Salomon DRX Defy GRVL

I’m always excited to see a new pair of running shoes arrive at the office, there’s always a small hope that they might finally be the ones that do the running for me. You never know! The Salomon DRX Defy GRVL is ideal for my style of running, as it smoothly transitions between roads and light trails without missing a beat. Both the men’s and women’s versions are available in four different colourways and come in a wide range of sizes, including half sizes.

Inspired by gravel biking, this shoe is designed to provide a smooth ride over mixed terrain, especially on gravel paths. Right out of the box, the DRX Defy GRVL looks more like a road shoe than a typical trail runner. The upper is lightweight and breathable, with a secure fit thanks to Salomon’s signature overlays. The toe box is roomy, allowing natural toe splay and forefoot movement upon impact. My feet are slightly narrower, so the heel felt a little loose, but wearing the right running socks helped fill the gap and keep things secure. If you have narrow feet, this is worth considering.

The midsole features Salomon’s energyFOAM, offering a balanced mix of cushioning and responsiveness. With a 36mm heel and 28mm forefoot stack height (8mm drop), it provides good protection for longer runs while maintaining stability. However, it’s not the bounciest shoe out there. Instead, it delivers a smooth, controlled ride with moderate cushioning rather than an ultra-energetic feel. If you prefer a springy, super-plush experience, this might not be your top choice.

The outsole is where this shoe really shines. Inspired by gravel bike tires, it features strategically placed lugs for grip on gravel, light trails, and pavement. It transitions well between surfaces, but if you’re heading onto technical trails or muddy paths, the grip might not be aggressive enough.

Overall, the DRX Defy GRVL is a solid pick for runners who mix road and easy trail running. Weighing approximately 239g for men and 203g for women, it’s lightweight and versatile. If you’re looking for a hybrid shoe that can handle a bit of everything, without fully committing to a trail shoe, this is a great option. I’ll have to wait a little longer for those magic self-running shoes but I’m not giving up hope. RRP £125

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