The growth of gravel running shoes — my top picks and why they might be the best sneakers for most runners

Gravel running shoes, a relatively recent addition to the running market, have seen a significant surge in popularity. Their appeal lies in their versatility, capable of handling a wide range of terrains and types of training runs. This makes them suitable for unpredictable trips or runners who frequently shift between road and trail workouts.

The rise of gravel shoes can be attributed to the success of gravel bikes, which are designed to handle various terrains. Gravel running shoes adopt similar principles, providing a balance between the comfort and bounce of road shoes and the stability and grip of trail shoes.

Salomon, a leading brand in the running world, has been at the forefront of this trend. Their gravel shoes are built upon the foundation of their road platforms, incorporating key technologies from both road and trail footwear to achieve an optimal blend of performance.

A crucial aspect of gravel running shoes is their midsoles. These are typically composed of soft, energetic foams similar to those found in road running shoes, but designed to provide a more substantial outsole for better grip and durability on non-technical trails. The outsoles of gravel shoes usually feature shallow lugs, typically around 2.5mm, which offer sufficient grip and traction on light trails, rolling hills, gravel paths, or any other non-technical mountain terrain.

However, the outsoles are not just about grip; they're also designed for durability. Unlike road shoes with large areas of exposed foam that can wear down quickly on light trails, gravel shoes have a more robust construction.

The upper part of the gravel shoe is equally important. It needs to be lightweight, like a road shoe, for comfort but with added protection for improved foothold and durability on a variety of surfaces.

In my experience testing the best gravel running shoes of 2026, Salomon's Aero Glide 4 GRVL and The North Face Altamesa 500 v2 stand out as the best options. Both models offer a blend of comfort, performance, and versatility, making them suitable for both road and trail running.