Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL running shoe

There are several names for the category to which the Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL running shoe belongs. It is common to refer to this category as All-Terrain Run (ATR) or Road-to-Trail running shoes, which is now called Salomon Gravel (GRVL). Their terminology is that even though there is a category of gravel bikes, they are more like road bikes than road bikes. And just like they don’t just change the tire on a gravel bike, the Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL shoe doesn’t just replace the outsole with a trail shoe outsole. The Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL running shoe is a lightweight, daily, running shoe that’s perfect for your easy, slow runs on hard surface when you need them, easy trail runs when you need them, or a mix of the two. In the DRX DEFY GRVL running shoe, you’ll have no problem going off the road to continue your run on a trail or gravel in a park. As the name suggests, the shoe is based on Salomon’s DRX Bliss, which is a stable street running shoe, unlike the DRX DEFY GRVL, which is neutral, although it also features the ActiveChassis.

Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL upper

The Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL running shoe upper is made of a thicker mesh material with lower than average breathability, making it better for colder days. The upper fits true to size and is a rgular width, but may be a little roomy for narrow feet. Without extra layer of foot protection also makes it clear that this isn’t a shoe for heavy technical terrain, but that’s probably why the mesh upper is thick. The tongue of the shoe isn’t gusseted, it’s wide and long to prevent debris from getting in. Salomon uses a traditional lacing system, where the lacing holes are laced up so the laces can better fit the foot. This is reinforced by the upper’s SensiFit technology, which means that where the upper is under more stress, where the foot needs better support, it is reinforced. The heel collar is low and cushioned to keep the foot in place. The rigid ActiveChassis strenght the upper on the outside of the shoe, and the midsole strenght the upper on the inside, forming a wall to help keep the foot in place while running.

Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL midsole

The Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL running shoe midsole is made from Salomon’s energyFOAM . The midsole is soft, resilient, lightweight and flexible compared to trail running shoes. The midsole is 34mm height at the heel, which is considered medium thick (maybe thinner than average these days) for road shoes, but on the higher side for trail running shoes. There is no rock protection, but this is not necessary as the DRX DEFY GRVL is not realistic for technical heavy terrain. On light gravel, the midsole provides god protection and very good shock absorption. It’s not a fast shoe, but that’s not the point, the point is to get you comfortable on a variety of surfaces. The DRX DEFY GRVL is a neutral running shoe, but it has good stability, thanks in large part to ActiveChassis technology. Unlike Salomon’s DRX Bliss, which is a stable running shoe, the midsole of the DRX DEFY GRVL only has TPU reinforcement on the outside, but the midsole is higher on the inside and is pressed to the upper. Stability can be important on longer runs or when transitioning from pavement to uneven, bumpy gravel, so this feature of the shoe is very useful.

Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL outsole

The most unique and exciting part of the Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL running shoe is the outsole. Salomon’s engineers needed to create an outsole that would provide good traction and protection on lighter gravel surfaces, but not be distractingly stiff or wear out quickly when running on pavement. The outsole design was inspired by the rubber tires of gravel bikes. Unlike most trail shoes, the outsole does not cover the entire midsole. This saves weight and increases the torsional flexibility of the shoe. A large fork-shaped cutout in both the outsole and the midsole keeps the shoe flexible and improves stability. On the downside, it’s easier pick up gravels. The outsole has 2.5mm lugs, which is small for a trail running shoe for heavy trail, but much larger for a road running shoe. For its intended purpose, the Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL running shoe grips well on lighter terrain, but it’s made with a tough enough rubber compound that it won’t wear out too quickly on firm, hard surfaces.

Summary

The Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL Running Shoe is a versatile, lightweight, neutral running shoe that can be used on pavement as well as lighter terrain. It is lightweight, responsive and has good stability. The upper and midfoot are comfortable and can be used for longer runs, supported by the shoe’s good stability. If you like to run on asphalt and trail and don’t want to buy separate running shoes, or if you have runs where you run on different types of surfaces, the Salomon DRX DEFY GRVL can be a good choice for those not-too-hot days. I usually run in ATR or Road-to-Trail shoes on wet winter days when even the asphalt is slippery due to the wet and cold.