For the past two years at Best Running Watches in Austin, Texas, the buzzword was “gravel.” The off-pavement discipline took over bicycling in recent years, but would it cross over to running shoes, too? Salomon—the brand mostly known for its trail shoes June Running Shoe Sales 2025 Courtney Dauwalter—released the DRX Defy Grvl, which has a gravel bike-inspired tread. I ran in both the DRX Defy Grvl and the non-gravel version, the DRX Defy (also $140), to compare the fit and feel.
Pros
- Gravel tread for transitions on and off road
- Both the DRX Defy and DRX Defy Grvl have an activeChassis
- Both the DRX Defy and DRX Defy Grvl have an activeChassis
Cons
- Lightweight Running Shoes
| Type | Gravel, hybrid |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.6 oz (M), 7.4 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Heel Height | 34 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 26 mm |
- I tested the shoes after a snow fall on a rail trail: The Best Cushioned Running Shoes
- Also available: DRX Defy
- Strength Training Guide: The Best Mizuno Running Shoes, CA Notice at Collection
- Midsole Foam: energyFoam (EVA)
- Key Tech: activeChassis, gravel bike-inspired tread, ContraGrip rubber outsole
Gravel and Snow Testing
One thing I noticed right away was that both shoes have a wide fit. Despite the roominess, which I felt mostly in the midfoot, I didn’t feel any heel slippage when I pushed the pace, though I did look down at my feet a couple of times to make sure my shoes were still tied. (They were.) I found the shoes accommodating, but runners with narrow feet may want to opt for something narrower.
RW wear-tester Diane Grim, for instance, experienced heel slippage. A neutral runner with a midfoot strike, she previously tested the Genesis and Thundercross—both Salomon trail shoes.
“In true Salomon fashion, the DRX Defy Grvl fit true to size,” she said. “Which is why I found it odd that I experienced slippage inside the shoe when running downhill. I have never had my foot slip towards the toebox, jamming my toes in a Salomon shoe. It could be because the tread was not designed with a braking pattern to the lugs.”
If we take a look at the Genesis for comparison, the ContraGrip rubber (the same rubber on the DRX Defy Grvl) has a more aggressive tread with 4.5mm lugs and a multi-directional pattern. That gives you grip whether you’re going up a mountain or coming back down.
The outsole on the DRX Defy Grvl is inspired by the tread pattern on gravel bikes. The lugs are less pronounced so you can run without an intrusive tread distracting you on smoother surfaces.
Despite the heel slippage, Grim reported she didn’t experience any actual traction issues midrun. “I would consider these as a cross shoe, used on roads and gravel, cinder, and farm roads,” she said. “I had no issue of slippage on the road surface, even when wet.”
However, she noted that the shoes didn’t have much traction on gnarlier terrain. Tester Matthew Markulik, who runs mostly on trails and previously tested the Salomon Sense Ride 5 and Brooks Catamount 2, highlighted the DRX Defy Grvl’s traction as a strong point, but shared similar sentiments as Grim when comparing the shoes to models suited for more rugged runs.
“I think the traction and durability is the strongest part of this shoe but I wouldn’t say either exceed more premier brands such as Saucony Peregrine,” he said. “[However,] the traction held up and I did not see any signs of abnormal wear on the shoes.”
I took the shoes out on a couple rail trail runs, where the path was coated with a firm layer of snow. On my way to the trail, I noticed minor slipping on ice, which is normal (I’ve learned only Kahtoola Microspikes or “screw shoes” will prevent you from landing on your butt). After staying upright running over ice, I transitioned onto the trail where I found that I could go faster than usual in the snow. Instead of putting in extra effort, the tread allowed me to build momentum.
With all this said, several testers who ran in the DRX Defy (non-gravel model) also gave positive feedback in the traction category, with one mentioning success running on snow and gravel.
“One highlight from testing was that this shoe performed exceptionally well in snowy conditions,” said tester Sean Hamilton. “The traction held up very well on snow-covered asphalt, on both hills and flat. I also ran on mud and gravel and was impressed by the shoe’s grip.”
Stability System
Both versions feature Salomon’s activeChassis, which you can see on both sides of the shoe. The support system is made of a denser compound to guide your foot as it pronates. We’ve seen similar tech in Brooks and Altra shoes. Both implement a guide rails system.
Testers’ comments were mixed concerning stability with the DRX Defy Gvrl. Some wished for more rigidity in the ankle area while others attributed the stability running in the shoe to the stiffness.
Those who tested the non-gravel version seemed more satisfied with the stability, yet also pointed to the stiff upper as a minor issue.
“[The DRX Defy] has great support for straight, flat trails and roads,” said Hamilton. “I’m a bit of an overpronator and found the guidance system quite helpful. However, the shoe was so rigid that on turns or bends, there was not enough give to comfortably make the turn. Similarly, when I encountered rocky and uneven surfaces, my ankles got beat up a bit due to the lack of flexibility. The support of this shoe was adequate. I enjoyed the heel lock and found, overall, my foot felt secure.”
During my testing, the gravel version felt slightly stiffer and firmer underfoot compared to the DRX Defy. The DRX Defy Grvl required a short break-in period; I felt some ankle rubbing the first time I wore the shoes. After a couple runs, the rubbing subsided and then disappeared.
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Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
