Salomon Blaze 3 Gravel Gore-Tex – My Pick for the Best Winter Running Shoe of 2025

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As the dark, cold, and wet months roll in, the question every runner faces is simple: Do you need a specific winter running shoe?For me, the answer is an easy yes—and every year, I invest in a fresh pair to get me through the tough winter training season.

This year, after testing a variety of options, my top choice for the best winter running shoe of 2025 is the Salomon Blaze 3 Gravel Gore-Tex. Here’s why this shoe stood out and why it’s become my go-to for the months ahead.

Why I Always Buy a Winter Running Shoe

There are three main reasons I buy a winter-specific shoe every year:

1. Daily Wear Protection: I need a shoe that keeps my feet dry on my early morning commute to the station.

2. Coaching Comfort: As a coach, I spend hours outside in the cold and wet, so warmth and waterproofing are essential.

3. Training Reliability: For winter marathon training, I need a dependable daily trainer that grips in sketchy conditions and keeps me comfortable through those chilly, soggy miles.

What I Used Last Year

Last winter, my shoe of choice was the Adidas Supernova Gore-Tex, featuring the DreamStrike midsole and a rugged outsole that held up impressively well.But as much as I loved it, this season I wanted something different—something that performed even better across mixed terrain. That’s where the Salomon Blaze 3 Gravel Gore-Tex comes in.

Specs & Key Details

• Price: £145

• Weight: 292g (UK 9.5)

• Stack Height: 35mm heel / 27mm forefoot (8mm drop)

• Midsole: Optifoam² full-length cushioning

• Outsole: Contagrip – inspired by gravel bike tires

• Upper: Waterproof Gore-Tex

• Fit: True to size

Design & Fit

The Optifoam² midsole is a real highlight here—soft, smooth, and surprisingly energetic. It reminds me of the comfort you’d find in older Saucony Triumph models (around the Triumph 21 era). The Contagrip outsole provides dependable traction whether I’m running on wet roads, canal paths, or light gravel trails.

Even in London’s damp autumn conditions, the grip has been excellent. Lockdown, lacing, and heel comfort are all top-notch.The Gore-Tex upper keeps the feet warm and dry, and while it can feel a touch warm early in the season, it’ll be perfect as temperatures drop. There’s also plenty of room in the toe box—something I always appreciate on longer runs.

(Also worth noting: it comes in a white version that looks absolutely fantastic. I went for black since I wear mine to work, but that white colorway is tempting!)

On the Run

The Blaze 3 performs beautifully as a daily trainer. It’s light, smooth, and responsive—despite looking like a rugged trail shoe. At just under 300g, it feels much lighter on foot. The ride is lively and balanced, making it a great option for easy runs, recovery miles, or longer efforts. I’ve taken it out for a 15-mile long run, and it handled the distance brilliantly, even though it’s not strictly a max-cushioned shoe. Think of it as a “road-to-trail” hybrid—perfect for runners who want one shoe that can handle winter’s unpredictability. If Gore-Tex isn’t your thing, Salomon also offers a non-GTX Gravel version, which is ideal if you prefer more breathability but still want grip and stability.

Likes (and No Dislikes)

✅ Waterproof and warm

✅ Extremely comfortable fit

✅ Great traction on wet and uneven ground

✅ Bouncy, energetic midsole

✅ Lightweight for its category (292g)

✅ True to size with plenty of toe room

✅ Stylish (especially in white!)

✅ Solid value at £145

Honestly, I couldn’t find a single negative. For what this shoe delivers, it’s outstanding.

Final Verdict

The Salomon Blaze 3 Gravel Gore-Tex is everything I want in a winter running shoe: reliable, versatile, comfortable, and ready for whatever the weather throws at it. It’s perfect for runners who log consistent mileage through winter, especially if you’re training for a spring marathon or just want something that won’t quit when the roads get wet and cold. If you’re serious about keeping your miles up through the winter months, this shoe deserves a spot in your rotation.

⭐ Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Best for: Winter training, road-to-trail running, daily useAvoid if: You prefer ultra-breathable uppers or minimalist designs