The official running thread™

Crusader said:
Which pace are you looking at. For slower runs (or 4:00/km+ runs like the rest of us) you can also take a look at the Puma MagMax 2 or Salomon Aero Glide 3.
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How would you rate the Salomon Aero Glide 3? I can get them for about R850. Was funny enough looking at them this morning
 
CrypticZA said:
How would you rate the Salomon Aero Glide 3? I can get them for about R850. Was funny enough looking at them this morning
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I have a pair of Salomon Specturs and they are very nice. They looked great (white and red), but sadly, the white ain't white no more lol

I do want a softer shoe though. Need more cushioning so my next pair will probably be something like the Aero Glides.
 
I am lucky and got 2027 entry via sponsored ticket cause 2025 got cancelled, glad I didn't chose to go this year as I was not ready with all the injuries etc.

I am contemplating about getting the Runna app and then setting the Cape Town Marathon as the goal and seeing how it structures the training cause currently I am just winging everything.

Also have the 80/20 running book should probably finish that book.
 
TofuMofu said:
I have a pair of Salomon Specturs and they are very nice. They looked great (white and red), but sadly, the white ain't white no more lol

I do want a softer shoe though. Need more cushioning so my next pair will probably be something like the Aero Glides.
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I associate Salomans with trail shoes...

I went and bought Reeboks at my work a few months back because they were a decent price and i returned both pairs because they just weren't up to scratch.

I got a collection of high end Asics and some New Balance
 
CrypticZA said:
I associate Salomans with trail shoes...

I went and bought Reeboks at my work a few months back because they were a decent price and i returned both pairs because they just weren't up to scratch.

I got a collection of high end Asics and some New Balance
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Me too, I used to do trail runs only and always had Salomans. When I started road running, I checked Salomon's website and they had a pair of Specturs on special and they had good reviews on Youtube. So far I'm very happy with them. They are about a year and half old now and still run well, but I would like ones with a little more cushioning for the joints.
 
TofuMofu said:
Me too, I used to do trail runs only and always had Salomans. When I started road running, I checked Salomon's website and they had a pair of Specturs on special and they had good reviews on Youtube. So far I'm very happy with them. They are about a year and half old now and still run well, but I would like ones with a little more cushioning for the joints.
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I have learnt there is a sweet spot to amount of cushion. I recently got a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus 27 on Takealot for R1799 - R500 voucher so paid R1299 and while they felt comoftable on, as soon as i started running i got sharp pains on the sides of my feet..

My favourites are the Novablast 5's, i got a pair with some km's on and getting another paid for my birthday which my mom bought on a Takealot sale as well.
 
CrypticZA said:
How would you rate the Salomon Aero Glide 3? I can get them for about R850. Was funny enough looking at them this morning
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The normal or GRVL version?

I rate them highly. Clocked up close to 300km (I think) in the GRVL version I got in Feb. Did all kinds of runs in them and they handled long, daily and even threshold runs nicely. Perfect combo of cushion and firmness for me.

I loved them so much I ended up ordering 3 pairs as backup. They make for great road running shoes with added durability in the GRVL rubber sole. Only have slight wear on some of the lugs. Once the lugs are worn you would basically have the road version. Don't do trail so can't comment on suitability for that. I'd say they'd be good for gravel road and some flat dirt trails, not technical.

Foam still feels same as first day. They can be a tad warm though but hasn't been huge issue for me.

I also got a pair of the normal version, but have been so ill I haven't tried them on yet.

At R1999 they are a steal. With R850 you'd be robbing the place. I'd even buy a couple more if I could get them for R850! ;)
 
Crusader said:
The normal or GRVL version?

I rate them highly. Clocked up close to 300km (I think) in the GRVL version I got in Feb. Did all kinds of runs in them and they handled long, daily and even threshold runs nicely. Perfect combo of cushion and firmness for me.

I loved them so much I ended up ordering 3 pairs as backup. They make for great road running shoes with added durability in the GRVL rubber sole. Only have slight wear on some of the lugs. Once the lugs are worn you would basically have the road version. Don't do trail so can't comment on suitability for that. I'd say they'd be good for gravel road and some flat dirt trails, not technical.

Foam still feels same as first day. They can be a tad warm though but hasn't been huge issue for me.

I also got a pair of the normal version, but have been so ill I haven't tried them on yet.

At R1999 they are a steal. With R850 you'd be robbing the place. I'd even buy a couple more if I could get them for R850! ;)
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Normal road version

This version: https://salomonsports.co.za/product...vOLudSHNYKtJJf45KeT1P98FFZ_8oR7YaAlEVEALw_wcB
 
CrypticZA said:
Normal road version

This version: https://salomonsports.co.za/product...vOLudSHNYKtJJf45KeT1P98FFZ_8oR7YaAlEVEALw_wcB
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Okay, I finally tried on my pair. My balance has fully returned to normal yet so can't run in them just yet.

The foam will be exactly the same. The only differences would be the thicker rubber lugs and different upper on the GRVL.

I had to go for one size up (UK 9) since according to their chart I was between sizes. Ended up with a a bit over a full thumb's width at the front of the shoe (GRVL). It hasn't been an issue on runs and I prefer the roomier fit. I also got a UK 8 in the GRVL, the length would be about right but it's very snug over the width of the foot. Had some rubbing on my big and pinky toes. 8.5 might have been the perfect size but wasn't available. I'll keep the 8 to shorter runs and the 9 has been a dream on long runs.

I checked and have done 310 km in the GRVL in 41 runs since Feb 3. That included a half marathon distance, threshold sessions, tempo and even sprints. Not the best choice for sprints but I performed on par with my Velocity 3 so you could use them as an all rounder if you had to. It's been the shoe I automatically picked up when heading out the door.

Road vs GRVL
On the foot the road version feels a bit roomier and lighter and more breathable. I'm not a huge fan of the tongue on the road one. It sticks up quite a bit and isn't (half) gusseted like the GRVL. I'd definitely use a runner's loop just to keep the tongue in place better. The 'sharkfin' at the heel also looks kinda weird. The upper is definitely much more breathable, just sitting with one GRVl and one normal on each foot the GRVL feels much warmer. The tongue on the GRVL feels much more comfortable and hugs your foot better.

The rubber on the road version is much less robust. The reason why I opted for the GRVL was reports from other people that the road version got worn out at the 400 - 600km mark. This would greatly depend on the strike pattern though. I'm more midfoot so haven't had too much wear on the GRVL. I stick to asphalt with the occasional (vehicle incoming!) venture onto gravel verges. Would be interesting to see how the road does for me. On the GRVL I think I can go 900km+ easily.

Road
1782493370449.png

GRVL
1782493464832.png

You can think of the Aero Glide 3 as a firmer, more stable Novablast 5. I prefer them to the Novablast. My Novablast only has 60km since I got them in Nov 2025. The sole layout bears a striking resemblance. One issue is that some small rocks of just the right size sometimes get lodged in the hollow space. Not a huge deal, but those decorative rocks people have in driveways can be an issue.

If you really can get them at R850 I'd jump at the chance. You can't go wrong, even if the road version ends up not lasting extremely long. For that price it would be worth it regardless.

Just a warning, the red versions are REALLY REALLY vibrant in person.

1782493989734.png
Man, now I miss running even more...
 
Crusader said:
Okay, I finally tried on my pair. My balance has fully returned to normal yet so can't run in them just yet.

The foam will be exactly the same. The only differences would be the thicker rubber lugs and different upper on the GRVL.

I had to go for one size up (UK 9) since according to their chart I was between sizes. Ended up with a a bit over a full thumb's width at the front of the shoe (GRVL). It hasn't been an issue on runs and I prefer the roomier fit. I also got a UK 8 in the GRVL, the length would be about right but it's very snug over the width of the foot. Had some rubbing on my big and pinky toes. 8.5 might have been the perfect size but wasn't available. I'll keep the 8 to shorter runs and the 9 has been a dream on long runs.

I checked and have done 310 km in the GRVL in 41 runs since Feb 3. That included a half marathon distance, threshold sessions, tempo and even sprints. Not the best choice for sprints but I performed on par with my Velocity 3 so you could use them as an all rounder if you had to. It's been the shoe I automatically picked up when heading out the door.

Road vs GRVL
On the foot the road version feels a bit roomier and lighter and more breathable. I'm not a huge fan of the tongue on the road one. It sticks up quite a bit and isn't (half) gusseted like the GRVL. I'd definitely use a runner's loop just to keep the tongue in place better. The 'sharkfin' at the heel also looks kinda weird. The upper is definitely much more breathable, just sitting with one GRVl and one normal on each foot the GRVL feels much warmer. The tongue on the GRVL feels much more comfortable and hugs your foot better.

The rubber on the road version is much less robust. The reason why I opted for the GRVL was reports from other people that the road version got worn out at the 400 - 600km mark. This would greatly depend on the strike pattern though. I'm more midfoot so haven't had too much wear on the GRVL. I stick to asphalt with the occasional (vehicle incoming!) venture onto gravel verges. Would be interesting to see how the road does for me. On the GRVL I think I can go 900km+ easily.

Road
View attachment 1917548

GRVL
View attachment 1917550

You can think of the Aero Glide 3 as a firmer, more stable Novablast 5. I prefer them to the Novablast. My Novablast only has 60km since I got them in Nov 2025. The sole layout bears a striking resemblance. One issue is that some small rocks of just the right size sometimes get lodged in the hollow space. Not a huge deal, but those decorative rocks people have in driveways can be an issue.

If you really can get them at R850 I'd jump at the chance. You can't go wrong, even if the road version ends up not lasting extremely long. For that price it would be worth it regardless.

Just a warning, the red versions are REALLY REALLY vibrant in person.

View attachment 1917553
Man, now I miss running even more...
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I ended up buying them. They are through my work so i get free returns and all so they will arrive probably Monday and i'll give them a spin on Tuesday. I watched a few reviews on Youtube and was suprised to see the good reviews. We mainly get Salomon trail shoes so when i saw these i was like hmmm i wonder...
 
CrypticZA said:
I ended up buying them. They are through my work so i get free returns and all so they will arrive probably Monday and i'll give them a spin on Tuesday. I watched a few reviews on Youtube and was suprised to see the good reviews. We mainly get Salomon trail shoes so when i saw these i was like hmmm i wonder...
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I took a chance on the Salomons since I saw a review but have never tried their shoes. Had a discount voucher from Takealot at the time. Was extremely surprised at how good they felt and performed. I think 90% of my running this year have been in them. And they've handled the daily runs and 2h half with ease.

And I wasn't exaggerating. I did by 2 backup GRVL versions + the UK 8 GRVL + now the Road version. So in total I have 5 pairs of Aero Glide 3. That's how much I like them.

The Aero Glide 4 has the exact same foam, they just changed the upper and lacing system.

Would love to hear your thoughts once you tried them. Which color did you get?

One thing I forgot to mention is that they do feel slightly odd when walking due to that hollow space. Sometimes if you hit a pothole or rock on the edge of that hollow you can wobble slightly.
 
Crusader said:
I took a chance on the Salomons since I saw a review but have never tried their shoes. Had a discount voucher from Takealot at the time. Was extremely surprised at how good they felt and performed. I think 90% of my running this year have been in them. And they've handled the daily runs and 2h half with ease.

And I wasn't exaggerating. I did by 2 backup GRVL versions + the UK 8 GRVL + now the Road version. So in total I have 5 pairs of Aero Glide 3. That's how much I like them.

The Aero Glide 4 has the exact same foam, they just changed the upper and lacing system.

Would love to hear your thoughts once you tried them. Which color did you get?

One thing I forgot to mention is that they do feel slightly odd when walking due to that hollow space. Sometimes if you hit a pothole or rock on the edge of that hollow you can wobble slightly.
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I have a pair of NB Fuelcells that have a similar hollow space, so i am familiar with that feel as well as how rocks get stuck in it. I always felt them to be very rough on the feet only to have found out recently they have a TPU plate in them... They have always been a dedicated gym shoe haha

I only had one choice in colour. Only this colour in my size was on sale and we only had 2 in stock and 1 was allocated to an order already so i had to act fast

1782496460240.png
 
CrypticZA said:
I have a pair of NB Fuelcells that have a similar hollow space, so i am familiar with that feel as well as how rocks get stuck in it. I always felt them to be very rough on the feet only to have found out recently they have a TPU plate in them... They have always been a dedicated gym shoe haha

I only had one choice in colour. Only this colour in my size was on sale and we only had 2 in stock and 1 was allocated to an order already so i had to act fast

View attachment 1917570
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That's actually a nice one. Can use it for every day once it retires. Takealot only had to weird colors on sale.
 
Stupid decisions were made today. Since both scabs on my knees (from my fall) finally fell off and my balance was only slightly wobbly I decided I'll try to go for a run. I'd take things easy and just see how it feels. If I didn't make any fast movements I should be just fine...

1782578146858.png
1782580391629.png

Felt fine, but HR was way high and I have slight niggle in my left knee. Possibly a remnant from the fall and sudden jump in distance. But man, it felt good to be on the road again.

Oh, and the road version of the Aero Glide 3 also gets my stamp of approval. It is slightly roomier than the GRVL and handled the distance well. Felt slightly softer on the road than the GRVL, most likely due to less rubber on the sole. Bonus was that I've never felt as visible to cars thanks to the neon red version I have :P
 
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Keeping up the running shifting it more to late morning did after lunch this afternoon. Run the little man into his nap.

This was a difficult one, I definitely prefer early morning runs but it's too cold for him.
Screenshot_20260627-192048_Garmin Connect.jpg
 
Has anyone used the bar lacing technique on their shoes?


Came across this video and decided to give it a try on the Velocity Nitro 4 which just doesn't seem to work for my feet. The midfoot felt too narrow and I had issues with the shoe causing pain over my instep.

With this lacing technique the shoes now feel much better. It doesn't have the same pressure on the top of my feet and I think my they even allow my feet to slip in a bit further since the narrow midfoot doesn't feel as severe as I remember.

I might even give them another try during a (short) run now. Thought they were a lost cause.

Only downside is that it makes the laces a bit harder to adjust. I haven't quite figured out where to pull what to tighten/loosen each row. He makes it look like you just pull row by row, but that doesn't do much in my case.
 
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