Forget roses. I don’t need chocolate. And the last thing I want to do for Valentine’s Day is go out to an overpriced prix fixe dinner. What I want for Valentine’s Day, and what I think is the most valuable gift from one partner to another, is to spend quality time together in the great outdoors. Time outside together is my love language.

My husband, Mark, and I have been married for 21 years. We started dating when he worked at Rock & Ice Magazine and I worked at Trail Runner Magazine. (It’s a very Boulder, Colorado love story.) We spent those early days trail running and climbing together. One of our first dates was a three-pitch climb on a very exposed face on Independence Pass—in the rain. He had overestimated both my climbing ability and my comfort level with exposure. I cried. He calmed me. He’d been a climbing guide and knew how to talk me off a ledge, literally and figuratively.

While we were dating, I occasionally dragged him into adventure races when my team and I needed another teammate. We still joke about the 24-hour race in California where his knee was bothering him about 22 hours in and we were reduced to a walk. I said something caring and comforting like, “Your knee is already hurt. We might as well run.” We did. He recovered.

We’ve since had two kids, and juggled jobs, finances, friends, and household chores. We often tag-team who goes to our sons’ soccer games on weekends while the other does their outdoor sport with friends, alone, or with the dog. Our relationship tends to collect dust, as does a lot of the outdoor gear that we’ve amassed over the years.

We’ve all heard about the numerous studies that prove spending time in nature,, and can even. And there’s a good reason why more therapists are adopting, either working with clients through dance or, especially here in Boulder, going for hikes. The mind-body connection can’t be ignored, and there is something to be said for opening up to someone and connecting while you’re not face to face—consider why running partners become so close; why kids often share more openly with their parents while in the car; and why two stubborn people who have been married 21 years actually talk more when outside doing an activity together.

A few recent studies have taken a look at how. But I don’t need a study to tell me that spending quality time outdoors together is good for my relationship with my husband. (That said, if I need to use science as an argument to get him out the door with me, so be it.)

One of my favorite ways to celebrate any event in the 23 years we’ve been together is to spend time on the trail. Right around our fifteenth anniversary, I was invited to a “couple’s-oriented” travel-writers’ trip on the island of Kauai. (The perks of the job are sometimes very good.) My husband and IÌę were treated to fancy dinners and stayed in nice places. But we connected the most—and I knew this would happen—when just the two of us hiked the on the Na Pali Coast. It didn’t hurt that the views were spectacular and swimming underneath a waterfall was otherworldly. But it was the walking and talking I liked the most—something we can attain anywhere, anytime if we just make the effort.

So, instead of spending money on clichĂ©d Valentine’s gifts like flowers, chocolate, or jewelry—or even buying each other adventure-enabling gear that we’d likely use separately—all I want to do is dust off the gear we already have and head outside, together. It’s the time, and the space, that is most valuable.

We may go on a hike with the dog. We may get creative, put on headlamps, and go for a night hike. Or we may grab our skinny skis and the dog and glide through a snow-covered open space to a lake. That may sound romantic, but it’s more than romance I’m after. It’s the connection. And connection is everything.

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In the foothills of Colorado, winter creates a wide range of (sometimes dangerous) running conditions. The one I like to avoid the most is the indoor treadmill. I’m an outdoor animal. Like my yellow lab, Lulu, I sleep and lounge indoors but need to breathe fresh air, run on a natural surface, and be among the trees to ensure consistent happiness.

Unlike my dog, I don’t have toenails sprouting from the bottoms of my feet, or my running shoes—handy sharp grips that can dig into just-about-frozen dirt, thin layers of snow, and icy surfaces.

But there’s an easy solution to my lack of claws. Traction devices that slip easily over any pair of running shoes or hiking boots give me access to the terrain I crave mid-winter: trails. Instead of heading to boring paved paths (thankfully cleared by the City of Boulder), the treadmill, or, worse, waiting until spring to run or hike on those wonderful ribbons that wind through the woods, I grab my traction—and my dog—and go.

Here’s a quick rundown of my four favorite slip-on spike traction devices for running shoes available today. You only need one pair of fun-enabling winter animal claws to access your regular trails. Note: They come in a range of sizes, which is important so as to not squeeze your foot or fall off on the run, so pay attention to size guides when buying. (And to really shore up your winter running arsenal, especially if you run in frigid temps or deep snow, check out our most recent guide to waterproof winter running shoes.)

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Black Diamond Distance Spikes

The softshell toe cap of the makes them the most comfortable of any slip-on spikes for running shoes I’ve tried. There’s no rubber or fabric straps pulling over the top of the foot—instead, a full toe cap made of breathable, water-resistant material, with a strap that loops the heel, keeps the chain-linked spikes secure. Underfoot, 14 eight-millimeter-long teeth made of stainless steel that’s been heat-treated for durability dig into and grip fresh snow and ice. These are also remarkably easy to take on and off, and pack down to the smallest size of the bunch (no bigger than an orange). They live in the small bag they came in inside my running pack all winter long, ready to be deployed when needed. Sizes S-XL; Weight: 8.2 oz (size medium pair); Packed size: Smaller than my fist

Kahtoola Microspikes

are the toothiest of all options, with 12 3/8-inch hardened stainless steel spikes protruding from a “harness” made of thermoplastic elastomer (said to retain its elasticity down to -22˚ Fahrenheit). The harness wraps around the toe and holds the spikes on securely. While mostly comfortable, I can, however, feel the straps through the tops of my running shoes more than the full toe cap of the Black Diamond Distance Spikes. A pull-tab at the heel helps with easy on-off when conditions change mid-trail. Microspikes work best on trails with at least an inch of fresh snow, especially when there are icy patches underneath. Sizes: S-XL; Weight: 11.9 oz (size medium pair); Packed size: 5 in x 3 in x 2 in

Kahtoola Exospikes

As opposed to their toothier counterparts that dig deep into snow and ice, the 12 small, flat spikes made of Tungsten carbide of the provide a low-profile surface grip. This makes them great for terrain that’s mostly ice or mixed dirt and ice, and removes the fear, with a larger spike underfoot, of breaking a metal tooth or landing awkwardly on a rock. A similar, thermoplastic elastomer harness system as found on the Microspikes wraps around the shoe. Sizes S-XL; Weight: 7.3 oz (size medium pair); Packed size: 5.75 in x 3 in x 2 in

YakTrax Run

Yaktrax have long been the “Kleenex” of traction devices, with many outdoors people referring to all traction as such since the brand was among the first to offer winter traction for runners. The original version had metal coils under both the heel and the forefoot. The now has more durable, three-millimeter-deep carbide spikes under the forefoot (similar to Kahtoola Exospikes), while retaining coils under the heel. The combination does a good job on packed snow and ice. These slide over and strap onto shoes via a Velcro closure that secures easily and effectively. The downsides are that they don’t come with a bag or pack down—they fold in half but remain large and awkward—and, while mine have not broken, some users report durability issues. Sizes S-XL; Weight: .74 oz (size medium pair); Packed size: Not given (but fold in half to about the size of a sandwich)

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’Tis the season of excess. Of shopping. Of buying shiny new water bottles and cozy new fleeces for friends and family, and maybe sometimes for ourselves. It’s the season of consumerism in overload.

There’s an antidote to all the commercialism though, at least when it comes to outdoor gear. Take those shoes that have lost their midsole pop and that backpack that you never really liked anyway and find them a new home with someone who may love them. It’s a win-win. You’re clearing out clutter and doing good—putting quality shoes on someone else’s feet and maybe helping them discover a love for an outdoor sport or walking in the woods.

Sharing the Wealth

There are a lot of ways to donate gear—a good one being șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű’s—and you can find a lot of articles describing them with a quick search. Instead of repeating these lists, I’d like to tell you an inspiring, real-life story.

My friend, Kristen Mecca, has long made a habit of leaving behind her gear when visiting developing countries. After hiking Machu Picchu, she and her mom gave their boots and headlamps to their porters, which inspired others in their group to gift their sleeping bags. “The porters really valued our gear for themselves,” says Mecca, “and told us there was also a way to sell their gear and make money. So, they were either going to use the good quality gear or feed their families from selling it.”

Mecca always travels with an extra bag of gear, which she’s left behind on trips to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, but she’s also packed out anything she couldn’t give away directly. “I never want to contribute to a trash problem,” she says. “So anything that doesn’t biodegrade, recycle, or add value gets packed back up and taken home with me.”

This fall, Mecca started volunteering as a coach for , a national nonprofit that encourages elementary school-aged girls to be active among a supportive community. Because she’s seen how appreciated lightly used, quality gear can be to people in developing countries, she felt compelled to share the practice with her Girls on the Run group.

Connecting Good Things

Based in Northern Virginia, Mecca says that she was aware of how much money goes into youth sports and activity in general in her area, and figured a lot of lightly used shoes were just lying around in peoples’ homes. She also had a lot of gear herself that she was looking to repurpose. After doing some research, Mecca landed on, an organization that collects shoes and reallocates them to people in developing countries. Sneakers4Good sends people like Mecca large bags to fill with shoes, and a prepaid shipping label. In addition to giving shoes new life with those in need, the company allows the organizer to choose a charity of their choice to receive a check for roughly $1 per pound of shoes donated.

With the help of two high school-aged volunteer coaches, Mecca collected 93 pairs of shoes and soccer cleats from her Girls on the Run training group this fall.

“It was really easy,” says Mecca. She gave the girls a week to gather shoes from within their networks. “The high school girls who volunteer as coaches also reached out to their own communities and helped out. Now I know the potential is there.”

Mecca worked with the local director of Girls on the Run to donate the money from Sneakers4Good to buying shoes for girls in the program who need them to participate in the program’s culmination, a community 5K. She also organized another shoe collection and donated the money to a charity that matters to her—Animal Rescues of the Rockies.

What may be most impactful in the long term is that Mecca is helping one of the high school-aged volunteer coaches conduct her own collections throughout the sports seasons and choose a nonprofit that’s meaningful to her—once she’s done taking the SATs (she’s tied up until then).

“It’s been fun having a creative way to give multiple beneficiaries—those in need of gear, the animal rescue organization dear to my heart, and I’m benefitting too–from all the feel-good hormones and the energy boost from doing something I’m excited about that helps others,” Mecca says. That’s as fitting an antidote to holiday commercialism as I can imagine.

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Gone are the days of looking high and low for a shoe that will let you get outside in winter cold and slop in comfort. Virtually every brand has introduced multiple snow-, cold-, and water-shedding running shoes this year.

The season’s top picks range from impressively comfortable, cushy neutral road runners lined with protective Gore-Tex, to super burly, toothy, waterproof snow hogs with built-in ankle gaiters. With so many options available, this guide no longer includes water-resistant models—just fully waterproof road and trail shoes.

Why Winter Running Shoes?

Winterized shoes help keep feet warm as they block wind and cold with their thicker, less-breathable uppers—a benefit even in dry cold-weather conditions. Despite improved, somewhat breathable materials, most runners find their feet overheat in winterized shoes in temperatures higher than about 30 degrees. But the best ones vent just enough to not get clammy inside, and they don’t feel stiff and buckle at the toe flexion point due to waterproof layers or treatments. (That’s the worst.)

Waterproof shoes also keep feet dry by blocking out snow, rain, splashes and slop. Besides reducing cold and wetness, winterized shoes are hydrophobic, meaning, they don’t hold water and add weight.

Granted, if you run in the rain, or through puddles or snow deep enough, waterproofing becomes rather moot due to that big hole in the top of the shoe—you know, where your foot steps into it. In these conditions, a high-top, built-in gaiter will make a world of difference in keeping you dry and comfortable.

How We Tested Winter Running Shoes

During the late months of fall, I vetted and tested this year’s offerings in a variety of Colorado terrains and winter conditions to find the best of the bunch and compared them to what I and a small fleet of testers landed on as the best of last season. I then made sure the good ones from last year are still available. (Sadly, some are not—I’m hanging on to my discontinued carbide-spiked La Sportiva Blizzards for life.) Here are our favorites in four categories. We also listed several other available models in each category that may work better for you, especially if you are a fan of the non-waterproof version of the shoe.

At a Glance

Winterized Road Running Shoes

• Other Winterized Road Running Shoes

Winterized Road to Trail Shoes

• Other Winterized Road to Trail Running Shoes

Winterized Trail Running Shoes

• Other Winterized Trail Running Shoes

Shoes for Deep Snow

• Other Winterized Trail Running Shoes for Deep Snow

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Winterized Road Running Shoes

Roadies who get after it no matter the weather have more options than ever to help keep their feet from turning into painful blocks of ice.

Saucony Triumph 22 GTX

Some Gore-Tex running shoes can feel stiff and uncomfortable, a sacrifice for warm, dry feet. Not these. The Triumph 22 GTX is the most plush, comfortable weatherproof shoe we’ve ever run in. The PWRRUN PB (engineered PEBA) midsole foam feels ample, smooth, and springy. The upper—weatherized via a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit construction that integrates the waterproof material directly into the upper—felt seamless. 10.6 ounces (men’s), 9.1 ounces (women’s); 10 mm drop

Hoka Clifton 9 GTX

This is the lightweight, smooth-running, highly cushioned Clifton you know and love—but with a fully waterproof upper constructed with comfortable Gore-Tex Invisible Fit and an outsole built for winter conditions. What Hoka is calling “Traction Pods” on the Durabrasion rubber outsole create more ground contact and extrude a tad (not as much as trail shoe lugs), doing a decent job of gripping on snow. This is a good choice for roadies needing a little extra traction through winter, without going the full trail running shoe route. 9.6 ounces (men’s), 8.3 ounces (women’s); 5 mm drop

Other Winterized Road Running Shoes Available this Season

Winterized Road To Trail Running Shoes

For messy roads or minimally technical trails, these shoes provide secure footing and smooth rides while keeping feet comfortable and protected from the elements.

Nike Trail Pegasus 5 Gore-Tex

This winterized version of the Trail Pegasus 5, with its lively ReactX foam midsole that delivers a versatile ride on road or trail, features a Gore-Tex-lined upper, high-ankle cuff, and reflective detailing. We wore this shoe on sloppy gravel roads four days after a snowstorm and loved it for its comfort both underfoot and around the foot. The waterproof upper flexes easily with the foot while protecting from cold, snow, and general muck. 10.5 ounces (men’s), 8.9 ounces (women’s); 9.5mm drop

Merrell Morphlite Gore-Tex

One hundred thirty dollars is a steal for a pair of Gore-Tex shoes, and the fact that the Morphlite Gore-Tex can transition between road and trail makes it even more of a value. We found that the wide outsole of this shoe paired with concave sections underfoot made us feel stable and successfully “morphed” over obstacles like small tree roots in the Maryland woods. The midsole foam felt a bit firm, especially under the forefoot, which made us lean more trail than road in this shoe. Still, it’s capable of both, well waterproofed, and lightweight, to boot. 9 ounces (men’s), 7.6 ounces (women’s); 6.5mm drop

On Cloudsurfer Trail Waterproof

On’s CloudTec Phase midsole technology runs soft and smooth on roads yet isn’t too mushy on light trails, making this a versatile shoe. The outsole’s rubber compound and tread design gripped a smooth gravel road with occasional patches of ice and provided sure footing on a road-to-trail route. The upper delivered enough support for rocky singletrack while flexing enough to run comfortably on roads, even with its waterproofing layer (seam sealed Cosmo Hydroguard). 11.3 ounces (men’s), 9.2 ounces (women’s); 7mm drop

Other Winterized Road to Trail Running Shoes Available this Season

Winterized Trail Running Shoes

These trail running shoes are designed for wet muck, packed snow, and sloppy terrain in general, with their traction adding necessary grip and rugged uppers protecting from punctures and penetrating cold and moisture.

Topo Athletic Terraventure 4 WP

The Terraventure 4 WP has stellar traction thanks to its entire outsole, made out of tacky, rock-grabbing Vibram Megagrip. The four-and-a-half-millimeter lugs take hold in snow, and the somewhat firm cushioning, low stack height (25mm/22mm), and wide forefoot base (a design feature of all Topos) add stability on all surfaces. A full bootie construction made out of eVent is meant to be both fully waterproof and breathable; I found the upper to effectively block out snow and moisture but my feet felt a little clammy at times. Still, I’ll be reaching for this versatile, protective shoe often this winter. 12 ounces (men’s) 10.1 ounces (women’s); 3 mm drop

Icebug Arcus 2 BUGrip GTX

With an outsole equipped with carbide spikes that provide solid grip on ice and retract on hard surfaces (like rocks), Icebug running shoes are in a class of their own. The grip on the Arcus 2 GTX allowed us to tackle the slickest of surfaces, like a north-facing, ice-covered singletrack that doesn’t see the sun all winter (a trail we happily had to ourselves), as well as riding nicely on the slippery road to and from the trail. This shoe’s Gore-Tex Invisible fit upper proved comfortable around the foot, and the cushioning is ample. One ding: Our 125-pound tester found it rode a bit stiff and wished it flexed more. Heavier runners may have more luck. 12.9 ounces (men’s), 10.3 ounces (women’s); 6mm drop

Other Winterized Trail Running Shoes Available this Season

Shoes for Deep Snow

With protective booties that seal out moisture and major traction that grips even in unstable terrain, these shoes are ready for winter fun.

Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G

Underneath a winterized outer softshell hides a low-volume, mountain-capable Scarpa Ribelle Run trail shoe, letting this shoe handle all kinds of winter adventure. Testers appreciated the ability to secure the inner shoe without having to dig inside the shell, thanks to an external BOA dial that tightens and loosens with precise clicks, and found the water-resistant softshell gaiter cut cold, biting winds and shed moisture. The interior shoe is lined with a waterproof membrane to ensure nothing gets in to freeze your toes. The outsole’s sticky rubber grips rocky sections of trail for confident maneuvering, and a band of rubber-like TPU wraps the shoe’s perimeter both for durability and to allow you to “smear” (climber talk for pressing rubber against rock for traction) should the need arise. 13 ounces (unisex); 4 mm drop

La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX

Like the Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G, the Cyklon Cross GTX features a stretchy, breathable softshell gaiter that extends past the ankle bone for charging through deep snow and slop. Underneath sits the La Sportiva Cyklon running shoe which was built for speedy mountain scrambles. The shoe’s BOA lacing, accessible from outside the shell, effectively secured our feet on off-camber terrain and slippery trails. The Cyklon Cross GTX has a 28-20mm offset for a slightly more cushioned ride, while the Ribelle Run GTX sits at a svelte 26.5-22.5. Another difference: The Scarpa’s gaiter has a Velcro-adjustable closure around the ankle above the angled zipper, while the La Sportiva’s zipper at the front of the ankle goes all the way to the top (and some find the fit too tight for their lower leg). Both shoes proved capable in burly winter running conditions. 12.5 ounces (men’s), 10.5 ounces (women’s); 8 mm drop

Other Winterized Trail Running Shoes for Deep Snow Available this Season

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Winter running can be downright exhilarating if you have the right tools to keep you comfortable. Hats, gloves, and mittens may seem like an afterthought to your running kit, but having smart selections for your hands and head makes a huge difference in your overall body temperature and experience. We tested a range of items, from lightweight beanies to fuzzy headbands to full-on winter warrior hats, and everything from liner gloves to insulated water-resistant winter mittens. Here are our favorite women’s hats, gloves, and mittens for running in a range of conditions.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around Hat:
• Best All-Around Mittens:
• Best for Cold Ears:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Mittens for Cold Wind:
• Best Hat for Snow and Cold:
• Best Hat for High Output Running:
• How to Choose Winter Running Hats, Gloves, or Mittens
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Around

Skida Running Hat

Materials: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
Sizing: S/M and M/L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Packs down small enough to fit in a pocket
⊕ Keeps ears warm while venting excess heat
⊗ Not thick and warm enough for frigid temps

We love a lot of things about the Skida Running Hat. For one, it’s cut to cover the ears—a feature that’s oddly hard to find in a running beanie. It also comes in a choice of sizes—small-medium or medium-large—guaranteeing a snug, comfortable fit, which is unique for running (or any) beanies that are usually one-size-fits-all. It’s thin and lightweight enough t to pack down easily and compactly into a running pack’s chest pocket, or a small pocket on a pair of tights when you need to shed a layer.

On the head, it’s soft, comfortable, and breathable while providing coverage and warmth. We found this hat warm enough without being too warm in all but the most frigid of running conditions, and loved it even more for its versatility, numerous print and color options, and price. Priced at $36 and versatile in a range of conditions, the Skida Running Hat is also our pick for Best Value in this category. Bonus: The hat has a UPF rating of 50+.

Best All-Around Mittens

Tracksmith Fens Mittens

Materials: 100% Polyester Kore-Techno Fleece
Sizing: S-L

Pros and Cons
⊕ Both warm and breathable
⊕ Can double as casual-wear mittens
⊗ Not water-resistant or waterproof

These lightweight mittens kept our hands warm, both in cold, damp East Coast conditions and Colorado’s dry cold and snow, while still allowing heat to escape during our winter runs. The brushed fleece interior feels great against the skin and makes these mittens a pleasure to wear. The exterior—a channeled, smooth face that vents heat while remaining warm—is soft enough to wipe a runny nose. The simple elastic cuff makes these mittens easy to pull on and off, while keeping cold air from sneaking inside. And the inconspicuous magnet on the cuff keeps the mitts together—and not lost!—when they’re not in use.

Best for Cold Ears

Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Headband

Materials: 100% recycled polyester fleece
Sizing: One size

Pros and Cons
⊕ Dumps excess heat better than a hat
⊕ Cozy fleece keeps ears comfy
⊗ Runs big and is one-size-fits-all

For those who run hot and don’t like hats—even breathable hats—a headband is a good solution to keep just the ears warm while venting heat out the top. This simple headband from Cotopaxi is made from their uber-cozy 100 percent recycled polyester “Teca” fleece, the same material used for many of the brand’s jackets. The seams are covered on the top and bottom, so there’s no irritation. Testers agree that this headband washes well and shows minimal wear after a winter of use. One ding: Since the fleece isn’t all that stretchy, and the headband comes in just one size, runners with notably small or large heads may have fit issues. (One of our testers with a small head found the headband too loose.)

Most Versatile

Ibex Glove Liners

Materials: 94% merino wool, 6% Lycra
Sizing: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight and stashable
⊕ Work great as a three-season glove
⊗ Not warm enough on their own for harsh midwinter runs

These thin, minimal-feeling liner gloves are made of soft, temperature-regulating Merino wool, which means they have a high warmth-to-weight ratio. The wool is soft against the skin and provides breathable protection, while a touch of Lycra helps the gloves maintain shape. They come in a range of sizes so you get a snug fit that ensures no cold air sneaks in through the cuff. We’ve worn these on cool fall mornings, spring rainstorms, and mild winter days on their own. And when temperatures dropped during winter months, they served nicely as liner gloves: One tester loved wearing them under the Tracksmith Fens Mittens to ward off bone-chilling conditions during an East Coast winter. Bonus: The index fingertip and thumb are both touchscreen-compatible.

Best Mittens for Cold Wind

Rab Xenon Mitts

Materials: Windproof Pertex Quantum shell, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation (40g), polyurethane palm
Sizing: XS-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Warm in the coldest conditions
⊕ Effectively block wind
⊗ Seams could be more durable

Snow, wind, and cold proved no match for these mitts, which kept our hands warm and comfortable on a multi-hour mountain run in a Colorado snowstorm. (It was as fun as it sounds.) The shell material effectively blocked wind on multiple testing outings, while its light, synthetic insulation kept our hands warm. These mitts don’t breathe as well as others in this roundup, so our hands got sweaty during hard efforts or in more mild conditions. But for the wintry-est of winter days, they give us no excuses to head out the door—and for that, we love them. A knock: The seams of the shell have torn in a couple places after two seasons of wear.

Best Hat for Snow and Cold

Ciele Athletics HOTHCap

Materials: Recycled polyester exterior and wool/silk blend insulation
Sizing: S/M and L/XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Visor and beanie combo provides warmth, shade, and precipitation protection
⊕ Breathable top lets excess heat escape
⊗ $90 is a lot for a running hat

At the risk of looking like Luke Skywalker on the ice planet Hoth (although the product name stands for Hot on The Head) we pulled on this hat in the gnarliest of Colorado winter snowstorms and enjoyed laughing in the face of adversity as we ran. A visor shielded our faces from falling snow and sleet. Flaps lined with fuzzy insulation kept our ears toasty in the cold and wet, and easily folded up when it was clear out.

The top of this hat is constructed out of fuzzy insulation made from wool and silk that effectively let heat escape while providing warmth. A recycled polyester softshell material covers the soft, brushed ear flaps, visor brim, and part of the back of the hat for added weather protection, and an elastic pull cord adds further custom-fitting to the two available sizes. Ninety bucks may be steep for a running hat, but this one will keep you charging outside all winter long—which is kind of priceless.

Best for High Output Running

Rab Filament Beanie

Materials: 94% recycled polyester, 6% elastane
Sizing: One size

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly breathable while providing light warmth
⊕ Comfortable, snug fit
⊗ Not warm enough in frigid temps

For runners who either run hot, live in moderate winter climates, or want light protection for mild winter days, this beanie delivers. It’s snug-fitting and minimal, providing just enough warmth with a comfortable fit. The interior of the beanie features alternating high and low loft stripes for a mix of insulation and breathability, effectively venting heat during high-output efforts. One tester threw this hat in the pocket of a hydration vest to always have on-hand, even during summer mountain running. And for winter, we found this beanie became our go-to for all our above-freezing runs.

How To Choose Winter Running Hats, Gloves, or Mittens

When shopping for items to keep your hands and head comfortable—not too hot, not too cold—during the winter months, first consider the conditions you’re most likely to face. Do temperatures drop below zero? Does it snow, rain, or sleet where you live? (And if so, do you enjoy running in those conditions?) From there, consider if you generally run hot or cold. And from there, peruse our guide to find options that might work best for your needs.

Also consider if packability is important to you; if you travel often during the winter months to other cold climates, or want the ability to stash your hat or gloves once you warm up during your run, choose items that compress easily. And remember that what feels cozy at the start can quickly turn to clammy, so look for breathability to let out internal heat in addition to protection from external elements.

How We Test

Head tester and writer Lisa Jhung researches each gear category and works with gear companies to narrow down which items to add to the test loop. She then orders samples for herself and her team of five testers, who live in Colorado, Virginia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. For this test, hats and gloves were worn in a range of winter conditions, from cold, dry, sometimes snowy Colorado Front Range and high country, to cold, damp Virginia and cool, rainy, mild Northern California.

Meet Our Testers

Lisa Jhung has been running for 35 years, testing and writing about gear for 25-ish years, and manages a pool of testers out of her home in Boulder, Colorado. She runs in all conditions and loves heading out in a gnarly snowstorm.

Kristen Mecca moved to Virginia after running all over Colorado, including multiple podium finishes at the Pikes Peak Ascent and snowshoe races. She now tests gear through the East Coast winter and is a stickler for irritating seams and rough materials.

Beth Smith lives and runs in Burlingame, California, and runs roads and trails while trying to not get Prednisone-level poison oak rashes. She loves functional clothing with smart pocketing for her phone, which she always has with her.

Lindsay Clark trains around the roads and trails of Louisville, Colorado, while also heading to the Boulder foothills to hit rugged, rocky trails. After tragically losing her home in the Marshall Fire, she says she appreciates good running apparel on a new level.

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Some are born to run in cold weather, while others have it thrust upon them. Take heart if you are in the latter category, one of those who hesitates to venture into frigid conditions. The men’s winter running hats, gloves, and mittens in this review proved remarkably effective in a wide range of winter outings, from damp, near-freezing fog to single-digit cold. For a relatively small investment, these items can add significant comfort and enjoyment to your winter running.

At a Glance

• Best All-Around Hat:
• Best All-Around Gloves:
• Best Value:
• Most Versatile:
• Best Gloves for Snow and Cold:
• Best Hat for Snow and Cold:
• Best for High Output Running:
• How to Choose Winter Running Hats, Gloves, or Mittens
• How We Test
• Meet Our Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Around Hat

Pinebury Redington Merino Wool Cap

Materials: Nuyarn Performance Wool blend 90% Merino wool / 10% nylon
Sizing: S/M and L/XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Surprising warmth in a lightweight build
⊕ Soft touch
⊗ Not wind resistant but can be layered under a hood

Thin but incredibly warm, the Redington Merino Wool cap is constructed with Nuyarn performance wool, a wool/nylon blend that delivers significantly more insulation and durability than wool alone or other blended weaves. The fabric is blanket-soft and thin, but it proved more than capable for running in snow and freezing fog. The close fit allowed us to wear the cap under a weatherproof jacket hood when the conditions got nasty, but we only felt the need for extra protection when the wind was howling. The cap also retained its stretch and fit even after getting tossed into the laundry, which you’ll likely need to do after donning it run after run.

Best All-Around Gloves

Arc’teryx Venta Glove

Materials: Gore-Tex Infinium exterior, lightweight polyester fleece lining
Sizing: łĘł§â€“XłĘłą

Pros and Cons
⊕ Warm and breathable
⊕ Low-bulk fit provides finger mobility
⊗ Too warm for mild temperatures

When cold, wet weather threatens to force you indoors, these gloves offer the assurance of comfort and warmth to help brave the storm. The water- and wind-resistant, breathable softshell exterior feels similar to other lightweight glove fabrics but did a better job warding off wet snow and freezing temps. The snug fit, combined with grip-enhancing TPU reinforcements on the palm, let us securely grab a water bottle or a smartphone on the move. We used these gloves for 90-minute trail running adventures above 10,000 feet in the Colorado mountains and found that our hands stayed warm without overheating from the cool to frigid conditions. Despite their relatively thin profile, however, the Venta gloves were too hot for runs in mild temps above 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Value

The North Face Base Neck Gaiter

Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
Sizing: One size

Pros and Cons
⊕ Inexpensive
⊕ Versatile design and adaptable, stretchy fabric
⊗ Thin fabric provided fairly minimal insulation

This lightweight face and neck covering takes the sting out of cold weather while offering UPF 40+ sun protection. We took advantage of the stretchy fabric by pulling the neck covering up and over the mouth and ears, where it channeled body heat upwards in frigid conditions, and scrunching it low on the neck in warm temps. Using it as a face shield in super dry mountain air also helped prevent lung scorch. For the cost of a bottle of wine, you get comfort and protection across a broad range of temperatures.

Most Versatile

REI Co-op Flash Power Stretch Glove

Materials: Power Stretch fleece: 53% polyester, 38% nylon, 9% spandex
Sizing: XS-XXL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight fabric works on its own in mild weather or as a liner glove in colder temps
⊕ Highly breathable plus durable
⊗ Too thin for frigid conditions on their own

The REI Co-op Flash Power Stretch gloves proved popular among testers for most outings, from road running to on-trail adventures, providing the light insulation needed to keep fingers toasty during high-intensity activity—as long as the temperatures stayed above or near freezing. And in extreme cold, these versatile gloves performed nicely as liners inside a heavier mitt or weatherproof shell. We appreciated the soft fabric, stretchy fit, and the small clips that kept them paired between runs (and in the wash). Conductive palm-side material that enabled dexterous phone use, plus a durable, abrasion-resistant exterior, and bluesign approval added to the glove’s appeal.

Best Gloves for Snow and Cold

CEP Cold Weather Merino Gloves

Materials: 61% Merino wool,Ìę 39% polyester/spandex blend
Sizing: S-XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Warmth for sub-zero temps, even when wet
⊕ Grip-enhancing overlays
⊗ Lacks venting options for warmer temperatures

Despite lacking an outer hardshell, these hearty Merino gloves kept our hands warm in the coldest weather. Even accidentally dunking a hand into a puddle (hey, it gets slippery out there) didn’t result in frozen digits—the warm-when-wet quality of wool offered reliable protection. Plus, overlay texture bands on the palm and fingers significantly enhanced our grip, while a small touchscreen-friendly fingertip element allowed for operating a smartphone without removing a glove. Unobtrusive wrist cuff clips were a nice touch, helping keep them matched and ready for the next outing.

Best Hat for Snow and Cold

GoreWear Gore-Tex Cap

Materials: 80% polyester, 20% nylon with a Gore-Tex membrane
Sizing: One Size (Adjustable)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Traditional ball cap visor wards off snow and rain
⊕ Effective waterproofing
⊗ No ear coverage or insulation layer for extreme cold conditions

Sometimes, it’s better to keep things simple. A traditional ball cap style, combined with fully waterproof and windproof Gore-Tex fabric, proved effective for adventuring in all sorts of wet winter weather. Our testers stayed warm, and their heads dry, even in high winds and single-digit temps. The brim shielded precipitation from our faces, including protecting our eyes even when heavy snowflakes dumped on us. Fully taped seams meant that the waterproofing never faltered and the hat never wetted out or got heavy and soggy. We also appreciated the reflective panels, securely comfortable size-adjusting buckle, and the option of high-visibility yellow.

Best for High Output Running

FjÀllrÀven Expedition Fleece Headband

Materials: Stretch fleece: 75% recycled polyester, 18% polyester, 7% elastane
Sizing: S/M and L/XL

Pros and Cons
⊕ Insulates the ears and forehead while allowing heat to escape
⊕ Soft and stretchy comfort
⊗ Not adjustable: slips around on smaller heads

This soft fleece headband proved perfect for intense workout efforts, wicking moisture from the skin, routing sweat away from the eyes, and allowing excess heat to escape off the scalp. The combination worked perfectly to keep us warm but not sweaty, even during repeated intervals on a frozen track. The subtly stretchy fabric had the right amount of flexible elastane to achieve a close fit that never felt constricting (but was too loose on a tester with a small head). Since looking fast is just as important as being fast, the headband sports solid colors, subtle contrast stitching, and a low-key embroidered logo for a clean, speed-inspiring demeanor.

How To Choose Winter Running Hats, Gloves, or Mittens

When shopping for items to keep your hands and head comfortable—not too hot, not too cold—during the winter months, first consider the conditions you’re most likely to face. Do temperatures drop below zero? Does it snow, rain, or sleet where you live? (And if so, do you enjoy running in those conditions?) From there, consider if you generally run hot or cold. And from there, peruse our guide to find options that might work best for your needs.

Also consider if packability is important to you; if you travel often during the winter months to other cold climates, or want the ability to stash your hat or gloves once you warm up during your run, choose items that compress easily. And remember that what feels cozy at the start can quickly turn clammy, so look for breathability to let out internal heat in addition to protection from external elements.

How We Test

Mark Eller led the test crew for this review. Based in Boulder, Colorado, he pursues running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other outdoor activities that keep him away from treadmills when the snow flies. He coordinated getting dozens of winter running items to additional testers in New England, the high plains, and the Rocky Mountains who wore the gear in this review in a variety of cold conditions for many months before making their picks and writing their comments.

Meet Our Testers

Lead reviewer Mark Eller trains through the winter on the roads and trails near his hometown of Boulder, Colorado. He’s a three-time Boston Marathon veteran, a hack Nordic skier, and a competitive racer in on-water racer rowing events.

Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Michael Rorick has run and raced in New England since his middle school track team days in Connecticut. He’s completed many editions of Boston, New York, and other major marathons.

Brian Metzler is the Editor in Chief of RUN and the founding editor of Trail Runner. A former walk-on Division I track athlete, he mostly runs on mountainous trails nowadays in Boulder and Leadville, Colorado.

Scott Douglas has run more than 130,000 miles since starting as a teen. He has held senior editorial positions at running publications and is the author or co-author of several well-known running books, including Advanced Marathoning, Meb for Mortals, and Running is My Therapy. ScottÌęruns every day unless injured, and always runs outside, either despite of or because of living in North Yarmouth, Maine.

Jonathan Beverly is no stranger to winter weather. He began running in high school on the Maine coast, trained for marathons for years in New York, and now can be found chasing windmills in the western Nebraska Sandhills, accompanied by his two dogs. He is the senior running gear editor for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű.

The post The Best Men’s Hats, Gloves, and Mittens for Winter Running appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

We tested hundreds of products earlier this year to round up the best holiday gifts currently on the market—all explicitly curated for your outdoorsy loved ones. From travel gear to tech gifts to fitness products, from $20 to $1,600, we have something for everyone. Be sure to check out the rest of our favorite picks in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.

At A Glance

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Camelbak Podium Steel 18-ounce Bike Bottle

When you’re riding in 90- or 100-degree weather, a plastic bike bottle can warm up in less than 30 minutes, even if it’s stuffed with ice. That’s why Camelbak now makes this metal bottle with double-wall vacuum insulation that will keep your loved one’s water or favorite sports drink cold during an entire two- or three-hour ride. A new, easy-chug cap will allow them to drink fast when they’re thirsty, and the bottle stays put in a bike cage.

Suunto Race S Performance GPS Watch

The Race S comes with a bright and beautiful AMOLED screen, the ability to download and use offline maps, and up to 40 hours of high-quality GPS time or up to seven days of general use with daily fitness training. All these features come in a sleek package with a comfortable fit that cinches down to snug even small wrists.

Nike Zegama 2 Trail Running Shoe

Sizing: 6-15 (men’s)

A responsive and supportive, dual-foam midsole will give the long-distance runner in your life the comfort they’ll need to put in long miles. We also loved the built-in ankle gaiter that keeps out debris, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole doesn’t slip on scree and loose dirt. Nike smartly made this version of the Zegama slightly wider to allow for foot expansion on big days.

Uvex Mtn Perform V Sunglasses

Give the gift of sight this season. Ultra-reactive photochromic lenses on these glasses go from light to dark, or vice-versa, in just a few seconds, so you can wear them any time of the day and always have the correct tint. Made for bigger heads, the large lenses and frame provide tons of coverage and an ultra-snug, no-slip fit.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY AMAZFIT
Amazfit T-Rex 3 ($279.99)

With 170+ built-in workout modes and AI-generated personalized training plans, the T-Rex 3 smartwatch from Amazfit is the perfect partner for the gym, pool, road, or trail. Track reps, sets, and rest time in strength training mode, and easily see all your workout data and sleep recovery information on the big, bright face. Plus, stay focused on your workout by fully controlling your watch with your voice and sending speech-to-text messages. With more than 3 weeks of battery life and a rugged body, the T-Rex 3 is always ready to go.

Wellen Sevens Sport Short Unlined

Sizing: XS-XXL (men’s)

Built from ripstop nylon that comes with four-way stretch, these shorts are durable enough for the most brutal CrossFit workouts but also flowy enough for a marathon. They come with five generous pockets, including one for your phone, and two with mesh that will drain water after a swim. Best of all, the non-pinching waistband stays comfy even after hours-long workouts.

On Ultralight Mid Sock

Sizing:5-11 (women’s) and 6.5-14 (men’s)

Who says socks are a bad gift? Call these the Goldilocks of socks—long enough to keep rocks and dirt out but not so high that they look dorky. Mesh around the midfoot vents tons of heat, and a little padding in the toe and heel adds comfort and fights blisters. The simple striping on the black version adds character to an otherwise regular old black sock.

Nutribullet Flip Portable Blender

This is the perfect gift for your friend who’s always in a rush. A rechargeable battery-powered blender blade is built into the lid of this insulated stainless steel tumbler, so all you have to do is add your ingredients, put the lid back on, blend, and then flip it back over to drink out of it. Add soap and water, blend for a minute, rinse, and this portable blender is clean again.

Title Nine Handful Sports Bra

Sizing: XS-L

A gift for the active woman who wants support for low-impact workouts while looking and feeling fashionable, the Handful Sports Bra is supremely comfortable. Testers were impressed by the combination of the compressive chest band and loose cups on this bra, which provided a balance of support and flexibility.

How We Tested Our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

• Number of Testers: 6
• Number of Products Tested: 125
• Number of States Tested in: 7
• Tester Age Range: 30-75
• Highest Elevation Reached While Testing: 14,006 ft.

The best holiday gifts often fit in two main categories. The first category is: “A gift that makes my everyday routine that much better. “ The second goes something like: “This is a gift I’d never splurge on, so it’s amazing that I received it from someone else.” With those parameters in mind, we reached out far and wide to find gifts both big and small, expensive and affordable, and obvious and unexpected. A team of six testers put well over 100 products through their paces, and after weeks of testing and comparing, we came up with the final list.

For example, one of the products that made the cut under the “everyday routine” category was the Suunto Race S watch in our fitness category. Running tester Meg Healy loved how it was the perfect training watch that kept her motivated and updated all week long, no matter the length of her workout. Lead tester Jakob Schiller flew all over the country (Alaska, California, Seattle) with the Mystery Ranch Mission Rover 45 pack and was always impressed with how it was perfectly sized for a three-day trip, easily fit in an overhead compartment, and was comfortable to wear while schlepping through airports.

Presents that fell into the “I’d never buy this myself category” included things like Sonos Ace headphones and Howl propane campfire in the tech category. The headphones, which are as much as a car payment, seem excessive, but you understand the appeal once you hear how they truly enrich every piece of music, from John Coltrane to Taylor Swift to Cypress Hill. A $1,300 gas campfire seems absolutely ridiculous until you stand next to one on a chilly fall night and realize that this new piece of technology is actually as warm as a campfire (if not warmer) and does a great job setting the vibe after dark.

Meet Our Lead Tester

Jakob Schiller

Over the past decade as an șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű editor and then columnist, Jakob Schiller has gotten to know many UPS drivers by name thanks to the frequent stops at his house for gear drop-offs. He’s opened so many cardboard boxes he could start his own recycling facility, and his garage, as you might suspect, is a mess. But thanks to all that gear, Jakob and his family of six (plus two dogs) have been able to adventure around the world and visit many of the globe’s most beautiful spots. When he and his family are not on the road, they call Albuquerque, New Mexico home.

The post Eight Best Gifts for the Gym Rat in Your Life appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

Today’s trail-running shoes are more advanced than ever, incorporating cutting-edge materials, innovative designs, and clever blends of foams, plates, fabrics, outsole rubbers, and lug patterns. This combination results in shoes that excel across diverse terrain like never before.

A great pair of trail shoes provides enough comfort and grip to go unnoticed on the run. All the models that made our list have taken the best elements from the past and incorporated modern materials and components with innovative designs to enhance performance and protection while staying out of the way. So take your pick. After testing more than 100 trail shoes over the past two years, these are our top 14 choices.

At A Glance

• Best All-Around: Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 ($160)
• Best Trail Super Shoe: Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra ($220)
• Best for Ultrarunning: Hoka Tecton X 3 ($275)
• Best Daily Workhorse: Brooks Cascadia 18 ($140)
• Best Value: Asics Fuji-Lite 5 ($130)
• Best Zero Drop: Topo Athletic Pursuit 2 ($145)
• Best for Speedy Scrambles: Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx ($160)
• Best for Soft Terrain: Scarpa Spin ST ($179)
• Best for Groomed Trails: Altra Experience Wild ($145)
• Best for Road-to-Trail: Nike Pegasus Trail 5 ($140)
• Best Max Cushioned: Brooks Caldera 7 ($150)
• Most Natural Ride: Topo Athletic MT-5 ($130)
• Best for Beginner Trail Runners: New Balance Fresh Foam x Hierro v8 ($150)
• Best Waterproof Trail Shoe: Topo Athletic Terraventure 4 WP ($150)
• How to Choose a Trail Shoe
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best All-Around

Saucony Xodus Ultra 3

Weight: 10.1 ounces (men’s), 8.7 ounces (women’s)
Stack Height: 36–30 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizes: 7-14 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Works for a range of runners
⊕ Plush cushioning that doesn’t block trail feel
⊕ Strong traction in all conditions
⊗ Stretchy lacing can be difficult to cinch tight

In choosing a “Best All-Around” trail shoe, we considered function for the broadest range of runners. While the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 might have been built with ultrarunners in mind, we found its blend of comfort, traction, and responsiveness impressive across a range of distance, terrain, and runner ability.

With highly responsive cushioning and fantastic traction that felt like it added prowess to all levels of trail-running testers, we liken the Saucony Xodus 3 to a superhero cape. “On one of my runs I was feeling like a slug and then the shoes felt so good I just went after it and was able to really move with some speed,” said a tester who wore the shoe on both wet and dry trails in the Colorado foothills and high country. Other testers described the updated Xodus as “easy to run in” and “very springy, responsive” with a “bounce that helped propel me forward.” One tester described their runs as “effortless” when moving across rolling terrain in Northern California.

There’s not so much cush that we felt disconnected from the trails. Instead, the responsive foam let us react to rough ground underfoot and worked with enhanced stability from a widened platform with reinforced sidewalls to keep our balance secure, even on off-camber terrain. Underfoot, four-millimeter lugs made of Saucony’s proprietary tacky rubber added to the cape-like effect in a range of conditions. “I was able to land on wet roots and move the way I wanted to,” said one tester. “I felt strong in this shoe,” said another, while a third noted that the Xodus Ultra 3 “provided exceptional downhill cushioning without feeling unstable.”

Closed (but breathable) mesh keeps out debris, adds protection to the top of the foot, and fits “like a hug,” said one. One minor complaint was that the stretchy laces, while adding comfort on mild trails, made it hard to cinch the fit tight enough for narrow-footed runners to feel secure on highly technical terrain.

This is a great all-around trail shoe that runs smoothly on gravel while excelling on rocky, rooty, sloppy trails as well. We picked the Xodus Ultra 3 as the best all-around for its ability to turn mortals into speedsters on technical terrain for just $160—and because we can’t think of a trail we wouldn’t want to run in it, or a runner we wouldn’t recommend it for.

Best Trail Super Shoe

Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

Weight: 9.5 oz (men’s), 8.1 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38–30 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fast, smooth, and lively ride
⊕ Adaptive stability
⊗ Not great in really rocky terrain

Every Agravic Speed Ultra tester was in awe of how easily faster paces felt while wearing this shoe. “I consistently ran about 30 seconds per mile faster while running in these shoes than what the effort felt like,” said a masters tester. Adidas designers skillfully adapted the elements of a road super shoe to create a similar, effort-reducing, propulsive feel in a shoe that works on the uncertain terrain of the trail.

Underfoot, the main ingredients are a bouncy-but-not-too-soft gas-infused TPEE-based midsole working harmoniously with an embedded, trail-specific “plate.” Instead of a solid, rigid plate, Adidas uses semi-flexible rods that react independently to variations in the terrain. Made of PEBA in its hard plastic form as often found in track spike plates, the four prongs in the forefoot and two in the heel are splayed wider and closer to the edges than those in Adidas’s road shoes, to enhance stability. One tester said the resulting ride “provided a lively pop without being tippy on variable surfaces or prescribing a set, rigid roll.”

Deep sculpted side walls surround a beveled heel, delivering smooth, secure landings, and a narrow midfoot waist widens to a generous, flared forefoot, providing an agile and stable stance. The aggressively rockered geometry from heel to toe delivers what one tester described as “a balanced ride that makes it easy to stay forward on my feet and drive backward with each stride, creating a quick, powerful push-off.”

For the outsole, Adidas uses the same trustworthy, grippy Continental rubber found on most of the brand’s running shoes. This trail-specific version features variable 2.5- to 3-millimeter lugs for surefooted, no-stress traction. As one might expect in a high-level racing shoe, the upper is kept to a minimum for weight reduction. Made with a non-stretch, breathable, quick-drying, woven material, we found it offered a secure, snug lockdown while providing a touch of abrasion protection.

Given the tall stack height, testers had to cautiously check their foot placements through technical rocky terrain. But wherever the terrain smoothed out and allowed for full strides, the Agravic Speed Ultra came alive and delivered a ride that testers said felt like flying. If you’ve been holding out for a plated trail racing shoe that gets almost everything right, the wait is over.

Read our full review of the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.

Honorable mention: ,

Best for Ultrarunning

Hoka Tecton X 3

Weight: 10 oz (men’s), 7.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 40–35mm (men’s); 39–34mm (women’s)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizes: Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-11

Pros and Cons
⊕ Gaiter keeps out trail debris
⊕ Excellent balance of comfort and responsiveness
⊕ Doesn’t feel tippy, despite carbon fiber plates
⊗ Pricey

This third iteration of Hoka’s Tecton X is the best yet (and we’ve loved them all, awarding the debut model Gear of the Year in 2022). Like the first two, the Tecton X 3 features two carbon fiber plates within each shoe that sit parallel to each other, allowing them to move independently. This enables the shoe to morph over rocks and roots instead of tipping the foot, a sensation we’ve felt in some trail shoes that utilize one large plate. The two plates in the Tecton X 3 are slightly wider than those in version 2 and feature a winged shape under the heel that’s meant to add to the shoe’s stability on technical terrain.

Other updates include a softer layer of PEBA foam above the plate and directly beneath the foot which testers reported enhances the joint-comforting cushion over long, rugged runs. The bottom layer of foam remains firmly responsive for a tactile ground feel.

And then there’s the unique upper. While some testers were skeptical of having a gaiter built into the shoe, it proved not only comfortable but also highly effective. A tester who worried the material around the ankle would annoy her reported, “The gaiter is stretchy and adds to the overall comfort and techy feel.” Every tester appreciated how the built-in gaiter kept debris out of the shoes with zero irritation or awkward clips. The Matryx upper, made of high-strength synthetic yarns, was stretchy enough for easy on-and-offs and to move with the foot, while also doing a great job holding feet in place over wild terrain. Its also highly breathable: “I ran straight through a river, and the shoe dried out very quickly,” said a Boulder, Colorado-based tester.

The entire package—two layers of foam, four-millimeter Vibram Magagrip lugs, carbon-fiber plating, and a gaiter—comes in at minimal weight for such a rugged and feature-rich ride. “This thing is light, especially for a trail shoe,” marveled a female tester, adding, “It’s absolutely speed-inspiring.” The Tecton X 3 is our pick for ultra-runners and regular folks looking for a great shoe that can tackle the most mountainous terrain in comfort.

Honorable mention: Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra, ,

Best Daily Workhorse

Brooks Cascadia 18

Weight: 11.1 oz (men’s), 9.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 33–25 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Protective, stable ride
⊕ Relatively agile for a shoe this rugged
⊕ Durable midsole
⊗ May feel firm for some

As trail runners, we ask a lot from our shoes. The relentless miles over dirt and rock gradually wear down the midsole, outsole, and upper. The Brooks Cascadia line has long been a versatile, stalwart workhorse of a trail shoe, built to keep performing, mile after mile.

“The Cascadia is meant for distance and rugged protection,” said one tester, citing its sturdy construction and stable platform. Underfoot, we found the EVA midsole runs on the firmer end of the spectrum, rewarding those who like a stable and protective ride with a touch of comfort. Weighing in at 11.1 ounces for men and 9.9 ounces for women, it’s “far from being a speed demon,” one tester said, calling it more of a “trail stallion built for longer, cozy runs.” Still, another tester noted, “The ride is more agile and light-footed than previous Cascadias, and surprising for a shoe this rugged.”

The outsole features Brooks’ proprietary rubber with 4.5 mm lugs, which testers praised for its grip on dirt and rocky terrain. However, one tester who wore them in Chamonix noted that the lug depth was too shallow to grip in snow and deep mud. Integrated into the midsole is a flexible rock plate that adds to the shoe’s ruggedness while adding a touch of stability.

The one knock that caused some issues for a few of our testers was the low volume and narrow toe box. “It’s not unbearable by any means, but it’s not ideal either,” noted one tester, especially if your feet are going to swell. If you’re between sizes or prefer extra room, we recommend sizing up a half size.

Honorable mention: , ,

Best Value

Asics Fujilite 5

Weight: 9.3 oz (men’s), 7.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 29.5–22.5 mm
Drop: 7 mm
Sizing: 6-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight and fast
⊕ Nimble, low-profile ride
⊕ Great pace versatility
⊗ Upper lacks secure hold for technical terrain

Stripped of the high-tech features found in many of today’s speedy trail shoes, the Asics Fujilite 5 harkens back to the simplicity of old-school, low-profile, lightweight trail runners that feel like extensions of your feet. “It’s one of those shoes where as soon as I slide my foot into it, it feels so good. And then once laced up, it gets even better,” said one tester.

Underfoot, the EVA-blend foam feels tactile, connected, and moderately responsive, garnering speed and agility from a low weight and low profile rather than a springy foam. One tester described the ride as “fast and responsive” and “stable and secure enough to take risks and push the pace on trails.”

The one caveat is that the woven upper, which resembles that of a road shoe, didn’t offer the type of security we’d hope for through technical terrain. It did a great job of comfortably securing the foot on smooth surfaces, but once we needed to tip-toe through off-camber rock fields, we wanted more ankle stability.

Still, priced at $130, the Fujilite 5 is an incredible value with impressive versatility. șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű burly mountain running, we felt comfortable in this shoe on every trail. “It’s rare for a trail shoe to feel fast and also feel like you could run all day in them,” said one tester.

Honorable mention: ,

Best Zero-Drop

Topo Athletic Pursuit 2

Weight: 10.5 oz (men’s), 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 28–28 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Sizing: 8-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 6-11, 12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Well protected for mountainous terrain
⊕ Great traction
⊕ Balanced ride
⊗ Not very fast on flats

All our zero drop enthusiasts agreed the Topo Pursuit 2 provided a well-protected, cushioned ride that still offers the natural, ground-connected experience that’s a hallmark of Topo shoes. The Pursuit 2 fared exceptionally well in mountainous terrain, particularly when going long. One tester noted, “The Pursuit 2 dances between rugged dependability and comfortable longevity.”

The modest 28 millimeters of EVA-blended foam underfoot struck a happy medium; neither too soft nor too firm. “The foam indents enough to contour around my feet, then firms up quickly and pushes back, allowing me to feel and engage with the trail and providing a stable, supportive stance and push-off platform,” said a tester who wore them on Rocky Mountain National Park and Nebraska sandhill trails. Another tester pointed out, “While they don’t feel like the speediest, springiest shoes out there, they provide amazing all-day comfort for a zero-drop shoe.”

As expected from a shoe that excels in the mountains, one of the highlights was the grip from its 4.5 mm Vibram lugs. “Topo nailed the specs on the lug height, Vibram tackiness, and sensitivity,” said one tester. The tightly woven, durable recycled mesh upper with a wide toe box provided a good amount of hold through the midfoot before opening up around the toes.

Honorable mention:

Best For Speedy Scrambles

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx

Weight: 8.3 oz (men’s), 6.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 23.5–19.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-15 (men’s), 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight, low-profile
⊕ Secure foothold
⊕ Nimble over rough terrain
⊗ Cushioning can feel slight under toes

If you’re in need of an amazingly agile shoe to scale mountain trails like a bighorn sheep, the Long Sky 2 Matryx is here for it. The new upper, made out of Matryx—a thin, breathable, quick-drying synthetic fabric reinforced with super-durable Kevlar threads—secures the foot, with a half-booty tongue adding extra hold. Cutouts in the Vibram Megagrip outsole save weight between the tacky, grippy-rubber, five-millimeter lugs. The flexible, compression-molded EVA midsole is on the slight end, enabling confidence-inspiring proprioception and secure footplants on tricky terrain, and firm-but-adequate cushioning on hard-surface trails.

The upper and sole combination locks each stride to the ground. “It is such a lightweight shoe, with great traction and fit, that moving your feet over terrain is easier than in a more bulky, highly-cushioned shoe,” said Lousiville, Colorado-based tester Terri Kazanjian.

This was our go-to shoe for any fast-effort trail runs, or days we craved a highly nimble shoe that felt like an extension of our body. Kanzanjian summed up: “This shoe makes you feel nimble and peppy on technical terrain, like you can run up those hills and bomb those descents faster than normal.”

Honorable mention: , ,

Best for Soft Terrain

Scarpa Spin ST

Weight: 9.5 oz (men’s), 7.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 22–18 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: European sizing 40-48 (men’s), 36-43 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Effective, toothy grip on soft surfaces
⊕ Low gaiter-link heel collar helps keep out debris
⊗ Harsh ride on hard-packed trails

The “ST” in the name stands for “Soft Terrain,” which is what this shoe is best suited for. Here’s the main reason why: 7 mm(!) lugs made out of Vibram Mega Grip rubber take hold in soft dirt, mud, and snow, offering secure footing on even the sloppiest surfaces. Complementing the toothiness is an impressively secure foothold from PU overlays that encase a stretchy mesh-paneled upper and pull securely around the foot when the laces are tightened. A tester with a bunion on one foot noted the shoe’s narrow and unstretchy toe box caused some irritation but raved about the shoe’s ability to grab hold in soft dirt.

We reached for this shoe often on snowy terrain—either on trails or when snow turned neighborhood roads into trails. The high heel collar made out of a neoprene-like stretch woven textile, which keeps trail debris out of the shoe in summer, also does a good job keeping kicked-up snow from infiltrating socks. The upper isn’t Gore-Tex, however, and doesn’t try to keep water out. Instead, moisture flows both in and out, and we appreciated the breathability on all-season runs where high effort caused hot feet, and for wet conditions when we wanted drainage. A plus: a lace-locking device and hidden lace pocket both eliminates unwanted loosening and snagging on low branches and roots.

With slight EVA cushioning in the midsole (22 mm under the heel and 18 mm under the forefoot), this isn’t a shoe you’d want to wear running hard-packed trails or road sections. But for the soft terrain it was intended for, the underfoot feel was just right, making the Scarpa Spin ST excel at tearing up the trail.

Honorable mention: , , VJ Shoes XTRM 2

Best For Groomed Trails

Altra Experience Wild

Weight: 10 oz (men’s), 8.7 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 32–28 mm (men’s), 30–26 (women’s)
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s); 5.5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Flexible sole allows natural feel
⊕ Soft, comfortable upper
⊕ Smooth-rolling moderate lugs grip tame trails
⊗ Lacks underfoot protection

Altra and zero drop are as intertwined as peanut butter and jelly—the brand pioneered the concept. To make their signature wide toe box accessible to more runners, however, Altra has now introduced a line of low-drop shoes. Coming in at a four-millimeter differential from heel to forefoot, the all-new Altra Experience Wild is ideal for those seeking a bit more rearfoot cushioning while still enjoying the roomy fit and foot-shaped comfort Altra is known for. We found the Experience Wild delivers a smooth, flexible ride that floats over groomed trails.

The Experience Wild is soft overall, making one tester laud it as a “great all-day shoe.” The midsole and upper are both generously padded without much structure, which testers found lends itself to more mellow trail terrain and door-to-trail running. The outsole features moderate four-millimeter lugs with flex grooves between each toe, which “creates lots of flexibility for the foot to adapt naturally to the terrain,” noted one tester, who added, “However, they are also pretty lacking in protection.” This wasn’t an issue on groomed trails—if anything, it made for a smoother ride—but as soon as the terrain became more technical, we found ourselves wishing for a sturdier shoe.

Testers found the Experience Wild a refreshing addition to Altra’s trail lineup, opening the brand to more runners and making the ride more comfortable for runners not fully adapted to zero-drop. One remarked, “This is the first time I’ve been genuinely excited about a pair of Altras in a long time.”

Honorable mention: Nike Pegasus Trail 5,

Best For Road-To-Trail

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Weight: 10.6 oz (men’s), 8.6 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 37–27.5 mm
Drop: 9.5 mm
Sizes: 6-15 (men’s) 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Transitions well from asphalt to dirt
⊕ Secure fit for off-road confidence
⊕ Good-looking enough for casual wear
⊗ Not as cushioned as some other road-to-trail shoes

The Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is for runners who value a shoe that can take them from home to the trail and back, running smoothly on pavement while offering traction and foothold on even the most technical off-road terrain. What puts this shoe above other road-to-trail options is its superior performance on uneven, rooty, and rocky terrain. Flywire technology (super-strong, thin, and lightweight thread) in the upper kept our feet from sloshing around inside the shoe and helped us maintain quick, secure foot plants. “I felt confident in both the traction and how my feet remained in control on a burly trail with lots of rocks and ups and downs,” said a Boulder, Colorado, tester.

The cushioning is updated in this version to Nike’s smoothly responsive ReactX foam, and while the stack might not be as abundant as that found in last season’s pick, the Craft Nordlite Ultra, it is soft and thick enough to soften pavement impact, especially under the forefoot. The shoe runs smoothly on roads with its flexible forefoot and 3.5 mm lugs that are hardly noticeable. But when you reach dirt those lugs kick into action and deliver solid traction.

Tightly woven mesh around the toe box adds durability, while strategically placed holes around the midfoot allow breathability. The addition of a looped cord at the heel makes this shoe easy to pull on—a simple feature we appreciated every time we used it.

This shoe also looks fashionable enough to crossover to casual wear, adding to its versatility. “It’s a great shoe for travel that might include hiking, running, walking, and general adventuring,” said our lead tester who put it through the paces in Colorado and Costa Rica.

Honorable mention: Craft Nordlite Ultra, ON Running Cloudsurfer Trail

Best Max Cushioned

Brooks Caldera 7

Weight: 10.6 oz (men’s), 9.4 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38.5–32.5 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15 (men’s), 5-11, 12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Well cushioned while still stable
⊕ Great fitting, protective upper
⊕ Smooth-rolling ride
⊗ Unsuited for really rocky terrain

For those who believe big and bold are better traits for trail shoes, look no further than the maximum cushioned Brooks Caldera 7. This monster of a shoe is best suited for ultra-long outings, shorter recovery runs, or road-to-trail jaunts when underfoot comfort and protection are a priority.

“Brooks nailed the sweet spot for cushioning,” said Michael Heimes of West Reading, Pennsylvania, noting that while comfortably soft, the midsole was not so squishy that instability and energy loss became a factor. To complement the smooth cushioning, Brooks extends the nitrogen-injected EVA-rubber blend midsole up into sidewalls that raise high around the heel, creating a cupping effect to secure it in place, then dip lower along the forefoot to improve flexibility and deliver a smooth ride. The sidewalls, coupled with an extra-wide footprint, make the Caldera 7 one of the more stable rides we tested.

One might think this highly-cushioned, wide platform would make it challenging to tackle undulating terrain, yet testers found the opposite. “Despite the maximal protection and high stack height, the ride still has plenty of ground feel,” tester Louis Brenner of Montana found. Short of extremely rocky, sloped, technical trails, the wide, oversized profile rolls over rough terrain like an offroad 4×4, comfortably absorbing every little bump and groove. Beneath the thick midsole is a full-coverage outsole, thickly studded with four-millimeter lugs, that instills a grip and rip-it confidence on most terrain, including roads.

While not designed to be speedy, testers found the improved flex grooves made the toe roll smoother and the shoe feel faster and more agile than previous versions. For the upper, Brooks used a new TPEE air mesh with a firm-toe bumper guard and an external cage to further beef up protection and hold your foot firmly. We welcomed the protective armor the upper provided, but some of our narrow-footed testers found it fit a little too wide and roomy for their liking.

Honorable mention: ,

Most Natural Ride

Topo Athletic MT-5

Weight: 9.3 oz (men’s), 7.7 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 28–23łŸłŸ
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8-13, 14, 15 (men’s), 6-11, 12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable anatomical fit
⊕ Improved, soft-and-bouncy cushioning
⊕ Supreme traction
⊗ Can lack agility for narrow-footed testers

The MT-5 is a significant evolution from the MT-4, with a higher stack height (three millimeters more foam under the heel, one millimeter more in the forefoot), a different foam (softer and bouncier), and an updated Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole (grippier when wet). The comfortable fit remains distinctly Topo—with a secure-fitting heel and arch giving way to a roomy, rounded toebox. The updates nudge the shoe from a borderline minimal model to a more mainstream, lightly cushioned, nimble daily trainer. We dig it.

A tester who runs trails in Louisville and Boulder, Colorado, said, “This is a perfect choice for a trail sneaker that offers cushion in the heel, but allows you to feel the earth under the toes.” And, although she often runs in zero-drop shoes, she said of the MT-5’s five-millimeter offset: “You don’t notice the drop as it feels very proportionate.”

Topo positions the shoe as a beginner’s trail shoe, or a road-to-trail shoe, but we found it won high marks on a variety of terrain even from our more seasoned trail runners. Because of the Vibram outsole, it seems much more at home on the dirt—even in “deep-ass, Belgium-style mud,” said a tester who runs in Boulder and Winter Park, Colorado—than on concrete or pavement, but can work as a one-quiver shoe. “I’ll add this shoe to my Goldilocks pile,” she added.

Honorable mention:Ìę

Best for Beginner Trail Runners

New Balance Fresh Foam x Hierro v8

Weight: 11.2 oz (men’s), 8.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 37.9–29.9 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-17 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s) in three widths

Pros and Cons
⊕ Soft, comfortable upper
⊕ Balance of cushion and ground sensitivity
⊕ All-terrain adaptability
⊗ Poor underfoot rock protection

The Fresh Foam Hierro v8 earns its place among our favorites thanks to its lightweight feel, cushy underfoot comfort, and tactile agility. Whether navigating singletrack or pounding pavement to get to the trails, it effortlessly transitions across a variety of terrain, making it an excellent all-around light trail choice for beginners and intermediate trail runners.

Out of the box, the Hierro v8 is as comfortable of a shoe as you’ll find. Like the Hierro v7 it features the lighter and softer version of New Balance’s proprietary Fresh Foam EVA blended midsole, now made from approximately 40 percent bio-based materials. Shelby Katz of Boulder, Colorado, described the midsole cushioning as “super supple,” while fellow Boulderite Molly Bockmann noted it felt soft enough to be comfy and protective but not so much that it was unresponsive or marshmallowy.

Despite its ample cushioning, the Hierro v8 offers a remarkably sensitive ride, almost akin to a minimalist shoe, allowing runners to feel every bump and contour of the trail. While this ground feedback appealed to some, the soft midsole, lacking an embedded rock plate, permits runners to feel even the smallest rocks underfoot, for better or worse. One pleased tester noted, “The proprioceptive connection to the trail, along with raised sidewalls surrounding the heel and a flared forefoot under the big toe, make the ride much more stable and nimble than expected for a shoe this soft and cushioned.”

Apart from one thick muddy run where a tester experienced severe clumping, testers all agreed the Vibram outsole with 4.5 mm lugs offered exceptional traction and grip without feeling bumpy or harsh on hardpack or road. All enjoyed how the engineered mesh upper—made of 100 percent recycled materials and print died for less pollution—felt airy while providing a superb foothold from the smooth-syncing lacing system. The protective, extra-firm, reinforced toe bumper was also a welcome addition for durability and safety.

The Hierro v8 is an excellent choice if you only want to buy one trail shoe, or if you’re going on a trip and only want to pack one pair. This is a perfect explorer shoe, said one tester. “You could go out without a plan and not regret wearing these.”

Honorable mention: ,

Best Waterproof Trail Shoe

Topo Athletic Terraventure 4 WP

Weight: 12 oz (men’s), 10.1 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 25–22 mm
Drop: 3 mm
Sizing: Men’s 7–15, Women’s 6–12

Pros and Cons
⊕ Rugged and durable
⊕ Excellent waterproofing
⊕ Grippy traction
⊗ Stiff, lacks bounciness

Big mountain running can be relentless. Between the shifty, unpredictable weather and rocky, technical footing, you need a shoe as tough as the mountain itself, but not so rugged it grinds up your feet. Enter the Topo Terraventure 4 WP. One tester described the shoe as a “burly mountain machine,” citing its aggressive outsole, highly durable construction, and secure foothold. Those seeking a high-cushioned, bouncy trail-running shoe should look elsewhere— this protective, waterproof running or hiking shoe keeps you stable and connected to the ground with its firm, low-profile sole that delivers just a hint of responsive cushioning.

What the shoe lacks in softness, however, it makes up for in fit. Designed with Topo’s signature wide, anatomical toe box to allow for natural toe splay, combined with a tailored trim through the midfoot and heel, the hold is secure without compromising mobility. “This shoe fit my foot like a glove,” gushed one tester. Underfoot, a full-coverage, large-lugged Vibram Megagrip outsole tackles any trail surface with aplomb, and a flexible forefoot rock plate adds phenomenal poke-through protection, increasing its big mountain prowess. Testers enjoyed the eVent upper’s ability to prevent water from seeping in but warned it severely lacked breathability, making it best suited for fall and wet wintery conditions. The Terraventure 4 WP is a bargain, too. You’d be hard-pressed to find any other waterproof trail/mountain running shoe for anything near the $150 price point.

Honorable mention: , ,

How to Choose a Trail-Running Shoe

If you’re in the market for a trail shoe, first consider the type of trails you run on regularly: do you tackle rugged, mountainous terrain, or stick to mellow dirt paths? Some trail shoes can handle both adequately, while others are specialized and excel in one or the other. Shoes with smaller lugs are generally better on smoother, firmer terrain, whereas shoes with deeper, more aggressive outsoles are optimized for steep, muddy, or rocky trails. If you like to feel the trail and dance around rocks and roots, you’ll likely prefer a light, more minimal shoe, but if you’d rather let the shoe roll over trail variations, cushioning and protecting while you zone out, you should look for a shoe with a thicker midsole.

Once you’ve narrowed the search to a certain type of trail shoe, you need to find a pair that complements your unique body and stride. Every runner’s body, gait, speed, experience, and ride preferences are different, so every runner will interact differently with each trail shoe. The shoe that your best friend or your sister-in-law loves may be uncomfortable for you and make running feel slow, sluggish, or even painful. Finding the perfect pair of trail-running shoes is a seriously personal affair.

The process for choosing the best running shoes is a matter of finding the models that both fit your foot and also feel best when you’re running. To determine fit and feel, there’s no substitute for trying the shoes on and running in them.

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

When assessing fit, first pay attention to length. You need room at the end of your toes as your feet lengthen during their dynamic movements on the run. A rule of thumb is to allow a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Runners often wear a running shoe a half or full size bigger than their street shoes.

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn’t slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

If the shoe fits, it’s time to take them on a short run on a treadmill, around the store, or, ideally, down the block and back. Every running shoe has a unique ride created by the type and density of foam in the midsole and the geometry of that foam: its thickness, width, heel-to-toe drop, molded sidewalls or flares, and forefoot flexibility or rocker shape (plus, in an increasing number of models, the presence of and type of embedded plate). Each of these elements interact with each other and your stride to determine how the shoe reacts on landing, how much it cushions, how stably it supports, how smoothly it transitions from landing to toe off, and how quickly and powerfully it rebounds.

The best way to choose the shoes that complement your body and stride is to find the ones that feel right on the run. Benno Nigg, the world-leading biomechanics professor who , calls it the “comfort filter,” but makes clear it is far more than how plush the shoe feels when you step into it. What you want to assess is whether the shoe allows and supports the way your feet want to move, what Nigg calls your “preferred movement path.” In the right shoe, while running at your normal pace, you will touch down where you expect to land, roll smoothly and stably through the stride without noticing the shoe, feel both cushioned from and connected to the ground, and push off naturally, quickly, and powerfully. When this comes together you’ll know that you’ve found your pair.

It’s likely that several shoes will feel good on your feet. To find the most comfortable, it helps to compare them back to back, like an eye doctor will do with corrective lenses: flipping between “A” or “B,” “1” or “2.” You may also find that different shoes feel better at different paces or level of fatigue, and you may want more than one pair. In fact, research shows that wearing a variety of different shoes is one of the few to reduce injury risk as it appears to vary the stresses on your feet and joints.

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties—like cushioning or pronation control—with running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don’t consistently reduce injuries.

Don’t assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you’re a heavier runner, or if you’re a beginner—evidence doesn’t support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

• Number of testers: 26
• Number of shoes tested: 77
• Number of miles: 22,000+ over a year
• Most Memorable Trail Run: Being stalked by a mountain lion on an evening run in an open space near Boulder

To test running shoes, we begin by researching every brand’s new offerings for the coming season. We wind up with dozens of samples of the models (32 trail-running shoes this season) that are most promising—and distribute them to 26 testers who range in age, ability, running form, geographical location, terrain, and preferred shoe types. We try to put each tester in shoes from within the same category (all rugged, backcountry trail shoes, or all road-to-trail crossovers) so everyone can test apples-to-apples.

After three to six months of running in each model on varied terrain and in all conditions, our crew members report back with their assessments of fit, comfort, traction, cushioning, flexibility, stiffness, pop, what type of running the model is best used for, how the shoe compares to other models, and more. We also run in every trail-running shoe ourselves, and, combining all the tester feedback with years of personal experience, hone in on the best. We then weigh this season’s bests against the heros from previous seasons that are still available and choose winners and honorable mentions for each category.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

Freelance journalist, editor, and author has researched, tested, and written about running shoes for the past decade and a half, much of that time for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű. She coordinates a fleet of female shoe testers out of Boulder, Colorado, and says her home office is a perpetual obstacle course of cardboard boxes and piles of running shoes. Lisa’s written about gear of all kinds for numerous national magazines as both an editor and freelancer, including a stint as the shoes and gear blogger and trail-running microsite editor for Runner’s World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running—really running—after walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She’s happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt
but is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn’t Suck: How to Love Running (Even if You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

passion for running started over 30 years ago in high school when he became the number six ranked runner in the nation at 3000 meters his senior year. After high school, he competed at Villanova University, earning two NCAA Division I Championship showings. Today, he’s determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master’s circuit, running a 4:12 (4:30 mile pace)) 1500 meters and 9:04 (4:52 mile pace) 3000 meters in 2021 at age 43. He prefers a hard track workout or tempo run over an easy long run any day but also appreciates a challenging trail or mountain run.

His obsession with running shoes started in 2014 when he wrote his first shoe review for Gear Institute. Since then, he’s tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű, Runner’s World, Footwear News, and other outlets. He has a soft spot for speedy shoes over heavy trainers but loves dissecting all shoes equally and thinking like a product engineer to explain the why behind every design detail. Cory is the Founder of , an online running coaching business, and since its inception in 2014, has coached runners’ to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

One of Cory Smith’s go-to routes for testing trail-running shoes:

Jonathan Beverly

Jonathan fell in love with running his freshman year of high school and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when he became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. The parade of shoes continued while he served as shoe editor for Runner’s World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century—and a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the ’70s—he’s given up on finding the one best and now relishes the wide variety of excellent options.

Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, recent injuries and his age have reduced his volume by about half and slowed his easy training pace to around nine-minute miles—but he says he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual’s gait—and thus shoe preference—is unique. He enjoys getting scientists’ take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe’s ride.

One of Jonathan Beverly’s go-to routes for testing trail-running shoes:

The post The Best Trail-Running Shoes for Every Terrain appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

We are experiencing one of the most thrilling eras in the history of running shoes. In recent years, cutting-edge materials, innovative geometries, and creative combinations of foams, plates, fabrics, and soles have resulted in faster, lighter, and more comfortable models than ever before.

The good news is that runners now have an abundance of options. A multitude of choices, however, can sometimes lead to decision paralysis. To help find the perfect running shoe, we’ve tested over 100 pairs of new and updated models with a diverse team of over 20 testers.

Whether you’re seeking a fast-footed road running shoe to boost your race performance or a plush trainer that makes the final mile of your long run enjoyable, you’ve come to the right place. These shoes will help you rediscover the joy of running.

At a Glance

Training Shoes

• Best All-Around: New Balance Balos ($200)
• Best Cushioned Trainer: Asics Superblast 2 ($200)
• Best Distance Trainer: Brooks Hyperion Max 2 ($180)
• Best Value: Skechers GOrun Razor 5 ($130)
• Best Lightweight Trainer: Under Armour Velociti 4 ($130)
• Best Super Trainer: Puma Deviate Nitro 3 ($160)
• Best for Recovery Runs: Hoka Skyward X ($225)
• Best Natural Ride: Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 ($150)
• Best Eco-Friendly Ride: Veja Condor 3 ($200)
• Most Stylish+High Performance: Tracksmith Eliot Runner ($198)

Stability Shoes

• Best All-Around: Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 ($160)
• Best Plush Stability: Asics GEL-Kayano 31 ($165)
• Best Lightweight Stability: Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 ($140)

Racing Shoes

• Editors’ Choice/Best Overall Super Shoe On Cloudboom Strike ($280)
• Best Marathon Racer: Nike Alphafly 3 ($285)
• Best For Shorter Road Races: New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Pacer v2 ($200)

Trail Running Shoes

Tips and How We Test

• How to Choose a Road Running Shoe
• How We Test
• Meet Our Lead Testers

All gear in this guide was tested by multiple reviewers. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

Best Training Shoes

Best All-Around

New Balance Balos

Weight: 9.2 oz (men’s), 7.3 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38.5–32.5 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, 15, 16, regular and wide (men’s); 5-11, 12, 13, regular and wide (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stable despite a soft midsole
⊕ Smooth-rolling ride heel-to-toe
⊕ Surprisingly fast for such a cushioned shoe
⊗ Some found the ride sloppy at 10K pace or faster

It’s rare that all our testers agree on a shoe, let alone one as soft and highly cushioned as the Balos. Shoes this soft typically lead some of our testers who favor more stable, grounded shoes to find faults likeÌęinstability and a mushy feel.

The New Balance Balos is that rare diamond that every tester gave glowing reviews. One tester boldly called the Balos “the best premium training shoe ever made,” adding it “offers a unique combination of a light, flexible, soft, responsive cushioning and a rocker that promotes speed and comfort on uptempo runs.”

The secret to its success is the thick stack of ultra-soft and hyper-responsive PEBA midsole foam with a dramatic heel-to-toe rocker profile that facilitates a smooth roll and forward propulsion. The foam, said one tester, is “well-balanced—soft and responsive, providing comfort, structure, and a bit of bounce without feeling overly squishy.” One might think this much foam underfoot would feel numbing, yet the Balos retains a surprisingly good ground feel, partially due to the flexible, ground-contact EVA sole with only small strips of firmer rubber on high abrasion areas of the heel and toe.

The plate-less, flexible midsole let the thick sole work with our feet rather than dictating movement paths or creating an unstable platform. Gear editor Jonathan Beverly, who usually prefers lower-stacked shoes, noted, “The foam adapted to my changing foot shape and moved with me, making it feel like I was enveloped by the sole rather than just standing on it, with no hint of instability to either side.”

Testers unanimously agreed that the Balos offered impressive pace versatility—from slow, easy runs to threshold efforts, even serving as a race-day shoe for some. One tester noted, however, that at 10K pace or faster the midsole seemed to take too much time to compress and rebound, making push-offs sloppy.

Complementing the plush underfoot feel is a comfortable creel mesh upper that’s highly breathable. Another tester noted that the nicely padded tongue and heel collar make it “easy to lock down the laces on the Balos and secure your foot for maximum comfort during your run.” With its well-cushioned underfoot feel and peppy persona, the New Balance Balos won over our most finicky testers, even ones who had sworn off max-cushioned models, to earn best all-around honors.

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Honorable mentions: , ,

Best Cushioned Trainer

Asics Superblast 2

Weight: 8.8 oz (unisex)
Stack Height: 45-37 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 3.5-13 (men’s); 5-14.5 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Outstanding cushioning-to-weight ratio
⊕ Responsive for such a highly cushioned shoe
⊕ Great fitting upper
⊗ Can feel bulky due to the large size

It’s clear there’s a growing trend in running shoes: the more cushioning, the better. The Asics Superblast 2 completely leans into this notion. Sporting a whopping 45 millimeters of foam under the heel, not only did Asics not skimp on the amount, but they went with two layers—softer over firmer—of their highest-performing PEBA foams.

One tester called the foam combo “fantastically well engineered and executed,” while another said, “very few shoes offer such a lightweight, stiff, stable, highly cushioned, and super-responsive running platform.” The ride is every bit as lively as it is plush. Despite lacking a plate, the Superblast 2’s soft midsole doesn’t feel mushy and offers a surprisingly sturdy platform, thanks to its wide base.

Testers appreciated the stable ride but found the wide, relatively stiff sole made their gait feel clunky when turning over faster. “Its bulk and rigidity numb my proprioception and hold back my performance,” said one tester about attempting to run fast in the shoe. Runners who like a more sensitive, flexible ride should look elsewhere.

Right out of the box, the Superblast 2 fit true to size for all our testers, with one noting it had “plenty of forefoot room and excellent midfoot lockdown.” The stretchy woven upper and padded heel counter provided ample comfort for even the longest runs, all while keeping us cool.

Honorable mentions: Hoka Skyward X, ,

Best Distance Trainer

Brooks Hyperion Max 2

Weight: 9.1 oz (men’s), 8.3 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 36-30 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Sizing: 7-13,14,15 (men’s); 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly responsive midsole
⊕ Quick-rolling ride
⊕ Great fitting upper
⊗ Midsole may feel firm to some

As the more cushioned sibling to the Hyperion 2, the Hyperion Max 2 is a higher-stacked, lightweight uptempo shoe ideal for long tempos and faster-paced long runs. Gaining four millimeters more nitrogen-infused EVA foam underfoot than the first version, the midsole isn’t the bounciest we’ve tested, but what it lacks in bounce it more than makes up for in liveliness.

Those who like a firmer, more responsive ride over a squishy, bouncy one will feel right at home, and even our tester who usually prefers soft, trampoline-like running shoes found pleasure in the Hyperion Max 2’s quick-rolling feel. The peppy ride, enhanced with a semi-flexible embedded plate, shined on up-tempo days, but even at all-day paces, the Hyperion Max 2 felt smooth, comfortable, and supportive, making it a worthy candidate as an everyday trainer when racking up miles.

The most significant improvement is the new Jacquard mesh upper. Testers universally praised its high breathability, one noting how it kept feet cool even during a 90-degree, humid East Coast summer run. As expected from an uptempo shoe, the upper is minimal to reduce weight, yet one tester noted it “fits and feels like a sock.” Even our self-described “cranky person” when it comes to tongues, lacing, and heel security found no issues with the upper. “The sawtooth laces stay secure from the moment you tie them until you’re done, and they don’t irritate the instep at all,” he said.

Honorable mentions: , ,

Best Value

Skechers GOrun Razor 5

Ìę(Available late October 2024)

Weight: 8 oz (men’s), 6.4 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 30–26 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-14 (7H-12H) (men’s); 5-11 (5H-9H) (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Fun, lively midsole
⊕ Suitable for a wide range of paces
⊕ Premium foam and carbon-infused plate at a value price
⊗ Fit issues for some testers

We’ve been big fans of Skechers ever since the brand introduced its supercritically blown EVA midsole, known as Hyperburst, back in 2019. In the ensuing years, they’ve continued to improve the ultra-light, responsive foam, with Hyperburst Pro, found in the Razor 5, the newest version. Testers approved.

“Hyperburst Pro is easily one of the best, if not the best, cushioning materials on the market,” said one tester. The supercritical process uses CO2 and nitrogen heated to a critical state between gas and liquid to expand TPU with gas bubbles, creating a lightweight, springy feel that pushes back energetically from the moment of impact. Embedded in the Razor 5’s midsole is a carbon-infused forefoot plate that’s more flexible than most, providing a bit of stability and snappy bite off the toes without feeling stiff or controlling.

Despite being one of the lowest profile shoes in the test, the Razor 5 shines as an everyday trainer. “It’s an excellent go-to shoe for just about everything—long runs, hill workouts, speed sessions, and daily mileage,” one tester said. The flexible sole allows your feet to move naturally, while the uber-responsive foam provides just enough cushioning to protect you while enabling ground-sensitive proprioception.

The one knock we have is that the rather low-sitting heel collar, combined with the thin laces and tongue, create a sub-par fit for some. One tester kept having to readjust his laces to feel secure.

Still, despite the upper issues, the Skechers Razor 5 is easily the best price-to-value shoe you can buy today. It’s so versatile, one tester said, “If you have to take a single shoe with you on a trip, one that can suffice for an easy run or a tempo effort, take the Razor 5”.

Honorable mentions: ,

Best Lightweight Trainer

Under Armour Velociti 4

Weight: 7.7 oz (men), 6.9 oz (women)
Stack height: 30–22łŸłŸ
Drop: 8 mm

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight and flexible
⊕ Nimble underfoot feel
⊕ Comfortable upper
⊗ Toebox is a bit shallow for some

With the absence of rubber on the outsole and a clean, smooth upper, this shoe just looks lightweight and comfortable—and it is. Testers commented on its immediate comfort—one even wore it on a 10-mile road run out of the box and reported zero hot spots. The knit upper morphs around a range of foot shapes, while the heel collar securely holds our feet for a secure ride.

The shoe’s ride is low and firmly responsive, at least compared to most in this era of oversized, high-cushion midsoles. But the lively cushioning, combined with a flexible outsole (again, no rubber, just exposed UnderArmour FLOW foam), had us enjoying how the Velociti 4 gave us a feel for the ground beneath us, in a springy, connected way.

One tester raved about this shoe’s capability during 400-meter repeats on a rubber track: “The lightness of the shoe, the great fit, and the sole seemed to combine to pull out my best form and let me get in a great groove for a track workout,” she said. Another brought two pairs of shoes to test on a trip to Chicago—these and a more cushioned model—and never wore the other because the Velociti 4 put such a pep in his step while darting nimbly through pedestrians on the River Walk and striding out on the lakefront.

Honorable mentions: , , ,

Best Super Trainer

Puma Deviate Nitro 3

Weight: 9.3 oz (men’s), 7.6 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 39–29 mm​
Drop: 10 mm

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lively and stable dual-foam midsole
⊕ Smooth and snappy roll from carbon-fiber composite plate
⊕ At least 20 percent of the upper made with recycled materials
⊗ Giant “NITRO” branding on upper
⊗ Tongue tends to buckle when laces tightened around narrow feet

Testers concurred that the Deviate Nitro 3 ran as smoooooth as butter, thanks to Puma’s proprietary nitrogen-infused midsole, combined with a slightly flexible, forked, carbon-fiber composite plate, and a slightly rockered shape. The midsole is split into two layers, a soft, bouncy PEBA foam above the plate, and a firmer, stable and responsive TPEE foam below it. One tester who describes herself as a heel striker at all-but-sprinting says her gait felt remarkably efficient and fluid in this shoe. Another raved: “They nailed the perfect cushioning. It feels both responsive in the heel and the forefoot with a great energy/propulsive return.”

Despite a fairly low-volume fit, the Deviate Nitro 3 worked for a range of foot shapes among our test pool, many calling it “super comfortable,” and one saying, “It’s like wearing a slipper.” One narrow-footed tester, however, complained that the lightly padded tongue buckled when she cinched the laces down.

We reached for this shoe for fast efforts, either in training or racing, and appreciated the stability afforded by the plate and the comfort-giving properties of the foam on longer runs as well.

.

Honorable mentions: , ,

Best for Recovery Runs

Hoka Skyward X

Weight: 11.3 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s)
Stack height: 48–43 mm​ (men’s), 46–41 mm (women’s)
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: Men’s 7–15; Women’s 5–12

Pros and Cons
⊕ Forgiving platform reduces fatigue
⊕ Carbon plate keeps the ride lively
⊕ Deep sidewalls provide stability
⊗ A bit on the heavy side, in weight and in price

If you thought Hoka running shoes couldn’t get any more ridiculously fat, think again: The new Skyward X has the highest stack height of any Hoka to date (and has the tallest midsole of any running shoe we are aware of). The whopping amount of midsole foam extends up and around the sides of the foot—a bucket seat-like effect that added support and kept us from tipping over on what looks like platform shoes.

But the Skyward X isn’t all mushy cush. The lively PEBA foam encases a convex carbon fiber plate that is said to compress with each foot strike and rebound energy as you push off. While we can’t confirm the exact action of what happens in the midsole of this shoe, we can say that the outcome was reduced fatigue.

We reached for this mega shoe when we were feeling beat up. “I feel well-cushioned with every step but also don’t feel like I’m sinking into the road,” said a tester who’s run 11 marathons. “It seems to be cushioned with this wonderful technology throughout my foot. My body feels great during and after runs in this shoe.”

Honorable mentions: , , , ,

Best Natural Ride

Topo Cyclone 2

Weight: 6.9 oz (men’s), 5.5 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 28–23 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Sizing: 8–12 (men’s); 6–11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable, bouncy cushioning
⊕ Ultralight
⊕ Flexible, close-to-the-ground feel
⊗ Too minimal for some

For some runners, today’s supershoes feel overbuilt—the plate is too stiff, the midsole too tipsy, and the rocker too aggressive. The Topo Cyclone 2 presents an alternative formula, combining today’s cutting-edge foam technology with a simplified, low-profile underfoot experience. One tester described the Cyclone as “a shoe that moves like a minimalist model and provides a stable, proprioceptive ground connection while cushioning and bouncing like a supershoe.”

Despite the low, flexible, minimalist feeling, the midsole still provides plenty of cushioning underfoot for effective shock absorption. Even one tester who favors thick-soled, stiff, maximum-cushioned shoes appreciated the lightness and high-energy rebound provided by the full Pebax midsole.

Sitting atop the super-powered sole is a thin, airy, engineered mesh upper that’s tailored for a secure midfoot wrap and a wide anatomical toe box. “The fit is comfortably snug and welcoming at 5k pace or slower,” praised one tester, who also noted, however, that he found the wide forefoot felt slightly “sloppy” as he approached top-end speeds. One tester summed it up: “The Cyclone 2 is a lightweight speed and race-day shoe that lets your foot control the shoe, not—like with so many of today’s carbon-fiber super shoes—the other way around.”

Read our full review of the Topo Cyclone 2.

Honorable mention:

Best Eco-Friendly Ride

Veja Condor 3

Weight: 10 oz (men), 8.2 oz (women)
Stack Height: 37–29 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 8-12 (men’s); 6-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Comfortable fit
⊕ Smooth transitions
⊕ Sustainable manufacturing
⊗ Pricey
⊗ Upper a bit baggy for narrow feet

The Veja Condor 3 brings sustainably-made footwear to new levels of performance. Smart usage of renewable materials results in a versatile shoe that we enjoyed on both roads and mild trails. The midsole blend includes 43 percent sugarcane-base EVA and 27 percent Amazonian rubber in an ample stack of 37 mm under the heel and 29 mm under the forefoot, making it a highly cushioned shoe with a lively rebound. A full-length “L-Foam” insert (made of 65 percent natural latex and 35 percent synthetic latex) is meant to absorb shock and dampen vibration, and testers reported it succeeded

One tester said, “This shoe has a balanced level of cushioning that straddles the line between soft and responsive.” Another noted that there’s nothing compromised in terms of performance despite the environmentally conscious materials and build. “The midsole compares with many of today’s softly cushioned, bouncy foams, and the geometry—with raised sidewalls, compression grooves, and a moderate rocker—delivers smooth and stable landings and transitions,” he said.

The 100-percent recycled polyester engineered mesh upper secured our feet, though the fit is a bit wide. A padded collar and external heel clip made of castor-oil-based Pebax Rnew lock-in the heel before opening to a flared forefoot, making the neutral shoe feel stable. The highly breathable mesh is reinforced by glued-on TPU overlays that add to the secure foothold and enhance durability. With its bio-based materials and smooth ride on a variety of surfaces, this is a feel-good shoe in every sense.

Most Stylish+High Performance

Tracksmith Eliot Runner

Weight: 9.2 oz (men’s), 8.0 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 33.5–24.5 mm
Drop: 9 mm
Sizing: Unisex shoe, M4/W5.5–M13/W14.5

Pros and Cons
⊕ Stylish enough for fancy casual wear
⊕ Step-in comfort
⊕ Wide versatility of paces and ranges
⊗ Can feel a tad soft for fast efforts
⊗ Low-volume fit

This shoe cushions plenty for long runs, feels peppy and spry enough for tempo efforts, inspires quick quarter-mile efforts on the track, and can be worn casually on the daily. It does it all.

Underfoot comfort and cush comes from a combination of a soft, super-thick (three times the norm) sockliner layered over a slightly denser midsole, both made of Pebax—the premier shock-absorbing compound of the hour, usually found in marathon-racing supershoes. The sockliner aims to mimic the feel of running on fall leaves or soft dirt (and does), while the firmer midsole is designed to compress just enough to encourage underfoot pop (and does). The fit leans low-volume from top to bottom, adding to a sleek feel, while a secure heel hold tapers out to a slightly wider toe box.

The engineered mesh upper sports soft and retro-stylish synthetic suede around the heel collar and lacing eyelets, and achieves structure with a simple sash at the midfoot. This is a comfortable, capable, and great-looking shoe that we’re mildly obsessed with.

Best Stability Shoes

Best All-Around Stability

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21

Weight: 10.5 oz (men’s), 8.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 38–28 mm (forefoot)
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: 7-15, medium and wide (men’s); 5-12, medium and wide (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Streamlined fit
⊕ Smooth, stable cushioning
⊕ Minimal bulk-to-support ratio
⊗ A tad stiff

The Glycerin GTS 21 is a fantastic workhorse of a shoe; both plush and stable, it’s a reliable, supportive training partner from daily jaunts to long, slow, distance runs. Step-in comfort comes from a soft, flexible knit upper material that, joined with a thickly padded tongue and heel collar, enveloped our feet comfortably. “This shoe had good breathability with the soft mesh fabric,” said Boulder-based tester Kat D’Angelo, who added, “They keep airflow throughout my feet to keep them cool.”

The midsole, which gained two millimeters of nitrogen-infused, EVA-rubber blend foam without adding weight, had our testers using words like “vibrant” and “smooth, controlled, and springy.” The stable ride comes from a wide base and Brooks’ GuideRails, a non-intrusive strip of denser foam on the arch side of the shoe plus elevated midsole sidewalls on both sides, designed to gently guide the foot to stay in its preferred movement path even when fatigued. “They don’t have the zing of a super-trainer, but they let you relax and forget about your feet and shoes,” said a masters runner with lots of miles on his legs.

We felt stable, secure, supported, and comfortable in these shoes for miles on end, making them a great choice for marathon training or other situations—like getting back into running after a break—that require a build-up in mileage.

Honorable mentions: ,

Best Plush Stability

Asics GEL-Kayano 31

Weight: 10.7 oz (men’s), 9.2 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 40–30 mm (men’s); 39–29 mm (women’s)
Drop: 10 mm
Sizing: Men’s 6-16; Women’s 5-13

Pros and Cons
⊕ Well-cushioned sole and upper
⊕ Smooth rolling ride
⊕ Stable without being firm or stiff
⊗ Somewhat heavy

Our testers were big fans of the Asics GEL-Kayano 30, which was a big departure from previous versions of the franchise shoe and a great example of how shoe companies have been rethinking the traditional strategies to provide stability. The Kayano 31 built on the success of the 30, and we love it even more. “Since the Kayano is a stability shoe,” said a tester, “I expected it to feel harder. But I was very pleasantly surprised at the high level of cushioning.”

Like the 30, the 31 has a wide midsole and significant heel bevel, a flared sole under the forefoot, and soft, high-energy foam under the arch where we’re used to finding a firm medial post. Rather than attempting to block rotational movement, Asics says the bouncy insert, in combination with the shoes’ geometry, is designed to reduce the time at peak pronation and gently guide an over-rotating foot back into a more neutral position as it transitions from heel to toe-off.

The 31 boasts a new, engineered mesh upper that provided a great fit, regardless of foot shape. Testers loved how the upper “morphs” and “hugs” their feet, and raved about the plush comfort of the padded tongue and heel collar, as well as the cushioning underfoot. Also improved is the rubber outsole, which we found grippy on wet roads. This is a great update to an already reliable stability shoe that runs smoothly, responsively, and comfortably.

Best Lightweight Stability

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2

Weight: 7.6 oz (men’s), 6.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 31.5–23.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: Men’s 7–15; Women’s 5–12

Pros and Cons
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Low-profile, agile-feeling, and supportive ride
⊕ Highly breathable upper (could feel cold in winter)
⊗ Can feel too squishy in the heel for some

We loved the first-iteration Hyperion GTS for its lightweight comfort and springy, nitrogen-infused cushioning that one tester described as “fun and fast.” The second version is updated with a new midsole compound—nitrogen-infused DNA Flash v2—which Brooks says is lighter weight and more responsive than its predecessor. We concur—one tester described it as “snappy,” while another remarked on how it seems to push back while compressing and offers impressive rebound.

The GTS 2 still features stabilizing guide rails along the sides of the heel—a raised extension of the midsole foam on the outside, a firmer TPU piece on the inside—to help reduce heel shift and rotation for runners whose stride strays excessively inward or outward, especially towards the end of their run as a result of fatigue.

We appreciated the feeling of support while still being able to run smoothly and speedily when we wanted to up the effort. “I’d definitely speed train in these,” said a tester. “They’re responsive, nimble, and light.” These shoes are ideal for any runner looking for a daily trainer or racer that gives them a connected ground feel without being minimal. The cushioning is noticeable and lively, while the stability features are discreet. “I found these easy to run in at any speed,” said one. “They’re very responsive to whatever I feel like doing in them.”

Best Racing Shoes

Editors Choice/Best Overall Super Shoe

On Cloudboom Strike

Weight: 7.7 oz (men’s), 6.6 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 39.5–35.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14 (men’s); 5-11 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Highly cushioned, bouncy midsole
⊕ Performs well from marathon pace to 5K pace
⊕ Upper resists moisture
⊗ Fits long

Carbon-fiber-plated super shoes are a dime a dozen these days. Nearly every brand now offers its version of these high-tech racing shoes, and most are on their third or fourth generation, tempering our excitement whenever a new update drops. Amidst the flood of revamped models this year, however, there stood a gem—a brand new supershoe that rivals the best: the On Cloudboom Strike.

After the underwhelming performance of its predecessor, the firm, somewhat clunky Cloudboom Echo series, the Cloudboom Strike is a total redemption story—a zero-to-hero journey that took our testers by surprise. From the moment you put it on, it’s clear that the Cloudboom Strike is an entirely different shoe from the Cloudboom Echo, starting with the Strike’s soft underfoot feel.

Restricted by the 40-millimeter stack height limit set by World Athletics, On’s engineers stripped away all non-essential elements to maximize the amount of their ultra-bouncy PEBA foam, Helion HF hyper underfoot. Inside, instead of a traditional flimsy insole, there’s a removable thick layer of PEBA foam resting directly on the carbon fiber plate. Plus, the upper is stitched directly onto the plate, eliminating the need for a strobel board. The result is more high-performing foam in the same 40-millimeter stack, which delivers a plush, cushioned feel and gives the impression of more thickness than there actually is.

The shoe is remarkably versatile in terms of pace range, as our lead tester found out during a 5k race. Often, thick-soled super shoes can feel bulky and cumbersome at faster paces. Not the Cloudboom Strike. The shoe cycled through his gait with ease, responding at the drop of a hat when needed. The ride felt equally comfortable on easy runs, marathon pace workouts, and tempo efforts. And, despite weighing roughly the same as many competitor supershoes, the Cloudboom Srike feels lighter on the run, almost as if it’s not there.

The thin, flexible, one-piece mesh upper is comfortable and repels moisture well. A sewn-in overlay cage system, attached to thin, sticky laces, makes it easy to dial fit and ensure your foot is firmly situated in the driver’s seat. Note the fit is long, enough that it’s worth considering sizing down half a size.

Like most super shoes, the Cloudboom Strike isn’t immune to instability issues. The tall stance and soft underfoot feeling can feel wobbly at times, particularly for beginner runners who spend more time on the ground.

Having tested every super shoe on the market, it takes a lot to impress us. But the On Cloudboom Strike had us grinning ear to ear with its lively, fun, and incredibly bouncy ride.

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Best Marathon Racer

Nike Alphafly 3

Weight: 7.8 oz (men), 6.2 oz (women)
Stack Height: 40–32 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 6-15 (men’s), 5-12 (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Bouncy, trampoline-like ride
⊕ Works for a wide range of runners
⊕ Lighter weight than previous versions of the AlphaFly
⊗ Heel can feel unstable
⊗ Can be hard to find in specific sizes

We’ve run in all three versions of the AlphaFly to date and think this third iteration is a great update. Subtle adjustments to the shoe’s geometry, including a wider footprint and carbon fiber plate, paired with repositioned Air Zoom units and strategically sculpted midsole, give the Alphafly 3 a distinctly different feel from its predecessor, which many found heavy and clunky compared to the original. This shoe again feels bouncy, fun, and fast.

Complementing the cush and rebound of ZoomX (Pebax) foam and Air Zoom units (pockets of compressed air and tensile threads) is a full-length carbon fiber plate that gives the shoe extra snap and adds a touch of appreciated stability that even the most efficient runners can benefit from when fatigued (marathon, anyone?). One of our more competitive testers praised the Alphafly 3 for its bouncy, energy-saving ride and says she’ll wear no other shoe for races longer than 10 miles. Another speedy tester noted, “Even running as fast as 5k pace, I found the Alphafly responded quickly, encouraging a fast turnover.” Some slower runners noted, however, that landing on the Alphafly’s sculpted heel can create a feeling of instability until the plate is engaged at the midfoot roll.

The upper of the Alphafly 3 is a lightweight, super-breathable mesh with an integrated tongue and thin, notched laces that pull tight and stay tied. Our feet were comfortable and secure without any pressure points on top of the ready-to-fly platform. We love that this shoe got lighter than its previous versions, which adds to its race-readiness.

Read our full review of the Alphafly 3. .

Honorable mention: , , ,

Best For Shorter Road Races

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Pacer v2

Weight: 6.9 oz (men’s), 5.9 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 33–25 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Sizing: 7-13, 14, regular and wide (men’s); 5-11, 12, regular and wide (women’s)

Pros and Cons
⊕ Excellent ground feel
⊕ Snappy, propulsive ride
⊕ Air mesh upper breaths well
⊗ Runs a bit short in length

Short races like the 5K or 10K call for a lightweight, snappy shoe that’s quick and agile. No shoe we tested met these criteria better than the New Balance FuelCell Pacer v2. Underfoot, the short-distance crusher features a PEBA foam for a ride that’s “fast, nimble, and has plenty of cushioning,” one tester said. Embedded in the uber-soft, ultra-responsive foam is a curved carbon fiber plate that controls the foam and enhances forward propulsion. “The shoe felt bouncy but not in an energy-robbing way,” noted one tester.

For runners who find today’s thick-soled super shoes overly cushioned and lacking ground feel, the Pacer v2’s lower stack height—32 millimeters in the heel and 24 millimeters in the forefoot—offers a refreshing change. It provides excellent connection and sensitivity while delivering a lightly cushioned, snappy ride.

The upper features a single layer of engineered mesh that further adds to the shoes’ lightweight and nimble persona. Testers unanimously agreed that the airy mesh, with ample ventilation, performed exceptionally well in hot and humid conditions. A few testers noted the shoe ran a tad short in length, but provided plenty of volume. If you’re in between sizes it may be worth sizing up.

Note that while most will find the less-cushioned Pacer 2 best suited for shorter races, Olympian Emily Sisson wears this shoe in the marathon.

Honorable mentions: ,

How to Choose a Running Shoe

When choosing a road running shoe, the first step is to determine the type of running you’ll primarily be doing in them. Do you need a speedy racer, a shoe that offers comfort during long, slow jogs, or a versatile trainer that can handle various distances and paces?

Next, consider your preference for the feel of the shoe’s cushioning: do you like a soft, forgiving ride, a more energetic, bouncy sensation underfoot, or a firmer platform that provides better ground feel? With advancements in foams and technologies, many shoes today offer cushioning without compromising responsiveness or stability. However, each shoe balances these characteristics differently, providing a spectrum of options to choose from. The key to finding the perfect running shoe is choosing the one you’re most comfortable with.

Once you’ve narrowed the search to a certain type of road shoe, you need to find a pair that complements your unique body and stride. Every runner’s body, gait, speed, experience, and ride preferences are different, so every runner will interact differently with each running shoe. The shoe that your best friend or your sister-in-law loves may be uncomfortable for you and make running feel slow, sluggish, or even painful. Finding the perfect pair of road running shoes is a seriously personal affair.

The process for choosing the best running shoes is a matter of finding the models that both fit your foot and also feel best when you’re running. To determine fit and feel, there’s no substitute for trying the shoes on and running in them.

Fit: Match Your Foot Shape

When assessing fit, first pay attention to length. You need room at the end of your toes as your feet lengthen during their dynamic movements on the run. A rule of thumb is to allow a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Runners often wear a running shoe a half or full size bigger than their street shoes.

Ensure that the shape of the sole and the upper matches your foot shape. The sole should be as wide or wider than your foot for the whole length, and match the curve of your arch comfortably. The shoe should hold your foot securely over the instep, while allowing the ball of the foot and the toes to splay and flex when you roll forward onto them. Your heel shouldn’t slip when you lift it, and the arch should be able to dome and lengthen naturally. Nothing should bind or rub as you roll through the stride.

Feel: Match Your Movement Path

If the shoe fits, it’s time to take them on a short run on a treadmill, around the store, or, ideally, down the block and back. Every running shoe has a unique ride created by the type and density of foam in the midsole and the geometry of that foam: its thickness, width, heel-to-toe drop, molded sidewalls or flares, and forefoot flexibility or rocker shape (plus, in an increasing number of models, the presence of and type of embedded plate). Each of these elements interact with each other and your stride to determine how the shoe reacts on landing, how much it cushions, how stably it supports, how smoothly it transitions from landing to toe off, and how quickly and powerfully it rebounds.

The best way to choose the shoes that complement your body and stride is to find the ones that feel right on the run. Benno Nigg, the world-leading biomechanics professor who , calls it the “comfort filter,” but makes clear it is far more than how plush the shoe feels when you step into it. What you want to assess is whether the shoe allows and supports the way your feet want to move, what Nigg calls your “preferred movement path.” In the right shoe, while running at your normal pace, you will touch down where you expect to land, roll smoothly and stably through the stride without noticing the shoe, feel both cushioned from and connected to the ground, and push off naturally, quickly, and powerfully. When this comes together you’ll know that you’ve found your pair.

It’s likely that several shoes will feel good on your feet. To find the most comfortable, it helps to compare them back to back, like an eye doctor will do with corrective lenses: flipping between “A” or “B,” “1” or “2.” You may also find that different shoes feel better at different paces or level of fatigue, and you may want more than one pair. In fact, research shows that wearing a variety of different shoes is one of the few to reduce injury risk as it appears to vary the stresses on your feet and joints.

What About Injury Prevention?

Running shoes have long been marketed and sold as prescriptive devices to help runners stay healthy, but there is correlating shoes, or any specific shoe properties—like cushioning or pronation control—with running injuries. Medical professionals say that it is highly difficult to determine whether a runner needs a certain type of shoe, and studies have shown that prescribing shoes using traditional methods like treadmill gait analyses or wet-foot arch height tests don’t consistently reduce injuries.

Don’t assume that you need more cushioning or more stability if you have sore joints, or if you’re a heavier runner, or if you’re a beginner—evidence doesn’t support many common beliefs. The best way prevent injury is find two or three different pairs that feel right on the run, ease into using them, and vary your shoes, your running surface and your pace regularly (plus avoid rapid increases in your training load and work on ).

How We Test

• Number of testers: 21
• Number of shoes tested: 117
• Number of miles: 17,000+ over a year

To test running shoes, we begin by researching every brand’s upcoming offerings for the coming season. We wind up with dozens of samples of the models (55 road shoes this season, 117 over the year) that are most promising—not just for us, but for 19 testers that range in age, ability, running form, geographical location, and preferred shoe types. We try to put each tester in models from within the same category (e.g., neutral, stability, carbon fiber, zero drop or uptempo) so everyone can test apples-to-apples.

After three to six months of running in each model on paved roads, concrete multi-use paths, treadmills, sandy beach paths, dirt roads, and tracks at a variety of distances, paces, and weather conditions, our crew members report back with their assessments of fit, comfort, traction, cushioning, flexibility, stiffness, pop, what type of running the model is best used for, how the shoe compares to other models, and more. We also run in every shoe ourselves, and, combining all the tester feedback with years of personal experience, hone in on the best. This guide combines the best recent shoes with outstanding shoes still available from the past two test periods.

Meet Our Lead Testers

Lisa Jhung

Freelance journalist, editor, and author has researched, tested, and written about running shoes for the past decade and a half, much of that time for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű and șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Buyer’s Guides. She coordinates a fleet of female shoe testers out of Boulder, Colorado, and says her home office is a perpetual obstacle course of cardboard boxes and piles of running shoes. Lisa’s written about gear of all kinds for numerous national magazines as both an editor and freelancer, including a stint as the Shoes & Gear blogger and trail running microsite editor for Runner’s World.

A high school jumper and occasional sprinter/hurdler, she started running—really running—after walking off the collegiate volleyball team, and moved on to road and trail races of any distance, triathlons, adventure races, and mountain running. She’s happiest testing rugged trail shoes on gnarly terrain, and also loves a good neighborhood jaunt
but is almost always looking for ribbons of dirt. Lisa is the author of Running That Doesn’t Suck: How to Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.

Cory Smith

passion for running started over 30 years ago in high school when he became the number six ranked runner in the nation at 3000 meters his senior year. After high school, he competed at Villanova University, earning two NCAA Division I Championship showings. Today, he’s determined not to let age slow him down and competes on the national master’s circuit, running a 4:12 (4:30 mile pace)) 1500 meters and 9:04 (4:52 mile pace) 3000 meters in 2021 at age 43. He prefers a hard track workout or tempo run over an easy long run any day but also appreciates a challenging trail or mountain run.

His obsession with running shoes started in 2014 when he wrote his first shoe review for Gear Institute. Since then, he’s tested and reviewed hundreds of running shoes, clothing, and gear for șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű, Runner’s World, Footwear News, and other outlets. He has a soft spot for speedy shoes over heavy trainers but loves dissecting all shoes equally and thinking like a product engineer to explain the why behind every design detail. Cory is the Founder of , an online running coaching business, and since its inception in 2014, has coached runners’ to over 100 Boston Marathon Qualifying times.

Jonathan Beverly

Jonathan fell in love with running his freshman year of high school and quickly became fascinated with finding the perfect pair of running shoes. That quest got a boost when he became editor of Running Times in 2000 and started receiving every new model as they were released. The parade of shoes continued while he served as shoe editor for Runner’s World, then editor of PodiumRunner, and currently fitness gear editor at șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű. Having now worn nearly every running shoe created in this century—and a fair amount of those dating back to the early models of the ’70s—he’s given up on finding the one best and now relishes the wide variety of excellent options.

Once a 2:46 marathoner regularly doing 50+ mile weeks, recent injuries and his age have reduced his volume by about half and slowed his easy training pace to around nine-minute miles—but he says he still enjoys an uptempo workout or two each week. Beverly is the author of the book which explores how each individual’s gait—and thus shoe preference—is unique. He enjoys getting scientists’ take on new shoe trends and trying to describe the nuances of each shoe’s ride.

The post The Best Running Shoes for Training and Racing appeared first on șÚÁÏłÔčÏÍű Online.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve been wearing a fanny pack lately. And not ironically, as part of a retro costume with roller skates, leg warmers, or a boom box on my shoulder.

I’d been seeing them on the streets and trails for a while, but I had successfully fought the resurgence of the 1980s trend, even making a face a few times when seeing other people wearing these silly little pouches attached to a single piece of webbing. Then I decided to try one myself. Actually, I tried three.

“Fanny packs” are small pouches that are meant to be worn around the waist. In the ‘80s, they offered quick and easy access to things like cassette tapes and Lip Smacker Lip Gloss. With their resurgence, American companies seem to have realized that, in Great Britain, “fanny” means “female genitals.” Wisely, these packs are now marketed as “waist packs” and “hip packs.” The smartest angle I’ve found is calling them “sling bags.”

When I gave in to wearing the retro style, I limited my focus to bags made by outdoor companies. I set out to test three such packs. I found one designed for running that can double as an around-town bag; one with bright color paneling that makes it look like it came straight from 1982; and one monochromatic, subtly branded, simple pack I figured I could use and somewhat fly under the radar.

After wearing the convenient pouches on adventures and daily errands for eight weeks, I’ve come to the conclusion that what I thought were silly little bags are actually practical means for carrying essentials and keeping me from taking too much stuff wherever I go. I get it, and I’m in—but on my terms: I’m wearing them over my shoulder more often than around my waist. The pack style may harken from a previous time, but that doesn’t mean it can’t evolve. For some reason, wearing a small bag over one shoulder so it sits midback seems infinitely cooler than wearing it resting on your bum. (My teenage son agrees.)

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Janji Multipass Sling Bag

This bag built for runners has been on my radar for a couple of years. It’s slated as a “technical running sling bag,” which, to me, sounded like an oxymoron. Over 35 years of running, I’ve been through all the various evolutions of running storage: handheld water bottles, waistpacks that carry 20-ounce bottles sideways or house a collection of tiny, four-ounce water bottles, traditional running backpacks, and now hydration vests. I’ve written about streamlined waistpacks that don’t carry hydration (and am a fan of them). But a sling bag? For running?

While this bag can be clipped around the waist, its three-liter volume immediately makes me start singing “Baby Got Back” in my head when I wear it as a fanny pack, which doesn’t last very long before I switch it to sling mode.

I purposefully took this bag on a trip to Los Angeles where I knew I’d be combining a run with a jump in the ocean. I wore a bikini under my running clothes and zipped my phone inside the bag’s pocket. I then shoved a simple sarong through the ingenious storage space between the waistbelt and the pocket—flexible in size via a discreet bungee cord system. I buckled up, utilizing the main strap to wear the bag in sling style and the extra strap to secure the bag more firmly against my body. And I ran down “the Strand” (a concrete path) between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.

I was a little self-conscious, running with what, in my head, was still a “fanny pack”—a small pouch attached to a belt. But, two things soon had me not caring how I looked: A lot of crazy shit goes down on the Strand, and this pack was super comfortable and functional. It didn’t bounce up and down while I ran but stayed close to my body. The mesh back of the two-liter main pocket remained airy while I sweated. And my sarong stayed put until I pulled it out to dry off after jumping in the ocean post-run. I’m sold on this bag and see myself using it mostly as a running/sling bag while traveling.

Cotopaxi Del Dia 1.5 Hip Pack

The thing I love, love, love about the Cotopaxi Del Dia 1.5 Hip Pack is that it’s made out of material scraps left over from the construction of other Cotopaxi products. Instead of leftover factory scraps ending up in trash bins, and then landfills, they get repurposed into something new in Cotopaxi’s Del Dia collection. That multi-colored look isn’t just decoration, it’s meaningful design—scraps assembled however each person sewing them in a factory in the Philippines chooses.

The Del Dia hip pack comes in a 3L size and the 1.5L size I’ve been using. I like the small volume because the point of packs like this, in my opinion, is to not carry around a giant bag. The 1.5L comfortably holds a phone, small wallet, lip balm, car keys, and snack bar—generally what I have with me when running errands around town. I don’t use this one as much because I’m self-conscious about the bright colors—I tend to dress more neutral—but its size and pocketing are functional.

While I enjoy the bold environmental statement of these packs, I also love that the Del Dia Hip Packs are currently available in a monochromatic style—made out of all black material scraps but still with the company’s signature colorful zippers and straps. Although not a patchwork of colors, like the regular Del Dia pack, the exact configuration and coloration of the pack purchased is a surprise, since they’re each made from scraps and designed by the factory worker doing the sewing. In retrospect, the monochromatic would have worked better for me.

Arc’teryx Granville Crossbody Bag

I’m not someone who likes to call her bag a “purse.” I generally either carry around a small, somewhat stylish (IMO) wallet, or a giant bag that’s more of a bucket full of random working mom stuff: my fold-up Crazy Creek chair, a water bottle, all the junk mentioned above, and occasionally, my laptop.

When I don’t need all the big items, but my day requires more than the wallet, I’ve been enjoying using this not-bad-looking bag from Arc’teryx. It’s one muted, neutral color. (I have a tan version that is discontinued, but is similar to the gray one still available.) It’s made out of very lightweight, durable, water-resistant nylon ripstop that, from afar, might even look like leather. And the only branding on the bag is the very cool skeletal dinosaur/bird-type thing that is the Arc’teryx logo. I feel like I can get away wearing this as a sling bag that doesn’t scream “fanny pack!” or even “purse!” for that matter.

I do wish the zipper and strap were the same color as the bag, but the zipper is waterproof, and I appreciate its functionality. The Aerofoam monofilament mesh panel on the backside keeps the bag from causing sweat when I’m hiking or walking in heat, but also ensures the Granville Crossbody looks like outdoor gear instead of allowing it to seamlessly transition to casual, even fashionable, use.

All that said, this is the bag that actually converted me to a believer in hip packs. I’ve been using it to run errands and love the easy access to my wallet and keys while wearing it as a sling bag. I love how it’s hands-free and stays put, so I can do things like buy bags of garden dirt without a shoulder bag annoyingly slipping off, slamming into my hands and spilling its contents. And unlike bigger bags, this sling bag is allowed in college sports stadiums and concerts (so far), which has also proved handy.

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