DRX DEFY GRVL Gravel Running Shoes—supportive trainers for paved and gravel paths
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"These shoes give me the confidence to tackle new terrains. The stability and lightweight design make them perfect for runs that start on pavement and end on gravel. They hug my foot just right for a secure, guided feel."
When the road ends, our adventure begins with the DRX DEFY GRVL Gravel Running Shoes. Built for stability and comfort, this guided trainer helps us transition effortlessly between pavement and gravel, empowering us to explore farther. Lightweight and supportive, these shoes wrap snugly around our feet, ensuring a confident stride even on uneven terrain. With a durable construction that defies the elements, they’re ready to take us wherever the trail leads.
Details
- Versatile running shoes built for mixed-surface runs
- Guided support system wraps the foot for a secure fit
- Lightweight design keeps fatigue to a minimum
- Ideal for runners training 2–3 times per week
- Midsole offers moderate cushioning for smooth transitions
- Best for stable, everyday runs on pavement and gravel
- Item #SALZAQN
- Upper Material
- synthetic
- Closure
- lace
- Sole
- rubber
- Support Type
- neutral
- Cushion
- moderate
- Drop
- 8mm
- Claimed Weight
- 8.4oz (239g)
- Activity
- road running, trail running
- Manufacturer Warranty
- 2 years
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4 based on 10 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJune 26, 2025
Soft but responsive
Lighter weight than expected and responsive on mid-mileage runs. The DRX DEFY GRVL is as at home around town or on single track as it is on the gravel trails it was built for.
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
June 25, 2025
Very light and comfortable
Very light and comfortable. Perfect Colorado shor for road to trail runs. Plenty of cushioning with just right amount of response.
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
June 23, 2025
Love the color combo
I saw this from the website and I was looking to buy something that has ample sole support. The design attracted me first to it. Perfect fit is really the biggest bonus!
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
June 22, 2025
Great shoes for packed trails
I live in California and run gravel and packed sand trails. This shoe works great -- gives me full control while also providing cushion. Of special note is the quality design of the sole, which allows for stepping on little stones and not feeling them under your feet. Overall, a great shoe
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
March 26, 2025
Overall great shoe
I switched to these shoes from another brand's model that was becoming increasingly narrow each year. Immediately I felt that the fit was wide and roomy enough while providing good support, and an optimal heel-toe drop for me as a heel-striker. The shoes are also a far, far more responsive and fun ride than my prior pair while also having good grip for multi-surface running. For a multi-surface shoe as well, they are surprisingly light, and certainly seem durable enough (time will tell). Overall, the shoe does tick a lot of boxes and was a fantastic choice. The downsides are: I do find that the sides of the boot are a bit tall, and can dig into my malleoli if I don't have it laced just right. Additionally, for this caliber of shoe, a gusseted tongue would have been nice. Finally, it doesn't have the best colourways. While I did purchase based on specs, it would have been nice to have had more modern/stylish colour options to pick from versus the black on off-white or the blue on white.
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
January 3, 2025
Great Hybrid Shoe
As someone whose trail runs usually consist of moderate to easy terrain and/or commuting to trails via asphalt, these shoes have filled a major gap for me. They perform great on gravel roads and hard-packed trails, hold their own on moderate terrain, and feel better than some of my road shoes on pavement. Great shoe!
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
December 14, 2024
Fits Like a Glove!
Love these new running shoes. They're light and fit like a glove, with excellent foot support.
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
December 10, 2024
Very light and comfortable
Bought the shoes last month and worn them 10 times. Used to use asics, not any more.
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
October 14, 2024
Finally!!!
Finally Salomon has made a shoe that feels and treads like the long gone Synchro Fuel line from Pearl Izumi, circa 2010. The DRX Defy Gravel is responsive on gravel, dirt, and pavement. Smooth and dispersive on uneven terrain. And the little touches like the 8mm drop and low-riding heel/achilles fit is just perfect for someone whose legs and feet are little worn out on some days. 5 stars, and I need to order a few more pairs before these become hard to get out of demand! Hard to rate durability just yet, but if they hold up like my other Salomon purchases I am sure 5 stars are in order.
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
August 31, 2024
Not my Salomon
I’ve worn dozens in f Salomon’s running shoes and have to say I am very disappointed. Trying to be Hoka when Hoka isn’t a great shoe. No lateral support. Bounce that oddly feels flat, loose, and awkward.
Originally reviewed on salomon.com
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