Salomon - AERO BLAZE 3 GRVL GORE-TEX

I love shoes. So allow me to get a little carried away for a minute. Anyway, trail shoes are less likely to be bouncy like road shoes because they're more designed to prioritize stability and durability. I'm exclusively a road runner, but when it's winter I do rotate in some trail shoes with lower lugs for the snow and sleet. The closest I've found that are less firm and more cushioned and a little bit bouncy (but nothing crazy)... Nike Pegasus Trail GTX 4 or 5. Hoka Clifton 9 GTX are cushioned weatherized road shoes - not really bouncy but definitely cushioned. Saucony Triumph 21 also has a storm shield version or something like that. The foam is a cushioned TPU. You could probably do some light trails with it. And finally, Salomon Aero Blaze 3 comes in a GTX model - same bouncy foam as the Aero Glide 3 with a reinforced outer sole for light gravel trails and the protection of Gore-Tex. It's fun for a winter shoe. I think you could pull it off on packed dirt. Finally, I'm waiting for a pair of Hoka Speedgoat GTX spikes that are designed for snowy and icy trails. Not sure that you'll get bouncy energy return from those though!

The glides have a high stack, the aero blaze grvl is the lighter version. Both don't have plates.

Can you elaborate a bit more please? Reason I'm asking is that I'm considering to buy the blaze grvl. I already have a high stack shoe so not interested in the high stack of the aero glide and I figure the blaze gives better ground feel

Running in the blaze is extremely dull compared to the glide

Don't recommend GTX or your feet will just sweat and stink out the shoe. Peg trail 5 is excellent, but also look at the Salomon Aero Glide and Blaze GRVL models.

I’ve tried on a few shoes with higher stacks while looking for a softer and foamier ride and it feels really unstable to me. I’ve been rocking the ASICS Fuji Lite Trails and Topo Mtn Racer 3s which have nice cushion but not the aggressive drop and I like that middle ground. I tried on the Salomon “GRVL” shoe recently (idk the model) and I’m feeling like this style is going to get more popular. The stack was massive. It was kinda fun but I only tested it out of the door on the road and can’t imagine it working for me. Even the two-track I regularly run is steeper and rockier than they feel stable on.

I have the Catamount 2 and I really like it (ran in them today), but actually prefer the Cascadia. Also, another vote for skipping GTX. You probably don't need it (or want it) for most runs.

I walked the Portuguese trail from Lisbon in Salomon GTX shoes and didn't get any blisters. Definitely helped walking in the rain. The socks are key in whatever shoe you choose.

I have Salomon gore-tek trail runners. I bought these 5 years ago and used them all over Australia and hike regularly with them. If you want a bit of ankle support go for the hiking boots but on the trails around here you will be fine in trail runners. I found the gore-tex to be worthwhile just because the trails can get muddy after winter and you are able to just step thru them. Took them to do the overland trail in Tassie and held up fine as well. Salomon currently have a sale on.

However, I wear these, and they fell apart within the first month. Weak lace loops ripped and the waterproof fabric is tearing. Keens are still the only shoes that last longest, stay waterproof and don't wear on the outside over time compared to any other shoe I've tried

Salomon trail runners. They’re my goat shoes - the only thing they don’t get a grip on is wet wood.

Salomon waterproof trail runners are amazing. Easy open and close, comfy, and they have phenomenal traction - they’re my goat shoes. The only thing I’ve ever slipped on when wearing them is snow-dusted sheer ice. That, and wet wood.