# Dual-Carbon Plate Gravel Sneakers The Salomon GRVL Concept Features the optiFOAM+ Base By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-05-09 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-grvl-concept References: [hiconsumption](https://hiconsumption.com/style/salomon-grvl-concept/) & [salomon](https://www.salomon.com/en-us/product/grvl-concept-li9722)  The [Salomon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gr10k-x-salomon-quest-low-2-sneakers) GRVL Concept gravel sneakers are a footwear style that embraces the sub-category of outdoor running to help athletes find the right model for their particular needs. The shoe is engineered with a [dual carbon plate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crivit-carbonlite-10) in the form of the energyBLADE that will extend the entire length of the base, while the optiFOAM+ maximizes support without losing feel. The shoes are paired with a knit construction upper with an integrated mini gaiter, while the quickLACE Neo maximizes a snug fit. The Salomon GRVL Concept gravel sneakers weigh in at 9.2-ounces despite their well-stacked design and are being offered now via the brand's website in limited quantities for $250 per pair. The sneakers come in an Iron, Black and Knockout Pink color scheme. Image Credit: Salomon ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.7/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 72% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Carbon-plate Everyday Footwear:** Embedding full-length carbon plates in casual and commuter shoes creates possibilities for high-efficiency propulsion and race-derived performance in daily wear. - **Foam-tech Performance Comfort:** Advanced midsole compounds like optiFOAM+ that balance support with tactile ground feel enable a new class of cushioning that preserves responsiveness under varied loads. - **Integrated Gaiter Knit Uppers:** Seamless knit constructions with built-in mini gaiters point toward multifunctional uppers that combine weather protection, fit customization, and streamlined manufacturing. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear Manufacturing:** The convergence of carbon plate systems and lightweight foams signals scalable manufacturing shifts toward hybrid performance-lifestyle product lines and premium limited releases. - **Sports Performance Equipment:** Cross-pollination of road-running and gravel-specific technologies suggests equipment portfolios that blur discipline boundaries and prioritize adaptable biomechanics. - **Outdoor Apparel Retail:** Demand for tech-forward sneakers with fashion-forward colorways indicates retail strategies centered on scarcity-driven drops, experiential launches, and direct-to-consumer storytelling. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Trail-Ready Urbanite Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-cloud-6-geo-waterproof.md) - [Breathable Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acs-pro-shell.md) - [Carbon-Plated Trail Racing Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooks-cascadia-elite.md) - [Road Racing Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slab-phantasm-3.md) - [Crossover Training Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brooks-ghost-trail.md) - [Trail Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/progrid-omni-9-2.md) - [Urban Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nirvana-blue-nights.md) - [Rugged Lifestyle Footwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xt4-og-3.md) - [Nature Trail Running Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xtwhisper-xsneaker.md)