STABILITY ON AND OFF THE TRAIL
This shoe is like the SUV—er, make that the all-wheel-drive wagon—that you drive to work on weekdays, then load up with gear and take to the mountains on weekends. The versatility lies in this stable shoe’s adaptive midsole and deep, supportive heel design, which helps mitigate rear-foot rock and roll but still allows for a consistent stride pattern on hardpacked trails and dirt roads. In other words, it’s a cushy trainer that can motor when it needs to. 12.7 oz; pearlizumi.com
Bonus: The seamless mesh upper breathes well and makes for a snug, socklike fit.
Bummer: Some extra armor up front would be welcome, for both durability and toe protection.