Glide into Greatness: The Aero Glide 2 Soars with Upgrades

Solomon holds a prominent position in the trail running sphere, and our previous review of the first Aero Glide provided insight into Solomon’s efforts to delve further into road running. While we appreciated the shoe’s solid energy return and comfortable fit, we found it to lean more towards being a daily trainer rather than the maximal shoe Solomon aimed for. Nonetheless, we had a positive experience with it.

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Now, with the release of the Aero Glide 2, we see many of the same qualities retained along with some notable improvements. Let’s delve into the details.

Looks:

The introduction of the new colorways for the second version immediately caught our attention. Admittedly, I found myself spending an excessive amount of time examining the four available options, captivated by their uniqueness. Describing them fully proves challenging as the upper exhibits a distinctive visual reminiscent of paint splattering or a mild camouflage effect. Personally, I gravitate towards shoes with unconventional aesthetics, and these certainly offer a refreshing departure from the norm.

Typically, lighter shoes in the Pacific Northwest enjoy only a limited season of relevance. However, the off-white (vanilla ice/vanilla ice) colorway stands out as visually striking, potentially appealing even to those who typically shy away from lighter hues.

Fit & Construction:

Upper:

Like many second iterations of shoes, there’s typically room for improvement in the upper design, unless the initial version was exceptionally well-executed. In the case of the Aero Glide 2, the upper receives some updates. It appears to be slightly more robust, particularly noticeable in the forefoot region, which adds a sense of security. While this enhanced stability is welcomed by some, others might find it slightly constricting. Nevertheless, there remains sufficient height in the toe box.

The thicker tongue lacks gusseting but surprisingly hasn’t caused any significant slippage issues thus far. Although the heel isn’t excessively padded, it offers adequate cushioning to maintain foot stability.

Midsole:

The rocker technology within the Aero Glide 2 remains consistent with its predecessor, featuring a “reverse camber” design that initiates rolling from the midfoot. Once again, the shoe boasts a substantial height of 37.4 mm with a 10 mm drop. This build feels primarily tailored for heel strikers as a result. While the midsole cushioning remains largely unchanged, overall weight reduction has been achieved.

Despite its elevated profile, labeling the Aero Glide 2 as a maximal cushion shoe might be a stretch. While it offers solid cushioning, it lacks the extreme bounciness characteristic of such footwear with this moniker. Instead, it aligns more closely with the feel of a daily trainer, which is by no means a drawback. The shoe’s construction, featuring a significant drop and rocker, imparts a less flexible sensation but aids in propulsion.

Although we didn’t personally experience it, the initial version reportedly encountered global issues with insole slippage. Keeping this in mind for the second version, it’s reassuring to note that such concerns seem to have been addressed. Our experience with the Aero Glide 2 indicates no instances of slippage, suggesting that this issue has been effectively remedied. Hopefully.

Outsole:

The outsole of the Aero Glide 2 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, continuing to deliver reliable traction without significant alterations. This consistency is appreciated, as it indicates that the outsole continues to effectively fulfill its role without the need for major adjustments. Overall, this steadfast performance is commendable and ensures confidence in the shoe’s grip, which is essential for various running conditions.

Overall:

In summary, the Aero Glide 2 presents a solid upgrade over its predecessor. While it sheds some weight and incorporates minor updates, it manages to retain the essence of the original design. It maintains its elevated profile, consistent drop, and continues to serve effectively as a comfortable option for easy-paced runs. Overall, these enhancements contribute to an improved feel without compromising the fundamental characteristics that define the shoe.