsole side walls “Active Chassis” and an almost rigid heel counter keep things adequately under control.
Midsole & Platform
Michael: The heart of the Blaze 3 is the optiFOAM² midsole, a formulation designed to deliver both plush landings and high-energy rebound. Compared to the deeper, slightly denser eTPU ride of the Glide 3, the Blaze feels a touch softer and more flexible underfoot, ideal for runners looking for a snappy and forgiving everyday trainer. This is squarely and definitively a “do it all” trainer - you could legitimately do your slowest and fastest miles of the week in the same option. No, there’s no plate - but I had no issues taking these to pace. They’re a seriously fun and versatile option.
The 36/28 mm stack still offers plenty of protection while keeping the shoe agile and low enough for good ground feel. The geometry uses a refined rocker that encourages forward momentum without feeling overly aggressive. Combined with the light construction, it gives the Blaze 3 a “disappear on foot” quality that makes it a joy across a wide pace range. Like I said, this is a true jack-of-all-trades midsole - enough cushion for longer runs, enough response for tempo work, and a balanced ride that feels appropriate even during warmups or cooldowns. Fast long runs are probably the most on-target singular run I can suggest but, seriously - you can really use these for any miles you have assigned. They’re extremely versatile thanks to this soft-but-springy midsole.
Jamie: Simply put, the Aero Blaze 3 provides a cushioned, yet springy midsole. If you’re looking for a daily trainer that feels supportive, but not mushy, this is the shoe for you. However, I will say that on some longer runs, I often felt like I would opt for the Aero Glide 3 over this shoe. Especially under the forefoot, I wanted just a little more cushion on the pavement running in the concrete jungle that is Chicago. However, this shoe really felt the best switching from gravel to pavement, and feels like a perfect hybrid that can manage all terrain very well.
While it offers a generally highish stack height, it feels like a low profile shoe, compared to most these days, and very stable. It has incredible versatility, and overall a fun ride.
Sam: The supercritical, expanded eTPU beads midsole here for sure is lively, soft and fun while never mushy. If you like a soft energetic ride that gives back more than sinks away the optiFoam here is for you. The same foam and general geometry is in the Aero Glide 3 (RTR Review) with the key difference the Aero Glide 3 at 40 mm heel / 32mm forefoot so is 5mm higher stack. While “more cushioned” its ride is less stable, less direct, stiffer and less fun. The 35/27 stack here is plenty of cushion with the platform more agile, more flexible and overall is more dynamic. This is a platform and midsole that for sure likes to zip along!
I do wish for a touch more at the road front response and snap. I think the issue is part of the front outsole rubber pattern.
Outsole
Michael: The outsole features zoned Contagrip rubber in high-wear areas and a lighter foam exposed center section to reduce weight. The grip on dry roads is excellent, and durability looks strong after initial testing. However, as with the Glide 3, the wet grip could be improved, especially on smoother pavement. There’s a lot of rubber here, but it isn’t deep.
Jamie: The outsole shows some wear after initial testing, but doesn’t impact the ride of the shoe. This is where it excels on gravel and softer surfaces over wet pavement due to the traction becoming a slight concern. I wouldn’t want to do speed work on wet roads after about 100 miles of wear, but running on the trails, and some off road sections, this shoe really comes to life.
Sam: The outsole design rings the entire sole with rubber that is quite firm. This is a smart choice as the ring helps stabilize the soft foam midsole and mitigate effects of the big center cutouts which reduce weight and allow forward flow.
The center front white rubber is a softer rubber. The Glide 3 had the same design and rubber upfront. While this rubber softens the ride yet more there (maybe too much for my tastes) I think it also takes away some response and toe off snap the firmer blue rubber might deliver. And as with the Giide 3 I found this area of the outsole had less than average grip in wet conditions.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Michael: Step aside, Aero Glide - the Aero Blaze 3 may be one of the most under-the-radar hits of the recent past, and is an easy contender for my trainer of the year. It’s a daily trainer that doesn’t just do everything - it does everything well. From recovery miles to strides, short efforts to double-digit runs, it consistently delivers smooth transitions, dynamic cushioning, and all-day comfort. None of this is to knock the Aero Glide - if you want a little more underfoot, the Aero Glide does everything basically just as well, with the added cost of lugging around a couple more grams. Personally, I really dig the svelte, almost old-school feel of the Blaze (especially at $140!), but - Salomon, as the kids say, is cooking.
If you’re only buying one shoe this year - or if you need a daily “do-it-all” trainer to complement your super shoe racer - the Salomon Aero Blaze 3 deserves a serious look.
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Score: 9.5 / 10
Jamie: The Aero Blaze 3 is the shoe for you if you want a versatile daily trainer that isn’t plated, yet provides a lightweight, firm, supportive ride. It has great traction for gravel runs on days where you don’t want to hit the pavement. Personally, I still think I much prefer the Aero Glide 3 for my do it all daily trainer. With a wider fit, and a little more cushion for pounding the pavement over some longer runs, the Aero Glide 3 takes the edge over the Aero Blaze 3 in overall fit and performance.
The Blaze is responsive, secure, and provides a rocker that feels really smooth from heel to toe. However, it is slightly narrow, outsole leaves something to be desired, and forefoot could use a little more cushion for those recovery days. Salomon has really stepped up their game with their lineup and the Aero Blaze 3 still delivers a top notch experience.
Score: 8.5 / 10
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Sam: Need a break or change in your rotation of plated and max cushioned trainers? Want a single trainer for a variety of decently fast paced daily runs? Seeking a sleek modern shoe that is fun to run yet can easily and stylishly cross over to more casual use. The Blaze 3 checks all those boxes for me.
While it lacks somewhat in upper support and also front response and stability for either long runs or fast intervals for most daily miles it is an exciting option that left me every run with big smiles.
Commendably light at 7.9 oz / 223g US9 for its substantial 35/27 stack height and with a lively and fun to run all supercritical foam midsole at $140 it is also an excellent value.
Sam’s Score: 9.25 /10
Deductions for more midfoot upper hold and more forefoot response (outsole)
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6 Comparisons
ASICS Novablast (RTR Review)
Sam: The popular Novablast at $150 is higher stacked at 42/34 and a more rocker based stiff shoe than the ASICS. Its non supercritical but fine FF Blast Plus midsole and the stack height make it 25g heavier than the Salomon but nonetheless a very light shoe for its stack height. I found its light upper comfortable and maybe a touch more secure than the Blaze’s but still needing a bit more work. I prefer the Nova for longer runs and the Salomon for shorter faster ones although both are more uptempo in focus than easy run( jogging) options.
New Balance Rebel v5 (RTR Review)
Michael: The NB Rebel v5 keeps the Rebel line at the forefront of what “fun trainers” can be - it’s not laden with crazy construction like the SC Trainer, but it does more than enough to meet the threshold of lively, enjoyable, fun-to-run trainer. My foot strike (and perhaps foot shape) just works a little better in the Blaze, and so it’s my preference, but I don’t have many negative things to say about the new Rebel. If you’re a longtime Rebel fan (especially v4), I’d give v5 a look - but if you’re approaching the decision fresh, then I’d seriously consider Salomon.
Jamie: If you’re looking for fun versatile trainers, you truly can’t go wrong with the Rebel or the Blaze. Both non plated shoes are responsive, lightweight, and would be a great option if I wanted 1 shoe for everything. I do really enjoy the cushioning of the Rebel and the wider platform, while I prefer the rocker feel and overall stability of the Blaze. With both in the running shoe rotation, they are both great options! They do fit very similar in terms of sizing, so if you’re in between sizes, I definitely recommend sizing up.
Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Review)
Michael: This is the closest comparison, in my book. Both are extremely fun and eminently usable shoes, I really think both are what running shoes should be! Between the two, it’s close! The Pegasus Plus is softer and feels a little more propulsive, whereas the Blaze is slightly firmer (slightly!), with more of a spring effect from the midsole. Again - they’re really close. Neither lacing system is perfect (the tongue slides around on both shoes, non-problematically). Outsoles… again, I think pretty similar in terms of use case. I like the aesthetics of the Nike more, but I find the fit of the Salomon is a little more friendly. Would be a toss-up, but the higher price of the Nike (at $180-$190) compared to the Salomon at $140 does make the Blaze stand out ahead, if only by a hair.
Puma Velocity Nitro 4 (RTR Review)
Sam: The Puma at 36/26 has almost the same stats but is 22g heavier but still light in its class. It too has a full supercritical foam midsole. In its case a nitrogen infused EVA. it’s upper is considerably more secure and performance in fit. Both true to size. The Puma clearly has a superior outsole and can cruise over to light trails. At the same great $140 price points, Salomon is more fun and more lively yet but the Puma wins on versatility as it is better suited to faster paces as well as even some light trails than the Blaze
Salomon Aero Glide 3 (RTR Review)
Jamie: Both the Aero Glide 3 and the Aero Blaze 3 are versatile daily trainers that can handle anything from speed to long runs, road to trail. The Aero Glide 3 fits about a half size big and has a decent amount of volume, while the Aero Blaze 3 is much narrower and true to size. The Aero Glide 3 excels on the road with the cushion and responsiveness, while the Aero Blaze 3 feels like the hybrid, road/trail shoe, that feels amazing on gravel and softer surfaces.
Brooks Launch (RTR Review)
Michael: The Brooks Launch was one of my most surprising shoes; it’s Brooks’s “down market” option ($120) but really an enjoyable trainer that nails the basics (and a little extra). The Blaze has more to it - a bigger stack of foam underfoot and a more enjoyable platform - and is probably more usable for most runs. But the Launch is good if you’re looking for something even more streamlined and minimal (relatively speaking). Both great, though I prefer the Blaze.
Tester Profiles
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:20:41 marathon PR at the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
Jamie is 32 years old and has been running competitively since high school. She has run many marathons, with a PR of 2:49 and has competed in several ultra distances. She completed a solo 100k in 7:36:40 and set the Chicago Lakefront Trail FKT. In 2021 she was the fastest US woman on road for 50 miles with a time of 6:07:11. Outside of training, she is the store manager at Fleet Feet Lakeview in Chicago.
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4 comments:
Thanks for this review. Any thoughts on how the Blaze compares to the Salomon Volt and the older Sonic Accelerate? (I thought the Accelerate was a great, underrated shoe!)
What do you class as a heavier runner please?
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MK - been a while since I’ve worn those, so they’re not super fresh. The Salomon Aero Volt is definitely similar in terms of market position, but the upper here is worlds better, and the midsole is notably softer. The Blaze is a little softer as well, just all around more runnable. I’m racking my brain but I don’t think I’ve worn the Accelerate (or if I did, I don’t remember it well enough to compare - sorry!).
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