Road Test Camp: Our Gravel Running Shoe Test Roundups

Powered by Finishers and Marathons.com, the very first “Road Test Camp” brought together 20 runners, 10 men and 10 women of all levels, from March 23 to 26 at Lyon’s prestigious Matmut Stadium. Their mission was a first: to test, compare and independently assess some of the best running shoes on the market. Behind this ambitious concept lies a simple but radical idea: putting the terrain and the runner’s sensations back at the heart of product testing. Based on feedback from these varied profiles, we compiled a roundup for each shoe across four categories: daily trainer, super trainer, racer and gravel, offering a fresh perspective on the leading models. The fourth installment focuses on the gravel category.

➜ The Brooks Ghost Trail was tested by 20 runners across a range of surfaces, revealing a clear and consistent picture of its intended use. Overall, the shoe is seen as a versatile, confidence-inspiring option, with a clear bias toward stability and structured comfort rather than outright speed and performance.

Stability was the standout strength, noted by virtually every tester. The shoe inspires confidence on uneven ground, on descents and through corners, while its grip was considered effective and reassuring. The lugs are well suited to gravel, providing dependable traction without feeling too aggressive on the road. That ability to move between easy dirt roads, flowing trails and urban sections is a major asset. Several testers also highlighted the secure foothold, helped by an upper that generally keeps the foot locked in.

The main reservation is a pronounced lack of dynamism and flexibility. The midsole is often described as stiff, with limited cushioning and insufficient energy return, particularly at higher speeds. That firmness creates a close-to-the-ground feel, which helps with control but is less appealing for comfort over long distances or on tarmac. The transition is sometimes considered less natural than on rival models designed for a more comfortable trail experience.

Overall comfort is therefore a mixed bag. The upper is generally described as decent, even pleasant, and the mesh feels durable, but several details temper that impression: a tongue that is too thick or too short, a stiff heel and a forefoot that can feel overly roomy. Comfort drops noticeably on hard surfaces.

The shoe is ultimately best understood as a hybrid “daily gravel run” model: well suited to regular training on non-technical mixed terrain and ideal for easy outings, but less convincing at speed, over long distances or on highly demanding ground.

➜ In short, the Brooks Ghost Trail is a reliable, stable and versatile shoe that prioritizes control and security over liveliness and premium comfort.

OVERALL COMFORT: 7.3

➜ The field test of the Salomon Aero Glide 4 highlights a gravel shoe firmly focused on long-lasting comfort and road-to-trail versatility. Testers were remarkably consistent about its biggest strength: exceptional comfort. The foam is described as highly cushioned and forgiving, particularly under the heel, creating a smooth, sustainable ride. The upper is generally considered comfortable, with a secure foothold and a forefoot volume that many testers appreciated on longer outings. The Quicklace system was unanimously praised for its effectiveness, speed and overall hold.

On the move, the shoe feels bouncy and fluid, with enough energy return to make it easy to hold a steady pace on the road. Testers also emphasized its versatility: it performs just as well on tarmac as on smooth dirt roads, forest trails and light gravel. Grip is another recurring strength, thanks to an outsole with effective lugs that inspires confidence across mixed terrain.

Its limitations become clear once the terrain turns technical. The main weakness is noticeable instability, especially when cornering, descending or running over rocky ground. Several testers felt the stack was too high, and that the very soft cushioning compromised precision and occasionally caused them to lose their balance. Heel and ankle hold also drew criticism, with occasional rubbing around the malleolus and pressure points near some eyelets.

➜ A few secondary comments mentioned mediocre ventilation, a less-than-ideal lace-storage solution and a fit that can feel inconsistent, roomy in the forefoot but tighter through the midfoot depending on foot shape. Overall, the Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL is an excellent gravel shoe built around comfort, cushioning and versatility, making it a strong choice for long outings, smooth terrain and everyday training. It is less suited to technical or highly demanding routes, where its lack of stability becomes a significant limitation.

OVERALL COMFORT: 8.5