Why has dynamic comfort become the norm in running?

Long gone are the days of minimalist footwear, when the aim was to interfere as little as possible with the foot's natural movements, even if this meant sacrificing a little (or even a lot) of comfort. Flexibility, lightness and an almost non-existent drop were the watchwords of this almost bygone era. Although a few die-hard runners still wear them, the trend today is clearly towards dynamic comfort. Equipment manufacturers have put minimalism on the back burner and opted for larger, more comfortable shoes.

Why this evolution? We tell you all about it!

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Running: a more recent democratization than you might think

Just a few years ago, running and its associated activities ( trail running in particular) weren't as popular. Although the number of runners was growing, it wasn't until the confinement of 2020 that we saw a real explosion of running in France. Today, nearly 8 million French people run regularly every week (according to figures from theObservatoire du running 2024). That's considerably more than in the pre-confinement period.

This craze for running has also been accompanied by the growing success of sports apps and connected objects, ideal tools for assessing your progress and comparing yourself with other runners. After all, today, running means more than just training to improve your physical condition. Running also means, above all, "performing". Performing in competition and on applications. And to perform, you need to train regularly, run longer and therefore more kilometers. But you also need to keep it pleasant for both feet and joints. And so, naturally, comfort has become the main shoe selection criterion for all neo-athletes.

To meet these challenges, and thanks in particular to the latest technological innovations, equipment manufacturers have gradually increased the thickness of the sole to better absorb shocks and restore energy during the impulse. The result is a more fluid and, above all, more efficient stride. This is what Salomon calls "Dynamic Comfort".

Comfort: the main criterion for selecting running shoes

With theUltra Glide 3 (for trail running) and theAero Glide 3 (for running), the aim is to offer runners an ultra-light shoe capable of maximum shock absorption and dynamic recovery with every stride. Regardless of the distance or terrain covered, these two shoes ensure infinite endurance thanks to their ultra-soft cushioning. What could be better than the Aero Glide 3 for training on Parisian asphalt, and the Ultra Glide 3 for performance on race day at the EcoTrail Paris?

Get an idea of these new models by coming and meeting the Salomon teams at the Village Sport Planète. From Friday, March 21, 2025 to Saturday, March 22, 2025, Salomon ambassadors will be delighted to present them to you and answer all your questions. Lightness, comfort and dynamism: these are the watchwords of today's running.