Salomon Aero Volt Review: A Daily Trainer That Needs a Better Fit

Introduction

Salomon has built its reputation on the trails and in the mountains, and that pedigree shows. Road running is a different story, and the Aero Volt, the brand’s daily trainer for the road, illustrates why. It has genuinely strong qualities, especially up top, but a few fit and ride characteristics kept it from earning a place in the regular rotation during testing.

Who This Product Is For

The Aero Volt is a daily trainer for road running, aimed at runners logging everyday miles rather than racing. It may appeal most to runners who prefer a firmer ride and who like a roomier fit through the forefoot. If Salomon’s trail shoes have served you well and you want to stay in the family for road work, this is the road option to look at first, though it is worth checking the fit carefully before committing.

What the Aero Volt Does Well

The standout feature is the upper’s breathability. The mesh is open and airy, and it does a genuinely impressive job of letting heat escape during runs. The weight also deserves a mention: around 7.7 oz in the tested size is impressive for a daily trainer and puts the Aero Volt in light territory for the category.

Main Strengths

The midsole uses Salomon’s Energy Foam, an EVA blend, and it delivers respectable energy return. Measurements around the ride put it at 48 on the lateral side and 45 on the medial side, which is a solid showing even if the foam is not remarkably soft. Salomon has traditionally leaned firm across its range, and while the brand has opened up its midsole foams in recent years, the Aero Volt still rides firmer than many competing trainers.

The outsole is another bright spot. It uses a decoupled groove geometry that works well in practice, and the rubber coverage is not plastered on excessively. Salomon’s build quality is consistently high, and durability scores reflect that, with zero creasing observed during testing. A nine out of ten for durability feels realistic given the brand’s track record.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The biggest drawback is the collar and lockdown. The opening at the ankle is simply too large relative to the foot, and the distance from the heel counter to the top of the tongue is long. That means the shoe does not lock down well, which significantly impacted the upper scores. The heel counter could also use extra padding, and lockdown through the eyestay and laces felt rough during testing.

Fit through the toe box adds another wrinkle. Width is not a major issue, but the length is generous, leaving room to swim around inside the toe box during runs. It may be a matter of European sizing tendencies, but runners between sizes should think carefully. The price is also a consideration: it launched at $150, which pushed the value score down to a six, though it has since come down on the market.

Buying Advice

If you prefer a firmer ride and a roomier fit, the Aero Volt could still work for you, and its low weight, breathable upper, and durable outsole are real strengths. For most runners, though, the loose collar and long fit are hard to overlook, and the full review score landed in the low sixties as a result. Worth noting for Salomon fans: the brand’s Aero Glide road shoe scored higher and may be the better starting point in the road lineup.

Conclusion

The Salomon Aero Volt is a lightweight, breathable, well-built daily trainer with a firmer ride and solid durability, but a collar that does not lock down and a long fit keep it from recommending broadly. Salomon remains a trail-first brand for many runners, and road shoppers may want to compare it against the Aero Glide before deciding.